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III
THE CARDMAKERS’ PLAY
GOD
Of the simplest part of earth that's here,
I shall make man; this is my will.
Then, to abate his haughty cheer,
Both his great pride and other ill,
And also to keep in his mind
How simple he is at his making,
His feeble state still shall he find,
When he must die, at his ending.
For this reason and cause alone,
I shall make man like unto me.
Rise up, thou earth, in blood and bone,
In shape of man, I command thee.
A female shalt thou have for mate
Whom here I make of thy left side,
Lest thou be lone and desolate,
Without thy faithful friend and bride.
Take ye now here the breath of life,
And have ye both your souls of me;
This woman take thou to thy wife;
Adam and Eve your names shall be.
ADAM
Ah Lord, how mickle is thy might!
And that is seen on every side;
For this is now a joyful sight
To see this world so far and wide.
How many different things are here,
Of beasts and fowls both wild and tame;
Yet none of all like thee appear.
Save we alone—loved be thy name.
EVA
To such a lord in all degree
Be ever more lasting loving,
That to us such a dignity
Has given before all other thing.
And wondrous works here may we find,
In all this world so broad and long,
With beasts and fowls so many of kind—
"Blest be our maker " is our song.
ADAM
Ah blessed lord, since by thy sway
Now we are made, vouchsafe to tell,
And to us both, we pray thee, say,
What shall we do, where shall we dwell?
GOD
For this end made I you this day,
My name to worship ever more.
Love me therefore and love me aye;
For my making, I ask no more.
Both wise and witty shalt thou be,
As man that I have made of nought,
Lordship in earth here grant I thee;
All things shall serve thee that are wrought.
In paradise ye both shall dwell;
Of earthly things have ye no need;
Both good and evil shall ye tell
And learn from me your life to lead.
Come forth, ye two, with me;
Ye shall live in liking.
My blessing with you be. Amen. |
York Mystery Plays