EVERYMAN. I had weened so, verily! DEATH. Nay, nay! it was but lent thee; For as soon as thou art gone Another a while shall have it, and then go therefrom Even as thou hast done. Everyman, thou art mad! that hast thy wittes five, And here on earth will not amend thy life! For suddenly I do come! EVERYMAN. Oh, 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 sight I will me hie; See thou make thee ready shortly, For thou may'st say this is the day That no man living may scape away. EVERYMAN. Alas! I may well weep with sighes 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! To my soul a 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 ago-- I wot not well what 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, Been 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_. FELLOW. Everyman, good morrow! by this day, Sir, why lookest thou so piteously? If anything be amiss, I pray thee, me say, That I may help to remedy. EVERYMAN. Yea, good Fellowship, yea, I am in great jeopardy! FELLOW. 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 is well spoken, and lovingly! FELLOW. 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! FELLOW. 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. FELLOW. 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. FELLOW. 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.