When Death introduces himself to Everyman and announces that he must go to be judged by God, Everyman attempts to use pathos in order to persuade Death to give him more time on Earth:
Everyman.
Alas, shall I have no longer respite?
I may say Death giveth no warning:
To think on thee, it maketh my heart sick,
For all unready is my book of reckoning.
But twelve year and I might have abiding,
My counting book I would make so clear,
That my reckoning I should not need to fear.
Wherefore, Death, I pray thee, for God’s mercy,
Spare me till I be provided of remedy.Death.
Thee availeth not to cry, weep, and pray.
Everyman begs Death for some “respite,” or a period of rest before undertaking his journey. Noting that Death has given him “no warning” before arriving, he emphasizes the emotional stakes that Death’s announcement has had upon him, arguing that it has made his “heart sick,” as he is “unready” to face his “reckoning” by God. Imploring Death for “mercy,” he begs to be spared for a little bit longer so that he can do good deeds and increase his chances of being judged positively by God after his death. Death, however, recognizes Everyman’s attempt to appeal to his emotions, and denies this request, noting that he cannot be made to “cry, weep, and pray” for Everyman.
