The Vision and Creed of Piers Ploughman, Volume 2

"The Vision and Creed of Piers Ploughman, Volume 2" by William Langland is a 14th-century allegorical poem that dives into morality, spirituality, and social justice through the character of Piers, a symbol of Christ-like goodness and the everyday person. The poem blends philosophical arguments with critiques of society, challenging readers to think about faith, the hardships faced by the poor, and the ethics of the rich. Early in the story, Haukyn chats with Conscience and Pacience, talking about guilt, sin, and the benefits of living simply. They examine the connection between worldly life and spiritual purity, highlighting the need for being sorry for your sins and doing good deeds, rather than chasing money. Haukyn says he’s sorry for his past mistakes and looks for advice on how to lead a better life, which leads to a greater understanding of being honest and helping others.