We have in our own language a dramatic piece upon the same subject, and of the same age. It was published early in Henry the Eighth's reign, and is well known to English philologists by the name of Every Man. The title page says, “Here begynneth a treatyse how the hye Fader of Heven sendeth Dethe to somon every creature to come and gyve a counte of theyr lyves in this worlde, and is in maner of a moralle Playe.” The subject is briefly stated in a prologue by a person in the character of a Messenger, who exhorts the spectators to hear with reverence. This mater is wonders precyous; But the extent of it is more gracyous, And swete to here awaye. The story sayth, Man, in the begynnynge Loke well and take good heed to the endynge, Be you never so gay. God (the Son) speaketh at the opening of the piece, and saying that the more He forbears the worse the people be from year to year, declares his intention to have a reckoning in all haste of every man's person, and do justice on every man living. Where art thou, Deth, thou mighty messengere? Dethe. Almighty God, I am here at your wyll Your commaundement to fulfyll. God. Go thou to Every-man And shewe hym in my name, A pylgrymage he must on hym take, Whiche he in no wyse may escape: And that he brynge with him a sure rekenynge, Without delay or ony taryenge. Dethe. Lorde, I wyll in the world go renne over all And cruelly out serche bothe grete and small. The first person whom Death meets is Every-man himself, and he summons him in God's name to take forthwith a long journey and bring with him his book of accounts. Every-man offers a thousand pounds to be spared, and says that if he may but have twelve years allowed him, he will make his accounts so clear that he shall have no need to fear the reckoning. Not even till to-morrow is granted him. He then asks if he may not have some of his acquaintances to accompany him on the way, and is told yes, if he can get them. The first to whom he applies, is his old boon-companion Fellowship, who promises to go with him anywhere,—till he hears what the journey is on which Every-man is summoned: he then declares that he would eat, drink and drab, with him, or lend him a hand to kill any body, but upon such a business as this he will not stir a foot; and with that bidding him God speed, he departs as fast as he can. Alack, exclaims Every-man, when thus deserted, Felawship herebefore with me wolde mery make, And now lytell sorowe for me dooth he take. Now wheder for socoure shall I flee Syth that Felawship hath forsaken me? To my kynnesmen I wyll truely, Prayenge them to helpe me in my necessyte. I byleve that they wyll do so; For kynde wyll crepe where it may not go.