Everyman, that is the best that ye can do; For good priesthood exceedeth all other thing; And converteth man fro sin heaven to reach ; And handleth his Maker between his hands. He ministers all the sacraments seven; Everyman, God gave priest [s] that dignity, KNOWLEDGE If priests be good, it is so surely, But when Jesu heng on the cross with great smart, There he gave us out of his blessed heart FIVE WITS I trust to God, no such may we find : And follow their doctrine for our soul's succour; Peace for yonder I see Everyman come, GOOD DEEDS Methink it is he indeed. EVERYMAN Now Jesu Christ be your alder speed ! I have received the sacrament for my redemp tion, Alas! I am so faint I may not stand, Friends, let us not turn again to this land, For into this cave must I creep, And turn to the earth, and there to sleep. BEAUTY What, into this grave? Alas! EVERYMAN Yea, there shall ye consume more and less. BEAUTY And what, should I smother here? EVERYMAN Yea, by my faith, and never more appear; In this world live no more we shall, But in heaven before the highest Lord of all. BEAUTY I cross out all this: adieu, by Saint John; I take my cap in my lap, and am gone. EVERYMAN What, Beauty? whither will ye? BEAUTY Peace! I am deaf, I look not behind me, Not, and thou wouldst give me all the gold in thy chest. For I see my time is nigh spent away. GOOD DEEDS All earthly things is but vanity, Beauty, Strength, and Discretion do man forsake, Foolish friends and kinsmen, that fair spake; All fleeth save Good Deeds, and that am I. EVERYMAN Have mercy on me, God most mighty, And stand by me, thou mother and maid Mary. GOOD DEEDS Fear not, I will speak for thee. EVERYMAN Here I cry, God mercy! GOOD DEEDS Short our end and minish our pain: Let us go, and never come again. EVERYMAN Into thy hands, Lord, my soul I commend, That I may appear with that blessed host But beware, for, and they be small, None excuse may be there for Everyman : For after death amends may no man make, Amen, say ye, for Saint Charity. |