{"id":81,"date":"2015-06-09T23:35:26","date_gmt":"2015-06-09T23:35:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/americanlit1x22x1\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=81"},"modified":"2015-07-16T17:16:56","modified_gmt":"2015-07-16T17:16:56","slug":"everyman-a-15th-c-morality-play","status":"web-only","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-britlit1\/chapter\/everyman-a-15th-c-morality-play\/","title":{"raw":"Everyman: a 15th Century Morality Play","rendered":"Everyman: a 15th Century Morality Play"},"content":{"raw":"<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">CHARACTERS<\/h2>\r\n<ul class=\"charlist\">\r\n\t<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Everyman<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">God: Adonai<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Death<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Messenger<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Fellowship<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Cousin<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Kindred<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Goods<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Good-Deeds<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Strength<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Discretion<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Five-Wits<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Beauty<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Knowledge<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Confession<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Angel<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Doctor<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">EVERYMAN<\/h2>\r\n<blockquote>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\n<i>Messenger.<\/i> I pray you all give your audience,\r\nAnd hear this matter with reverence,\r\nBy figure a moral play--\r\nThe <i>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 <i>Fellowship<\/i> and <i>Jollity<\/i>,\r\nBoth <i>Strength<\/i>, <i>Pleasure<\/i>, and <i>Beauty<\/i>,\r\nWill fade from thee as flower in May.\r\nFor ye shall hear, how our heaven king\r\nCalleth <i>Everyman<\/i> to a general reckoning:\r\nGive audience, and hear what he doth say.\r\n\r\n<i>God.<\/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, <i>Death<\/i>, thou mighty messenger?\r\n\r\n<i>Death.<\/i> Almighty God, I am here at your will,\r\nYour commandment to fulfil.\r\n\r\n<i>God.<\/i> Go thou to <i>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\n<i>Death.<\/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 <i>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\n<i>Everyman<\/i>, stand still; whither art thou going\r\nThus gaily? Hast thou thy Maker forget?\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Why askst thou?\r\nWouldest thou wete?[footnote]know.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\n<i>Death.<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> What, sent to me?\r\n\r\n<i>Death.<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> What desireth God of me?\r\n\r\n<i>Death.<\/i> That shall I show thee;\r\nA reckoning he will needs have\r\nWithout any longer respite.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> To give a reckoning longer leisure I crave;\r\nThis blind matter troubleth my wit.\r\n\r\n<i>Death.<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Full unready I am such reckoning to give.\r\nI know thee not: what messenger art thou?\r\n\r\n<i>Death.<\/i> I am <i>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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> O <i>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\n<i>Death.<\/i> <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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Alas, shall I have no longer respite?\r\nI may say <i>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, <i>Death<\/i>, I pray thee, for God's mercy,\r\nSpare me till I be provided of remedy.\r\n\r\n<i>Death.<\/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 <i>Adam's<\/i> sin must die of nature.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> <i>Death<\/i>, if I should this pilgrimage take,\r\nAnd my reckoning surely make,\r\nShow me, for saint <i>charity<\/i>,\r\nShould I not come again shortly?\r\n\r\n<i>Death.<\/i> No, <i>Everyman<\/i>; and thou be once there,\r\nThou mayst never more come here,\r\nTrust me verily.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/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\n<i>Death.<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> I had wend so, verily.\r\n\r\n<i>Death.<\/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\n<i>Everyman<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> O wretched caitiff, whither shall I flee,\r\nThat I might scape this endless sorrow!\r\nNow, gentle <i>Death<\/i>, spare me till to-morrow,\r\nThat I may amend me\r\nWith good advisement.\r\n\r\n<i>Death.<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/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 <i>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 <i>Fellowship<\/i>, and good morrow!\r\n\r\n<i>Fellowship speaketh.<\/i> <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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Yea, good <i>Fellowship<\/i>, yea,\r\nI am in great jeopardy.\r\n\r\n<i>Fellowship.<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> That was well spoken, and lovingly.\r\n\r\n<i>Fellowship.<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Verily, <i>Fellowship<\/i>, gramercy.\r\n\r\n<i>Fellowship.<\/i> Tush! by thy thanks I set not a straw.\r\nShow me your grief, and say no more.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/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\n<i>Fellowship.<\/i> Sir, I say as I will do in deed.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Then be you a good friend at need:\r\nI have found you true here before.\r\n\r\n<i>Fellowship.<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Ye speak like a good friend; I believe you well;\r\nI shall deserve it, and I may.\r\n\r\n<i>Fellowship.<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/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\n<i>Fellowship.<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/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\n<i>Fellowship.<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Nay, never again till the day of doom.\r\n\r\n<i>Fellowship.<\/i> In faith, then will not I come there!\r\nWho hath you these tidings brought?\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Indeed, <i>Death<\/i> was with me here.\r\n\r\n<i>Fellowship.<\/i> Now, by God that all hath bought,\r\nIf <i>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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Ye promised other wise, pardie.\r\n\r\n<i>Fellowship.<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/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\n<i>Fellowship.<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> O that is a simple advice indeed!\r\nGentle <i>fellow<\/i>, help me in my necessity;\r\nWe have loved long, and now I need,\r\nAnd now, gentle <i>Fellowship<\/i>, remember me.\r\n\r\n<i>Fellowship.<\/i> Whether ye have loved me or no,\r\nBy Saint John, I will not with thee go.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/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\n<i>Fellowship.<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Whither away, <i>Fellowship<\/i>? will you forsake me?\r\n\r\n<i>Fellowship.<\/i> Yea, by my fay, to God I betake thee.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Farewell, good <i>Fellowship<\/i>; for this my heart is sore;\r\nAdieu for ever, I shall see thee no more.\r\n\r\n<i>Fellowship.<\/i> In faith, <i>Everyman<\/i>, farewell now at the end;\r\nFor you I will remember that parting is mourning.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Alack! shall we thus depart indeed?\r\nOur Lady, help, without any more comfort,\r\nLo, <i>Fellowship<\/i> forsaketh me in my most need:\r\nFor help in this world whither shall I resort?\r\n<i>Fellowship<\/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 <i>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\n<i>Kindred.<\/i> Here be we now at your commandment.\r\n<i>Cousin<\/i>, I pray you show us your intent\r\nIn any wise, and not spare.\r\n\r\n<i>Cousin.<\/i> Yea, <i>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\n<i>Kindred.<\/i> In wealth and woe we will with you hold,\r\nFor over his kin a man may be bold.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/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\n<i>Kindred.<\/i> What account is that which ye must render?\r\nThat would I know.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/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 <i>charity<\/i>.\r\n\r\n<i>Cousin.<\/i> What, to go thither? Is that the matter?\r\nNay, <i>Everyman<\/i>, I had liefer fast bread and water\r\nAll this five year and more.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/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\n<i>Kindred.<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> My <i>Cousin<\/i>, will you not with me go?\r\n\r\n<i>Cousin.<\/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\n<i>Kindred.<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Now show me the very effect of your mind.\r\nWill you go with me, or abide behind?\r\n\r\n<i>Kindred.<\/i> Abide behind? yea, that I will and I may!\r\nTherefore farewell until another day.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/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\n<i>Cousin.<\/i> Cousin <i>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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Ah, <i>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 <i>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 <i>Goods<\/i> and riches?\r\n\r\n<i>Goods.<\/i> Who calleth me? <i>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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Come hither, <i>Good<\/i>, in all the haste thou may,\r\nFor of counsel I must desire thee.\r\n\r\n<i>Goods.<\/i> Sir, and ye in the world have trouble or adversity,\r\nThat can I help you to remedy shortly.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/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 <i>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\n<i>Goods.<\/i> Nay, <i>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\n<i>Everyman.<\/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\n<i>Goods.<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Alas, I have thee loved, and had great pleasure\r\nAll my life-days on good and treasure.\r\n\r\n<i>Goods.<\/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\n<i>Everyman.<\/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\n<i>Goods.<\/i> What, weenest thou that I am thine?\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> I had wend so.\r\n\r\n<i>Goods.<\/i> Nay, <i>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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> I had wend otherwise.\r\n\r\n<i>Goods.<\/i> Therefore to thy soul <i>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\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> O false <i>Good<\/i>, cursed thou be!\r\nThou traitor to God, that hast deceived me,\r\nAnd caught me in thy snare.\r\n\r\n<i>Goods.<\/i> Marry, thou brought thyself in care,\r\nWhereof I am glad,\r\nI must needs laugh, I cannot be sad.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Ah, <i>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\n<i>Goods.<\/i> No, so God me speed,\r\nTherefore farewell, and have good day.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> O, to whom shall I make my moan\r\nFor to go with me in that heavy journey?\r\nFirst <i>Fellowship<\/i> said he would with me gone;\r\nHis words were very pleasant and gay,\r\nBut afterward he left me alone.\r\nThen spake I to my kinsmen all in despair,\r\nAnd also they gave me words fair,\r\nThey lacked no fair speaking,\r\nBut all forsake me in the ending.\r\nThen went I to my <i>Goods<\/i> that I loved best,\r\nIn hope to have comfort, but there had I least;\r\nFor my <i>Goods<\/i> sharply did me tell\r\nThat he bringeth many into hell.\r\nThen of myself I was ashamed,\r\nAnd so I am worthy to be blamed;\r\nThus may I well myself hate.\r\nOf whom shall I now counsel take?\r\nI think that I shall never speed\r\nTill that I go to my <i>Good-Deed<\/i>,\r\nBut alas, she is so weak,\r\nThat she can neither go nor speak;\r\nYet will I venture on her now.--\r\nMy <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>, where be you?\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> Here I lie cold in the ground;\r\nThy sins hath me sore bound,\r\nThat I cannot stir.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> O, <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>, I stand in fear;\r\nI must you pray of counsel,\r\nFor help now should come right well.\r\n\r\n<i>Goods-Deeds.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, I have understanding\r\nThat ye be summoned account to make\r\nBefore <i>Messias<\/i>, of Jerusalem King;\r\nAnd you do by me[footnote]If you go by me.[\/footnote]\u00a0that journey what[footnote]with.[\/footnote]\u00a0you will I take.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Therefore I come to you, my moan to make;\r\nI pray you, that ye will go with me.\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> I would full fain, but I cannot stand verily.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Why, is there anything on you fall?\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> Yea, sir, I may thank you of all;\r\nIf ye had perfectly cheered me,\r\nYour book of account now full ready had be.\r\nLook, the books of your works and deeds eke;\r\nOh, see how they lie under the feet,\r\nTo your soul's heaviness.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Our Lord <i>Jesus<\/i>, help me!\r\nFor one letter here I can not see.\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> There is a blind reckoning in time of distress!\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>, I pray you, help me in this need,\r\nOr else I am for ever damned indeed;\r\nTherefore help me to make reckoning\r\nBefore the redeemer of all thing,\r\nThat king is, and was, and ever shall.\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, I am sorry of your fall,\r\nAnd fain would I help you, and I were able.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>, your counsel I pray you give me.\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> That shall I do verily;\r\nThough that on my feet I may not go,\r\nI have a sister, that shall with you also,\r\nCalled <i>Knowledge<\/i>, which shall with you abide,\r\nTo help you to make that dreadful reckoning.\r\n\r\n<i>Knowledge.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, I will go with thee, and be thy guide,\r\nIn thy most need to go by thy side.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> In good condition I am now in every thing,\r\nAnd am wholly content with this good thing;\r\nThanked be God my Creator.\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> And when he hath brought thee there,\r\nWhere thou shalt heal thee of thy smart,\r\nThen go you with your reckoning and your <i>Good-Deeds<\/i> together\r\nFor to make you joyful at heart\r\nBefore the blessed Trinity.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> My <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>, gramercy;\r\nI am well content, certainly,\r\nWith your words sweet.\r\n\r\n<i>Knowledge.<\/i> Now go we together lovingly,\r\nTo <i>Confession<\/i>, that cleansing river.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> For joy I weep; I would we were there;\r\nBut, I pray you, give me cognition\r\nWhere dwelleth that holy man, <i>Confession<\/i>.\r\n\r\n<i>Knowledge.<\/i> In the house of salvation:\r\nWe shall find him in that place,\r\nThat shall us comfort by God's grace.\r\nLo, this is <i>Confession<\/i>; kneel down and ask mercy,\r\nFor he is in good conceit with God almighty.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> O glorious fountain that all uncleanness doth clarify,\r\nWash from me the spots of vices unclean,\r\nThat on me no sin may be seen;\r\nI come with <i>Knowledge<\/i> for my redemption,\r\nRepent with hearty and full contrition;\r\nFor I am commanded a pilgrimage to take,\r\nAnd great accounts before God to make.\r\nNow, I pray you, <i>Shrift<\/i>, mother of salvation,\r\nHelp my good deeds for my piteous exclamation.\r\n\r\n<i>Confession.<\/i> I know your sorrow well, <i>Everyman<\/i>;\r\nBecause with <i>Knowledge<\/i> ye come to me,\r\nI will you comfort as well as I can,\r\nAnd a precious jewel I will give thee,\r\nCalled penance, wise voider of adversity;\r\nTherewith shall your body chastised be,\r\nWith abstinence and perseverance in God's service:\r\nHere shall you receive that scourge of me,\r\nWhich is penance strong, that ye must endure,\r\nTo remember thy Saviour was scourged for thee\r\nWith sharp scourges, and suffered it patiently;\r\nSo must thou, or thou scape that painful pilgrimage;\r\n<i>Knowledge<\/i>, keep him in this voyage,\r\nAnd by that time <i>Good-Deeds<\/i> will be with thee.\r\nBut in any wise, be sure of mercy,\r\nFor your time draweth fast, and ye will saved be;\r\nAsk God mercy, and He will grant truly,\r\nWhen with the scourge of penance man doth him bind,\r\nThe oil of forgiveness then shall he find.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Thanked be God for his gracious work!\r\nFor now I will my penance begin;\r\nThis hath rejoiced and lighted my heart,\r\nThough the knots be painful and hard within.\r\n\r\n<i>Knowledge.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, look your penance that ye fulfil,\r\nWhat pain that ever it to you be,\r\nAnd <i>Knowledge<\/i> shall give you counsel at will,\r\nHow your accounts ye shall make clearly.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> O eternal God, O heavenly figure,\r\nO way of rightwiseness, O goodly vision,\r\nWhich descended down in a virgin pure\r\nBecause he would <i>Everyman<\/i> redeem,\r\nWhich <i>Adam<\/i> forfeited by his disobedience:\r\nO blessed Godhead, elect and high-divine,\r\nForgive my grievous offence;\r\nHere I cry thee mercy in this presence.\r\nO ghostly treasure, O ransomer and redeemer\r\nOf all the world, hope and conductor,\r\nMirror of joy, and founder of mercy,\r\nWhich illumineth heaven and earth thereby,\r\nHear my clamorous complaint, though it late be;\r\nReceive my prayers; unworthy in this heavy life,\r\nThough I be, a sinner most abominable,\r\nYet let my name be written in <i>Moses'<\/i> table;\r\nO <i>Mary<\/i>, pray to the Maker of all thing,\r\nMe for to help at my ending,\r\nAnd save me from the power of my enemy,\r\nFor <i>Death<\/i> assaileth me strongly;\r\nAnd, Lady, that I may by means of thy prayer\r\nOf your Son's glory to be partaker,\r\nBy the means of his passion I it crave,\r\nI beseech you, help my soul to save.--\r\n<i>Knowledge<\/i>, give me the scourge of penance;\r\nMy flesh therewith shall give a quittance:\r\nI will now begin, if God give me grace.\r\n\r\n<i>Knowledge.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, God give you time and space:\r\nThus I bequeath you in the hands of our Saviour,\r\nThus may you make your reckoning sure.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> In the name of the Holy Trinity,\r\nMy body sore punished shall be:\r\nTake this body for the sin of the flesh;\r\nAlso thou delightest to go gay and fresh,\r\nAnd in the way of damnation thou did me bring;\r\nTherefore suffer now strokes and punishing.\r\nNow of penance I will wade the water clear,\r\nTo save me from purgatory, that sharp fire.\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> I thank God, now I can walk and go;\r\nAnd am delivered of my sickness and woe.\r\nTherefore with <i>Everyman<\/i> I will go, and not spare;\r\nHis good works I will help him to declare.\r\n\r\n<i>Knowledge.<\/i> Now, <i>Everyman<\/i>, be merry and glad;\r\nYour <i>Good-Deeds<\/i> cometh now; ye may not be sad;\r\nNow is your <i>Good-Deeds<\/i> whole and sound,\r\nGoing upright upon the ground.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> My heart is light, and shall be evermore;\r\nNow will I smite faster than I did before.\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, pilgrim, my special friend,\r\nBlessed be thou without end;\r\nFor thee is prepared the eternal glory.\r\nYe have me made whole and sound,\r\nTherefore I will bide by thee in every stound.[footnote]season.[\/footnote]\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Welcome, my <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>; now I hear thy voice,\r\nI weep for very sweetness of love.\r\n\r\n<i>Knowledge.<\/i> Be no more sad, but ever rejoice,\r\nGod seeth thy living in his throne above;\r\nPut on this garment to thy behove,\r\nWhich is wet with your tears,\r\nOr else before God you may it miss,\r\nWhen you to your journey's end come shall.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Gentle <i>Knowledge<\/i>, what do you it call?\r\n\r\n<i>Knowledge.<\/i> It is a garment of sorrow:\r\nFrom pain it will you borrow;\r\nContrition it is,\r\nThat getteth forgiveness;\r\nIt pleaseth God passing well.\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, will you wear it for your heal?\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Now blessed be <i>Jesu, Mary's<\/i> Son!\r\nFor now have I on true contrition.\r\nAnd let us go now without tarrying;\r\n<i>Good-Deeds<\/i>, have we clear our reckoning?\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> Yea, indeed I have it here.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Then I trust we need not fear;\r\nNow, friends, let us not part in twain.\r\n\r\n<i>Knowledge.<\/i> Nay, <i>Everyman<\/i>, that will we not, certain.\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> Yet must thou lead with thee\r\nThree persons of great might.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Who should they be?\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> <i>Discretion<\/i> and <i>Strength<\/i> they hight,\r\nAnd thy <i>Beauty<\/i> may not abide behind.\r\n\r\n<i>Knowledge.<\/i> Also ye must call to mind\r\nYour <i>Five-wits<\/i> as for your counsellors.\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> You must have them ready at all hours.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> How shall I get them hither?\r\n\r\n<i>Knowledge.<\/i> You must call them all together,\r\nAnd they will hear you incontinent.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> My friends, come hither and be present\r\n<i>Discretion<\/i>, <i>Strength<\/i>, my <i>Five-wits<\/i>, and <i>Beauty<\/i>.\r\n\r\n<i>Beauty.<\/i> Here at your will we be all ready.\r\nWhat will ye that we should do?\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> That ye would with <i>Everyman<\/i> go,\r\nAnd help him in his pilgrimage,\r\nAdvise you, will ye with him or not in that voyage?\r\n\r\n<i>Strength.<\/i> We will bring him all thither,\r\nTo his help and comfort, ye may believe me.\r\n\r\n<i>Discretion.<\/i> So will we go with him all together.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Almighty God, loved thou be,\r\nI give thee laud that I have hither brought\r\n<i>Strength<\/i>, <i>Discretion<\/i>, <i>Beauty<\/i>, and <i>Five-wits<\/i>; lack I nought;\r\nAnd my <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>, with <i>Knowledge<\/i> clear,\r\nAll be in my company at my will here;\r\nI desire no more to my business.\r\n\r\n<i>Strength.<\/i> And I, <i>Strength<\/i>, will by you stand in distress,\r\nThough thou would in battle fight on the ground.\r\n\r\n<i>Five-wits.<\/i> And though it were through the world round,\r\nWe will not depart for sweet nor sour.\r\n\r\n<i>Beauty.<\/i> No more will I unto death's hour,\r\nWhatsoever thereof befall.\r\n\r\n<i>Discretion.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, advise you first of all;\r\nGo with a good advisement and deliberation;\r\nWe all give you virtuous monition\r\nThat all shall be well.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> My friends, hearken what I will tell:\r\nI pray God reward you in his heavenly sphere.\r\nNow hearken, all that be here,\r\nFor I will make my testament\r\nHere before you all present.\r\nIn alms half my good I will give with my hands twain\r\nIn the way of charity, with good intent,\r\nAnd the other half still shall remain\r\nIn quiet to be returned there it ought to be.\r\nThis I do in despite of the fiend of hell\r\nTo go quite out of his peril\r\nEver after and this day.\r\n\r\n<i>Knowledge.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, hearken what I say;\r\nGo to priesthood, I you advise,\r\nAnd receive of him in any wise\r\nThe holy sacrament and ointment together;\r\nThen shortly see ye turn again hither;\r\nWe will all abide you here.\r\n\r\n<i>Five-Wits.<\/i> Yea, <i>Everyman<\/i>, hie you that ye ready were,\r\nThere is no emperor, king, duke, ne baron,\r\nThat of God hath commission,\r\nAs hath the least priest in the world being;\r\nFor of the blessed sacraments pure and benign,\r\nHe beareth the keys and thereof hath the cure\r\nFor man's redemption, it is ever sure;\r\nWhich God for our soul's medicine\r\nGave us out of his heart with great pine;\r\nHere in this transitory life, for thee and me\r\nThe blessed sacraments seven there be,\r\nBaptism, confirmation, with priesthood good,\r\nAnd the sacrament of God's precious flesh and blood,\r\nMarriage, the holy extreme unction, and penance;\r\nThese seven be good to have in remembrance,\r\nGracious sacraments of high divinity.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Fain would I receive that holy body\r\nAnd meekly to my ghostly father I will go.\r\n\r\n<i>Five-wits.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, that is the best that ye can do:\r\nGod will you to salvation bring,\r\nFor priesthood exceedeth all other thing;\r\nTo us Holy Scripture they do teach,\r\nAnd converteth man from sin heaven to reach;\r\nGod hath to them more power given,\r\nThan to any angel that is in heaven;\r\nWith five words he may consecrate\r\nGod's body in flesh and blood to make,\r\nAnd handleth his maker between his hands;\r\nThe priest bindeth and unbindeth all bands,\r\nBoth in earth and in heaven;\r\nThou ministers all the sacraments seven;\r\nThough we kissed thy feet thou were worthy;\r\nThou art surgeon that cureth sin deadly:\r\nNo remedy we find under God\r\nBut all only priesthood.\r\n<i>Everyman<\/i>, God gave priests that dignity,\r\nAnd setteth them in his stead among us to be;\r\nThus be they above angels in degree.\r\n\r\n<i>Knowledge.<\/i> If priests be good it is so surely;\r\nBut when Jesus hanged on the cross with great smart\r\nThere he gave, out of his blessed heart,\r\nThe same sacrament in great torment:\r\nHe sold them not to us, that Lord Omnipotent.\r\nTherefore Saint Peter the apostle doth say\r\nThat Jesu's curse hath all they\r\nWhich God their Saviour do buy or sell,\r\nOr they for any money do take or tell.\r\nSinful priests giveth the sinners example bad;\r\nTheir children sitteth by other men's fires, I have heard;\r\nAnd some haunteth women's company,\r\nWith unclean life, as lusts of lechery\r\nThese be with sin made blind.\r\n\r\n<i>Five-wits.<\/i> I trust to God no such may we find;\r\nTherefore let us priesthood honour,\r\nAnd follow their doctrine for our souls' succour;\r\nWe be their sheep, and they shepherds be\r\nBy whom we all be kept in surety.\r\nPeace, for yonder I see <i>Everyman<\/i> come,\r\nWhich hath made true satisfaction.\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> Methinketh it is he indeed.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Now Jesu be our alder speed.[footnote] speed in help of all.[\/footnote]\r\nI have received the sacrament for my redemption,\r\nAnd then mine extreme unction:\r\nBlessed be all they that counselled me to take it!\r\nAnd now, friends, let us go without longer respite;\r\nI thank God that ye have tarried so long.\r\nNow set each of you on this rod your hand,\r\nAnd shortly follow me:\r\nI go before, there I would be; God be our guide.\r\n\r\n<i>Strength.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, we will not from you go,\r\nTill ye have gone this voyage long.\r\n\r\n<i>Discretion.<\/i> I, <i>Discretion<\/i>, will bide by you also.\r\n\r\n<i>Knowledge.<\/i> And though this pilgrimage be never so strong,\r\nI will never part you fro:\r\n<i>Everyman<\/i>, I will be as sure by thee\r\nAs ever I did by Judas Maccabee.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Alas, I am so faint I may not stand,\r\nMy limbs under me do fold;\r\nFriends, let us not turn again to this land,\r\nNot for all the world's gold,\r\nFor into this cave must I creep\r\nAnd turn to the earth and there to sleep.\r\n\r\n<i>Beauty.<\/i> What, into this grave? alas!\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Yea, there shall you consume more and less.\r\n\r\n<i>Beauty.<\/i> And what, should I smother here?\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Yea, by my faith, and never more appear.\r\nIn this world live no more we shall,\r\nBut in heaven before the highest Lord of all.\r\n\r\n<i>Beauty.<\/i> I cross out all this; adieu by Saint <i>John<\/i>;\r\nI take my cap in my lap and am gone.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> What, <i>Beauty<\/i>, whither will ye?\r\n\r\n<i>Beauty.<\/i> Peace, I am deaf; I look not behind me,\r\nNot and thou would give me all the gold in thy chest.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Alas, whereto may I trust?\r\n<i>Beauty<\/i> goeth fast away hie;\r\nShe promised with me to live and die.\r\n\r\n<i>Strength.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, I will thee also forsake and deny;\r\nThy game liketh me not at all.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Why, then ye will forsake me all.\r\nSweet <i>Strength<\/i>, tarry a little space.\r\n\r\n<i>Strength.<\/i> Nay, sir, by the rood of grace\r\nI will hie me from thee fast,\r\nThough thou weep till thy heart brast.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Ye would ever bide by me, ye said.\r\n\r\n<i>Strength.<\/i> Yea, I have you far enough conveyed;\r\nYe be old enough, I understand,\r\nYour pilgrimage to take on hand;\r\nI repent me that I hither came.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> <i>Strength<\/i>, you to displease I am to blame;\r\nWill you break promise that is debt?\r\n\r\n<i>Strength.<\/i> In faith, I care not;\r\nThou art but a fool to complain,\r\nYou spend your speech and waste your brain;\r\nGo thrust thee into the ground.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> I had wend surer I should you have found.\r\nHe that trusteth in his <i>Strength<\/i>\r\nShe him deceiveth at the length.\r\nBoth <i>Strength<\/i> and <i>Beauty<\/i> forsaketh me,\r\nYet they promised me fair and lovingly.\r\n\r\n<i>Discretion. Everyman<\/i>, I will after <i>Strength<\/i> be gone,\r\nAs for me I will leave you alone.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Why, <i>Discretion<\/i>, will ye forsake me?\r\n\r\n<i>Discretion.<\/i> Yea, in faith, I will go from thee,\r\nFor when <i>Strength<\/i> goeth before\r\nI follow after evermore.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Yet, I pray thee, for the love of the Trinity,\r\nLook in my grave once piteously.\r\n\r\n<i>Discretion.<\/i> Nay, so nigh will I not come.\r\nFarewell, every one!\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> O all thing faileth, save God alone;\r\n<i>Beauty<\/i>, <i>Strength<\/i>, and <i>Discretion<\/i>;\r\nFor when <i>Death<\/i> bloweth his blast,\r\nThey all run from me full fast.\r\n\r\n<i>Five-wits. Everyman<\/i>, my leave now of thee I take;\r\nI will follow the other, for here I thee forsake.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Alas! then may I wail and weep,\r\nFor I took you for my best friend.\r\n\r\n<i>Five-wits.<\/i> I will no longer thee keep;\r\nNow farewell, and there an end.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> O Jesu, help, all hath forsaken me!\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> Nay, <i>Everyman<\/i>, I will bide with thee,\r\nI will not forsake thee indeed;\r\nThou shalt find me a good friend at need.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Gramercy, <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>; now may I true friends see;\r\nThey have forsaken me every one;\r\nI loved them better than my <i>Good-Deeds<\/i> alone.\r\n<i>Knowledge<\/i>, will ye forsake me also?\r\n\r\n<i>Knowledge.<\/i> Yea, <i>Everyman<\/i>, when ye to death do go:\r\nBut not yet for no manner of danger.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Gramercy, <i>Knowledge<\/i>, with all my heart.\r\n\r\n<i>Knowledge.<\/i> Nay, yet I will not from hence depart,\r\nTill I see where ye shall be come.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Methinketh, alas, that I must be gone,\r\nTo make my reckoning and my debts pay,\r\nFor I see my time is nigh spent away.\r\nTake example, all ye that this do hear or see,\r\nHow they that I loved best do forsake me,\r\nExcept my <i>Good-Deeds<\/i> that bideth truly.\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> All earthly things is but vanity:\r\n<i>Beauty<\/i>, <i>Strength<\/i>, and <i>Discretion<\/i>, do man forsake,\r\nFoolish friends and kinsmen, that fair spake,\r\nAll fleeth save <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>, and that am I.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Have mercy on me, God most mighty;\r\nAnd stand by me, thou Mother and Maid, holy <i>Mary<\/i>.\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> Fear not, I will speak for thee.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Here I cry God mercy.\r\n\r\n<i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> Short our end, and minish our pain;\r\nLet us go and never come again.\r\n\r\n<i>Everyman.<\/i> Into thy hands, Lord, my soul I commend;\r\nReceive it, Lord, that it be not lost;\r\nAs thou me boughtest, so me defend,\r\nAnd save me from the fiend's boast,\r\nThat I may appear with that blessed host\r\nThat shall be saved at the day of doom.\r\n<i>In manus tuas<\/i>--of might's most\r\nFor ever--<i>commendo spiritum meum<\/i>.\r\n\r\n<i>Knowledge.<\/i> Now hath he suffered that we all shall endure;\r\nThe <i>Good-Deeds<\/i> shall make all sure.\r\nNow hath he made ending;\r\nMethinketh that I hear angels sing\r\nAnd make great joy and melody,\r\nWhere <i>Everyman's<\/i> soul received shall be.\r\n\r\n<i>Angel.<\/i> Come, excellent elect spouse to Jesu:\r\nHereabove thou shalt go\r\nBecause of thy singular virtue:\r\nNow the soul is taken the body fro;\r\nThy reckoning is crystal-clear.\r\nNow shalt thou into the heavenly sphere,\r\nUnto the which all ye shall come\r\nThat liveth well before the day of doom.\r\n\r\n<i>Doctor.<\/i> This moral men may have in mind;\r\nYe hearers, take it of worth, old and young,\r\nAnd forsake pride, for he deceiveth you in the end,\r\nAnd remember <i>Beauty<\/i>, <i>Five-wits<\/i>, <i>Strength<\/i>, and <i>Discretion<\/i>,\r\nThey all at the last do <i>Everyman<\/i> forsake,\r\nSave his <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>, there doth he take.\r\nBut beware, and they be small\r\nBefore God, he hath no help at all.\r\nNone excuse may be there for <i>Everyman<\/i>:\r\nAlas, how shall he do then?\r\nFor after death amends may no man make,\r\nFor then mercy and pity do him forsake.\r\nIf his reckoning be not clear when he do come,\r\nGod will say--<i>ite maledicti in ignem \u00e6ternum<\/i>.\r\nAnd he that hath his account whole and sound,\r\nHigh in heaven he shall be crowned;\r\nUnto which place God bring us all thither\r\nThat we may live body and soul together.\r\nThereto help the Trinity,\r\nAmen, say ye, for saint <i>Charity<\/i>.\r\n<p class=\"end\">THUS ENDETH THIS MORALL PLAY OF EVERYMAN.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/h2>","rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">CHARACTERS<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"charlist\">\n<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Everyman<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">God: Adonai<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Death<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Messenger<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Fellowship<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Cousin<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Kindred<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Goods<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Good-Deeds<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Strength<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Discretion<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Five-Wits<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Beauty<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Knowledge<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Confession<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Angel<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"smallcaps\">Doctor<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">EVERYMAN<\/h2>\n<blockquote><p>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<p><i>Messenger.<\/i> I pray you all give your audience,<br \/>\nAnd hear this matter with reverence,<br \/>\nBy figure a moral play&#8211;<br \/>\nThe <i>Summoning of Everyman<\/i> called it is,<br \/>\nThat of our lives and ending shows<br \/>\nHow transitory we be all day.<br \/>\nThis matter is wondrous precious,<br \/>\nBut the intent of it is more gracious,<br \/>\nAnd sweet to bear away.<br \/>\nThe story saith,&#8211;Man, in the beginning,<br \/>\nLook well, and take good heed to the ending,<br \/>\nBe you never so gay!<br \/>\nYe think sin in the beginning full sweet,<br \/>\nWhich in the end causeth thy soul to weep,<br \/>\nWhen the body lieth in clay.<br \/>\nHere shall you see how <i>Fellowship<\/i> and <i>Jollity<\/i>,<br \/>\nBoth <i>Strength<\/i>, <i>Pleasure<\/i>, and <i>Beauty<\/i>,<br \/>\nWill fade from thee as flower in May.<br \/>\nFor ye shall hear, how our heaven king<br \/>\nCalleth <i>Everyman<\/i> to a general reckoning:<br \/>\nGive audience, and hear what he doth say.<\/p>\n<p><i>God.<\/i> I perceive here in my majesty,<br \/>\nHow that all creatures be to me unkind,<br \/>\nLiving without dread in worldly prosperity:<br \/>\nOf ghostly sight the people be so blind,<br \/>\nDrowned in sin, they know me not for their God;<br \/>\nIn worldly riches is all their mind,<br \/>\nThey fear not my rightwiseness, the sharp rod;<br \/>\nMy law that I shewed, when I for them died,<br \/>\nThey forget clean, and shedding of my blood red;<br \/>\nI hanged between two, it cannot be denied;<br \/>\nTo get them life I suffered to be dead;<br \/>\nI healed their feet, with thorns hurt was my head:<br \/>\nI could do no more than I did truly,<br \/>\nAnd now I see the people do clean forsake me.<br \/>\nThey use the seven deadly sins damnable;<br \/>\nAs pride, covetise, wrath, and lechery,<br \/>\nNow in the world be made commendable;<br \/>\nAnd thus they leave of angels the heavenly company;<br \/>\nEveryman liveth so after his own pleasure,<br \/>\nAnd yet of their life they be nothing sure:<br \/>\nI see the more that I them forbear<br \/>\nThe worse they be from year to year;<br \/>\nAll that liveth appaireth<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"is impaired.\" id=\"return-footnote-81-1\" href=\"#footnote-81-1\" aria-label=\"Footnote 1\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[1]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0fast,<br \/>\nTherefore I will in all the haste<br \/>\nHave a reckoning of Everyman&#8217;s person<br \/>\nFor and I leave the people thus alone<br \/>\nIn their life and wicked tempests,<br \/>\nVerily they will become much worse than beasts;<br \/>\nFor now one would by envy another up eat;<br \/>\nCharity they all do clean forget.<br \/>\nI hoped well that Everyman<br \/>\nIn my glory should make his mansion,<br \/>\nAnd thereto I had them all elect;<br \/>\nBut now I see, like traitors deject,<br \/>\nThey thank me not for the pleasure that I to them meant,<br \/>\nNor yet for their being that I them have lent;<br \/>\nI proffered the people great multitude of mercy,<br \/>\nAnd few there be that asketh it heartily;<br \/>\nThey be so cumbered with worldly riches,<br \/>\nThat needs on them I must do justice,<br \/>\nOn Everyman living without fear.<br \/>\nWhere art thou, <i>Death<\/i>, thou mighty messenger?<\/p>\n<p><i>Death.<\/i> Almighty God, I am here at your will,<br \/>\nYour commandment to fulfil.<\/p>\n<p><i>God.<\/i> Go thou to <i>Everyman<\/i>,<br \/>\nAnd show him in my name<br \/>\nA pilgrimage he must on him take,<br \/>\nWhich he in no wise may escape;<br \/>\nAnd that he bring with him a sure reckoning<br \/>\nWithout delay or any tarrying.<\/p>\n<p><i>Death.<\/i> Lord, I will in the world go run over all,<br \/>\nAnd cruelly outsearch both great and small;<br \/>\nEvery man will I beset that liveth beastly<br \/>\nOut of God&#8217;s laws, and dreadeth not folly:<br \/>\nHe that loveth riches I will strike with my dart,<br \/>\nHis sight to blind, and from heaven to depart,<br \/>\nExcept that alms be his good friend,<br \/>\nIn hell for to dwell, world without end.<br \/>\nLo, yonder I see <i>Everyman<\/i> walking;<br \/>\nFull little he thinketh on my coming;<br \/>\nHis mind is on fleshly lusts and his treasure,<br \/>\nAnd great pain it shall cause him to endure<br \/>\nBefore the Lord Heaven King.<br \/>\n<i>Everyman<\/i>, stand still; whither art thou going<br \/>\nThus gaily? Hast thou thy Maker forget?<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Why askst thou?<br \/>\nWouldest thou wete?<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"know.\" id=\"return-footnote-81-2\" href=\"#footnote-81-2\" aria-label=\"Footnote 2\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[2]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p><i>Death.<\/i> Yea, sir, I will show you;<br \/>\nIn great haste I am sent to thee<br \/>\nFrom God out of his majesty.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> What, sent to me?<\/p>\n<p><i>Death.<\/i> Yea, certainly.<br \/>\nThough thou have forget him here,<br \/>\nHe thinketh on thee in the heavenly sphere,<br \/>\nAs, or we depart, thou shalt know.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> What desireth God of me?<\/p>\n<p><i>Death.<\/i> That shall I show thee;<br \/>\nA reckoning he will needs have<br \/>\nWithout any longer respite.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> To give a reckoning longer leisure I crave;<br \/>\nThis blind matter troubleth my wit.<\/p>\n<p><i>Death.<\/i> On thee thou must take a long journey:<br \/>\nTherefore thy book of count with thee thou bring;<br \/>\nFor turn again thou can not by no way,<br \/>\nAnd look thou be sure of thy reckoning:<br \/>\nFor before God thou shalt answer, and show<br \/>\nThy many bad deeds and good but a few;<br \/>\nHow thou hast spent thy life, and in what wise,<br \/>\nBefore the chief lord of paradise.<br \/>\nHave ado that we were in that way,<br \/>\nFor, wete thou well, thou shalt make none attournay.<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"mediator.\" id=\"return-footnote-81-3\" href=\"#footnote-81-3\" aria-label=\"Footnote 3\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[3]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Full unready I am such reckoning to give.<br \/>\nI know thee not: what messenger art thou?<\/p>\n<p><i>Death.<\/i> I am <i>Death<\/i>, that no man dreadeth.<br \/>\nFor every man I rest and no man spareth;<br \/>\nFor it is God&#8217;s commandment<br \/>\nThat all to me should be obedient.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> O <i>Death<\/i>, thou comest when I had thee least in mind;<br \/>\nIn thy power it lieth me to save,<br \/>\nYet of my good will I give thee, if ye will be kind,<br \/>\nYea, a thousand pound shalt thou have,<br \/>\nAnd defer this matter till another day.<\/p>\n<p><i>Death.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, it may not be by no way;<br \/>\nI set not by gold, silver, nor riches,<br \/>\nNe by pope, emperor, king, duke, ne princes.<br \/>\nFor and I would receive gifts great,<br \/>\nAll the world I might get;<br \/>\nBut my custom is clean contrary.<br \/>\nI give thee no respite: come hence, and not tarry.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Alas, shall I have no longer respite?<br \/>\nI may say <i>Death<\/i> giveth no warning:<br \/>\nTo think on thee, it maketh my heart sick,<br \/>\nFor all unready is my book of reckoning.<br \/>\nBut twelve year and I might have abiding,<br \/>\nMy counting book I would make so clear,<br \/>\nThat my reckoning I should not need to fear.<br \/>\nWherefore, <i>Death<\/i>, I pray thee, for God&#8217;s mercy,<br \/>\nSpare me till I be provided of remedy.<\/p>\n<p><i>Death.<\/i> Thee availeth not to cry, weep, and pray:<br \/>\nBut haste thee lightly that you were gone the journey,<br \/>\nAnd prove thy friends if thou can.<br \/>\nFor, wete thou well, the tide abideth no man,<br \/>\nAnd in the world each living creature<br \/>\nFor <i>Adam&#8217;s<\/i> sin must die of nature.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> <i>Death<\/i>, if I should this pilgrimage take,<br \/>\nAnd my reckoning surely make,<br \/>\nShow me, for saint <i>charity<\/i>,<br \/>\nShould I not come again shortly?<\/p>\n<p><i>Death.<\/i> No, <i>Everyman<\/i>; and thou be once there,<br \/>\nThou mayst never more come here,<br \/>\nTrust me verily.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> O gracious God, in the high seat celestial,<br \/>\nHave mercy on me in this most need;<br \/>\nShall I have no company from this vale terrestrial<br \/>\nOf mine acquaintance that way me to lead?<\/p>\n<p><i>Death.<\/i> Yea, if any be so hardy,<br \/>\nThat would go with thee and bear thee company.<br \/>\nHie thee that you were gone to God&#8217;s magnificence,<br \/>\nThy reckoning to give before his presence.<br \/>\nWhat, weenest thou thy life is given thee,<br \/>\nAnd thy worldly goods also?<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> I had wend so, verily.<\/p>\n<p><i>Death.<\/i> Nay, nay; it was but lent thee;<br \/>\nFor as soon as thou art go,<br \/>\nAnother awhile shall have it, and then go therefro<br \/>\nEven as thou hast done.<br \/>\n<i>Everyman<\/i>, thou art mad; thou hast thy wits five,<br \/>\nAnd here on earth will not amend thy life,<br \/>\nFor suddenly I do come.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> O wretched caitiff, whither shall I flee,<br \/>\nThat I might scape this endless sorrow!<br \/>\nNow, gentle <i>Death<\/i>, spare me till to-morrow,<br \/>\nThat I may amend me<br \/>\nWith good advisement.<\/p>\n<p><i>Death.<\/i> Nay, thereto I will not consent,<br \/>\nNor no man will I respite,<br \/>\nBut to the heart suddenly I shall smite<br \/>\nWithout any advisement.<br \/>\nAnd now out of thy sight I will me hie;<br \/>\nSee thou make thee ready shortly,<br \/>\nFor thou mayst say this is the day<br \/>\nThat no man living may scape away.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Alas, I may well weep with sighs deep;<br \/>\nNow have I no manner of company<br \/>\nTo help me in my journey, and me to keep;<br \/>\nAnd also my writing is full unready.<br \/>\nHow shall I do now for to excuse me?<br \/>\nI would to God I had never be gete!<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"been gotten, been born.\" id=\"return-footnote-81-4\" href=\"#footnote-81-4\" aria-label=\"Footnote 4\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[4]<\/sup><\/a><br \/>\nTo my soul a full great profit it had be;<br \/>\nFor now I fear pains huge and great.<br \/>\nThe time passeth; Lord, help that all wrought;<br \/>\nFor though I mourn it availeth nought.<br \/>\nThe day passeth, and is almost a-go;<br \/>\nI wot not well what for to do.<br \/>\nTo whom were I best my complaint to make?<br \/>\nWhat, and I to <i>Fellowship<\/i> thereof spake,<br \/>\nAnd showed him of this sudden chance?<br \/>\nFor in him is all mine affiance;<br \/>\nWe have in the world so many a day<br \/>\nBe on good friends in sport and play.<br \/>\nI see him yonder, certainly;<br \/>\nI trust that he will bear me company;<br \/>\nTherefore to him will I speak to ease my sorrow.<br \/>\nWell met, good <i>Fellowship<\/i>, and good morrow!<\/p>\n<p><i>Fellowship speaketh.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, good morrow by this day.<br \/>\nSir, why lookest thou so piteously?<br \/>\nIf any thing be amiss, I pray thee, me say,<br \/>\nThat I may help to remedy.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Yea, good <i>Fellowship<\/i>, yea,<br \/>\nI am in great jeopardy.<\/p>\n<p><i>Fellowship.<\/i> My true friend, show to me your mind;<br \/>\nI will not forsake thee, unto my life&#8217;s end,<br \/>\nIn the way of good company.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> That was well spoken, and lovingly.<\/p>\n<p><i>Fellowship.<\/i> Sir, I must needs know your heaviness;<br \/>\nI have pity to see you in any distress;<br \/>\nIf any have you wronged ye shall revenged be,<br \/>\nThough I on the ground be slain for thee,&#8211;<br \/>\nThough that I know before that I should die.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Verily, <i>Fellowship<\/i>, gramercy.<\/p>\n<p><i>Fellowship.<\/i> Tush! by thy thanks I set not a straw.<br \/>\nShow me your grief, and say no more.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> If I my heart should to you break,<br \/>\nAnd then you to turn your mind from me,<br \/>\nAnd would not me comfort, when you hear me speak,<br \/>\nThen should I ten times sorrier be.<\/p>\n<p><i>Fellowship.<\/i> Sir, I say as I will do in deed.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Then be you a good friend at need:<br \/>\nI have found you true here before.<\/p>\n<p><i>Fellowship.<\/i> And so ye shall evermore;<br \/>\nFor, in faith, and thou go to Hell,<br \/>\nI will not forsake thee by the way!<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Ye speak like a good friend; I believe you well;<br \/>\nI shall deserve it, and I may.<\/p>\n<p><i>Fellowship.<\/i> I speak of no deserving, by this day.<br \/>\nFor he that will say and nothing do<br \/>\nIs not worthy with good company to go;<br \/>\nTherefore show me the grief of your mind,<br \/>\nAs to your friend most loving and kind.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> I shall show you how it is;<br \/>\nCommanded I am to go a journey,<br \/>\nA long way, hard and dangerous,<br \/>\nAnd give a strait count without delay<br \/>\nBefore the high judge Adonai.<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"God.\" id=\"return-footnote-81-5\" href=\"#footnote-81-5\" aria-label=\"Footnote 5\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[5]<\/sup><\/a><br \/>\nWherefore I pray you, bear me company,<br \/>\nAs ye have promised, in this journey.<\/p>\n<p><i>Fellowship.<\/i> That is matter indeed! Promise is duty,<br \/>\nBut, and I should take such a voyage on me,<br \/>\nI know it well, it should be to my pain:<br \/>\nAlso it make me afeard, certain.<br \/>\nBut let us take counsel here as well as we can,<br \/>\nFor your words would fear a strong man.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Why, ye said, If I had need,<br \/>\nYe would me never forsake, quick nor dead,<br \/>\nThough it were to hell truly.<\/p>\n<p><i>Fellowship.<\/i> So I said, certainly,<br \/>\nBut such pleasures be set aside, thee sooth to say:<br \/>\nAnd also, if we took such a journey,<br \/>\nWhen should we come again?<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Nay, never again till the day of doom.<\/p>\n<p><i>Fellowship.<\/i> In faith, then will not I come there!<br \/>\nWho hath you these tidings brought?<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Indeed, <i>Death<\/i> was with me here.<\/p>\n<p><i>Fellowship.<\/i> Now, by God that all hath bought,<br \/>\nIf <i>Death<\/i> were the messenger,<br \/>\nFor no man that is living to-day<br \/>\nI will not go that loath journey&#8211;<br \/>\nNot for the father that begat me!<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Ye promised other wise, pardie.<\/p>\n<p><i>Fellowship.<\/i> I wot well I say so truly;<br \/>\nAnd yet if thou wilt eat, and drink, and make good cheer,<br \/>\nOr haunt to women, the lusty company,<br \/>\nI would not forsake you, while the day is clear,<br \/>\nTrust me verily!<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Yea, thereto ye would be ready;<br \/>\nTo go to mirth, solace, and play,<br \/>\nYour mind will sooner apply<br \/>\nThan to bear me company in my long journey.<\/p>\n<p><i>Fellowship.<\/i> Now, in good faith, I will not that way.<br \/>\nBut and thou wilt murder, or any man kill,<br \/>\nIn that I will help thee with a good will!<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> O that is a simple advice indeed!<br \/>\nGentle <i>fellow<\/i>, help me in my necessity;<br \/>\nWe have loved long, and now I need,<br \/>\nAnd now, gentle <i>Fellowship<\/i>, remember me.<\/p>\n<p><i>Fellowship.<\/i> Whether ye have loved me or no,<br \/>\nBy Saint John, I will not with thee go.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Yet I pray thee, take the labour, and do so much for me<br \/>\nTo bring me forward, for saint charity,<br \/>\nAnd comfort me till I come without the town.<\/p>\n<p><i>Fellowship.<\/i> Nay, and thou would give me a new gown,<br \/>\nI will not a foot with thee go;<br \/>\nBut and you had tarried I would not have left thee so.<br \/>\nAnd as now, God speed thee in thy journey,<br \/>\nFor from thee I will depart as fast as I may.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Whither away, <i>Fellowship<\/i>? will you forsake me?<\/p>\n<p><i>Fellowship.<\/i> Yea, by my fay, to God I betake thee.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Farewell, good <i>Fellowship<\/i>; for this my heart is sore;<br \/>\nAdieu for ever, I shall see thee no more.<\/p>\n<p><i>Fellowship.<\/i> In faith, <i>Everyman<\/i>, farewell now at the end;<br \/>\nFor you I will remember that parting is mourning.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Alack! shall we thus depart indeed?<br \/>\nOur Lady, help, without any more comfort,<br \/>\nLo, <i>Fellowship<\/i> forsaketh me in my most need:<br \/>\nFor help in this world whither shall I resort?<br \/>\n<i>Fellowship<\/i> herebefore with me would merry make;<br \/>\nAnd now little sorrow for me doth he take.<br \/>\nIt is said, in prosperity men friends may find,<br \/>\nWhich in adversity be full unkind.<br \/>\nNow whither for succour shall I flee,<br \/>\nSith that <i>Fellowship<\/i> hath forsaken me?<br \/>\nTo my kinsmen I will truly,<br \/>\nPraying them to help me in my necessity;<br \/>\nI believe that they will do so,<br \/>\nFor kind will creep where it may not go.<br \/>\nI will go say, for yonder I see them go.<br \/>\nWhere be ye now, my friends and kinsmen?<\/p>\n<p><i>Kindred.<\/i> Here be we now at your commandment.<br \/>\n<i>Cousin<\/i>, I pray you show us your intent<br \/>\nIn any wise, and not spare.<\/p>\n<p><i>Cousin.<\/i> Yea, <i>Everyman<\/i>, and to us declare<br \/>\nIf ye be disposed to go any whither,<br \/>\nFor wete you well, we will live and die together.<\/p>\n<p><i>Kindred.<\/i> In wealth and woe we will with you hold,<br \/>\nFor over his kin a man may be bold.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Gramercy, my friends and kinsmen kind.<br \/>\nNow shall I show you the grief of my mind:<br \/>\nI was commanded by a messenger,<br \/>\nThat is an high king&#8217;s chief officer;<br \/>\nHe bade me go a pilgrimage to my pain,<br \/>\nAnd I know well I shall never come again;<br \/>\nAlso I must give a reckoning straight,<br \/>\nFor I have a great enemy, that hath me in wait,<br \/>\nWhich intendeth me for to hinder.<\/p>\n<p><i>Kindred.<\/i> What account is that which ye must render?<br \/>\nThat would I know.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Of all my works I must show<br \/>\nHow I have lived and my days spent;<br \/>\nAlso of ill deeds, that I have used<br \/>\nIn my time, sith life was me lent;<br \/>\nAnd of all virtues that I have refused.<br \/>\nTherefore I pray you go thither with me,<br \/>\nTo help to make mine account, for saint <i>charity<\/i>.<\/p>\n<p><i>Cousin.<\/i> What, to go thither? Is that the matter?<br \/>\nNay, <i>Everyman<\/i>, I had liefer fast bread and water<br \/>\nAll this five year and more.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Alas, that ever I was bore!<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"born.\" id=\"return-footnote-81-6\" href=\"#footnote-81-6\" aria-label=\"Footnote 6\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[6]<\/sup><\/a><br \/>\nFor now shall I never be merry<br \/>\nIf that you forsake me.<\/p>\n<p><i>Kindred.<\/i> Ah, sir; what, ye be a merry man!<br \/>\nTake good heart to you, and make no moan.<br \/>\nBut one thing I warn you, by Saint Anne,<br \/>\nAs for me, ye shall go alone.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> My <i>Cousin<\/i>, will you not with me go?<\/p>\n<p><i>Cousin.<\/i> No, by our Lady; I have the cramp in my toe.<br \/>\nTrust not to me, for, so God me speed,<br \/>\nI will deceive you in your most need,<br \/>\n<i>Kindred.<\/i> It availeth not us to tice.<br \/>\nYe shall have my maid with all my heart;<br \/>\nShe loveth to go to feasts, there to be nice,<br \/>\nAnd to dance, and abroad to start:<br \/>\nI will give her leave to help you in that journey,<br \/>\nIf that you and she may agree.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Now show me the very effect of your mind.<br \/>\nWill you go with me, or abide behind?<\/p>\n<p><i>Kindred.<\/i> Abide behind? yea, that I will and I may!<br \/>\nTherefore farewell until another day.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> How should I be merry or glad?<br \/>\nFor fair promises to me make,<br \/>\nBut when I have most need, they me forsake.<br \/>\nI am deceived; that maketh me sad.<\/p>\n<p><i>Cousin.<\/i> Cousin <i>Everyman<\/i>, farewell now,<br \/>\nFor verily I will not go with you;<br \/>\nAlso of mine own an unready reckoning<br \/>\nI have to account; therefore I make tarrying.<br \/>\nNow, God keep thee, for now I go.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Ah, <i>Jesus<\/i>, is all come hereto?<br \/>\nLo, fair words maketh fools feign;<br \/>\nThey promise and nothing will do certain.<br \/>\nMy kinsmen promised me faithfully<br \/>\nFor to abide with me steadfastly,<br \/>\nAnd now fast away do they flee:<br \/>\nEven so <i>Fellowship<\/i> promised me.<br \/>\nWhat friend were best me of to provide?<br \/>\nI lose my time here longer to abide.<br \/>\nYet in my mind a thing there is;&#8211;<br \/>\nAll my life I have loved riches;<br \/>\nIf that my good now help me might,<br \/>\nHe would make my heart full light.<br \/>\nI will speak to him in this distress.&#8211;<br \/>\nWhere art thou, my <i>Goods<\/i> and riches?<\/p>\n<p><i>Goods.<\/i> Who calleth me? <i>Everyman?<\/i> what haste thou hast!<br \/>\nI lie here in corners, trussed and piled so high,<br \/>\nAnd in chests I am locked so fast,<br \/>\nAlso sacked in bags, thou mayst see with thine eye,<br \/>\nI cannot stir; in packs low I lie.<br \/>\nWhat would ye have, lightly me say.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Come hither, <i>Good<\/i>, in all the haste thou may,<br \/>\nFor of counsel I must desire thee.<\/p>\n<p><i>Goods.<\/i> Sir, and ye in the world have trouble or adversity,<br \/>\nThat can I help you to remedy shortly.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> It is another disease that grieveth me;<br \/>\nIn this world it is not, I tell thee so.<br \/>\nI am sent for another way to go,<br \/>\nTo give a straight account general<br \/>\nBefore the highest <i>Jupiter<\/i> of all;<br \/>\nAnd all my life I have had joy and pleasure in thee.<br \/>\nTherefore I pray thee go with me,<br \/>\nFor, peradventure, thou mayst before God Almighty<br \/>\nMy reckoning help to clean and purify;<br \/>\nFor it is said ever among,<br \/>\nThat money maketh all right that is wrong.<\/p>\n<p><i>Goods.<\/i> Nay, <i>Everyman<\/i>, I sing another song,<br \/>\nI follow no man in such voyages;<br \/>\nFor and I went with thee<br \/>\nThou shouldst fare much the worse for me;<br \/>\nFor because on me thou did set thy mind,<br \/>\nThy reckoning I have made blotted and blind,<br \/>\nThat thine account thou cannot make truly;<br \/>\nAnd that hast thou for the love of me.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> That would grieve me full sore,<br \/>\nWhen I should come to that fearful answer.<br \/>\nUp, let us go thither together.<\/p>\n<p><i>Goods.<\/i> Nay, not so, I am too brittle, I may not endure;<br \/>\nI will follow no man one foot, be ye sure.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Alas, I have thee loved, and had great pleasure<br \/>\nAll my life-days on good and treasure.<\/p>\n<p><i>Goods.<\/i> That is to thy damnation without lesing,<br \/>\nFor my love is contrary to the love everlasting.<br \/>\nBut if thou had me loved moderately during,<br \/>\nAs, to the poor give part of me,<br \/>\nThen shouldst thou not in this dolour be,<br \/>\nNor in this great sorrow and care.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Lo, now was I deceived or I was ware,<br \/>\nAnd all I may wyte<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"blame.\" id=\"return-footnote-81-7\" href=\"#footnote-81-7\" aria-label=\"Footnote 7\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[7]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0my spending of time.<\/p>\n<p><i>Goods.<\/i> What, weenest thou that I am thine?<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> I had wend so.<\/p>\n<p><i>Goods.<\/i> Nay, <i>Everyman,<\/i> I say no;<br \/>\nAs for a while I was lent thee,<br \/>\nA season thou hast had me in prosperity;<br \/>\nMy condition is man&#8217;s soul to kill;<br \/>\nIf I save one, a thousand I do spill;<br \/>\nWeenest thou that I will follow thee?<br \/>\nNay, from this world, not verily.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> I had wend otherwise.<\/p>\n<p><i>Goods.<\/i> Therefore to thy soul <i>Good<\/i> is a thief;<br \/>\nFor when thou art dead, this is my guise<br \/>\nAnother to deceive in the same wise<br \/>\nAs I have done thee, and all to his soul&#8217;s reprief.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> O false <i>Good<\/i>, cursed thou be!<br \/>\nThou traitor to God, that hast deceived me,<br \/>\nAnd caught me in thy snare.<\/p>\n<p><i>Goods.<\/i> Marry, thou brought thyself in care,<br \/>\nWhereof I am glad,<br \/>\nI must needs laugh, I cannot be sad.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Ah, <i>Good<\/i>, thou hast had long my heartly love;<br \/>\nI gave thee that which should be the Lord&#8217;s above.<br \/>\nBut wilt thou not go with me in deed?<br \/>\nI pray thee truth to say.<\/p>\n<p><i>Goods.<\/i> No, so God me speed,<br \/>\nTherefore farewell, and have good day.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> O, to whom shall I make my moan<br \/>\nFor to go with me in that heavy journey?<br \/>\nFirst <i>Fellowship<\/i> said he would with me gone;<br \/>\nHis words were very pleasant and gay,<br \/>\nBut afterward he left me alone.<br \/>\nThen spake I to my kinsmen all in despair,<br \/>\nAnd also they gave me words fair,<br \/>\nThey lacked no fair speaking,<br \/>\nBut all forsake me in the ending.<br \/>\nThen went I to my <i>Goods<\/i> that I loved best,<br \/>\nIn hope to have comfort, but there had I least;<br \/>\nFor my <i>Goods<\/i> sharply did me tell<br \/>\nThat he bringeth many into hell.<br \/>\nThen of myself I was ashamed,<br \/>\nAnd so I am worthy to be blamed;<br \/>\nThus may I well myself hate.<br \/>\nOf whom shall I now counsel take?<br \/>\nI think that I shall never speed<br \/>\nTill that I go to my <i>Good-Deed<\/i>,<br \/>\nBut alas, she is so weak,<br \/>\nThat she can neither go nor speak;<br \/>\nYet will I venture on her now.&#8211;<br \/>\nMy <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>, where be you?<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> Here I lie cold in the ground;<br \/>\nThy sins hath me sore bound,<br \/>\nThat I cannot stir.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> O, <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>, I stand in fear;<br \/>\nI must you pray of counsel,<br \/>\nFor help now should come right well.<\/p>\n<p><i>Goods-Deeds.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, I have understanding<br \/>\nThat ye be summoned account to make<br \/>\nBefore <i>Messias<\/i>, of Jerusalem King;<br \/>\nAnd you do by me<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"If you go by me.\" id=\"return-footnote-81-8\" href=\"#footnote-81-8\" aria-label=\"Footnote 8\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[8]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0that journey what<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"with.\" id=\"return-footnote-81-9\" href=\"#footnote-81-9\" aria-label=\"Footnote 9\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[9]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0you will I take.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Therefore I come to you, my moan to make;<br \/>\nI pray you, that ye will go with me.<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> I would full fain, but I cannot stand verily.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Why, is there anything on you fall?<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> Yea, sir, I may thank you of all;<br \/>\nIf ye had perfectly cheered me,<br \/>\nYour book of account now full ready had be.<br \/>\nLook, the books of your works and deeds eke;<br \/>\nOh, see how they lie under the feet,<br \/>\nTo your soul&#8217;s heaviness.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Our Lord <i>Jesus<\/i>, help me!<br \/>\nFor one letter here I can not see.<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> There is a blind reckoning in time of distress!<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>, I pray you, help me in this need,<br \/>\nOr else I am for ever damned indeed;<br \/>\nTherefore help me to make reckoning<br \/>\nBefore the redeemer of all thing,<br \/>\nThat king is, and was, and ever shall.<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, I am sorry of your fall,<br \/>\nAnd fain would I help you, and I were able.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>, your counsel I pray you give me.<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> That shall I do verily;<br \/>\nThough that on my feet I may not go,<br \/>\nI have a sister, that shall with you also,<br \/>\nCalled <i>Knowledge<\/i>, which shall with you abide,<br \/>\nTo help you to make that dreadful reckoning.<\/p>\n<p><i>Knowledge.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, I will go with thee, and be thy guide,<br \/>\nIn thy most need to go by thy side.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> In good condition I am now in every thing,<br \/>\nAnd am wholly content with this good thing;<br \/>\nThanked be God my Creator.<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> And when he hath brought thee there,<br \/>\nWhere thou shalt heal thee of thy smart,<br \/>\nThen go you with your reckoning and your <i>Good-Deeds<\/i> together<br \/>\nFor to make you joyful at heart<br \/>\nBefore the blessed Trinity.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> My <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>, gramercy;<br \/>\nI am well content, certainly,<br \/>\nWith your words sweet.<\/p>\n<p><i>Knowledge.<\/i> Now go we together lovingly,<br \/>\nTo <i>Confession<\/i>, that cleansing river.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> For joy I weep; I would we were there;<br \/>\nBut, I pray you, give me cognition<br \/>\nWhere dwelleth that holy man, <i>Confession<\/i>.<\/p>\n<p><i>Knowledge.<\/i> In the house of salvation:<br \/>\nWe shall find him in that place,<br \/>\nThat shall us comfort by God&#8217;s grace.<br \/>\nLo, this is <i>Confession<\/i>; kneel down and ask mercy,<br \/>\nFor he is in good conceit with God almighty.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> O glorious fountain that all uncleanness doth clarify,<br \/>\nWash from me the spots of vices unclean,<br \/>\nThat on me no sin may be seen;<br \/>\nI come with <i>Knowledge<\/i> for my redemption,<br \/>\nRepent with hearty and full contrition;<br \/>\nFor I am commanded a pilgrimage to take,<br \/>\nAnd great accounts before God to make.<br \/>\nNow, I pray you, <i>Shrift<\/i>, mother of salvation,<br \/>\nHelp my good deeds for my piteous exclamation.<\/p>\n<p><i>Confession.<\/i> I know your sorrow well, <i>Everyman<\/i>;<br \/>\nBecause with <i>Knowledge<\/i> ye come to me,<br \/>\nI will you comfort as well as I can,<br \/>\nAnd a precious jewel I will give thee,<br \/>\nCalled penance, wise voider of adversity;<br \/>\nTherewith shall your body chastised be,<br \/>\nWith abstinence and perseverance in God&#8217;s service:<br \/>\nHere shall you receive that scourge of me,<br \/>\nWhich is penance strong, that ye must endure,<br \/>\nTo remember thy Saviour was scourged for thee<br \/>\nWith sharp scourges, and suffered it patiently;<br \/>\nSo must thou, or thou scape that painful pilgrimage;<br \/>\n<i>Knowledge<\/i>, keep him in this voyage,<br \/>\nAnd by that time <i>Good-Deeds<\/i> will be with thee.<br \/>\nBut in any wise, be sure of mercy,<br \/>\nFor your time draweth fast, and ye will saved be;<br \/>\nAsk God mercy, and He will grant truly,<br \/>\nWhen with the scourge of penance man doth him bind,<br \/>\nThe oil of forgiveness then shall he find.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Thanked be God for his gracious work!<br \/>\nFor now I will my penance begin;<br \/>\nThis hath rejoiced and lighted my heart,<br \/>\nThough the knots be painful and hard within.<\/p>\n<p><i>Knowledge.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, look your penance that ye fulfil,<br \/>\nWhat pain that ever it to you be,<br \/>\nAnd <i>Knowledge<\/i> shall give you counsel at will,<br \/>\nHow your accounts ye shall make clearly.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> O eternal God, O heavenly figure,<br \/>\nO way of rightwiseness, O goodly vision,<br \/>\nWhich descended down in a virgin pure<br \/>\nBecause he would <i>Everyman<\/i> redeem,<br \/>\nWhich <i>Adam<\/i> forfeited by his disobedience:<br \/>\nO blessed Godhead, elect and high-divine,<br \/>\nForgive my grievous offence;<br \/>\nHere I cry thee mercy in this presence.<br \/>\nO ghostly treasure, O ransomer and redeemer<br \/>\nOf all the world, hope and conductor,<br \/>\nMirror of joy, and founder of mercy,<br \/>\nWhich illumineth heaven and earth thereby,<br \/>\nHear my clamorous complaint, though it late be;<br \/>\nReceive my prayers; unworthy in this heavy life,<br \/>\nThough I be, a sinner most abominable,<br \/>\nYet let my name be written in <i>Moses&#8217;<\/i> table;<br \/>\nO <i>Mary<\/i>, pray to the Maker of all thing,<br \/>\nMe for to help at my ending,<br \/>\nAnd save me from the power of my enemy,<br \/>\nFor <i>Death<\/i> assaileth me strongly;<br \/>\nAnd, Lady, that I may by means of thy prayer<br \/>\nOf your Son&#8217;s glory to be partaker,<br \/>\nBy the means of his passion I it crave,<br \/>\nI beseech you, help my soul to save.&#8211;<br \/>\n<i>Knowledge<\/i>, give me the scourge of penance;<br \/>\nMy flesh therewith shall give a quittance:<br \/>\nI will now begin, if God give me grace.<\/p>\n<p><i>Knowledge.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, God give you time and space:<br \/>\nThus I bequeath you in the hands of our Saviour,<br \/>\nThus may you make your reckoning sure.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> In the name of the Holy Trinity,<br \/>\nMy body sore punished shall be:<br \/>\nTake this body for the sin of the flesh;<br \/>\nAlso thou delightest to go gay and fresh,<br \/>\nAnd in the way of damnation thou did me bring;<br \/>\nTherefore suffer now strokes and punishing.<br \/>\nNow of penance I will wade the water clear,<br \/>\nTo save me from purgatory, that sharp fire.<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> I thank God, now I can walk and go;<br \/>\nAnd am delivered of my sickness and woe.<br \/>\nTherefore with <i>Everyman<\/i> I will go, and not spare;<br \/>\nHis good works I will help him to declare.<\/p>\n<p><i>Knowledge.<\/i> Now, <i>Everyman<\/i>, be merry and glad;<br \/>\nYour <i>Good-Deeds<\/i> cometh now; ye may not be sad;<br \/>\nNow is your <i>Good-Deeds<\/i> whole and sound,<br \/>\nGoing upright upon the ground.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> My heart is light, and shall be evermore;<br \/>\nNow will I smite faster than I did before.<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, pilgrim, my special friend,<br \/>\nBlessed be thou without end;<br \/>\nFor thee is prepared the eternal glory.<br \/>\nYe have me made whole and sound,<br \/>\nTherefore I will bide by thee in every stound.<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"season.\" id=\"return-footnote-81-10\" href=\"#footnote-81-10\" aria-label=\"Footnote 10\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[10]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Welcome, my <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>; now I hear thy voice,<br \/>\nI weep for very sweetness of love.<\/p>\n<p><i>Knowledge.<\/i> Be no more sad, but ever rejoice,<br \/>\nGod seeth thy living in his throne above;<br \/>\nPut on this garment to thy behove,<br \/>\nWhich is wet with your tears,<br \/>\nOr else before God you may it miss,<br \/>\nWhen you to your journey&#8217;s end come shall.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Gentle <i>Knowledge<\/i>, what do you it call?<\/p>\n<p><i>Knowledge.<\/i> It is a garment of sorrow:<br \/>\nFrom pain it will you borrow;<br \/>\nContrition it is,<br \/>\nThat getteth forgiveness;<br \/>\nIt pleaseth God passing well.<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, will you wear it for your heal?<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Now blessed be <i>Jesu, Mary&#8217;s<\/i> Son!<br \/>\nFor now have I on true contrition.<br \/>\nAnd let us go now without tarrying;<br \/>\n<i>Good-Deeds<\/i>, have we clear our reckoning?<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> Yea, indeed I have it here.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Then I trust we need not fear;<br \/>\nNow, friends, let us not part in twain.<\/p>\n<p><i>Knowledge.<\/i> Nay, <i>Everyman<\/i>, that will we not, certain.<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> Yet must thou lead with thee<br \/>\nThree persons of great might.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Who should they be?<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> <i>Discretion<\/i> and <i>Strength<\/i> they hight,<br \/>\nAnd thy <i>Beauty<\/i> may not abide behind.<\/p>\n<p><i>Knowledge.<\/i> Also ye must call to mind<br \/>\nYour <i>Five-wits<\/i> as for your counsellors.<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> You must have them ready at all hours.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> How shall I get them hither?<\/p>\n<p><i>Knowledge.<\/i> You must call them all together,<br \/>\nAnd they will hear you incontinent.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> My friends, come hither and be present<br \/>\n<i>Discretion<\/i>, <i>Strength<\/i>, my <i>Five-wits<\/i>, and <i>Beauty<\/i>.<\/p>\n<p><i>Beauty.<\/i> Here at your will we be all ready.<br \/>\nWhat will ye that we should do?<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> That ye would with <i>Everyman<\/i> go,<br \/>\nAnd help him in his pilgrimage,<br \/>\nAdvise you, will ye with him or not in that voyage?<\/p>\n<p><i>Strength.<\/i> We will bring him all thither,<br \/>\nTo his help and comfort, ye may believe me.<\/p>\n<p><i>Discretion.<\/i> So will we go with him all together.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Almighty God, loved thou be,<br \/>\nI give thee laud that I have hither brought<br \/>\n<i>Strength<\/i>, <i>Discretion<\/i>, <i>Beauty<\/i>, and <i>Five-wits<\/i>; lack I nought;<br \/>\nAnd my <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>, with <i>Knowledge<\/i> clear,<br \/>\nAll be in my company at my will here;<br \/>\nI desire no more to my business.<\/p>\n<p><i>Strength.<\/i> And I, <i>Strength<\/i>, will by you stand in distress,<br \/>\nThough thou would in battle fight on the ground.<\/p>\n<p><i>Five-wits.<\/i> And though it were through the world round,<br \/>\nWe will not depart for sweet nor sour.<\/p>\n<p><i>Beauty.<\/i> No more will I unto death&#8217;s hour,<br \/>\nWhatsoever thereof befall.<\/p>\n<p><i>Discretion.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, advise you first of all;<br \/>\nGo with a good advisement and deliberation;<br \/>\nWe all give you virtuous monition<br \/>\nThat all shall be well.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> My friends, hearken what I will tell:<br \/>\nI pray God reward you in his heavenly sphere.<br \/>\nNow hearken, all that be here,<br \/>\nFor I will make my testament<br \/>\nHere before you all present.<br \/>\nIn alms half my good I will give with my hands twain<br \/>\nIn the way of charity, with good intent,<br \/>\nAnd the other half still shall remain<br \/>\nIn quiet to be returned there it ought to be.<br \/>\nThis I do in despite of the fiend of hell<br \/>\nTo go quite out of his peril<br \/>\nEver after and this day.<\/p>\n<p><i>Knowledge.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, hearken what I say;<br \/>\nGo to priesthood, I you advise,<br \/>\nAnd receive of him in any wise<br \/>\nThe holy sacrament and ointment together;<br \/>\nThen shortly see ye turn again hither;<br \/>\nWe will all abide you here.<\/p>\n<p><i>Five-Wits.<\/i> Yea, <i>Everyman<\/i>, hie you that ye ready were,<br \/>\nThere is no emperor, king, duke, ne baron,<br \/>\nThat of God hath commission,<br \/>\nAs hath the least priest in the world being;<br \/>\nFor of the blessed sacraments pure and benign,<br \/>\nHe beareth the keys and thereof hath the cure<br \/>\nFor man&#8217;s redemption, it is ever sure;<br \/>\nWhich God for our soul&#8217;s medicine<br \/>\nGave us out of his heart with great pine;<br \/>\nHere in this transitory life, for thee and me<br \/>\nThe blessed sacraments seven there be,<br \/>\nBaptism, confirmation, with priesthood good,<br \/>\nAnd the sacrament of God&#8217;s precious flesh and blood,<br \/>\nMarriage, the holy extreme unction, and penance;<br \/>\nThese seven be good to have in remembrance,<br \/>\nGracious sacraments of high divinity.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Fain would I receive that holy body<br \/>\nAnd meekly to my ghostly father I will go.<\/p>\n<p><i>Five-wits.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, that is the best that ye can do:<br \/>\nGod will you to salvation bring,<br \/>\nFor priesthood exceedeth all other thing;<br \/>\nTo us Holy Scripture they do teach,<br \/>\nAnd converteth man from sin heaven to reach;<br \/>\nGod hath to them more power given,<br \/>\nThan to any angel that is in heaven;<br \/>\nWith five words he may consecrate<br \/>\nGod&#8217;s body in flesh and blood to make,<br \/>\nAnd handleth his maker between his hands;<br \/>\nThe priest bindeth and unbindeth all bands,<br \/>\nBoth in earth and in heaven;<br \/>\nThou ministers all the sacraments seven;<br \/>\nThough we kissed thy feet thou were worthy;<br \/>\nThou art surgeon that cureth sin deadly:<br \/>\nNo remedy we find under God<br \/>\nBut all only priesthood.<br \/>\n<i>Everyman<\/i>, God gave priests that dignity,<br \/>\nAnd setteth them in his stead among us to be;<br \/>\nThus be they above angels in degree.<\/p>\n<p><i>Knowledge.<\/i> If priests be good it is so surely;<br \/>\nBut when Jesus hanged on the cross with great smart<br \/>\nThere he gave, out of his blessed heart,<br \/>\nThe same sacrament in great torment:<br \/>\nHe sold them not to us, that Lord Omnipotent.<br \/>\nTherefore Saint Peter the apostle doth say<br \/>\nThat Jesu&#8217;s curse hath all they<br \/>\nWhich God their Saviour do buy or sell,<br \/>\nOr they for any money do take or tell.<br \/>\nSinful priests giveth the sinners example bad;<br \/>\nTheir children sitteth by other men&#8217;s fires, I have heard;<br \/>\nAnd some haunteth women&#8217;s company,<br \/>\nWith unclean life, as lusts of lechery<br \/>\nThese be with sin made blind.<\/p>\n<p><i>Five-wits.<\/i> I trust to God no such may we find;<br \/>\nTherefore let us priesthood honour,<br \/>\nAnd follow their doctrine for our souls&#8217; succour;<br \/>\nWe be their sheep, and they shepherds be<br \/>\nBy whom we all be kept in surety.<br \/>\nPeace, for yonder I see <i>Everyman<\/i> come,<br \/>\nWhich hath made true satisfaction.<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> Methinketh it is he indeed.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Now Jesu be our alder speed.<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"speed in help of all.\" id=\"return-footnote-81-11\" href=\"#footnote-81-11\" aria-label=\"Footnote 11\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[11]<\/sup><\/a><br \/>\nI have received the sacrament for my redemption,<br \/>\nAnd then mine extreme unction:<br \/>\nBlessed be all they that counselled me to take it!<br \/>\nAnd now, friends, let us go without longer respite;<br \/>\nI thank God that ye have tarried so long.<br \/>\nNow set each of you on this rod your hand,<br \/>\nAnd shortly follow me:<br \/>\nI go before, there I would be; God be our guide.<\/p>\n<p><i>Strength.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, we will not from you go,<br \/>\nTill ye have gone this voyage long.<\/p>\n<p><i>Discretion.<\/i> I, <i>Discretion<\/i>, will bide by you also.<\/p>\n<p><i>Knowledge.<\/i> And though this pilgrimage be never so strong,<br \/>\nI will never part you fro:<br \/>\n<i>Everyman<\/i>, I will be as sure by thee<br \/>\nAs ever I did by Judas Maccabee.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Alas, I am so faint I may not stand,<br \/>\nMy limbs under me do fold;<br \/>\nFriends, let us not turn again to this land,<br \/>\nNot for all the world&#8217;s gold,<br \/>\nFor into this cave must I creep<br \/>\nAnd turn to the earth and there to sleep.<\/p>\n<p><i>Beauty.<\/i> What, into this grave? alas!<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Yea, there shall you consume more and less.<\/p>\n<p><i>Beauty.<\/i> And what, should I smother here?<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Yea, by my faith, and never more appear.<br \/>\nIn this world live no more we shall,<br \/>\nBut in heaven before the highest Lord of all.<\/p>\n<p><i>Beauty.<\/i> I cross out all this; adieu by Saint <i>John<\/i>;<br \/>\nI take my cap in my lap and am gone.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> What, <i>Beauty<\/i>, whither will ye?<\/p>\n<p><i>Beauty.<\/i> Peace, I am deaf; I look not behind me,<br \/>\nNot and thou would give me all the gold in thy chest.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Alas, whereto may I trust?<br \/>\n<i>Beauty<\/i> goeth fast away hie;<br \/>\nShe promised with me to live and die.<\/p>\n<p><i>Strength.<\/i> <i>Everyman<\/i>, I will thee also forsake and deny;<br \/>\nThy game liketh me not at all.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Why, then ye will forsake me all.<br \/>\nSweet <i>Strength<\/i>, tarry a little space.<\/p>\n<p><i>Strength.<\/i> Nay, sir, by the rood of grace<br \/>\nI will hie me from thee fast,<br \/>\nThough thou weep till thy heart brast.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Ye would ever bide by me, ye said.<\/p>\n<p><i>Strength.<\/i> Yea, I have you far enough conveyed;<br \/>\nYe be old enough, I understand,<br \/>\nYour pilgrimage to take on hand;<br \/>\nI repent me that I hither came.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> <i>Strength<\/i>, you to displease I am to blame;<br \/>\nWill you break promise that is debt?<\/p>\n<p><i>Strength.<\/i> In faith, I care not;<br \/>\nThou art but a fool to complain,<br \/>\nYou spend your speech and waste your brain;<br \/>\nGo thrust thee into the ground.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> I had wend surer I should you have found.<br \/>\nHe that trusteth in his <i>Strength<\/i><br \/>\nShe him deceiveth at the length.<br \/>\nBoth <i>Strength<\/i> and <i>Beauty<\/i> forsaketh me,<br \/>\nYet they promised me fair and lovingly.<\/p>\n<p><i>Discretion. Everyman<\/i>, I will after <i>Strength<\/i> be gone,<br \/>\nAs for me I will leave you alone.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Why, <i>Discretion<\/i>, will ye forsake me?<\/p>\n<p><i>Discretion.<\/i> Yea, in faith, I will go from thee,<br \/>\nFor when <i>Strength<\/i> goeth before<br \/>\nI follow after evermore.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Yet, I pray thee, for the love of the Trinity,<br \/>\nLook in my grave once piteously.<\/p>\n<p><i>Discretion.<\/i> Nay, so nigh will I not come.<br \/>\nFarewell, every one!<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> O all thing faileth, save God alone;<br \/>\n<i>Beauty<\/i>, <i>Strength<\/i>, and <i>Discretion<\/i>;<br \/>\nFor when <i>Death<\/i> bloweth his blast,<br \/>\nThey all run from me full fast.<\/p>\n<p><i>Five-wits. Everyman<\/i>, my leave now of thee I take;<br \/>\nI will follow the other, for here I thee forsake.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Alas! then may I wail and weep,<br \/>\nFor I took you for my best friend.<\/p>\n<p><i>Five-wits.<\/i> I will no longer thee keep;<br \/>\nNow farewell, and there an end.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> O Jesu, help, all hath forsaken me!<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> Nay, <i>Everyman<\/i>, I will bide with thee,<br \/>\nI will not forsake thee indeed;<br \/>\nThou shalt find me a good friend at need.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Gramercy, <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>; now may I true friends see;<br \/>\nThey have forsaken me every one;<br \/>\nI loved them better than my <i>Good-Deeds<\/i> alone.<br \/>\n<i>Knowledge<\/i>, will ye forsake me also?<\/p>\n<p><i>Knowledge.<\/i> Yea, <i>Everyman<\/i>, when ye to death do go:<br \/>\nBut not yet for no manner of danger.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Gramercy, <i>Knowledge<\/i>, with all my heart.<\/p>\n<p><i>Knowledge.<\/i> Nay, yet I will not from hence depart,<br \/>\nTill I see where ye shall be come.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Methinketh, alas, that I must be gone,<br \/>\nTo make my reckoning and my debts pay,<br \/>\nFor I see my time is nigh spent away.<br \/>\nTake example, all ye that this do hear or see,<br \/>\nHow they that I loved best do forsake me,<br \/>\nExcept my <i>Good-Deeds<\/i> that bideth truly.<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> All earthly things is but vanity:<br \/>\n<i>Beauty<\/i>, <i>Strength<\/i>, and <i>Discretion<\/i>, do man forsake,<br \/>\nFoolish friends and kinsmen, that fair spake,<br \/>\nAll fleeth save <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>, and that am I.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Have mercy on me, God most mighty;<br \/>\nAnd stand by me, thou Mother and Maid, holy <i>Mary<\/i>.<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> Fear not, I will speak for thee.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Here I cry God mercy.<\/p>\n<p><i>Good-Deeds.<\/i> Short our end, and minish our pain;<br \/>\nLet us go and never come again.<\/p>\n<p><i>Everyman.<\/i> Into thy hands, Lord, my soul I commend;<br \/>\nReceive it, Lord, that it be not lost;<br \/>\nAs thou me boughtest, so me defend,<br \/>\nAnd save me from the fiend&#8217;s boast,<br \/>\nThat I may appear with that blessed host<br \/>\nThat shall be saved at the day of doom.<br \/>\n<i>In manus tuas<\/i>&#8211;of might&#8217;s most<br \/>\nFor ever&#8211;<i>commendo spiritum meum<\/i>.<\/p>\n<p><i>Knowledge.<\/i> Now hath he suffered that we all shall endure;<br \/>\nThe <i>Good-Deeds<\/i> shall make all sure.<br \/>\nNow hath he made ending;<br \/>\nMethinketh that I hear angels sing<br \/>\nAnd make great joy and melody,<br \/>\nWhere <i>Everyman&#8217;s<\/i> soul received shall be.<\/p>\n<p><i>Angel.<\/i> Come, excellent elect spouse to Jesu:<br \/>\nHereabove thou shalt go<br \/>\nBecause of thy singular virtue:<br \/>\nNow the soul is taken the body fro;<br \/>\nThy reckoning is crystal-clear.<br \/>\nNow shalt thou into the heavenly sphere,<br \/>\nUnto the which all ye shall come<br \/>\nThat liveth well before the day of doom.<\/p>\n<p><i>Doctor.<\/i> This moral men may have in mind;<br \/>\nYe hearers, take it of worth, old and young,<br \/>\nAnd forsake pride, for he deceiveth you in the end,<br \/>\nAnd remember <i>Beauty<\/i>, <i>Five-wits<\/i>, <i>Strength<\/i>, and <i>Discretion<\/i>,<br \/>\nThey all at the last do <i>Everyman<\/i> forsake,<br \/>\nSave his <i>Good-Deeds<\/i>, there doth he take.<br \/>\nBut beware, and they be small<br \/>\nBefore God, he hath no help at all.<br \/>\nNone excuse may be there for <i>Everyman<\/i>:<br \/>\nAlas, how shall he do then?<br \/>\nFor after death amends may no man make,<br \/>\nFor then mercy and pity do him forsake.<br \/>\nIf his reckoning be not clear when he do come,<br \/>\nGod will say&#8211;<i>ite maledicti in ignem \u00e6ternum<\/i>.<br \/>\nAnd he that hath his account whole and sound,<br \/>\nHigh in heaven he shall be crowned;<br \/>\nUnto which place God bring us all thither<br \/>\nThat we may live body and soul together.<br \/>\nThereto help the Trinity,<br \/>\nAmen, say ye, for saint <i>Charity<\/i>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"end\">THUS ENDETH THIS MORALL PLAY OF EVERYMAN.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-81\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">Public domain content<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Everyman. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gutenberg.org\/files\/19481\/19481-h\/19481-h.htm#fn_630\">https:\/\/www.gutenberg.org\/files\/19481\/19481-h\/19481-h.htm#fn_630<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/about\/pdm\">Public Domain: No Known Copyright<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/section><hr class=\"before-footnotes clear\" \/><div class=\"footnotes\"><ol><li id=\"footnote-81-1\">is impaired. <a href=\"#return-footnote-81-1\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 1\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-81-2\">know. <a href=\"#return-footnote-81-2\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 2\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-81-3\">mediator. <a href=\"#return-footnote-81-3\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 3\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-81-4\">been gotten, been born. <a href=\"#return-footnote-81-4\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 4\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-81-5\">God. <a href=\"#return-footnote-81-5\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 5\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-81-6\"> born. <a href=\"#return-footnote-81-6\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 6\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-81-7\">blame. <a href=\"#return-footnote-81-7\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 7\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-81-8\">If you go by me. <a href=\"#return-footnote-81-8\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 8\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-81-9\">with. <a href=\"#return-footnote-81-9\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 9\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-81-10\">season. <a href=\"#return-footnote-81-10\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 10\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-81-11\"> speed in help of all. <a href=\"#return-footnote-81-11\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 11\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div>","protected":false},"author":277,"menu_order":2,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"pd\",\"description\":\"Everyman\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.gutenberg.org\/files\/19481\/19481-h\/19481-h.htm#fn_630\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"pd\",\"license_terms\":\"\"}]","CANDELA_OUTCOMES_GUID":"","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-81","chapter","type-chapter","status-web-only","hentry"],"part":55,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-britlit1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/81","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-britlit1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-britlit1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-britlit1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/277"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-britlit1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/81\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":426,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-britlit1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/81\/revisions\/426"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-britlit1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/55"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-britlit1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/81\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-britlit1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=81"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-britlit1\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=81"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-britlit1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=81"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-britlit1\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=81"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}