All's Well 3.2 Countess/Clown

The clown has received horrible news he has to present to the Countess.

COUNTESS

It hath happened all as I would have had it, save that he comes not along with her.

Clown

By my troth, I take my young lord to be a very melancholy man.

COUNTESS

By what observance, I pray you?

Clown

Why, he will look upon his boot and sing; mend the ruff and sing; ask questions and sing; pick his teeth and sing.  I know a man that had this trick of melancholy sold a goodly manor for a song.

COUNTESS

Let me see what he writes, and when he means to come. (Opening a letter)

What have we here?

Clown

E'en that you have there.

Exit CLOWN

COUNTESS

[Reads] I have sent you a daughter-in-law: she hath recovered the king, and undone me. I have wedded her, not bedded her; and sworn to make the 'not'
eternal. You shall hear I am run away: know it before the report come. My duty to you. 

Your unfortunate son,
BERTRAM.
This is not well, rash and unbridled boy,
To fly the favours of so good a king;

Re-enter Clown

Clown

O madam, yonder is heavy news within between two soldiers and my young lady!

COUNTESS

What is the matter?

Clown

Nay, there is some comfort in the news, some comfort; your son will not be killed so soon as I thought he would.

COUNTESS

Why should he be killed?

Clown

Here they come will tell you more: for my part, I only hear your son was run away.

Exit Clown - Enter HELENA, and two Gentlemen