Chapter II: Introduction (2)

_Goods._ Therefore to thy soul _Good_ is a thief; For when thou art dead, this is my guise Another to deceive in the same wise As I have done thee, and all to his soul's reprief.

_Everyman._ O false _Good_, cursed thou be! Thou traitor to God, that hast deceived me, And caught me in thy snare.

_Goods._ Marry, thou brought thyself in care, Whereof I am glad, I must needs laugh, I cannot be sad.

_Everyman._ Ah, _Good_, thou hast had long my heartly love; I gave thee that which should be the Lord's above. But wilt thou not go with me in deed? I pray thee truth to say.

_Goods._ No, so God me speed, Therefore farewell, and have good day.

_Everyman._ O, to whom shall I make my moan For to go with me in that heavy journey? First _Fellowship_ said he would with me gone; His words were very pleasant and gay, But afterward he left me alone. Then spake I to my kinsmen all in despair, And also they gave me words fair, They lacked no fair speaking, But all forsake me in the ending. Then went I to my _Goods_ that I loved best, In hope to have comfort, but there had I least; For my _Goods_ sharply did me tell That he bringeth many into hell. Then of myself I was ashamed, And so I am worthy to be blamed; Thus may I well myself hate. Of whom shall I now counsel take? I think that I shall never speed Till that I go to my _Good-Deed_, But alas, she is so weak, That she can neither go nor speak; Yet will I venture on her now.-- My _Good-Deeds_, where be you?

_Good-Deeds._ Here I lie cold in the ground; Thy sins hath me sore bound, That I cannot stir.

_Everyman._ O, _Good-Deeds_, I stand in fear; I must you pray of counsel, For help now should come right well.

_Goods-Deeds._ _Everyman_, I have understanding That ye be summoned account to make Before _Messias_, of Jerusalem King; And you do by me[14] that journey what[15] you will I take.

_Everyman._ Therefore I come to you, my moan to make; I pray you, that ye will go with me.

_Good-Deeds._ I would full fain, but I cannot stand verily.

_Everyman._ Why, is there anything on you fall?

_Good-Deeds._ Yea, sir, I may thank you of all; If ye had perfectly cheered me, Your book of account now full ready had be. Look, the books of your works and deeds eke; Oh, see how they lie under the feet, To your soul's heaviness.

_Everyman._ Our Lord _Jesus_, help me! For one letter here I can not see.

_Good-Deeds._ There is a blind reckoning in time of distress!

_Everyman._ _Good-Deeds_, I pray you, help me in this need, Or else I am for ever damned indeed; Therefore help me to make reckoning Before the redeemer of all thing, That king is, and was, and ever shall.

_Good-Deeds._ _Everyman_, I am sorry of your fall, And fain would I help you, and I were able.

_Everyman._ _Good-Deeds_, your counsel I pray you give me.

_Good-Deeds._ That shall I do verily; Though that on my feet I may not go, I have a sister, that shall with you also, Called _Knowledge_, which shall with you abide, To help you to make that dreadful reckoning.

_Knowledge._ _Everyman_, I will go with thee, and be thy guide, In thy most need to go by thy side.

_Everyman._ In good condition I am now in every thing, And am wholly content with this good thing; Thanked be God my Creator.

_Good-Deeds._ And when he hath brought thee there, Where thou shalt heal thee of thy smart, Then go you with your reckoning and your _Good-Deeds_ together For to make you joyful at heart Before the blessed Trinity.

_Everyman._ My _Good-Deeds_, gramercy; I am well content, certainly, With your words sweet.

_Knowledge._ Now go we together lovingly, To _Confession_, that cleansing river.

_Everyman._ For joy I weep; I would we were there; But, I pray you, give me cognition Where dwelleth that holy man, _Confession_.

_Knowledge._ In the house of salvation: We shall find him in that place, That shall us comfort by God's grace. Lo, this is _Confession_; kneel down and ask mercy, For he is in good conceit with God almighty.

_Everyman._ O glorious fountain that all uncleanness doth clarify, Wash from me the spots of vices unclean, That on me no sin may be seen; I come with _Knowledge_ for my redemption, Repent with hearty and full contrition; For I am commanded a pilgrimage to take, And great accounts before God to make. Now, I pray you, _Shrift_, mother of salvation, Help my good deeds for my piteous exclamation.

_Confession._ I know your sorrow well, _Everyman_; Because with _Knowledge_ ye come to me, I will you comfort as well as I can, And a precious jewel I will give thee, Called penance, wise voider of adversity; Therewith shall your body chastised be, With abstinence and perseverance in God's service: Here shall you receive that scourge of me, Which is penance strong, that ye must endure, To remember thy Saviour was scourged for thee With sharp scourges, and suffered it patiently; So must thou, or thou scape that painful pilgrimage; _Knowledge_, keep him in this voyage, And by that time _Good-Deeds_ will be with thee. But in any wise, be sure of mercy, For your time draweth fast, and ye will saved be; Ask God mercy, and He will grant truly, When with the scourge of penance man doth him bind, The oil of forgiveness then shall he find.

_Everyman._ Thanked be God for his gracious work! For now I will my penance begin; This hath rejoiced and lighted my heart, Though the knots be painful and hard within.

_Knowledge._ _Everyman_, look your penance that ye fulfil, What pain that ever it to you be, And _Knowledge_ shall give you counsel at will, How your accounts ye shall make clearly.

_Everyman._ O eternal God, O heavenly figure, O way of rightwiseness, O goodly vision, Which descended down in a virgin pure Because he would _Everyman_ redeem, Which _Adam_ forfeited by his disobedience: O blessed Godhead, elect and high-divine, Forgive my grievous offence; Here I cry thee mercy in this presence. O ghostly treasure, O ransomer and redeemer Of all the world, hope and conductor, Mirror of joy, and founder of mercy, Which illumineth heaven and earth thereby, Hear my clamorous complaint, though it late be; Receive my prayers; unworthy in this heavy life, Though I be, a sinner most abominable, Yet let my name be written in _Moses'_ table; O _Mary_, pray to the Maker of all thing, Me for to help at my ending, And save me from the power of my enemy, For _Death_ assaileth me strongly; And, Lady, that I may by means of thy prayer Of your Son's glory to be partaker, By the means of his passion I it crave, I beseech you, help my soul to save.-- _Knowledge_, give me the scourge of penance; My flesh therewith shall give a quittance: I will now begin, if God give me grace.

_Knowledge._ _Everyman_, God give you time and space: Thus I bequeath you in the hands of our Saviour, Thus may you make your reckoning sure.

_Everyman._ In the name of the Holy Trinity, My body sore punished shall be: Take this body for the sin of the flesh; Also thou delightest to go gay and fresh, And in the way of damnation thou did me bring; Therefore suffer now strokes and punishing. Now of penance I will wade the water clear, To save me from purgatory, that sharp fire.

_Good-Deeds._ I thank God, now I can walk and go; And am delivered of my sickness and woe. Therefore with _Everyman_ I will go, and not spare; His good works I will help him to declare.

_Knowledge._ Now, _Everyman_, be merry and glad; Your _Good-Deeds_ cometh now; ye may not be sad; Now is your _Good-Deeds_ whole and sound, Going upright upon the ground.

_Everyman._ My heart is light, and shall be evermore; Now will I smite faster than I did before.

_Good-Deeds._ _Everyman_, pilgrim, my special friend, Blessed be thou without end; For thee is prepared the eternal glory. Ye have me made whole and sound, Therefore I will bide by thee in every stound.[16]

_Everyman._ Welcome, my _Good-Deeds_; now I hear thy voice, I weep for very sweetness of love.

_Knowledge._ Be no more sad, but ever rejoice, God seeth thy living in his throne above; Put on this garment to thy behove, Which is wet with your tears, Or else before God you may it miss, When you to your journey's end come shall.

_Everyman._ Gentle _Knowledge_, what do you it call?

_Knowledge._ It is a garment of sorrow: From pain it will you borrow; Contrition it is, That getteth forgiveness; It pleaseth God passing well.

_Good-Deeds._ _Everyman_, will you wear it for your heal?

_Everyman._ Now blessed be _Jesu, Mary's_ Son! For now have I on true contrition. And let us go now without tarrying; _Good-Deeds_, have we clear our reckoning?

_Good-Deeds._ Yea, indeed I have it here.

_Everyman._ Then I trust we need not fear; Now, friends, let us not part in twain.

_Knowledge._ Nay, _Everyman_, that will we not, certain.

_Good-Deeds._ Yet must thou lead with thee Three persons of great might.

_Everyman._ Who should they be?

_Good-Deeds._ _Discretion_ and _Strength_ they hight, And thy _Beauty_ may not abide behind.

_Knowledge._ Also ye must call to mind Your _Five-wits_ as for your counsellors.

_Good-Deeds._ You must have them ready at all hours.

_Everyman._ How shall I get them hither?

_Knowledge._ You must call them all together, And they will hear you incontinent.

_Everyman._ My friends, come hither and be present _Discretion_, _Strength_, my _Five-wits_, and _Beauty_.

_Beauty._ Here at your will we be all ready. What will ye that we should do?

_Good-Deeds._ That ye would with _Everyman_ go, And help him in his pilgrimage, Advise you, will ye with him or not in that voyage?

_Strength._ We will bring him all thither, To his help and comfort, ye may believe me.

_Discretion._ So will we go with him all together.

_Everyman._ Almighty God, loved thou be, I give thee laud that I have hither brought _Strength_, _Discretion_, _Beauty_, and _Five-wits_; lack I nought; And my _Good-Deeds_, with _Knowledge_ clear, All be in my company at my will here; I desire no more to my business.

_Strength._ And I, _Strength_, will by you stand in distress, Though thou would in battle fight on the ground.

_Five-wits._ And though it were through the world round, We will not depart for sweet nor sour.

_Beauty._ No more will I unto death's hour, Whatsoever thereof befall.

_Discretion._ _Everyman_, advise you first of all; Go with a good advisement and deliberation; We all give you virtuous monition That all shall be well.

_Everyman._ My friends, hearken what I will tell: I pray God reward you in his heavenly sphere. Now hearken, all that be here, For I will make my testament Here before you all present. In alms half my good I will give with my hands twain In the way of charity, with good intent, And the other half still shall remain In quiet to be returned there it ought to be. This I do in despite of the fiend of hell To go quite out of his peril Ever after and this day.

_Knowledge._ _Everyman_, hearken what I say; Go to priesthood, I you advise, And receive of him in any wise The holy sacrament and ointment together; Then shortly see ye turn again hither; We will all abide you here.

_Five-Wits._ Yea, _Everyman_, hie you that ye ready were, There is no emperor, king, duke, ne baron, That of God hath commission, As hath the least priest in the world being; For of the blessed sacraments pure and benign, He beareth the keys and thereof hath the cure For man's redemption, it is ever sure; Which God for our soul's medicine Gave us out of his heart with great pine; Here in this transitory life, for thee and me The blessed sacraments seven there be, Baptism, confirmation, with priesthood good, And the sacrament of God's precious flesh and blood, Marriage, the holy extreme unction, and penance; These seven be good to have in remembrance, Gracious sacraments of high divinity.

_Everyman._ Fain would I receive that holy body And meekly to my ghostly father I will go.

_Five-wits._ _Everyman_, that is the best that ye can do: God will you to salvation bring, For priesthood exceedeth all other thing; To us Holy Scripture they do teach, And converteth man from sin heaven to reach; God hath to them more power given, Than to any angel that is in heaven; With five words he may consecrate God's body in flesh and blood to make, And handleth his maker between his hands; The priest bindeth and unbindeth all bands, Both in earth and in heaven; Thou ministers all the sacraments seven; Though we kissed thy feet thou were worthy; Thou art surgeon that cureth sin deadly: No remedy we find under God But all only priesthood. _Everyman_, God gave priests that dignity, And setteth them in his stead among us to be; Thus be they above angels in degree.

_Knowledge._ If priests be good it is so surely; But when Jesus hanged on the cross with great smart There he gave, out of his blessed heart, The same sacrament in great torment: He sold them not to us, that Lord Omnipotent. Therefore Saint Peter the apostle doth say That Jesu's curse hath all they Which God their Saviour do buy or sell, Or they for any money do take or tell. Sinful priests giveth the sinners example bad; Their children sitteth by other men's fires, I have heard; And some haunteth women's company, With unclean life, as lusts of lechery These be with sin made blind.

_Five-wits._ I trust to God no such may we find; Therefore let us priesthood honour, And follow their doctrine for our souls' succour; We be their sheep, and they shepherds be By whom we all be kept in surety. Peace, for yonder I see _Everyman_ come, Which hath made true satisfaction.

_Good-Deeds._ Methinketh it is he indeed.

_Everyman._ Now Jesu be our alder speed.[17] I have received the sacrament for my redemption, And then mine extreme unction: Blessed be all they that counselled me to take it! And now, friends, let us go without longer respite; I thank God that ye have tarried so long. Now set each of you on this rod your hand, And shortly follow me: I go before, there I would be; God be our guide.

_Strength._ _Everyman_, we will not from you go, Till ye have gone this voyage long.

_Discretion._ I, _Discretion_, will bide by you also.

_Knowledge._ And though this pilgrimage be never so strong, I will never part you fro: _Everyman_, I will be as sure by thee As ever I did by Judas Maccabee.

_Everyman._ Alas, I am so faint I may not stand, My limbs under me do fold; Friends, let us not turn again to this land, Not for all the world's gold, 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 you 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 would give me all the gold in thy chest.

_Everyman._ Alas, whereto may I trust? _Beauty_ goeth fast away hie; She promised with me to live and die.

_Strength._ _Everyman_, I will thee also forsake and deny; Thy game liketh me not at all.

_Everyman._ Why, then ye will forsake me all. Sweet _Strength_, tarry a little space.

_Strength._ Nay, sir, by the rood of grace I will hie me from thee fast, Though thou weep till thy heart brast.

_Everyman._ Ye would ever bide by me, ye said.

_Strength._ Yea, I have you far enough conveyed; Ye be old enough, I understand, Your pilgrimage to take on hand; I repent me that I hither came.

_Everyman._ _Strength_, you to displease I am to blame; Will you break promise that is debt?

_Strength._ In faith, I care not; Thou art but a fool to complain, You spend your speech and waste your brain; Go thrust thee into the ground.

_Everyman._ I had wend surer I should you have found. He that trusteth in his _Strength_ She him deceiveth at the length. Both _Strength_ and _Beauty_ forsaketh me, Yet they promised me fair and lovingly.

_Discretion. Everyman_, I will after _Strength_ be gone, As for me I will leave you alone.

_Everyman._ Why, _Discretion_, will ye forsake me?

_Discretion._ Yea, in faith, I will go from thee, For when _Strength_ goeth before I follow after evermore.

_Everyman._ Yet, I pray thee, for the love of the Trinity, Look in my grave once piteously.

_Discretion._ Nay, so nigh will I not come. Farewell, every one!

_Everyman._ O all thing faileth, save God alone; _Beauty_, _Strength_, and _Discretion_; For when _Death_ bloweth his blast, They all run from me full fast.

_Five-wits. Everyman_, my leave now of thee I take; I will follow the other, for here I thee forsake.

_Everyman._ Alas! then may I wail and weep, For I took you for my best friend.

_Five-wits._ I will no longer thee keep; Now farewell, and there an end.

_Everyman._ O Jesu, help, all hath forsaken me!

_Good-Deeds._ Nay, _Everyman_, I will bide with thee, I will not forsake thee indeed; Thou shalt find me a good friend at need.

_Everyman._ Gramercy, _Good-Deeds_; now may I true friends see; They have forsaken me every one; I loved them better than my _Good-Deeds_ alone. _Knowledge_, will ye forsake me also?

_Knowledge._ Yea, _Everyman_, when ye to death do go: But not yet for no manner of danger.

_Everyman._ Gramercy, _Knowledge_, with all my heart.

_Knowledge._ Nay, yet I will not from hence depart, Till I see where ye shall be come.

_Everyman._ Methinketh, alas, that I must be gone, To make my reckoning and my debts pay, For I see my time is nigh spent away. Take example, all ye that this do hear or see, How they that I loved best do forsake me, Except my _Good-Deeds_ that bideth truly.

_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, holy _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; Receive it, Lord, that it be not lost; As thou me boughtest, so me defend, And save me from the fiend's boast, That I may appear with that blessed host That shall be saved at the day of doom. _In manus tuas_--of might's most For ever--_commendo spiritum meum_.

_Knowledge._ Now hath he suffered that we all shall endure; The _Good-Deeds_ shall make all sure. Now hath he made ending; Methinketh that I hear angels sing And make great joy and melody, Where _Everyman's_ soul received shall be.

_Angel._ Come, excellent elect spouse to Jesu: Hereabove thou shalt go Because of thy singular virtue: Now the soul is taken the body fro; Thy reckoning is crystal-clear. Now shalt thou into the heavenly sphere, Unto the which all ye shall come That liveth well before the day of doom.

_Doctor._ This moral men may have in mind; Ye hearers, take it of worth, old and young, And forsake pride, for he deceiveth you in the end, And remember _Beauty_, _Five-wits_, _Strength_, and _Discretion_, They all at the last do _Everyman_ forsake, Save his _Good-Deeds_, there doth he take. But beware, and they be small Before God, he hath no help at all. None excuse may be there for _Everyman_: Alas, how shall he do then? For after death amends may no man make, For then mercy and pity do him forsake. If his reckoning be not clear when he do come, God will say--_ite maledicti in ignem æternum_. And he that hath his account whole and sound, High in heaven he shall be crowned; Unto which place God bring us all thither That we may live body and soul together. Thereto help the Trinity, Amen, say ye, for saint _Charity_.

THUS ENDETH THIS MORALL PLAY OF EVERYMAN.

THE CHESTER PAGEANT OF THE WATER-LEADERS AND DRAWERS OF THE DEE CONCERNING NOAH'S DELUGE

CHARACTERS

God Noah Shem Ham Japhet Noah's Wife Shem's Wife Ham's Wife Japhet's Wife

THE CHESTER PAGEANT OF THE DELUGE

_God._ I, God, that all the world have wrought Heaven and Earth, and all of nought, I see my people, in deed and thought, Are foully set in sin. My ghost shall not lodge in any man That through fleshly liking is my fone,[18] But till six score years be gone To look if they will blynne.[19] Man that I made I will destroy, Beast, worm, and fowl to fly, For on earth they me annoy, The folk that is thereon. For it harms me so hurtfully The malice now that can multiply, That sore it grieveth me inwardly, That ever I made man. Therefore Noah, my servant free, That righteous man art, as I see, A ship soon thou shalt make thee, Of trees dry and light. Little chambers therein thou make And binding slich[20] also thou take Within and out, thou not slake To annoint it through all thy might. Three hundred cubits it shall be long, And so of breadth to make it strong, Of height so, then must thou fonge,[21] Thus measure it about. One window work though thy might; One cubit of length and breadth make it, Upon the side a door shall fit For to come in and out. Eating-places thou make also, Three roofed chambers, one or two: For with water I think to stow[22] Man that I can make. Destroyed all the world shall be, Save thou, thy wife, and sons three, And all their wives, also, with thee, Shall saved be for thy sake.

_Noah._ Ah, Lord! I thank thee, loud and still, That to me art in such will, And spares me and my house to spill As now I soothly find. Thy bidding, Lord, I shall fulfil, And never more thee grieve nor grill[23] That such grace has sent me till Among all mankind. Have done you men and women all; Help, for aught that may befall, To work this ship, chamber, and hall, As God hath bidden us do.

_Shem._ Father, I am already bowne,[24] An axe I have, by my crown! As sharp as any in all this town For to go thereto.

_Ham._ I have a hatchet, wonder keen, To bite well, as may be seen, A better ground one, as I ween, Is not in all this town.

_Japhet._ And I can well make a pin, And with this hammer knock it in; Go and work without more din; And I am ready bowne.[24]

_Noah's Wife._ And we shall bring timber too, For women nothing else to do Women be weak to undergo Any great travail.

_Shem's Wife._ Here is a good hackstock; On this you must hew and knock: Shall none be idle in this flock, Nor now may no man fail.

_Ham's Wife._ And I will go to gather slich,[25] The ship for to clean and pitch; Anointed it must be, every stitch, Board, tree, and pin.

_Japhet's Wife._ And I will gather chips here To make a fire for you, in fear, And for to dight[26] your dinner, Against you come in.

[_Here they make signs as though they were working divers instruments._

_Noah._ Now in the name of God I will begin, To make the ship that we shall in, That we be ready for to swim, At the coming of the flood. These boards I join together, To keep us safe from the weather That we may roam both hither and thither And safe be from this flood. Of this tree will I have the mast, Tied with gables that will last With a sail yard for each blast And each thing in its kind. With topmast high and bowsprit. With cords and ropes, I hold all fit To sail forth at the next weete[27] This ship is at an end. Wife in this castle we shall be kept: My children and thou I would in leaped!

_Noah's Wife._ In faith, Noe, I had as lief thou had slept, for all thy frankishfare,[28] For I will not do after thy rede.[29]

_Noah._ Good wife, do as I thee bid.

_Noah's Wife._ By Christ not, or I see more need, Though thou stand all the day and rave.

_Noah._ Lord, that women be crabbed aye! And never are meek, that I dare say. This is well seen of me to-day In witness of you each one. Good wife, let be all this beere[30] That thou makest in this place here, For they all ween thou art master; And so thou art, by St. John!

_God._ Noah, take thou thy company And in the ship hie that you be, For none so righteous man to me Is now on earth living. Of clean beasts with thee thou take Seven and seven, or thou seake, He and she make to make Quickly in that thou bring. Of beasts unclean two and two, Male and female, without more; Of clean fowls seven also, The he and she together. Of fowles unclean two, and no more; Of beasts as I said before: That shall be saved through my lore Against I send the weather. Of all meats that must be eaten Into the ship look there be gotten, For that no way may be forgotten And do all this by deene.[31] To sustain man and beasts therein, Aye, till the waters cease and blyn.[32] This world is filled full of sin And that is now well seen. Seven days be yet coming, You shall have space them in to bring; After that it is my liking Mankind for to annoy. Forty days and forty nights, Rain shall fall for their unrights; And that I have made through my might, Now think I to destroy.

_Noah._ Lord, at your bidding I am bayne,[33] Since none other grace will gain, It will I fulfil fain, For gracious I thee find. A hundred winters and twenty This ship making tarried have I: If, through amendment, any mercy Would fall unto mankind. Have done, you men and women all. Hie you, lest this water fall, That each beast were in his stall And into ship brought. Of clean beasts seven shall be; Of unclean two, this God bade me; This flood is nigh, well may we see, Therefore tarry you nought.

_Shem._ Sir, here are lions, leopards in, Horses, mares, oxen, and swine, Goats, calves, sheep, and kine, Here sitten[34] may you see.

_Ham._ Camels, asses, men may find; Buck, doe, hart and hind, And beasts of all manner kind. Here be, as thinks me.

_Japhet._ Take here cats and dogs too, Otter, fox, fulmart also; Hares, hopping gaily, can ye Have kail here for to eat.

_Noah's Wife._ And here are bears, wolves set, Apes, owls, marmoset; Weasels, squirrels, and ferret Here they eat their meat.

_Shem's Wife._ Yet more beasts are in this house! Here cats come in full crowse,[35] Here a rat and here a mouse; They stand nigh together.

_Ham's Wife._ And here are fowls less and more, Herons, cranes and bittern; Swans, peacocks, have them before! Meat for this weather.

_Japhet's Wife._ Here are cocks, kites, crows, Rooks, ravens, many rows; Cuckoos, curlews, whoso knows, Each one in his kind. And here are doves, ducks, drakes, Redshanks, running through the lakes, And each fowl that language makes In this ship men may find.

[_In the stage direction the sons of Noah are enjoined to mention aloud the names of the animals which enter; a representation of which, painted on parchment, is to be carried by the actors._

_Noah._ Wife, come in, why standest thou there? Thou art ever forward, that I dare swear: Come on God's half, time it were, For fear lest that we drown.

_Noah's Wife._ Yea, sir, set up your sail And row forth with evil heale, For, without any fail, I will not out of this town. But I have my gossips every one, One foot further I will not go; They shall not drown, by St. John! If I may save their life. They loved me full well, by Christ! But thou wilt let them in thy chest, Else row forth, Noah, whither thou list, And get thee a new wife.

_Noah._ Shem, some love thy mother, 'tis true; Forsooth, such another I do not know!

_Shem._ Father, I shall set her in, I trow, Without any fail. Mother, my father after thee sends, And bids thee unto yonder ship wend,[36] Look up and see the wind, For we be ready to sail.

_Noah's Wife._ Son, go again to him and say I will not come therein to-day!

_Noah._ Come in, wife, in twenty devils' way, Or else stand without.

_Ham._ Shall we all fetch her in?

_Noah._ Yea, sons, in Christ's blessing and mine, I would you hied you betime, For of this flood I am in doubt.

_Japhet._ Mother, we pray you altogether, For we are here, your children; Come into the ship for fear of the weather, For his love that you bought!

_Noah's Wife._ That I will not for your call, But if I have my gossips all.

_Gossip._ The flood comes in full fleeting fast, On every side it broadens in haste; For fear of drowning I am aghast: Good gossip, let me come in! Or let us drink ere we depart, For oftentimes we have done so; For at a time thou drinkst a quart, And so will I ere that I go.

_Shem._ In faith, mother, yet you shall, Whether you will or not!

[_She goes._

_Noah._ Welcome, wife, into this boat!

_Noah's Wife._ And have them that for thy note![37]

[_Et dat alapam victa._[38]

_Noah._ Aha! marry, this is hot! It is good to be still. My children! methinks this boat removes! Our tarrying here hugely me grieves! Over the land the water spreads! God do as he will! Ah, great God, thou art so good! Now all this world is in a flood As I see well in sight. This window will I close anon, And into my chamber will I gone Till this water, so great one, Be slakèd through thy might.

[_Noah, according to stage directions, is now to shut the windows of the ark and retire for a short time. He is then to chant the psalm, Salva me, Domine! and afterwards to open them and look out._

Now forty days are fully gone. Send a raven I will anon; If aught were earth, tree, or stone, Be dry in any place. And if this fowl come not again It is a sign, sooth to say, That dry it is on hill or plain, And God hath done some grace.

[_A raven is now despatched._

Ah, Lord! wherever this raven lie, Somewhere is dry well I see; But yet a dove, by my lewtye[39] After I will send. Thou wilt turn again to me For of all fowls that may fly Thou art most meek and hend.[40]

[_The stage direction enjoins here that another dove shall be ready with an olive branch in its mouth, which is to be dropped by means of a cord into Noah's hand._

Ah Lord! blessed be thou aye, That me hast comforted thus to-day! By this sight, I may well say This flood begins to cease. My sweet dove to me brought has A branch of olive from some place; This betokeneth God has done us some grace, And is a sign of peace. Ah, Lord! honoured must thou be! All earth dries now I see; But yet, till thou command me, Hence will I not hie. All this water is away, Therefore as soon as I may Sacrifice I shall do in faye[41] To thee devoutly.

_God._ Noah, take thy wife anon, And thy children every one, Out of the ship thou shalt gone, And they all with thee. Beasts and all that can flie, Out anon they shall hie, On earth to grow and multiply: I will that it be so.

_Noah._ Lord, I thank thee, through thy might, Thy bidding shall be done in hight,[42] And, as fast as I may dight[43] I will do thee honour. And to thee offer sacrifice, Therefore comes in all wise, For of these beasts that be his Offer I will this stower.[44]

[_Then leaving the ark with his whole family, he shall take the animals and birds, make an offering of them, and set out on his way._

Lord God, in majesty, That such grace has granted me, When all was borne safe to be, Therefore now I am boune.[45] My wife, my children, my company, With sacrifice to honour thee, With beasts, fowls, as thou may see, I offer here right soon.

_God._ Noah, to me thou art full able, And thy sacrifice acceptable, For I have found thee true and stable, On thee now must I myn.[46] Curse earth will I no more That man's sin it grieves sore, For of youth man full of yore Has been inclined to sin. You shall now grow and multiply And earth you edify, Each beast and fowl that may flie Shall be afraid for you. And fish in sea that may flitt Shall sustain you--I you behite[47] To eat of them you not lett[48] That clean be you may know. There as you have eaten before Grasses and roots, since you were born, Of clean beasts, less and more, I give you leave to eat. Save blood and fish both in fear Of wrong dead carrion that is here, Eat not of that in no manner, For that aye you shall lett.[49] Manslaughter also you shall flee, For that is not pleasant to me That sheds blood, he or she Ought where among mankind. That sheds blood, his blood shall be And vengeance have, that men shall see; Therefore now beware now all ye You fall not in that sin. And forward now with you I make And all thy seed, for thy sake, Of such vengeance for to slake, For now I have my will. Here I promise thee a behest,[50] That man, woman, fowl, nor beast With water while the world shall last, I will no more spill. My bow between you and me In the firmament shall be, By very tokens, that you may see That such vengeance shall cease. That man, nor woman, shall never more Be wasted by water, as is before, But for sin that grieveth sore, Therefore this vengeance was. Where clouds in the welkin That each bow shall be seen, In token that my wrath or tene[51] Should never this wroken be. The string is turned toward you, And toward me bent is the bow, That such weather shall never show, And this do I grant to thee. My blessing now I give thee here, To thee Noah, my servant dear; For vengeance shall no more appear; And now farewell, my darling dear!

THE CHESTER PAGEANT OF THE BARBERS AND WAX-CHANDLERS REPRESENTING ABRAHAM, MELCHISEDEC, AND ISAAC

CHARACTERS

God Abraham Lot Isaac Melchisedec A Knight Expositor A Messenger

THE CHESTER PAGEANT OF ABRAHAM, MELCHISEDEC, AND ISAAC

Abraham, _newly returned from the slaughter of the four kings, meets_ Melchisedec _riding_.

PRELUDE

_Messenger._ All peace, Lordings, that be present, And hearken now with good intent, How Noah away from us he went With all his company; And Abraham, through God's grace, He is come forth into this place, And you will give him room and space To tell you his storye. This play, forsooth, begin shall he, In worship of the Trinity, That you may all hear and see What shall be done to-day. My name is Gobbet-on-the-Green, No longer here I may be seen, Farewell, my Lordings, all by dene[52] For letting[53] of your play.

[_Exit._

[_Enter Abraham._]

_Abraham._ Ah! thou high God, granter of grace That ending nor beginning has, I thank thee, Lord, that to me has To-day given victory. Lot, my brother, that taken was, I have restored him in this case, And brought him home into his place Through thy might and mastery. To worship thee I will not wond,[54] That four kings of uncouth land To-day hast sent into my hand, And of riches great array. Therefore of all that I can win To give thee tithe I will begin, When I the city soon come in, And share with thee my prey. Melchisedec, that here king is And God's priest also, I wis, The tithe I will give him of this, As just is, what I do. God who has sent me victory O'er four kings graciously, With him my spoil share will I, The city, when I come to.

_Lot._ Abraham, brother, I thank it thee, Who this day hast delivered me From enemies' hands, and their postye,[55] And saved me from woe! Therefore I will give tithing Of my goods while I am living, And now also of his sending, Tithe I will give also.

[_Then comes a knight to Melchisedec._

_Knight._ My lord, the king's tidings aright Your heart for to gladden and light: Abraham hath slain in fight Four kings, since he went. Here he will be this same night, And riches with him enough dight. I heard him thank God Almight For grace he had him sent.

_Melchisedec_ (_stretching his hand to heaven_). Ah! blessed be God that is but one! Against Abraham I will be gone Worshipfully, and then anon, My office to fulfil, Will present him with bread and wine, For, grace of God is him within; Speeds fast for love mine! For this is God's will.

_Knight_ (_with a cup_). Sir, here is wine withouten were,[56] And thereto bread, both white and clear, To present him in good manere That so us helped has.

_Melchisedec._ To God, I know he is full dear, For of all things his prayer He hath, without danger, And specially great grace.

_Melchisedec_ (_coming to Abraham and offering him a cup of wine and bread on a plate_). Abraham, welcome must thou be, God's grace is fully in thee, Blessed ever must thou be That enemies so can make. I have brought, as thou may'st see, Bread and wine for thy degree; Receive this present now from me, And that I thee beseke.[57]

_Abraham._ Sir king, welcome in good say, Thy present is welcome to my pay. God has helpéd me to-day Unworthy though I were. He shall have part of my prey That I won since I went away. Therefore to thee thou take it may The tenth I offer here.

[_He delivers to the King a laden horse._

_Melchisedec._ And your present, sir, take I, And honour it devoutly, For much good it may signify In time that is coming. Therefore horse, harness, and peryé,[58] As falls to my dignity, The tithe of it I take of thee, And receive thy off'ring.

[_Abraham receives the bread and wine, and Melchisedec the laden horse as tithe from Lot._

_Lot._ And I will offer with good intent Of such goods as God hath me sent To Melchisedec here present, As God's will is to be. Abraham, my brother, offered has; And so will I with God's grace: This royal cup before your face, Receive it now of me.

[_Lot offers the wine and bread, which Melchisedec receives._

_Melchisedec._ Sir, your off'ring welcome is, And well I know forsooth, I wis, That fully God's will it is That is now done to-day. Go we together to my city, And now God heartily thank we That helps us aye through his postye,[59] For so we full well may.

_Expositor_ (_riding_). Lordings, what may this signify, I will expound openly That all, standing hereby, May know what this may be. This off'ring, I say verament,[60] Signifieth the new Testament, That now is used with good intent Throughout all Christianity. In the old law without leasing,[61] When these two good men were living, Of beasts was all their off'ring And eke their sacrament. But since Christ died on the rood-tree, With bread and wine him worship we, And on Shrove Thursday in his maundy[62] Was his commandment. But for this thing used should be Afterward as now done we, In signification, believe you me, Melchisedec did so; And tithes-making, as you see here, Of Abraham beginning were. Therefore he was to God full dear, And so were they both too. By Abraham understand I may The father of heaven in good fay,[63] Melchisedec a priest to his pay To minister that sacrament That Christ ordained on Shrove Thursday In bread and wine to honour him aye; This signifieth, the truth to say, Melchisedec's present.

_God._ Abraham, my servant, I say to thee, Thy help and succour I will be, For thy good deed much pleaseth me, I tell thee surely.

_Abraham._ Lord, one thing that thou wilt see, That I pray after with heart free, Grant me, Lord, through thy postye:[64] Some fruit of my body! I have no child, foul nor fair, Save my Nurry[65] to be my heir, That makes me greatly to apayre.[66] On me, Lord, have mercy!

_God._ My friend, Abraham, leave thou me. Thy Nurry thine heir shall not be, But one son I shall send thee, Begotten of thy body. Abraham, do as I thee say: Look up and tell,[67] and if thou may, Stars standing on the stray; That impossible were. No more shalt thou, for no need, Number of thy body the seed That thou shalt have withouten dreed, Thou art to me so dear. Wherefore, Abraham, servant free, Look that thou be true to me, And fore-word here I make with thee Thy seed to multiply. So much more further shalt thou be, Kings of thy seed men shall see, And one child of great degree All mankind shall forby.[68] I will that from henceforth alway Each knave's child on the eighth day Be circumcised, as I say, And thou thyself full soon; And who circumcised not is Forsaken shall be by me, I wis; For disobedient that man is, Therefore look that this be done.

_Abraham._ Lord, already in good fay[69] Blessed be thou, ever and aye; For that men truly know may Thy folk from other men, Circumcised they shall be all Anon for aught that may befall. I thank thee, Lord, thy own thrall, Kneeling on my knee'n.

_Expositor._ Lordings all take good intent What betokens this commandment: This was some time a sacrament In th' old law truly ta'en. As followeth now verament,[70] So was this in the old Testament; But when Christ, away it went, And baptism then began. Also God promises here To Abraham, his servant dear, So much seed that in no manere Number'd it might be. And one seed, mankind to forby, That was Jesus Christ witterlye[71] For of his kind was our Lady, And so also was he.

_God._ Abraham, my servant Abraham.

_Abraham._ Lo, Lord, already here I am.

_God._ Take Isaac, thy son by name That thou lovest best of all And in sacrifice offer him to me Upon that hill, beside thee. Abraham, I will that it so be For aught that may befall.

_Abraham._ My lord, to thee is my intent Ever to be obedient, That son that thou to me hast sent, Offer I will to thee. And fulfil thy commandment With hearty will, as I am kent High God, Lord Omnipotent, Thy bidding done shall be. My menye[72] and my children each one Lingers at home, both all and one, Save Isaac shall with me gone To a hill here beside.

* * * * *

[_Enter Isaac._

_Abraham._ Make thee ready, my darling, For we must do a little thing. This wood upon thy back thou bring, We must not long abide. A sword and fire I will take, For sacrifice I must make; God's bidding will I not forsake, But aye obedient be.

_Isaac._ Father, I am all ready To do your bidding meekly, To bear this wood full bound am I, As you command me.

_Abraham._ O Isaac, Isaac, my darling dear, My blessing now I give thee here. Take up this faggot with good cheer, And on thy back it bring, And fire with me I will take.

_Isaac._ Your bidding I will not forsake, Father, I will never slake[73] To fulfil your bidding.

[_Isaac takes the wood on his back, and they set out for the hill._

_Abraham._ Now Isaac, son, go we our way To yonder mountain, if that we may.

_Isaac._ My dear father, I will essay
To follow you full fain.

_Abraham._ Oh! my heart will break in three, To hear thy words I have pity. As thou wilt, Lord, so must it be: To thee I will be bane. Lay down thy faggot my own son dear!

_Isaac._ All ready, father, lo, it is here. But why make you so heavy cheer? Are you anything adread? Father, if it be your will, Where is the beast that we shall kill?

_Abraham._ There is none, son, upon this hill
That I see here in this stead.

_Isaac._ Father, I am full sore afraid To see you bare this naked sword. I hope for all middle-yard[74] You will not slay your child.

_Abraham._ Dread thee not, my child, I read Our Lord will send of his godhead Some kind of beast in thy stead, Either tame or wild.

_Isaac._ Father, tell me, or I go, Whether I shall have harm or no.

_Abraham._ Ah, dear God, that me is woe!
Thou bursts my heart in sunder.

_Isaac._ Father, tell me of this case, Why you your drawn sword has, And bare it naked in this place; Thereof I have great wonder.

_Abraham._ Isaac, son, peace! I pray thee, Thou breaks my heart even in three.

_Isaac._ I pray you, father, leave nothing from me,
But tell me what you think.

_Abraham._ O Isaac, Isaac, I must thee kill.

_Isaac._ Alas! father, is that your will, Your own child here for to spill, Upon this hill's brink? If I have trespassed in any degree, With a rod you may beat me; Put up your sword, if your will be, For I am but a child.

_Abraham._ Oh, my son! I am sorry To do to thee this great annoy, God's commandment do must I, His works are aye full mild.

_Isaac._ Would God, my mother were here with me! She would kneel upon her knee, Praying you, father, if it might be, For to save my life.

_Abraham._ Oh, comely creature, but I thee kill, I grieve my God, and that full ill: I may not work against his will But ever obedient be. O Isaac, son, to thee I say: God has commanded me this day Sacrifice--this is no nay-- To make of thy body.

_Isaac._ Is it God's will I should be slain?

_Abraham._ Yea, son, it is not for to layne;[75] To his bidding I will be bane,[76] Ever to his pleasing. But that I do this doleful deed, My Lord will not quit[77] me my meed.[78]

_Isaac._ Marry! father, God forbid But you do your off'ring. Father, at home your sons you shall find That you must love by course of kind. Be I once out of your mind, Your sorrow may soon cease, But you must do God's bidding. Father, tell my mother of nothing.

_Abraham._ For sorrow I may my hands wring, Thy mother I cannot please. O Isaac, blessed may'st thou be! Almost my wit I lose for thee, The blood of thy body so free I feel full loth to shed.

_Isaac._ Father, since you must needs do so, Let it pass lightly and overgo; Kneeling on my knees two, Your blessing on me spread!

_Abraham._ My blessing, dear son, give I thee And thy mother's with heart so free; The blessing of the Trinity, My dear son, on thee light!

_Isaac._ Father, I pray you hide mine een That I see not your sword so keen; Your stroke, father, I would not seen, Lest I against it thrill.

_Abraham._ My dear son Isaac, speak no more, Thy words make my heart full sore.

_Isaac._ O dear father, wherefore, wherefore? Since I must needs be dead, One thing I would you pray: Since I must die the death this day, As few strokes as you may, When you smite off my head.

_Abraham._ Thy meekness, child, makes me afray;[79] My song may be "Well away!"

_Isaac._ O, dear father, do away Your making so mickle moan! Now truly, father, this talking Doth but make long tarrying. I pray you come and make ending And let me hence gone!

_Abraham._ Come hither, my child, that art so sweet: Thou must be bound now, hand and feet.

[_Binding Isaac._

_Isaac._ Ah, father! we must no more meet By aught that I can see, But do with me just as you will, I must obey, and that is skill, God's commandment to fulfil, For needs so must it be. Upon the purpose that have set you, Forsooth, father, I will not let you, But evermore unto you bow, While that I may. Father, greet well my brethren young, And pray my mother for her blessing, I come no more under her wing: Farewell for ever and aye! But, father, I cry you mercy, Of that I have trespassed to thee, Forgiven, father, that it may be Until doom's day.

_Abraham._ My dear son, let be thy moans; My child, thou grievedst me but once. Blessed be thou body and bones, And I forgive thee here. Lo, my dear son, here shalt thou lie; Unto my work now must I hie, I had as lief myself to die As thou, my darling dear.

_Isaac._ Father, if you be to me kind, About my head a kercher[80] bind, And let me lightly out of your mind, And soon that I were sped.

_Abraham._ Farewell, my sweet son of grace!

_Isaac._ I pray you, father, turn down my face A little while, while you have space, For I am full sore adread.

_Abraham._ To do this deed I am sorry.

_Isaac._ Yea, Lord, to thee I call and cry: On my soul may thou have mercy, Heartily I thee pray.

_Abraham._ Lord, I would fain work thy will. This young innocent that lies so still Full loth were I him to kill By any manner of way.

_Isaac._ My dear father, I you pray, Let me take my clothes away, For shedding blood on them to-day, At my last ending.

_Abraham._ Heart! if thou would'st break in three, Thou shalt never master me, I will no longer let[81] for thee, My God I may not grieve.

_Isaac._ Ah, mercy, father! why tarry you so? Smite off my head, and let me go! I pray you, rid me of my woe; For now I take my leave.

_Abraham._ Ah, son! my heart will break in three To hear thee speak such words to me. Jesus, on me thou have pitý That I have most in mind!

_Isaac._ Now, father, I see that I shall die, Almighty God in majestý, My soul I offer unto thee: Lord, to it be kind.

[_Abraham takes the sword, as if to kill his son, when two angels appear. One of them seizes the point of the sword, and says,_

_1st Angel._ Abraham, my servant dear!

_Abraham._ Lo, Lord! I am already here.

_1st Angel._ Lay not thy sword in any manner On Isaac, thy dear darling! Nay! do thou him no annoy! For thou dreadest God; well, see I, That of thy son hast no mercy To fulfil his bidding.

_2nd Angel._ And for his bidding thou doest aye, And spares neither, for fear nor fray, To do thy son to death to-day, Isaac to thee full dear, Therefore God has sent by me in fay,[82] A lamb that is both good and gay Into this place as thou see may, Lo! it is right here.

_Abraham._ Ah, Lord of heaven and king of bliss! Thy bidding I shall do, I wis. Sacrifice here to me sent is And all, Lord, through thy grace. A horned wether here I see, Among the briars tied is he, To thee offered it shall be Anon, right in this place.

[_Let Abraham sacrifice the ram._