A Select Collection of Old English Plays Volume I Part 19

First Fellows.h.i.+p he said he would with me gone; His words were very pleasant and gay, But afterward he left me alone.

Then spake I to my kinsmen all in despair, And also they gave me words fair, They lacked no fair speaking; But all forsake me in the ending.

Then went I to my Goods that I loved best, In hope to have found comfort; but there had I least: For my Goods sharply did me tell, That he bringeth many in h.e.l.l.

Then of myself I was ashamed, And so I am worthy to be blamed: Thus may I well myself hate.

Of whom shall I now counsel take?

I think that I shall never speed, Till that I go to my Good Deed; But, alas! she is so weak, That she can nother go nor speak: Yet will I venter on her now.

My Good Deeds, where be you?

GOOD DEEDS.

Here I lie cold in the ground; Thy sins have me so sore bound, That I cannot stir.

EVERYMAN.

O Good Deeds, I stand in great fear; I must you pray of counsel, For help now should come right well.

GOOD DEEDS.

Everyman, I have understanding, That thou art summoned account to make Before Messias of Jerusalem King; And you do by me, that journey with[89] you will I take.

EVERYMAN.

Therefore I come to you my moan to make: I pray you, that ye will go with me.

GOOD DEEDS.

I would full fain, but I cannot stand verily.

EVERYMAN.

Why, is there anything on you fall?

GOOD DEEDS.

Yea, sir, I may thank you of all; If ye had perfectly cheered me, Your book of account full ready now had be.

Look, the books of your works and deeds eke!

Behold how they lie under the feet, To your soul's heaviness.

EVERYMAN.

Our Lord Jesus help me, For one letter herein can I not see.

GOOD DEEDS.

Here is a blind reckoning in time of distress!

EVERYMAN.

Good Deeds, I pray you, help me in this need, Or else I am for ever d.a.m.ned indeed; Therefore help me to make my reckoning Before the Redeemer of all thing, That king is, and was, and ever shall.

GOOD DEEDS.

Everyman, I am sorry of your fall, And fain would I help you, and I were able.

EVERYMAN.

Good Deeds, your counsel, I pray you, give me.

GOOD DEEDS.

That shall I do verily: Though that on my feet I may not go, I have a sister that shall with you also, Called Knowledge, which shall with you abide, To help you to make that dreadful reckoning.

[_Enter Knowledge_.

KNOWLEDGE.

Everyman, I will go with thee, and be thy guide, In thy most need to go by thy side.

EVERYMAN.

In good condition I am now in every thing, And am wholly content with this good thing, Thanked be G.o.d my Creature.[90]

GOOD DEEDS.

And when he hath brought thee there, Where thou shalt heal thee of thy smart, Then go thou with thy reckoning and thy good deeds together.

For to make thee joyful at the heart Before the blessed Trinity.

EVERYMAN.

My Good Deeds, I thank thee heartfully: I am well content certainly With your words sweet.

KNOWLEDGE.