At these words poor Everyman trembled and hesitated, and Death went on to say that he had been sent to him in great haste “from God out of His Majesty” to tell him he was bidden to take a long journey and to bring with him his book of reckoning, to answer before God for all his deeds in this, his present life. In vain Everyman begged for a delay. “O _Death_” (he cried), “thou comest when I had thee least in mind! In thy power it lieth me to save, Yet of my good will I give thee, if ye will be kind— Yea, a thousand pound shalt thou have, And defer this matter till another day.” But Death replied that “to cry, weep, and pray” was of no avail, since he took neither gold, silver, nor riches from pope, emperor, king, duke, nor princes. He must instantly set forth on the journey from which there was no returning. Then, in his great trouble, Everyman called upon God: “O gracious God, in the high seat celestial, Have mercy on me in this most need!... Shall I have no company from this vale terrestrial?” he asked of Death. For he dreaded to take the long journey alone. “Yea, if any be so hardy That would go with thee and bear thee company,” Death replied. Then Everyman began to think of his friends, and to wonder which of them loved him well enough to go with him into the Valley of the Shadow of Death. And presently he saw _Good Fellowship_ approaching. Now in this story “Good Fellowship” means all the companions with whom Everyman had spent gay and delightful hours—men with whom he had laughed and jested; men who had professed the greatest affection for him. So when he saw the smiling face of Fellowship, he was full of hope, and he went eagerly to meet him. “_Everyman_, good-morrow by this day (said _Fellowship_); Sir, why lookest thou so piteously? If anything be amiss, I pray thee, me say, That I may help to remedy.” Everyman admitted that he was in great trouble, and nothing could have been kinder than Fellowship’s voice, as he declared himself ready to do anything for his friend. If any one had wronged him, he was ready to kill the offender. That he would never forsake his dear companion Everyman might rest assured. So, greatly consoled, Everyman told him that he must take a long journey, and he begged that Fellowship would be his travelling companion. Then, for the first time, the gay and cheerful fellow began to look serious. “I promised not to forsake you,” he said; “but we must discuss the matter at greater length. If we took such a journey, when should we come again?” “Nay, never again till the day of doom,” answered Everyman sadly. At these words Fellowship started back in fear. “Who hath you these tidings brought?” he asked in a strange voice. “Indeed, Death was with me here,” Everyman replied.