Nuncius. But (ah) my tongue denies my speech his aid:

Great force doth drive it forth; a greater keeps

It in. I rue, surpris’d with wontless woes.

Conan. Speak on what grief soe’er our fates afford.

Nuncius. Small griefs can speak, the great astonish’d stand.[280]

Gildas. What greater sin could hap, than what be pass’d?

What mischiefs could be meant, more than were wrought?

Nuncius. And think you there’s to be an end to sins?

No; crime proceeds: those made but one degree.

What mischiefs erst were done, term sacred deeds: