_Death._ Nay, nay; it was but lent thee; For as soon as thou art go, Another awhile shall have it, and then go therefro Even as thou hast done. _Everyman_, thou art mad; thou hast thy wits five, And here on earth will not amend thy life, For suddenly I do come. _Everyman._ O wretched caitiff, whither shall I flee, That I might scape this endless sorrow! Now, gentle _Death_, spare me till to-morrow, That I may amend me With good advisement. _Death._ Nay, thereto I will not consent, Nor no man will I respite, But to the heart suddenly I shall smite Without any advisement. And now out of thy sight I will me hie; See thou make thee ready shortly, For thou mayst say this is the day That no man living may scape away. _Everyman._ Alas, I may well weep with sighs deep; Now have I no manner of company To help me in my journey, and me to keep; And also my writing is full unready. How shall I do now for to excuse me? I would to God I had never be gete![10] To my soul a full great profit it had be; For now I fear pains huge and great. The time passeth; Lord, help that all wrought; For though I mourn it availeth nought. The day passeth, and is almost a-go; I wot not well what for to do. To whom were I best my complaint to make? What, and I to _Fellowship_ thereof spake, And showed him of this sudden chance? For in him is all mine affiance; We have in the world so many a day Be on good friends in sport and play. I see him yonder, certainly; I trust that he will bear me company; Therefore to him will I speak to ease my sorrow. Well met, good _Fellowship_, and good morrow! _Fellowship speaketh._ _Everyman_, good morrow by this day. Sir, why lookest thou so piteously? If any thing be amiss, I pray thee, me say, That I may help to remedy. _Everyman._ Yea, good _Fellowship_, yea, I am in great jeopardy. _Fellowship._ My true friend, show to me your mind; I will not forsake thee, unto my life's end, In the way of good company. _Everyman._ That was well spoken, and lovingly. _Fellowship._ Sir, I must needs know your heaviness; I have pity to see you in any distress; If any have you wronged ye shall revenged be, Though I on the ground be slain for thee,-- Though that I know before that I should die. _Everyman._ Verily, _Fellowship_, gramercy. _Fellowship._ Tush! by thy thanks I set not a straw. Show me your grief, and say no more. _Everyman._ If I my heart should to you break, And then you to turn your mind from me, And would not me comfort, when you hear me speak, Then should I ten times sorrier be. _Fellowship._ Sir, I say as I will do in deed. _Everyman._ Then be you a good friend at need: I have found you true here before. _Fellowship._ And so ye shall evermore; For, in faith, and thou go to Hell, I will not forsake thee by the way! _Everyman._ Ye speak like a good friend; I believe you well; I shall deserve it, and I may.