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The opinion has been commonly accepted that the
English version of the play was a translation from
the Dutch version Elckerlyc (Elckerlijk) ascribed by
Dorlandus, and this view has been ably supported by
Logeman (editions as above, and Elckerlyk-Everyman:
De vraag naar de Prioriteit opnieuw onderzocht,
1902). The chief support of this view is the fact that
the Dutch version was printed before the English. It
is safer to consider the question still open. Either
may be the earlier, and both may go back to an earlier
version now lost. See also Schelling, vol. ii, 450.
For comment upon the play, see the Introduction.]

Here beginneth a treatise how the High Father of Heaven
sendeth Death to summon every creature to come and give
an account of their lives in this world, and is in manner
of a moral play.

[The Messenger enters.
Messenger.

I pray you all give your audience,
And hear this matter with reverence,
In form a moral play.
The Summoning of Everyman it is called so,

That of our lives and ending maketh show 5
How transitory we be every day.
This matter is wondrous precious,
But the meaning of it is more gracious
And sweet to bear away.
The story saith: Man, in the beginning 10
Watch well, and take good heed of the ending,
Be you never so gay!
Ye think sin in the beginning full sweet,
Which, in the end, causeth the soul to weep,
When the body lieth in clay. 15

-66-

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Publication Information: Book Title: The Second Shepherds' Play, Everyman and Other Early Plays. Contributors: Clarence Griffin Child - transltr. Publisher: Houghton Mifflin. Place of Publication: Boston. Publication Year: 1910. Page Number: 66.
    
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