But what would yonder messenger announce,

Who comes in haste, with woeful countenance?990

ACT IV

[Enter Messenger.]

Messenger: O slavery, thou hard and bitter lot,

Why must I voice these woes unspeakable?

Theseus: Fear not, but boldly tell the worst mischance;

For mine a heart not unprepared for grief.

Messenger: My tongue can find no words to voice its woe.955

Theseus: But speak, what evil fortune still besets