Annys did so with Piers' complaint of the great Churchmen of the day ringing in his ears:—
"With change of many manner meats,
With song and solos sitting long,
And after meat with harpe and song
And each man mote him lords call."
When they reached the Bishop's private chamber, Thomas of Ely laid his hand kindly upon the young man's head.
"My son," he said, "I have heard. Would to God it were otherwise, but I hear that thou hast seen a light and must follow it."
Annys bowed his head gravely. Then, suddenly throwing himself upon his knees before the Bishop, he exclaimed in a broken voice:—
"Father, I have chosen the difficult way. Help me that my feet do not falter."
The old man was deeply moved, and stooped and embraced the young priest, who began:—