A Select Collection of Old English Plays Volume I Part 17

KINDRED.

Here be we now at your commandment: Cousin, I pray thee, show us your intent In any wise, and do not spare.

COUSIN.

Yea, Everyman, and to us declare If ye be disposed to go any whither; For, wot ye well, we[84] will live and die together.

KINDRED.

In wealth and woe we will with you hold; For over his kin a man may be bold.

EVERYMAN.

Gramercy, my friends and kinsmen kind, Now shall I show you the grief of my mind.

I was commanded by a messenger, That is an high king's chief officer; He bad me go on pilgrimage to my pain, But I know well I shall never come again: Also I must give a reckoning strait; For I have a great enemy that hath me in wait, Which intendeth me for to hinder.

KINDRED.

What account is that which ye must render?

That would I know.

EVERYMAN.

Of all my works I must show, How I have lived, and my days spent; Also of ill deeds that I have used In my time, sith life was me lent, And of all virtues that I have refused: Therefore, I pray you, go thither with me To help to make mine account, for Saint Charity.

COUSIN.

What, to go thither? Is that the matter?

Nay, Everyman, I had liever fast bread and water, All this five year and more.

EVERYMAN.

Alas, that ever I was bore!

For now shall I never be merry, If that you forsake me.

KINDRED.

Ah, sir! what, ye be a merry man!

Take good heart to you, and make no moan.

But one thing I warn you, by Saint Anne, As for me ye shall go alone.

EVERYMAN.

My cousin, will you not with me go?

COUSIN.

No, by our lady, I have the cramp in my toe: Trust not to me; for, so G.o.d me speed, I will[85] deceive you in your most need.

KINDRED.

It availeth not us to tice:[86]

Ye shall have my maid with all my heart; She loveth to go to feasts, there to be nice, And to dance, and abroad to start: I will give her leave to help you in that journey, If that you and she may agree.

EVERYMAN.

No, show me the very effect of your mind; Will you go with me, or abide behind?

KINDRED.

Abide behind! yea, that will I, and I may; Therefore farewell till another day.

EVERYMAN.

How should I be merry or glad?

For fair promises men to me make; But, when I have most need, they me forsake; I am deceived, that maketh me sad.

COUSIN.

Cousin Everyman, farewell now; For verily I will not go with you: Also of mine own life an unready reckoning I have to account, therefore I make tarrying; Now G.o.d keep thee, for now I go.

EVERYMAN.

Ah, Jesu, is all come hereto?

Lo, fair words maketh fools fain;[87]

They promise, and nothing will do certain.

My kinsmen promised me faithfully, For to abide with me steadfastly; And now fast away do they flee: Even so Fellows.h.i.+p promised me.

What friend were best me of to provide?

I lose my time here longer to abide; Yet in my mind a thing there is: All my life I have loved riches; If that my Good now help me might, It would make my heart full light: I will speak to him in this distress: Where art thou, my Goods and Riches?

GOODS.