'I know not,' he said, 'how to speak my gratitude to Ellen De Freston, or her father. They have been the brightest fosterers of my love of literature, and of every virtue which can prompt a young man to exertion. Should Ellen succeed in her petition to my mother, for my father has already acceded to the persuasions of his friends, I shall for ever feel indebted to her, and in future years, if my exertions should be crowned with success, the greatest joy I can feel will arise from the consciousness of the approbation of such a friend.' 'Come, then,' said Daundy, 'I can see clearly we shall be able to effect our purpose. I never saw a mother more against her son's entering the Church than is Dame Joan. She trembles, Thomas, lest thou shouldst become a priest, and, knowing the restrictions which would be placed upon thee, as the child of Rome that thou must then become, she fears that thou wouldst be sworn to give away all thine affections, and that she should lose thy love, thy attention to her, and thine interest in life.' 'I know my mother's fears. I have, however, endeavored to combat them; first, upon the grounds that I never think of becoming a priest, though I told her then that it would be wrong in me to make a vow that I would not. Then I have represented to her the field of glory open to one who enters the cloister, and would show her what fame, what present and future joy, there was in the employment which the Pope now gives to all the sons of the Church. She thinks every priest must be lazy, bigotted, and superstitious, and, at times, almost makes me think she is, or would be, an heretic. But she shakes her head at me, tells me I am young, that we think differently as we grow older, and often take steps too precipitately in our youth, before our judgments are formed, of which we afterwards bitterly repent. Now I wish to go to Oxford that I may obtain an insight into learning, such as this, my native town, cannot afford me. I wish to study logic and the laws of my country, as well as all the literature of this and foreign lands, and I cannot do it better than by going to Oxford; can I, Master Latimer?' 'Most assuredly not. I can be of some service to you, and will, if your parents consent. I am very intimate with Grocyn the learned and newly-elected prebend of Lincoln. He has more influence with Magdalen College than any man. He wishes, most heartily, to introduce into that society men of first-rate classical ability; and, as he is Divinity Reader there, he has obtained a promise that those whom he can recommend for letters, shall be admitted upon that foundation. Now I know Grocyn would be glad to hear from me, and if friends here will find me a messenger, I will forthwith write and recommend Master Thomas Wolsey; and I greatly deceive myself if he do not distinguish himself and gratify us all. This is what I can do!'