EVERYMAN

and Other Miracle

and Morality Plays

THRIFT

Anonymous

DOVER PUBLICATIONS, INC.

MINEOLA, NEW YORK
 Everyman 37

Ye think sin in the beginning full sweet,

Which in the end causeth thy soul to weep,
When the body lieth in clay. .
Here shall you see how Fellowship and folhty,
Both Strength, Pleasure, and Beauty,
EVERYMAN Will fade from thee as Rower m Mar.
CHARACTERS For ye shall hear, how our heaven km~
Calleth Everyman to a general reckoning:
EVERYMAN
Give audience, and hear what he doth say.
STRENGTH
God. I perceive here in my majesty, .
Goo: ADONA! DISCRETION How that all creatures be to me unkmd,_
Living without dread in worldly pro_spenty:
DEATH FIVE-WITS Of ghostly sight the people be so blmd, .
MESSENGER BEAU1Y Drowned in sin, they know me not for their God;
In worldly riches is all their mind,
FELLOWSHIP KNOWLEDGE They fear not my rightwiseness, the sha~ rod;
COUSIN My law that I shewed, when I for them died,
CONFESSION
They forget clean, and shedding of my ~lood red;
KINDRED ANCEL I hanged between two, 1t cannot be demed;
To get them life I suffered to be dead;
Gooos DOCTOR
I healed their feet, with thorns hurt was my head:
GOOD-DEEDS I could do no more than I did truly,
And now I see the people do clean forsake me.
They use the seven deadly sins damnable;
As pride, covetise, wrath, and lechery,
HERE BECINNETH A TREATISE HOW THE HIGH FATHER OF HEAVEN
Now in the world be made commendable;
SENDETH DEATH TO SUMMON EVERY CREATURE TO COME AND
And thus they leave of angels the heavenly company;
Everyman liveth so after his own pleasure,
GIVE ACCOUNT OF THEIR LIVES IN THIS WORLD AND IS IN MAN-
And yet of their life they be nothing sure:
NER OF A MORAL PLAY.
I see the more that I them forbear
The worse they be from year to year;
Messenger. I pray you all give your audience,
All that liveth appaireth I fast,
And hear this matter with reverence,
Therefore I will in all the haste
By figure a moral play-
Have a reckoning of Everyman's person
The Summoning of Everyman called it is,
For and 2 I leave the people thus alone
That of our lives and ending shows
ln their life and wicked tempests,
How transitory we be all day.
Verily they will become much worse than beasts;
This matter is wondrous precious,
For now one would by envy another up eat;
But the intent of it is more gracious,
And sweet to bear away. Charity they all do clean forget.
I hoped well that Everyman
The story saith, - Man, in the beginning,
Look well, and take good heed to the ending,
Be you never so gay! I. appaireth \ is impaired, degenerates .
2. and) if.
36
38 Everyman and Other Miracle and Morality Plays E\'eryman 39

In my glory should make his mansion, He thinketh on thee in the heavenly sphere,
And thereto I had them all elect; As, or we depart, thou shalt know.
But now I see, like traitors deject, Evervman. What desireth God of me?
They thank me not for the pleasure that I to them meant, Death. That shall I sholl' thee;
Nor yet for their being that I them have lent; A reckoning he will needs have
I proffered the people great multitude of mercy, Without any longer respite. .
And few there be that asketh it heartily; Everyman. To give a reckoning longer_ leisure I crave;
They be so cumbered with worldly riches, This blinds matter trouhleth my wit.
That needs on them I must do justice, Death. On thee thou must take a long journey: .
On Everyman living without fear. Therefore thy book of count with thee thou bnng;
Where art thou, Death, thou mighty messenger? For turn again thou can not by no way,
Death. Almighty God, I am here at your will, And look thou be sure of thy reckoning:
Your commandment to fulfil. For before God thou shalt answer, and show
God. Go thou to Everyman, Thy many bad deeds and good but a few; .
And show him in my name How thou hast spent thy life, and m what wise,
A pi_lgrimage he m_ust on him take, Before the chief lord of paradise.
Which he m no wise may escape; Have ado that we were in that way, 6
And that he bring with him a sure reckoning For wete thou well, thou shalt make none attournay.7
Without delay or any tarrying.
0

Everyma n. Full unready I am such reckoning to give.

Death. Lord, I will in the world go run over all, I know thee not: what messenger art thou?
And cruelly outsearch both great and small; Death. I am Death, that no man dreadeth.
Every man will I beset that liveth beastly For every man I rest and no man spareth;
Out of God's laws, and dreadeth not folly: For it is God's commandment
He that loveth riches I will strike with my dart, That all to me should be obedient.
His sight to blind, and from heaven to depart, Everyman. 0 Death, thou comest when I had thee least in mind;
Except that alms be his good friend, In thy power it lieth me to save,
In hell for to dwell, world without end. Yet of my good will I give thee, if ye will be kind,
Lo, yonder I see Everyman walking; Yea, a thousand pound shalt thou have,
Full little he thinketh on my coming; And defer this matter till another day.
His mind is on fleshly lusts arid his treasure, Death. Everyman, it may not be by no way;
And great pain it shall cause him to endure I set not by gold, silver, nor riches,
Before the Lord Heaven King. Ne8 by pope, emperor, king, duke, ne princes.
Everyman, stand still; whither art thou going For and I would receive gifts great,
Thus gaily? Hast thou thy Maker forget?
Everyman. Why askst thou? All the world I might get;
Wouldest thou wete? 3 But my custom is clean contrary.
Death. Yea, sir, I will show you; I give thee no respite: come hence, and not tarry.
In great haste I am sent to thee Everyman. Alas, shall I have no longer respite?
From God out of his majesty. I may say Death giveth no warning:
Everyman. What, sent to me?
4. or] ere, before.
Death. Yea, certainly. 5. blind] dark, obscure. .
Though thou have forget him here, 6. Ha,·e ado .. wayj [Let's] get to the business of proceeding o~ our way.
7. thou shalt ... attoumayJyou cannot make anyone your mediator.
, . weteJ wit, i.e., know. 8. Ne! Nor.
40 Eve1)'ma11 and Other Miracle and Mora/it)' Plays E\'cryman 41

To think on thee, it maketh my heart sick, Thal I might scape this endless sorrow!
For all unready is my book of reckoning. Now, gentle Death, spare me till to-morrow,
But twelve year and I might have abiding, That I may amend me
1vly counting book I would make so clear, With good advisement.
Thal my reckoning I should not need to fear. Death. Nay, thereto I will not consent,
Wherefore, Death, I pray thee, for God's mercy, -Nor no man will I respite,
Spare me till I be provided of remedy. But to the heart suddenly I shall smite
Death . Thee availeth not to cry, weep, and pray: Without any advisement.
But haste thee lightly that you were gone the journey, And now out of thy sight I will me hie;
And prove thy friends if thou can. See thou make thee ready shortly,
For, wele thou well, the tide abideth no man, For thou mayst say th is is the day
And in the world each living creature That no man living may scape away.
For Adam,'s sin must die of nature. Everyman. Alas, I may well weep with sighs deep;
Everyman. Death, if I should this pilgrimage take, Now have I no manner of company
And my reckoning surely make, To help me in my journey, and me lo keep;
Show me, for saint charity, And also my writing is full unready.
Should I not come again shortly? How shall I do now for lo excuse me?
Death. No , Everyman; and thou be once there, I would lo God I had never be geteJI z
Thou mayst never more come here, To my soul a full great profit it had be;
Trust me verily. For now I fear pains huge and great.
Everyman. 0 gracious God, in the high seat celestial, The time passeth; Lord, help that all wrought;
Have mercy on me in this most need; For though I mourn it availeth nought.
Shall I have no company from this vale terrestrial The day passeth, and is almost a-go; 11
Of mine acquaintance that way me to lead? I wot not well what for lo do.
Death. Yea, if any be so hardy, To whom were I best my complaint to make?
That would go with thee and bear thee company. What, and l to Fellowship thereof spake,
Hie 9 thee that you were gone to God's magnificence, And showed him of this sudden chance?
Thy reckoning to give before his presence. For in him is all mine affiance;
What, weenest 10 thou thy life is given thee, We have in the world so many a day
And thy worldly goods also? Be on good friends in sport and play.
Everyman. I had wend so, verily. I see him yonder, certainly;
Death. Nay, nay; ii was but lent thee; I trust that he will bear me company;
For as soon as thou art go, Therefore to him will I speak to ease my sorrow.
Another awhile shall have ii, and then go therefro Well met, good Fellowship, and good morrow!
Even as thou hast done. Fellowship speaketh. Everyman, good morrow by this day.
Everyman, thou art mad; thou hast thy wits five, 11 Sir, why lookest thou so piteously'
And here on earth will not amend thy life, If any thing be amiss, I pray thee, me say,
For suddenly I do come. That I may help to remedy.
Everyman. 0 wretched caitiff, whither shall I Aee, Everyman. Yea, good Fellowship, yea,
9. Hiej Hurry, make·hasle. I am in great jeopardy.
10. weenestJ think, suppose.
11 . thy fzve witsJ The five wits were commonly defined as common wit (sense) , imagina- 12. be gete] been gotten. been born.
tion. fantasy, estimation and memory. 13. a-goJ gone.
42 faeryman and Other Miracle and Morality Plays Everyman 43

Fellowship. My true friend, show to me your mind; Also it make me afeard, certain.
I will not forsake thee, unto my life's end, But let us take counsel here as well as we can,
In the way of good company. For your words would fear a strong man.
Everyman. That was well spoken, and lovingly. Everyman. Why, ye said, If I had need,
Fellowship. Sir, I must needs know your heaviness; Ye would me never forsake, qu1ck 17 nor dead,
I have pity to see you in any distress; Though it were to hell tmly.
If any have you wronged ye shall revenged be, Fellowship. So I said, certainly.
Though I on the ground be slain for thee.- But such pleasures be set aside, thee sooth to say:
Though that I know before that I should die. And also, if we took such a journey,
Everyman. Verily, Fellowship, gramercy_H When should we come again?
Fellowship. Tush! by thy thanks I set not a straw. Everyman. Nay, never again till the day of doom.
Show me your grief, and say no more. Fellowship. In faith, then will not I come there!
Everyman. If I my heart should to you break, 15 Who hath you these tidings brought?
And then you fo turn your mind from me, Everyman. Indeed, Death was with me here.
And would not me comfort, when you hear me speak, Fellowship. Now, by God that all hath bought,
Then should I ten times sorrier be: If Death were the messenger,
Fellowship. Sir, I say as I will do in deed. For no man that is living to-day
Everyman. Then be you a good friend at need: I will not go that loath journey-
I have found you true here before. Not for the father that begat me!
Fellowship. And so ye shall evermore; Everyman. Ye promised other wise, pardie. 18
For, in faith, and thou go to Hell, Fellowship. I wot well I say so truly;
I will not forsake thee by the way! And yet if thou wilt eat, and drink, and make good cheer,
Everyman. Ye speak like a good friend; I believe you well; Or haunt to women, the lusty company,
I shall deserve it, and I may. I would not forsake you, while the day is clear,
Fellowship. I speak of no deserving, by this day. Trust me verily!
For he that will say and nothing do Everyman. Yea, thereto ye would be ready;
Is not worthy with good company to go; To go to mirth, solace, and play,
Therefore show me the grief of your mind, Your mind will sooner apply
As to your friend most loving and kind. Than to bear me company in my long journey.
Everyman. I shall show you how it is; Fellowship. Now, in good faith, I will not that way.
Commanded I am to go a journey, But and thou wilt murder, or any man kill,
A long way, hard and dangerous, In that I will help thee with a good will!
And give a strait count without delay Everyman. 0 that is a simple advice indeed!
Before the high judge Adonai.16 Gentle fellow, help me in my necessity;
Wherefore I pray you, bear me company, We have loved long, and now I need,
As ye have promised, in this journey. And now, gentle Fellowship, remember me.
Fellowship. That is matter indeed! Promise is duty, Fellowship. Whether ye have loved me or no,
But, and I should take such a voyage on me, By Saint John, I will not with thee go.
I know it well, it should be to my pain: Everyman . Yet I pray thee, take the labour, and do so much for me

14. gramercy) greal thanks.

I 5. break) open. 17. quick] living.
16. Adonai) God. 18. pa,die I par Dieu. br God.
44 Ever)'man and Other Miracle and Mora/ii)' Plays 45
Everyman
lo bring me forward , for saint charity, That is an high king's chief officer; .
And comfort me till I come without the town. He bade me go a pilgrimage to my pam,
Fellowship. Nay, and thou would give me a new gown, And I know well I shall never come agam;
I will not a foot with thee go; Also I must give a reckoning straight,
But and you had tarried I would not have left thee so. For I have a great enemy, that hath me in wait,
And as now, God speed thee in thy journey, , Which intendelh me for lo hmder.
For from thee I will depart as fast as I may. Kindred. What account is that which ye must render'
Everyman. Whither away, Fellowship? will you forsake me? That would I know.
Fellowship. Yea, by my fay, 19 to God I betake thee. Everyman. Of all my works I must show
Everyman. Farewell, good Fellowship; for this my heart is sore; How I have lived and my days spent;
Adieu for ever, I shall see thee no more. Also of ill deeds, that I have used
Fellowship. In faith, Everyman, farewell now at the end; In my time, sith life was me lent;
For you I will remember that parting is mourning. And of all virtues that I have refused .
Everyman. Alack! shall we thus depart indeed? . Therefore I pray you go thither with me, .
Our Lady, help, without any more comfort, To help to inake mine account, for samt charzty.
Lo, Fellowship forsaketh me in my most need: Cousin. What, to go thither? Is that the matter?
For help in this world whither shall I resort? Nay, Everyman, I had liefer 21 fast bread and water
Fellowship herebefore with me would merry make; All this five year and more.
And now little sorrow for me doth he take. Everyman. Alas, that ever I was bore! 22
It is said, in prosperity men friends may find, For now shall I never be merry
Which in adversity be full unkind. If that you forsake me.
Now whither for succour shall I Aee, Kindred. Ah, sir; what, ye be a merry man!
°
Sith that 2 Fellowship hath forsaken me? Take good heart to you, and make no moan.
To my kinsmen I will truly, But one thing I warn you, by Saint Anne,
Praying them to help me in my necessity; As for me, ye shall go alone .
I believe that they will do so, Everyman. My Cousin, will you not with me go?
For kind will creep where it may not go. Cousin. No, by our Lady; l have the cramp in my toe.
I will go say, for yonder I see them go. Trust not to me, for, so God me speed,
Where be ye now, my friends and kinsmen? I will deceive you in your most need.
Kindred. Here be we now at your commandment. Kindred. It availeth not us to tice.B
Cousin, I pray you show us your intent Ye shall have my maid with all my heart;
In any wise, and not spare. She loveth to go to feasts, there to be nice,
Cousin. Yea, Everyman, and to us declare And to dance, and abroad to start:
If ye be disposed to go any whither, I will give her leave to help you in that journey,
For wete you well, we will live and die together. If that you and she may agree.
Kindred. In wealth and woe we will wit~ you hold, Everyman. Now show me the very ·effect of your mind.
For over his kin a man may be bold. Will you go with me, or abide behind?
Everyman. Gramercy, my friends and kinsmen kind. Kindred. Abide behind? yea, that I will and I may!
Now shall I show you the grief of my mind: Therefore farewell until another day.
I was commanded by a messenger,
2 I. had /ieferJ would rather.
19. fay] faith. 22. bore I born.
20. Sith that] Since, now that. 23. ticeJ enlice.
46 Ever)'man and Otlier Miracle and Mora/ii)' Plays Everyman 47

Everyman . How should I be merry or glad' Therefore I pray thee go with me, .
For fair promises to me make , For, peradventure, thou mayst before God Almighty
But when I have most need , they me forsake . My reckoning help lo clean and punfy;
I am deceived ; that maketh me sad. For ii is said ever among,
Cousin. Cousin Everyman , farewell now, That money maketh all right that is wrong.
For verily I will not go with you; Goods. Nay, Everyman, I sing another song,
Also of mine own an unready reckoning I follow no man in such voyages;
I have lo account; therefore I make tarrying. For and I went with thee
~ Now, Cod keep thee, for n.ow I go. Thou shouldst fare much the worse for me;
Everyman . Ah, Jesus , is all come hereto? For because on me thou did set thy mind, .
Lo, fair words maketh fools feign ; Thy reckoning I have made blotted and blmd,
They promise and nothing will do certain. That thine account thou cannot make truly;
My kinsmen promised me faithfully And that hast thou for the love of me.
For lo abide witli me steadfastly, Everyman. That would grieve me full sore,
And now fast away do they Ree: When I should come to that fearful answer.
Even so Fellowship promised me. Up, let us go thither together.
What friend were best me of lo provide? Goods. Nay, not so, I am too brittle, I may not endure;
I lose my time here longer to abide. I will follow no man one foot, be ye sure.
Yet in my mind a thing there is; - Everyman . Alas, I have thee loved, and had great pleasure
All my life I have loved riches; All my life-days on good and tre_asure. .
If that my good now help me might, Goods. That is to thy damnahon without lesmg, 25
He would make my heart full light. For my love is contrary to the love everlashng.
I will speak lo him in this distress. - But if thou had me loved moderately dunng,
Where art thou, my Goods and riches? As, to the poor give part of me,
Goods. Who calleth me? Everyman? what haste thou hast! Then shouldst thou not in this dolour be,
I lie here in corners, trussed and piled so high, Nor in this great sorrow and care.
And in chests I am locked so fast, Everyman. Lo, now was I deceived or 26 I was ware,
Also sacked in bags, thou mayst see with thine eye, And all I may wyte 27 my spending of time.
I cannot stir; in packs low I lie. Goods. What, weenest thou that I am thine?
What would ye have, lightlyZ 4 me say. Everyman. I had wend so.
Everyman. Come hither, Good, in all the haste thou may, Goods. Nay, Everyman, I say no;
For of counsel I must desire thee. As for a while I was lent thee,
Goods. Sir, and ye in the world have trouble or adversity, A season thou hast had me in prosperity;
That can I help you to remedy shortly. My condition is man's soul to kill;
Everyman. It is another disease that grieveth me; If I save one, a thousand I do spill;
In this world it is not, I tell thee so. Weenest thou that I will follow thee?
I am sent for another way to go, Nay, from this world, not verily.
To give a straight account general Everyman. I had wend otherwise.
Before the highest Jupiter of all;
And all my life I have had joy and pleasure in thee. 25. without lesing} without lying. i.e. truly.
26. or) ere, before.
24. lightly! quickly. 27. wyrel blame.
48 Everyman and Other Miracle and Morality Plays Everyman 49
Goods. Therefore to thy soul Good is a thief. Good-Deeds. Herc I lie cold in the ground;
For when thou art dead, this is my guiseiB Thy sins hath me sore bound,
Another to deceive in the same wise That I cannot stir.
As I have done thee, and all to his soul's reprief.29 Everyman. 0, Good-Deeds, I stand in fear;
Everyman. 0 false Good, cursed thou be! I must you pray of counsel ,
Thou traitor to God, that hast deceived me, For help now should come right well.
And caught me in thy snare. Good-Deeds. Everyman, I have understanding
Goods. Marry, thou brought thyself in care, That ye be summoned account to make
Whereof I am glad, Before Messias, of Jerusalem King;
I must needs lapgh, I cannot be sad. And you do by me that journey what you will I take. ,o
Everyman. Ah, Good, thou hast had long my heartly love; Everyman. Therefore I come to you, my moan to make;
I gave thee that-which should be the Lord's above. I pray you, that ye will go with me.
But wilt thou not go with me in deed? Good-Deeds. I would full fain, but I cannot stand verily.
I pray thee truth to say. Everyman. Why, is there anything on you fall?H
Goods. No, so God me speed, Good-Deeds. Yea, sir, I may thank you of 32 all;
Therefore farewell, and have good day. If ye had perfectly cheered me,
Everyman. 0, to whom shall I make my moan Your book of account now full ready had be.
For to go with me in that heavy journey? Look, the books of your works and deeds eke; n
First Fel/owshiplsaid he would with me gone; Oh, see how they lie under the feet,
His words were very pleasant and gay, To your soul's heaviness.
But afterward he left me alone. Everyman. Our Lord Jesus, help me!
Then spake I to my kinsmen all in despair, For one letter here l can not see.
And also they gave me words fair, Good-Deeds. There is a blind reckoning in time of distress!
They lacked no fair speaking, Everyman. Good-Deeds, I pray you, help me in this need,
But all forsake me in the ending. Or else I am for ever damned indeed;
Then went I to my Goods that I loved best, Therefore help me to make reckoning
In hope to have' comfort, but there had I least; Before the redeemer of all thing,
For my Goods sharply did me tell That king is, and was, and ever shall.
That he bringeth many into hell. Good-Deeds. Everyman, I am sorry of your fall,
Then of myself I was ashamed, And fain would I help you, and I were able.
And so I am worthy to be blamed; Everyman. Good-Deeds, your counsel I pray you give me.
Thus may I well myself hate. Good-Deeds. That shall I do verily;
Of whom shall I now counsel take? Though that on my feet I may not go,
I think that I shall never speed I have a sister, that shall with you also,
Till that I go to my Good-Deed, Called Knowledge, which shall with you abide,
But alas, she is so weak, To help you to make that dreadful reckoning.
That she can neither go nor speak; Knowledge. Everyman, I will go with thee, and be thy guide,
Yet will I venture on her now. - In thy most need to go by thy side.
My Good-Deeds, where be you?
JO. And you . . . I take.] If you do as I say, I will take that journey with you.
l I. fall] befallen.
28. guise] custom, practic~.
29. repriefl reproach, blame.
32. on for.
33. eke] also.
 Everyman 51
50 Everyman and Other Miracle and Morality Plays

Everyman. In good condition I am now in every thing, So must thou, or thou scape that painful pilgrimage;
And am wholly content with this good thing; Knowledge, keep him in this vo~age, .
Thanked be God my Creator. And by that time Good-Deeds will be with thee.
Good-Deeds. And when he hath brought thee there, But in any wise, be sure of mercy, .
Where thou shalt heal thee of thy smart, For your time draweth fast, and ye will saved be;
Then go you with your reckoning and your Good-Deeds together Ask God mercy, and He will grant truly, . .
For to make you joyful at heart When with the scourge of penance man doth him bmd,
Before the blessed Trinity. The oil of forgiveness then shall he find.
Everyman. My Good-Deeds, gramercy; Everyman. Thanked be God for his gracious work!
I am well content, certainly, For now I will my penance begm;
With your words sweet. This hath rejoiced and lighted my heart, . .
Knowledge. Now go we together lovingly, Though the knots be painful and hard w1thm.
To Confession , that cleansing river. Knowledge. Everyman, look your penance that ye fulfil,
Everyman. For joy I weep; I would we were there; What pain that ever it to you be,
But, I pray you, give me cognition And Knowledge shall give you counsel at will,
Where dwelleth that holy man, Confession. How your accounts ye shall make clearly.
Knowledge. In the house of salvation: Everyman. 0 eternal God, 0 heaven(~ figure ,
We shall find him in that place, 0 way of rightwiseness, 0 goodly v1s1on,
That shall us comfort by God's grace. Which descended down in a virgin pure
Lo, this is Confession; kneel down and ask mercy, Because he would Everyman redeem,
For he is in good conceit 34 with God almighty. Which Adam forfeited by his disobedience:
Everyman. 0 glorious fountain that all uncleanness doth clarify, 0 blessed Godhead, elect and high-divine,
Wash from me the spots of vices unclean, Forgive my grievous offence;
That on me no sin may be seen; Here I cry thee mercy in this presence.
I come with Knowledge for my redemption, 0 ghostly treasure, 0 ransomer and redeemer
Repent with hearty and full contrition; Of all the world, hope and conductor,
For I am commanded a pilgrimage to take, Mirror of joy, and founder of mercy,
And great accounts before God to make. Which illumineth heaven and earth thereby,
Now, I pray you, Shrift, mother of salvation, Hear my clamorous complaint, though it late be;
Help my good deeds for my piteous exclamation. Receive my prayers; unworthy in this heavy life,
Confession. I know your sorrow well, Everyman; Though I be, a sinner most abominable,
Because with Knowledge ye come to me, Yet let my name be written in Moses' table;
I will you comfort as well as I can, 0 Mary, pray to the Maker of all thing,
And a precious jewel I will give thee, Me for to help at my ending,
Called penance, wise voider of adversity; And save me from the power of my enemy,
Therewith shall your body chastised be, For Death assaileth me strongly;
With abstinence and perseverance in God's service: And, Lady, that I may by means of thy prayer
Here shall you receive that scourge of me, Of your Son's glory to be partaker,
Which is penance strong, that ye must endure, By the means of his passion I it crave,
To remember thy Saviour was scourged for thee I beseech you, help my soul to save. -
With sharp scourges, and suffered it patiently; Knowledge, give me the scourge of penance;
My Aesh therewith shall give a quittance:
34. good conceitJ favorable opinion, i.e., highly esteemed by. I will now begin, if God give me grace.
52 Everyman and Other Miracle and Morality Plays Everyman 53

Knowledge. Everyman, God give you time and space: Good-Deeds. Everyman , will you wear it for your heal?
Thus I bequeath you in the hands of our Saviour, Everyman. Now blessed be fesu, -~ary's Soni
Thus may you make your reckoning sure. For now have I on true contrition.
Everyman. In the name of the Holy Trinity, And let us go now without tarrying;
My body sore 35 punished shall be: Good-Deeds, have we clear o~r reckoning?
Take this body for the sin of the flesh; Good-Deeds. Yea, indeed I have ,t here.
Also thou delightest to go gay and fresh, Everyman. Then I trust we need not fear;
And in the way of damnation thou did me bring; Now, friends, let us not part in twain. 38 .
Therefore suffer now strokes and punishing. Knowledge. Nay, Everyman, that will we not, certain.
Now of penance I will wade the water clear, Good-Deeds. Yet must thou lead with thee
To save me from purgatory, that sharp fire. Three persons of great might.
Good-Deeds. l thank God, now I can walk and go; Everyman. Who should they be?
And am delivered of my sickness and woe. Good-Deeds. Discretion and Strength they hight, 39
Therefore with Everyman I will go, and not spare; And thy Beauty may not abide behind.
His good works I will help him to declare. Knowledge. Also ye must call to mind
Knowledge. Now, Everyman, be merry and glad; Your Five-wits as for your counsellors.
Your Good-Deeds cometh now; ye may not be sad; Good-Deeds. You must have them ready at all hours.
Now is your Good-Deeds whole and sound, Everyman. How shall I get them hither?
Going upright upon the ground. Knowledge. You must call them all together,
Everyman. My heart is light, and shall be evermore; And they will hear you incontinent. 40
Now will I smite faster than I did before. Everyman. My friends, come hither and be present
Good-Deeds. Everyman, pilgrim, my special friend, Discretion, Strength, my Five-wits, and Beauty.
Blessed be thou without end; Beauty. Here at your will we be all ready.
For thee is prepared the eternal glory. What will ye that we should do?
Ye have me made whole and sound, Good-Deeds. That ye would with Everyman go,
111erefore I will bide by thee in every stound. 36 And help him in his pilgrimage,
Everyman. Welcome, my Good-Deeds; now I hear thy voice, Advise you, will ye with him or not in that voyage?
I weep for very sweetness of love. Strength. We will bring him all thither,
Knowledge. Be no more sad, but ever rejoice, To his help and comfort, ye may believe me .
God seeth thy iliving in his throne above; Discretion. So will we go with him all together.
Put on this garment to thy behove,37 Everyman. Almighty God, loved thou be,
Which is wet i ith your tears, I give thee laud that I have hither brought
Or else before1God you may it miss, Strength , Discretion, Beauty, and Five-wits; lack I nought;
When you to your journey's end come shall. And my Good-Deeds , with Knowledge clear,
Everyman. Gentle Knowledge, what do you it call? All be in my company at my will here ;
Knowledge. It is a garment of sorrow: I desire no more to my business.
From pain it will you borrow; Strength. And I, Strength, will by you stand in distress,
Contrition it is, Though thou would in battle fight on the ground.
That getteth forgiveness;
It pleaseth God passing well.
35. sore) grievously. 38. twain J two .
36. stoundj season .
39. hight] are called, named.
37. beho¥ej advantage.
40. incontinentj immediately.
54 Everyman and Other Miracle and Morality Plays Evcrym:m 55

Five-wits. And though it were through the world round, These seven be good to have in remembrance,
\\le will not depart for sweet nor sour. G racious sacraments of high divinity.
Beauty. No more will I unto death's hour, Everyman . Fain wo uld I receive that holy body
Whatsoever thereof befall. And meekl y to my ghostly fath er I will go .
Discretion. Everyman , advise you first of all; Five-wits. Evervman , that is the best that ye can do:
Go with a good advisement and deliberation; God will you to salvation bring,
We all give you virtuous monition41 For priesthood exceedeth all other thing;
That all shall be well. To us Holy Scripture they do teach,
Everyman. My friends, hearken what I will tell: And converteth man from sin heaven to reach ;
I pray God reward you in his heavenly sphere. G od hath to them more power given,
Now hearken, all that be here, Than to any angel that is in heaven;
For I will make my testament With five words he may consecrate
Here before you all present. God's body in Aesh and blood to make,
In alms half my good I will give with my hands twain And handleth his maker between his hands;
In the way of charity, with good intent, The priest bindeth and unbindeth all bands,
And the other half still shall remain Both in earth and in heaven ;
In quiet to be returned there it ought to be. Thou ministers all the sacraments seven;
This I do in despite of the fiend of hell Though we kissed thy feet thou were worth y;
To go quite out of his peril Thou art surgeon that cureth sin deadly:
Ever after and this day. No remedy we find under God
Knowledge. Everyman, hearken what I say; But all only priesthood .
Go to priesthood, I you advise, Everyman, God gave priests that dignity,
And receive of him in any wise And setteth them in his stead among us to be;
The holy sacrament and ointment together; Thus be they above angels in degree.
Then shortly see ye tum again hither; Knowledge. If priests be good it is so surely;
We will all abide you here. But when Jesus hanged on the cross with great smart
Five-Wits. Yea, Everyman, hie you that ye ready were, There he gave, out of his blessed heart,
There is no emperor, king, duke, ne baron, The same sacrament in great torment:
That of God hath commission, He sold them not to us, that Lord Omnipotent.
As hath the least/riest in the world being; Therefore Saint Peter the apostle doth say
For of the blesse sacraments pure and benign, That Jesu's curse hath all they
He beareth the keys and thereof hath the cure Which God their Saviour do buy or sell,
For man's redemption, it is ever sure; Or they for any money do take or tell .
Which God for our soul's medicine Sinful priests giveth the sinners example bad;
Gave us out of his heart with great pine; Their children sitteth by other men's fires , I have heard ;
Here in this transitory life, for thee and me And some haunteth women's company,
The blessed sacraments seven there be, With unclean life, as lusts of lechery:
Baptism, confirmation, with priesthood good, These be with sin made blind.
And the sacrament of God's precious Aesh and blood , Five-wits. I trust to God no such may we find;
Marriage, the holy extreme unction, and penance; Therefore let us priesthood honour,
And follow their doctrine for our souls' succour;
We be their sheep, and they shepherds be
41. monition! warning.
By whom we all be kept in surety.
56 Everyma n and Other Miracle and Morality Plays Everyman 57

Peace, for yonder I see Everyman come, Strength. Everyman, I will thee also forsake and deny;
Which hath made true satisfaction. Thy game liketh me not at all.
Good-Deeds. Methinketh it is he indeed. Everyman. Why, then ye will forsake me all .
Everyman . Now Jesu be our alder spced.4 2 Sweet Strength, tarry a little space.
I have received the sacrament for my redemption , Strength. Nay, sir, by the rood 44 of grace
And then mine extreme unction: I will hie me from thee fast ,
Blessed be all they that counselled me to take it! Though thou weep till thy heart brast. 4 5
And now, fri ends, let us go without longer respite; Everyman. Ye would ever bide by me, ye said.
I thank God that ye have tarried so long. Strength. Yea, I have you far enough conveyed;
Now set each of you on this rod your hand, Ye be old enough, I understand,
And shortly follow me: Your pilgrimage to take on hand ;
I go before, there I would be; God be our guide. I repent me that I hither came.
Strength . Everyman, we will not from you go, Everyman. Strength , you to displease I am to blame;
Till ye have gone this voyage long. Will you break promise that is debt?
Discretion. I, Discretion, will bide by you also. Strength. In faith , I care not;
Knowledge. And though this pilgrimage be never so strong, Thou art but a fool to complain,
I will never part you fro: You spend your speech and waste your brain;
Everyman, I will be as sure by thee Go thrust thee into the ground.
As ever I did by Judas Maccabee. Everyman. I had wend surer I should you have found.
Everyman. Alas, I am so faint I may not stand, He that trusteth in his Strength
My limbs under me do fold; She him deceiveth at the length.
Friends, let us not turn again to this land, Both Strength and Beauty forsaketh me,
Not for all the world's gold, Yet they promised me fair and lovingly.
For into this cave must I creep Discretion. Everyman, I will after Strength be gone,
And turn to the earth and there to sleep. As for me I will leave you alone.
Beauty. What, into this grave? alas! Everyman. Why, Discretion , will ye forsake me?
Everyman. Yea, there shall you consume 43 more and less. Discretion. Yea, in faith, I will go from thee,
Beauty. And what, should I smother here? For when Strength goeth before
Everyman. Yea, by my faith, and never more appear. I follow after evermore.
In this world live no more we shall, Everyman . Yet, I pray thee, for the love of the Trinity,
But in heaven before the highest Lord of all. Look in my grave once piteously.
Beauty. I cross out all this; adieu by Saint fohn; Discretion. Nay, so nigh will I not come.
1 take my c~p in my lap and am gone. Farewell, every one!
Everyman. What, Beauty, whither will ye? Everyman. 0 all thing faileth, save God alone;
Beauty. Peace, I am deaf; .I look not behind me, Beauty, Strength , and Discretion;
Not and thou would give me all the gold in thy chest. For when Death bloweth his blast,
Everyman. Alas, whereto may I trust? · They all run from me full fast.
Beauty goeth fast away hie; Five-wits. Everyman, my leave now of thee I take;
She promised with me to live and die. 1 will follow th e other, for here I thee forsake.

42. Now . . . speed.I May Jesus be the helper of all. 44. roodj C\'OSS .
43. consume) decay. 45 . brastj tireak.
58 Everpnan and Other Miracle and Morality Plays Everyman 59

Everyman. Alas! then may I wail and weep, In manus tuas 47 -of might's most
For I took you for my best frien<l. For ever-commendo spiritum meum. 4 B
Five-wits. 1 will no longer thee keep; Knowledge. Now hath he suffered that we all shall endure;
Now farewell, and there an end. The Good-Deeds shall make all sure.
Ei>eryman. 0 Jesu, help, all hath forsaken me! Now hath he made ending;
Good-Deeds. Nay, Everyman, I will bide with thee, Methinketh that I hear angels sing
I will not forsake thee indeed; And make great joy and melody,
Thou shalt find me a goo<l friend at need. Where Everyman's soul received shall be.
Everyman. Gramercy, Good-Deeds; now may I true friends see; Angel. Come, excellent elect spouse to Jesu:
They have forsaken me every one; Hereabove thou shalt go
I loved them better than my Good-Deeds alone. Because of thy singular virtue:
Knowledge, will ye forsake me also? Now the soul is taken the body fro;
Knowledge. Yea, Everyman, when ye to death do go: Thy reckoning is crystal-clear.
But not yet for no manner of danger. Now shalt thou into the heavenly sphere,
Everyman. Gramercy, Knowledge, with all my heart. Unto the which all ye shall come
Knowledge. Nay, yet I will not from hence depart, That liveth well before the day of doom.
Till I see where ye shall be come. Doctor. This moral men may have in mind;
Everyman. Methinketh, alas, that I must be gone, Ye hearers, take it of worth, old and young,
To make my reckoning and my debts pay, And forsake pride, for he deceiveth you in the end,
For I see my time is nigh spent away. And remember Beauty, Five-wits, Strength , and Discretion,
Take example, all ye that this do hear or see, They all at the last do Everyman forsake,
How they that I loved best do forsake me, Save his Good-Deeds, there doth he take.
Except my Gbod-Deeds that bideth truly. But beware, and they be small
Good-Deeds. All earthly things is but vanity: Before God, he hath no help at all.
Beauty, Strength, and Discretion, do man forsake, None excuse may be there for Everyman:
Foolish friends and kinsmen, that fair spake, Alas, how shall he do then?
All Aeeth save Good-Deeds, and that am I. For after death amends may no man make,
Everyman . Have mercy on me, God most mighty; For then mercy and pity do him forsake.
And stand by me, thou Mother and Maid, holy Mary. If his reckoning be not clear when he do come,
Good-Deeds. Fear not, I will speak for thee. God will say-ite maledicti in ignem cctemum. 4 9
Everyman. Here I cry God mercy. And he that hath his account whole and sound,
Good-Deeds. Short our end, and minish 46 our pain; High in heaven he shall be crowned;
Let us go and never come again. Unto which place God bring us all thither
Everyman. Into thy hands, Lord, my soul I commend; That we may live body and soul together.
Receive it, Lord, that it be not lost; Thereto help the Trinity,
As thou me boughtest, so me defend, Amen, say ye, for saint Charity.
And save me from the fiend's boast,
That I may appear with that blessed host THUS ENDETH THIS MORALL PlAY OF EVERYMAN.
That shall be saved at the day of doom.

47. In manus tuas) "Into thy hands."

48. commendo spiritum meum. J I commend my spirit.
46. minish) diminish. 49. ite ... '21emum] "Depart, ye cursed, into everlasting fire" (Ma tthew 25:41 ).