HERE BEGINNETH A TREATISE HOW THE HIGH FATHER OF HEAVEN SENDETH DEATH TO SUMMON EVERY CREATURE TO COME AND GIVE ACCOUNT OF THEIR LIVES IN THIS WORLD AND IS IN MANNER OF A MORAL PLAY.<\/blockquote>\r\nMessenger.<\/i> I pray you all give your audience,\r\nAnd hear this matter with reverence,\r\nBy figure a moral play--\r\nThe Summoning of Everyman<\/i> called it is,\r\nThat of our lives and ending shows\r\nHow transitory we be all day.\r\nThis matter is wondrous precious,\r\nBut the intent of it is more gracious,\r\nAnd sweet to bear away.\r\nThe story saith,--Man, in the beginning,\r\nLook well, and take good heed to the ending,\r\nBe you never so gay!\r\nYe think sin in the beginning full sweet,\r\nWhich in the end causeth thy soul to weep,\r\nWhen the body lieth in clay.\r\nHere shall you see how Fellowship<\/i> and Jollity<\/i>,\r\nBoth Strength<\/i>, Pleasure<\/i>, and Beauty<\/i>,\r\nWill fade from thee as flower in May.\r\nFor ye shall hear, how our heaven king\r\nCalleth Everyman<\/i> to a general reckoning:\r\nGive audience, and hear what he doth say.\r\n\r\nGod.<\/i> I perceive here in my majesty,\r\nHow that all creatures be to me unkind,\r\nLiving without dread in worldly prosperity:\r\nOf ghostly sight the people be so blind,\r\nDrowned in sin, they know me not for their God;\r\nIn worldly riches is all their mind,\r\nThey fear not my rightwiseness, the sharp rod;\r\nMy law that I shewed, when I for them died,\r\nThey forget clean, and shedding of my blood red;\r\nI hanged between two, it cannot be denied;\r\nTo get them life I suffered to be dead;\r\nI healed their feet, with thorns hurt was my head:\r\nI could do no more than I did truly,\r\nAnd now I see the people do clean forsake me.\r\nThey use the seven deadly sins damnable;\r\nAs pride, covetise, wrath, and lechery,\r\nNow in the world be made commendable;\r\nAnd thus they leave of angels the heavenly company;\r\nEveryman liveth so after his own pleasure,\r\nAnd yet of their life they be nothing sure:\r\nI see the more that I them forbear\r\nThe worse they be from year to year;\r\nAll that liveth appaireth[footnote]is impaired.[\/footnote]\u00a0fast,\r\nTherefore I will in all the haste\r\nHave a reckoning of Everyman's person\r\nFor and I leave the people thus alone\r\nIn their life and wicked tempests,\r\nVerily they will become much worse than beasts;\r\nFor now one would by envy another up eat;\r\nCharity they all do clean forget.\r\nI hoped well that Everyman\r\nIn my glory should make his mansion,\r\nAnd thereto I had them all elect;\r\nBut now I see, like traitors deject,\r\nThey thank me not for the pleasure that I to them meant,\r\nNor yet for their being that I them have lent;\r\nI proffered the people great multitude of mercy,\r\nAnd few there be that asketh it heartily;\r\nThey be so cumbered with worldly riches,\r\nThat needs on them I must do justice,\r\nOn Everyman living without fear.\r\nWhere art thou, Death<\/i>, thou mighty messenger?\r\n\r\nDeath.<\/i> Almighty God, I am here at your will,\r\nYour commandment to fulfil.\r\n\r\nGod.<\/i> Go thou to Everyman<\/i>,\r\nAnd show him in my name\r\nA pilgrimage he must on him take,\r\nWhich he in no wise may escape;\r\nAnd that he bring with him a sure reckoning\r\nWithout delay or any tarrying.\r\n\r\nDeath.<\/i> Lord, I will in the world go run over all,\r\nAnd cruelly outsearch both great and small;\r\nEvery man will I beset that liveth beastly\r\nOut of God's laws, and dreadeth not folly:\r\nHe that loveth riches I will strike with my dart,\r\nHis sight to blind, and from heaven to depart,\r\nExcept that alms be his good friend,\r\nIn hell for to dwell, world without end.\r\nLo, yonder I see Everyman<\/i> walking;\r\nFull little he thinketh on my coming;\r\nHis mind is on fleshly lusts and his treasure,\r\nAnd great pain it shall cause him to endure\r\nBefore the Lord Heaven King.\r\nEveryman<\/i>, stand still; whither art thou going\r\nThus gaily? Hast thou thy Maker forget?\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Why askst thou?\r\nWouldest thou wete?[footnote]know.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nDeath.<\/i> Yea, sir, I will show you;\r\nIn great haste I am sent to thee\r\nFrom God out of his majesty.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> What, sent to me?\r\n\r\nDeath.<\/i> Yea, certainly.\r\nThough thou have forget him here,\r\nHe thinketh on thee in the heavenly sphere,\r\nAs, or we depart, thou shalt know.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> What desireth God of me?\r\n\r\nDeath.<\/i> That shall I show thee;\r\nA reckoning he will needs have\r\nWithout any longer respite.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> To give a reckoning longer leisure I crave;\r\nThis blind matter troubleth my wit.\r\n\r\nDeath.<\/i> On thee thou must take a long journey:\r\nTherefore thy book of count with thee thou bring;\r\nFor turn again thou can not by no way,\r\nAnd look thou be sure of thy reckoning:\r\nFor before God thou shalt answer, and show\r\nThy many bad deeds and good but a few;\r\nHow thou hast spent thy life, and in what wise,\r\nBefore the chief lord of paradise.\r\nHave ado that we were in that way,\r\nFor, wete thou well, thou shalt make none attournay.[footnote]mediator.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Full unready I am such reckoning to give.\r\nI know thee not: what messenger art thou?\r\n\r\nDeath.<\/i> I am Death<\/i>, that no man dreadeth.\r\nFor every man I rest and no man spareth;\r\nFor it is God's commandment\r\nThat all to me should be obedient.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> O Death<\/i>, thou comest when I had thee least in mind;\r\nIn thy power it lieth me to save,\r\nYet of my good will I give thee, if ye will be kind,\r\nYea, a thousand pound shalt thou have,\r\nAnd defer this matter till another day.\r\n\r\nDeath.<\/i> Everyman<\/i>, it may not be by no way;\r\nI set not by gold, silver, nor riches,\r\nNe by pope, emperor, king, duke, ne princes.\r\nFor and I would receive gifts great,\r\nAll the world I might get;\r\nBut my custom is clean contrary.\r\nI give thee no respite: come hence, and not tarry.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Alas, shall I have no longer respite?\r\nI may say Death<\/i> giveth no warning:\r\nTo think on thee, it maketh my heart sick,\r\nFor all unready is my book of reckoning.\r\nBut twelve year and I might have abiding,\r\nMy counting book I would make so clear,\r\nThat my reckoning I should not need to fear.\r\nWherefore, Death<\/i>, I pray thee, for God's mercy,\r\nSpare me till I be provided of remedy.\r\n\r\nDeath.<\/i> Thee availeth not to cry, weep, and pray:\r\nBut haste thee lightly that you were gone the journey,\r\nAnd prove thy friends if thou can.\r\nFor, wete thou well, the tide abideth no man,\r\nAnd in the world each living creature\r\nFor Adam's<\/i> sin must die of nature.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Death<\/i>, if I should this pilgrimage take,\r\nAnd my reckoning surely make,\r\nShow me, for saint charity<\/i>,\r\nShould I not come again shortly?\r\n\r\nDeath.<\/i> No, Everyman<\/i>; and thou be once there,\r\nThou mayst never more come here,\r\nTrust me verily.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> O gracious God, in the high seat celestial,\r\nHave mercy on me in this most need;\r\nShall I have no company from this vale terrestrial\r\nOf mine acquaintance that way me to lead?\r\n\r\nDeath.<\/i> Yea, if any be so hardy,\r\nThat would go with thee and bear thee company.\r\nHie thee that you were gone to God's magnificence,\r\nThy reckoning to give before his presence.\r\nWhat, weenest thou thy life is given thee,\r\nAnd thy worldly goods also?\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> I had wend so, verily.\r\n\r\nDeath.<\/i> Nay, nay; it was but lent thee;\r\nFor as soon as thou art go,\r\nAnother awhile shall have it, and then go therefro\r\nEven as thou hast done.\r\nEveryman<\/i>, thou art mad; thou hast thy wits five,\r\nAnd here on earth will not amend thy life,\r\nFor suddenly I do come.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> O wretched caitiff, whither shall I flee,\r\nThat I might scape this endless sorrow!\r\nNow, gentle Death<\/i>, spare me till to-morrow,\r\nThat I may amend me\r\nWith good advisement.\r\n\r\nDeath.<\/i> Nay, thereto I will not consent,\r\nNor no man will I respite,\r\nBut to the heart suddenly I shall smite\r\nWithout any advisement.\r\nAnd now out of thy sight I will me hie;\r\nSee thou make thee ready shortly,\r\nFor thou mayst say this is the day\r\nThat no man living may scape away.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Alas, I may well weep with sighs deep;\r\nNow have I no manner of company\r\nTo help me in my journey, and me to keep;\r\nAnd also my writing is full unready.\r\nHow shall I do now for to excuse me?\r\nI would to God I had never be gete![footnote]been gotten, been born.[\/footnote]\r\nTo my soul a full great profit it had be;\r\nFor now I fear pains huge and great.\r\nThe time passeth; Lord, help that all wrought;\r\nFor though I mourn it availeth nought.\r\nThe day passeth, and is almost a-go;\r\nI wot not well what for to do.\r\nTo whom were I best my complaint to make?\r\nWhat, and I to Fellowship<\/i> thereof spake,\r\nAnd showed him of this sudden chance?\r\nFor in him is all mine affiance;\r\nWe have in the world so many a day\r\nBe on good friends in sport and play.\r\nI see him yonder, certainly;\r\nI trust that he will bear me company;\r\nTherefore to him will I speak to ease my sorrow.\r\nWell met, good Fellowship<\/i>, and good morrow!\r\n\r\nFellowship speaketh.<\/i> Everyman<\/i>, good morrow by this day.\r\nSir, why lookest thou so piteously?\r\nIf any thing be amiss, I pray thee, me say,\r\nThat I may help to remedy.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Yea, good Fellowship<\/i>, yea,\r\nI am in great jeopardy.\r\n\r\nFellowship.<\/i> My true friend, show to me your mind;\r\nI will not forsake thee, unto my life's end,\r\nIn the way of good company.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> That was well spoken, and lovingly.\r\n\r\nFellowship.<\/i> Sir, I must needs know your heaviness;\r\nI have pity to see you in any distress;\r\nIf any have you wronged ye shall revenged be,\r\nThough I on the ground be slain for thee,--\r\nThough that I know before that I should die.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Verily, Fellowship<\/i>, gramercy.\r\n\r\nFellowship.<\/i> Tush! by thy thanks I set not a straw.\r\nShow me your grief, and say no more.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> If I my heart should to you break,\r\nAnd then you to turn your mind from me,\r\nAnd would not me comfort, when you hear me speak,\r\nThen should I ten times sorrier be.\r\n\r\nFellowship.<\/i> Sir, I say as I will do in deed.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Then be you a good friend at need:\r\nI have found you true here before.\r\n\r\nFellowship.<\/i> And so ye shall evermore;\r\nFor, in faith, and thou go to Hell,\r\nI will not forsake thee by the way!\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Ye speak like a good friend; I believe you well;\r\nI shall deserve it, and I may.\r\n\r\nFellowship.<\/i> I speak of no deserving, by this day.\r\nFor he that will say and nothing do\r\nIs not worthy with good company to go;\r\nTherefore show me the grief of your mind,\r\nAs to your friend most loving and kind.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> I shall show you how it is;\r\nCommanded I am to go a journey,\r\nA long way, hard and dangerous,\r\nAnd give a strait count without delay\r\nBefore the high judge Adonai.[footnote]God.[\/footnote]\r\nWherefore I pray you, bear me company,\r\nAs ye have promised, in this journey.\r\n\r\nFellowship.<\/i> That is matter indeed! Promise is duty,\r\nBut, and I should take such a voyage on me,\r\nI know it well, it should be to my pain:\r\nAlso it make me afeard, certain.\r\nBut let us take counsel here as well as we can,\r\nFor your words would fear a strong man.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Why, ye said, If I had need,\r\nYe would me never forsake, quick nor dead,\r\nThough it were to hell truly.\r\n\r\nFellowship.<\/i> So I said, certainly,\r\nBut such pleasures be set aside, thee sooth to say:\r\nAnd also, if we took such a journey,\r\nWhen should we come again?\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Nay, never again till the day of doom.\r\n\r\nFellowship.<\/i> In faith, then will not I come there!\r\nWho hath you these tidings brought?\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Indeed, Death<\/i> was with me here.\r\n\r\nFellowship.<\/i> Now, by God that all hath bought,\r\nIf Death<\/i> were the messenger,\r\nFor no man that is living to-day\r\nI will not go that loath journey--\r\nNot for the father that begat me!\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Ye promised other wise, pardie.\r\n\r\nFellowship.<\/i> I wot well I say so truly;\r\nAnd yet if thou wilt eat, and drink, and make good cheer,\r\nOr haunt to women, the lusty company,\r\nI would not forsake you, while the day is clear,\r\nTrust me verily!\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Yea, thereto ye would be ready;\r\nTo go to mirth, solace, and play,\r\nYour mind will sooner apply\r\nThan to bear me company in my long journey.\r\n\r\nFellowship.<\/i> Now, in good faith, I will not that way.\r\nBut and thou wilt murder, or any man kill,\r\nIn that I will help thee with a good will!\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> O that is a simple advice indeed!\r\nGentle fellow<\/i>, help me in my necessity;\r\nWe have loved long, and now I need,\r\nAnd now, gentle Fellowship<\/i>, remember me.\r\n\r\nFellowship.<\/i> Whether ye have loved me or no,\r\nBy Saint John, I will not with thee go.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Yet I pray thee, take the labour, and do so much for me\r\nTo bring me forward, for saint charity,\r\nAnd comfort me till I come without the town.\r\n\r\nFellowship.<\/i> Nay, and thou would give me a new gown,\r\nI will not a foot with thee go;\r\nBut and you had tarried I would not have left thee so.\r\nAnd as now, God speed thee in thy journey,\r\nFor from thee I will depart as fast as I may.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Whither away, Fellowship<\/i>? will you forsake me?\r\n\r\nFellowship.<\/i> Yea, by my fay, to God I betake thee.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Farewell, good Fellowship<\/i>; for this my heart is sore;\r\nAdieu for ever, I shall see thee no more.\r\n\r\nFellowship.<\/i> In faith, Everyman<\/i>, farewell now at the end;\r\nFor you I will remember that parting is mourning.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Alack! shall we thus depart indeed?\r\nOur Lady, help, without any more comfort,\r\nLo, Fellowship<\/i> forsaketh me in my most need:\r\nFor help in this world whither shall I resort?\r\nFellowship<\/i> herebefore with me would merry make;\r\nAnd now little sorrow for me doth he take.\r\nIt is said, in prosperity men friends may find,\r\nWhich in adversity be full unkind.\r\nNow whither for succour shall I flee,\r\nSith that Fellowship<\/i> hath forsaken me?\r\nTo my kinsmen I will truly,\r\nPraying them to help me in my necessity;\r\nI believe that they will do so,\r\nFor kind will creep where it may not go.\r\nI will go say, for yonder I see them go.\r\nWhere be ye now, my friends and kinsmen?\r\n\r\nKindred.<\/i> Here be we now at your commandment.\r\nCousin<\/i>, I pray you show us your intent\r\nIn any wise, and not spare.\r\n\r\nCousin.<\/i> Yea, Everyman<\/i>, and to us declare\r\nIf ye be disposed to go any whither,\r\nFor wete you well, we will live and die together.\r\n\r\nKindred.<\/i> In wealth and woe we will with you hold,\r\nFor over his kin a man may be bold.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Gramercy, my friends and kinsmen kind.\r\nNow shall I show you the grief of my mind:\r\nI was commanded by a messenger,\r\nThat is an high king's chief officer;\r\nHe bade me go a pilgrimage to my pain,\r\nAnd I know well I shall never come again;\r\nAlso I must give a reckoning straight,\r\nFor I have a great enemy, that hath me in wait,\r\nWhich intendeth me for to hinder.\r\n\r\nKindred.<\/i> What account is that which ye must render?\r\nThat would I know.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Of all my works I must show\r\nHow I have lived and my days spent;\r\nAlso of ill deeds, that I have used\r\nIn my time, sith life was me lent;\r\nAnd of all virtues that I have refused.\r\nTherefore I pray you go thither with me,\r\nTo help to make mine account, for saint charity<\/i>.\r\n\r\nCousin.<\/i> What, to go thither? Is that the matter?\r\nNay, Everyman<\/i>, I had liefer fast bread and water\r\nAll this five year and more.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Alas, that ever I was bore![footnote] born.[\/footnote]\r\nFor now shall I never be merry\r\nIf that you forsake me.\r\n\r\nKindred.<\/i> Ah, sir; what, ye be a merry man!\r\nTake good heart to you, and make no moan.\r\nBut one thing I warn you, by Saint Anne,\r\nAs for me, ye shall go alone.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> My Cousin<\/i>, will you not with me go?\r\n\r\nCousin.<\/i> No, by our Lady; I have the cramp in my toe.\r\nTrust not to me, for, so God me speed,\r\nI will deceive you in your most need,\r\nKindred.<\/i> It availeth not us to tice.\r\nYe shall have my maid with all my heart;\r\nShe loveth to go to feasts, there to be nice,\r\nAnd to dance, and abroad to start:\r\nI will give her leave to help you in that journey,\r\nIf that you and she may agree.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Now show me the very effect of your mind.\r\nWill you go with me, or abide behind?\r\n\r\nKindred.<\/i> Abide behind? yea, that I will and I may!\r\nTherefore farewell until another day.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> How should I be merry or glad?\r\nFor fair promises to me make,\r\nBut when I have most need, they me forsake.\r\nI am deceived; that maketh me sad.\r\n\r\nCousin.<\/i> Cousin Everyman<\/i>, farewell now,\r\nFor verily I will not go with you;\r\nAlso of mine own an unready reckoning\r\nI have to account; therefore I make tarrying.\r\nNow, God keep thee, for now I go.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Ah, Jesus<\/i>, is all come hereto?\r\nLo, fair words maketh fools feign;\r\nThey promise and nothing will do certain.\r\nMy kinsmen promised me faithfully\r\nFor to abide with me steadfastly,\r\nAnd now fast away do they flee:\r\nEven so Fellowship<\/i> promised me.\r\nWhat friend were best me of to provide?\r\nI lose my time here longer to abide.\r\nYet in my mind a thing there is;--\r\nAll my life I have loved riches;\r\nIf that my good now help me might,\r\nHe would make my heart full light.\r\nI will speak to him in this distress.--\r\nWhere art thou, my Goods<\/i> and riches?\r\n\r\nGoods.<\/i> Who calleth me? Everyman?<\/i> what haste thou hast!\r\nI lie here in corners, trussed and piled so high,\r\nAnd in chests I am locked so fast,\r\nAlso sacked in bags, thou mayst see with thine eye,\r\nI cannot stir; in packs low I lie.\r\nWhat would ye have, lightly me say.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Come hither, Good<\/i>, in all the haste thou may,\r\nFor of counsel I must desire thee.\r\n\r\nGoods.<\/i> Sir, and ye in the world have trouble or adversity,\r\nThat can I help you to remedy shortly.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> It is another disease that grieveth me;\r\nIn this world it is not, I tell thee so.\r\nI am sent for another way to go,\r\nTo give a straight account general\r\nBefore the highest Jupiter<\/i> of all;\r\nAnd all my life I have had joy and pleasure in thee.\r\nTherefore I pray thee go with me,\r\nFor, peradventure, thou mayst before God Almighty\r\nMy reckoning help to clean and purify;\r\nFor it is said ever among,\r\nThat money maketh all right that is wrong.\r\n\r\nGoods.<\/i> Nay, Everyman<\/i>, I sing another song,\r\nI follow no man in such voyages;\r\nFor and I went with thee\r\nThou shouldst fare much the worse for me;\r\nFor because on me thou did set thy mind,\r\nThy reckoning I have made blotted and blind,\r\nThat thine account thou cannot make truly;\r\nAnd that hast thou for the love of me.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> That would grieve me full sore,\r\nWhen I should come to that fearful answer.\r\nUp, let us go thither together.\r\n\r\nGoods.<\/i> Nay, not so, I am too brittle, I may not endure;\r\nI will follow no man one foot, be ye sure.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Alas, I have thee loved, and had great pleasure\r\nAll my life-days on good and treasure.\r\n\r\nGoods.<\/i> That is to thy damnation without lesing,\r\nFor my love is contrary to the love everlasting.\r\nBut if thou had me loved moderately during,\r\nAs, to the poor give part of me,\r\nThen shouldst thou not in this dolour be,\r\nNor in this great sorrow and care.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Lo, now was I deceived or I was ware,\r\nAnd all I may wyte[footnote]blame.[\/footnote]\u00a0my spending of time.\r\n\r\nGoods.<\/i> What, weenest thou that I am thine?\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> I had wend so.\r\n\r\nGoods.<\/i> Nay, Everyman,<\/i> I say no;\r\nAs for a while I was lent thee,\r\nA season thou hast had me in prosperity;\r\nMy condition is man's soul to kill;\r\nIf I save one, a thousand I do spill;\r\nWeenest thou that I will follow thee?\r\nNay, from this world, not verily.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> I had wend otherwise.\r\n\r\nGoods.<\/i> Therefore to thy soul Good<\/i> is a thief;\r\nFor when thou art dead, this is my guise\r\nAnother to deceive in the same wise\r\nAs I have done thee, and all to his soul's reprief.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> O false Good<\/i>, cursed thou be!\r\nThou traitor to God, that hast deceived me,\r\nAnd caught me in thy snare.\r\n\r\nGoods.<\/i> Marry, thou brought thyself in care,\r\nWhereof I am glad,\r\nI must needs laugh, I cannot be sad.\r\n\r\nEveryman.<\/i> Ah, Good<\/i>, thou hast had long my heartly love;\r\nI gave thee that which should be the Lord's above.\r\nBut wilt thou not go with me in deed?\r\nI pray thee truth to say.\r\n\r\nGoods.<\/i> No, so God me speed,\r\nTherefore farewell, and have good day.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n<\/h2>","rendered":"
\nCHARACTERS<\/h2>\n
\n
- Everyman<\/span><\/li>\n
- God: Adonai<\/span><\/li>\n
- Death<\/span><\/li>\n
- Messenger<\/span><\/li>\n
- Fellowship<\/span><\/li>\n
- Cousin<\/span><\/li>\n
- Kindred<\/span><\/li>\n
- Goods<\/span><\/li>\n
- Good-Deeds<\/span><\/li>\n
- Strength<\/span><\/li>\n
- Discretion<\/span><\/li>\n
- Five-Wits<\/span><\/li>\n
- Beauty<\/span><\/li>\n
- Knowledge<\/span><\/li>\n
- Confession<\/span><\/li>\n
- Angel<\/span><\/li>\n
- Doctor<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
EVERYMAN<\/h2>\n
HERE BEGINNETH A TREATISE HOW THE HIGH FATHER OF HEAVEN SENDETH DEATH TO SUMMON EVERY CREATURE TO COME AND GIVE ACCOUNT OF THEIR LIVES IN THIS WORLD AND IS IN MANNER OF A MORAL PLAY.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Messenger.<\/i> I pray you all give your audience,
\nAnd hear this matter with reverence,
\nBy figure a moral play–
\nThe Summoning of Everyman<\/i> called it is,
\nThat of our lives and ending shows
\nHow transitory we be all day.
\nThis matter is wondrous precious,
\nBut the intent of it is more gracious,
\nAnd sweet to bear away.
\nThe story saith,–Man, in the beginning,
\nLook well, and take good heed to the ending,
\nBe you never so gay!
\nYe think sin in the beginning full sweet,
\nWhich in the end causeth thy soul to weep,
\nWhen the body lieth in clay.
\nHere shall you see how Fellowship<\/i> and Jollity<\/i>,
\nBoth Strength<\/i>, Pleasure<\/i>, and Beauty<\/i>,
\nWill fade from thee as flower in May.
\nFor ye shall hear, how our heaven king
\nCalleth Everyman<\/i> to a general reckoning:
\nGive audience, and hear what he doth say.<\/p>\nGod.<\/i> I perceive here in my majesty,
\nHow that all creatures be to me unkind,
\nLiving without dread in worldly prosperity:
\nOf ghostly sight the people be so blind,
\nDrowned in sin, they know me not for their God;
\nIn worldly riches is all their mind,
\nThey fear not my rightwiseness, the sharp rod;
\nMy law that I shewed, when I for them died,
\nThey forget clean, and shedding of my blood red;
\nI hanged between two, it cannot be denied;
\nTo get them life I suffered to be dead;
\nI healed their feet, with thorns hurt was my head:
\nI could do no more than I did truly,
\nAnd now I see the people do clean forsake me.
\nThey use the seven deadly sins damnable;
\nAs pride, covetise, wrath, and lechery,
\nNow in the world be made commendable;
\nAnd thus they leave of angels the heavenly company;
\nEveryman liveth so after his own pleasure,
\nAnd yet of their life they be nothing sure:
\nI see the more that I them forbear
\nThe worse they be from year to year;
\nAll that liveth appaireth[1]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0fast,
\nTherefore I will in all the haste
\nHave a reckoning of Everyman’s person
\nFor and I leave the people thus alone
\nIn their life and wicked tempests,
\nVerily they will become much worse than beasts;
\nFor now one would by envy another up eat;
\nCharity they all do clean forget.
\nI hoped well that Everyman
\nIn my glory should make his mansion,
\nAnd thereto I had them all elect;
\nBut now I see, like traitors deject,
\nThey thank me not for the pleasure that I to them meant,
\nNor yet for their being that I them have lent;
\nI proffered the people great multitude of mercy,
\nAnd few there be that asketh it heartily;
\nThey be so cumbered with worldly riches,
\nThat needs on them I must do justice,
\nOn Everyman living without fear.
\nWhere art thou, Death<\/i>, thou mighty messenger?<\/p>\nDeath.<\/i> Almighty God, I am here at your will,
\nYour commandment to fulfil.<\/p>\nGod.<\/i> Go thou to Everyman<\/i>,
\nAnd show him in my name
\nA pilgrimage he must on him take,
\nWhich he in no wise may escape;
\nAnd that he bring with him a sure reckoning
\nWithout delay or any tarrying.<\/p>\nDeath.<\/i> Lord, I will in the world go run over all,
\nAnd cruelly outsearch both great and small;
\nEvery man will I beset that liveth beastly
\nOut of God’s laws, and dreadeth not folly:
\nHe that loveth riches I will strike with my dart,
\nHis sight to blind, and from heaven to depart,
\nExcept that alms be his good friend,
\nIn hell for to dwell, world without end.
\nLo, yonder I see Everyman<\/i> walking;
\nFull little he thinketh on my coming;
\nHis mind is on fleshly lusts and his treasure,
\nAnd great pain it shall cause him to endure
\nBefore the Lord Heaven King.
\nEveryman<\/i>, stand still; whither art thou going
\nThus gaily? Hast thou thy Maker forget?<\/p>\nEveryman.<\/i> Why askst thou?
\nWouldest thou wete?[2]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\nDeath.<\/i> Yea, sir, I will show you;
\nIn great haste I am sent to thee
\nFrom God out of his majesty.<\/p>\nEveryman.<\/i> What, sent to me?<\/p>\n
Death.<\/i> Yea, certainly.
\nThough thou have forget him here,
\nHe thinketh on thee in the heavenly sphere,
\nAs, or we depart, thou shalt know.<\/p>\nEveryman.<\/i> What desireth God of me?<\/p>\n
Death.<\/i> That shall I show thee;
\nA reckoning he will needs have
\nWithout any longer respite.<\/p>\nEveryman.<\/i> To give a reckoning longer leisure I crave;
\nThis blind matter troubleth my wit.<\/p>\nDeath.<\/i> On thee thou must take a long journey:
\nTherefore thy book of count with thee thou bring;
\nFor turn again thou can not by no way,
\nAnd look thou be sure of thy reckoning:
\nFor before God thou shalt answer, and show
\nThy many bad deeds and good but a few;
\nHow thou hast spent thy life, and in what wise,
\nBefore the chief lord of paradise.
\nHave ado that we were in that way,
\nFor, wete thou well, thou shalt make none attournay.[3]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\nEveryman.<\/i> Full unready I am such reckoning to give.
\nI know thee not: what messenger art thou?<\/p>\nDeath.<\/i> I am Death<\/i>, that no man dreadeth.
\nFor every man I rest and no man spareth;
\nFor it is God’s commandment
\nThat all to me should be obedient.<\/p>\nEveryman.<\/i> O Death<\/i>, thou comest when I had thee least in mind;
\nIn thy power it lieth me to save,
\nYet of my good will I give thee, if ye will be kind,
\nYea, a thousand pound shalt thou have,
\nAnd defer this matter till another day.<\/p>\nDeath.<\/i> Everyman<\/i>, it may not be by no way;
\nI set not by gold, silver, nor riches,
\nNe by pope, emperor, king, duke, ne princes.
\nFor and I would receive gifts great,
\nAll the world I might get;
\nBut my custom is clean contrary.
\nI give thee no respite: come hence, and not tarry.<\/p>\nEveryman.<\/i> Alas, shall I have no longer respite?
\nI may say Death<\/i> giveth no warning:
\nTo think on thee, it maketh my heart sick,
\nFor all unready is my book of reckoning.
\nBut twelve year and I might have abiding,
\nMy counting book I would make so clear,
\nThat my reckoning I should not need to fear.
\nWherefore, Death<\/i>, I pray thee, for God’s mercy,
\nSpare me till I be provided of remedy.<\/p>\nDeath.<\/i> Thee availeth not to cry, weep, and pray:
\nBut haste thee lightly that you were gone the journey,
\nAnd prove thy friends if thou can.
\nFor, wete thou well, the tide abideth no man,
\nAnd in the world each living creature
\nFor Adam’s<\/i> sin must die of nature.<\/p>\nEveryman.<\/i> Death<\/i>, if I should this pilgrimage take,
\nAnd my reckoning surely make,
\nShow me, for saint charity<\/i>,
\nShould I not come again shortly?<\/p>\nDeath.<\/i> No, Everyman<\/i>; and thou be once there,
\nThou mayst never more come here,
\nTrust me verily.<\/p>\nEveryman.<\/i> O gracious God, in the high seat celestial,
\nHave mercy on me in this most need;
\nShall I have no company from this vale terrestrial
\nOf mine acquaintance that way me to lead?<\/p>\nDeath.<\/i> Yea, if any be so hardy,
\nThat would go with thee and bear thee company.
\nHie thee that you were gone to God’s magnificence,
\nThy reckoning to give before his presence.
\nWhat, weenest thou thy life is given thee,
\nAnd thy worldly goods also?<\/p>\nEveryman.<\/i> I had wend so, verily.<\/p>\n
Death.<\/i> Nay, nay; it was but lent thee;
\nFor as soon as thou art go,
\nAnother awhile shall have it, and then go therefro
\nEven as thou hast done.
\nEveryman<\/i>, thou art mad; thou hast thy wits five,
\nAnd here on earth will not amend thy life,
\nFor suddenly I do come.<\/p>\nEveryman.<\/i> O wretched caitiff, whither shall I flee,
\nThat I might scape this endless sorrow!
\nNow, gentle Death<\/i>, spare me till to-morrow,
\nThat I may amend me
\nWith good advisement.<\/p>\nDeath.<\/i> Nay, thereto I will not consent,
\nNor no man will I respite,
\nBut to the heart suddenly I shall smite
\nWithout any advisement.
\nAnd now out of thy sight I will me hie;
\nSee thou make thee ready shortly,
\nFor thou mayst say this is the day
\nThat no man living may scape away.<\/p>\n