Everyman

Everyman

  • Submitted By: dido250
  • Date Submitted: 05/22/2013 5:48 AM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 1769
  • Page: 8
  • Views: 97

Everyman
The Messenger: Listen to this moral play about the summoning of Everyman. It shows how, at the end of our lives, we are shown to be transitory. You will see how Friendship, Kin, Worldly Goods and Possessions, Strength and Beauty will fade from you like a flower fades in May. You will see how our heavenly King calls Everyman to a general reckoning.
Voice: Everyman lives only for their own pleasure, and yet their own life is not assured. The more patient I am, the worse they are from year to year. Therefore I will have a reckoning of Everyman’s person. If I leave the people alone, they will become worse than beasts. They devour one another with jealousy, forget to be charitable to their fellow man, and become preoccupied with material possessions. Therefore I must do justice on Everyman. Death, my Mighty Messenger, Come to me at once. Obey.
Death: I’m here lord, ready to do your bidding.
Voice: Go to Everyman and tell him as my harbinger that he must take a journey that he cannot escape from, and he should better bring a reckoning without delay.
Death: Ah, I see Everyman walking over there; meeting me is the last thing on his mind, for he is preoccupied with his own self and possessions. He will dread standing before the Lord, Heaven’s King. Everyman, stand still where are you going so cheerfully? Have you forgotten your Maker?
Everyman: Who wants to know?
Death: Do you not know death when you see him!? I have been sent to you from heaven by God. The Lord demands that you give reckoning for your life.
Everyman: Oh Death, You’ve come when I least expected you. Save me – I will give you whatever you want if you will be kind on me – a thousand piece of gold if you will leave me alone and come another day.
Death: Everyman, that is not possible. I do not stop for gold, riches, pope nor emperor. Many have offered me gifts, but that is not my way. Now come and be quick.
Everyman: What? Not ever a warning? To even think of you makes my heart sick. I’m...

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