A Select Collection of Old English Plays Volume I Part 21

EVERYMAN.

Now blessed be Jesu, Mary's son; For now have I on true contrition: And let us go now without tarrying.

Good Deeds, have we clear our reckoning?

GOOD DEEDS.

Yea, indeed, I have here.

EVERYMAN.

Then I trust we need not to fear; Now, friends, let us not depart in twain.

KINDRED.

Nay, Everyman, that will we not certain.

GOOD DEEDS.

Yet must thou lead with thee Three persons of great might.

EVERYMAN.

Who should they be?

GOOD DEEDS.

Discretion and Strength they hyght,[95]

And thy Beauty may not abide behind.

KNOWLEDGE.

Also ye must call to mind Your Five Wits[96] as for your councillors.

GOOD DEEDS.

You must have them ready at all hours.

EVERYMAN.

How shall I get them hither?

KINDRED.

You must call them all together, And they will hear you incontinent.

EVERYMAN.

My friends, come hither, and be present, Discretion, Strength, my Five Wits and Beauty.

BEAUTY.

Here at your will we be all ready; What will ye that we should do?

GOOD DEEDS.

That ye would with Everyman go, And help him in his pilgrimage: Advise you, will ye go with him or not in that voyage?

STRENGTH.

We will bring him all thither To help and comfort him, ye may believe me.

DISCRETION.

So will we go with him altogether.

EVERYMAN.

Almighty G.o.d, loved may Thou be; I give Thee laud[97] that I have hither brought Strength, Discretion, Beauty, Five Wits: lack I nought: And my Good Deeds, with Knowledge clear, All be in my company at my will here; I desire no more to my business.[98]

STRENGTH.

And I Strength will by you stand in distress, Though thou wouldest in battle fight on the ground.

FIVE WITS.

And though it were thorow the world round, We will not depart for sweet ne for sour.

BEAUTY.