"Because she is surprised. That's a general Rule:" — This rule is most exactly observed in Dryden's Indian Emperour, Act iv. Scene iv. Upon a sudden and unexpected misfortune, Almeria thus expresses her surprise and concern.

Alm. All hopes of safety and of love are gone:
As when some dreadful Thunder-clap is nigh,
The winged Fire shoots swiftly through the Skie,
Strikes and Consumes e're fearce it does appear,
And by the sudden ill, prevents the fear:
Such is my state in this amazing wo;
It leaves no pow'r to think, much less to do

John Dryden, The Indian Emperour, p. 50 Ed. 1667. (Lindner, p. 58.)