BBC Concert Orchestra, Crouch End Festival Chorus, Coldfall Primary School Choir, Hannah Brine Choirs and Mark le Brocq - Saint Nicolas, Op 42: Nicolas Devotes Himself to God

NICOLAS
My parents died. All too soon
I left the tranquil beauty of their home
and knew the wider world of man.
Poor Man! I found him solitary, racked
By doubt: born, bred, doomed to die
in everlasting fear of everlasting death:
the foolish toy of time, the darling of decay -
hopeless, faithless, defying God.
Heartsick, in hope to mask
the twisted face of poverty
I sold my lands to feed the poor
I gave my goods to charity
but love demanded more.
Heartsick, I cast away
all things that could distract my mind
from full devotion to His will
I thrust my happiness behind
but love desired more still.
Heartsick, I called on God
to purge my angry soul
to be my only master, friend and guide
I begged for sweet humility
and Love was satisfied.

Written by:
Benjamin Britten

Publisher:
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

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