Saint Nicolas, Op. 42: The Birth of Nicolas

CHORUS

Nicolas was born in answer to prayer

and leaping from his mother's womb he cried:

NICOLAS (BOY)

God be glorified!

CHORUS

Swaddling-bands and crib awaited him there

but Nicolas clapped both his hands and cried:

NICOLAS

God be glorified!

CHORUS

Innocent and joyful, naked and fair

he came in pride on earth to abide.

NICOLAS

God be glorified!

CHORUS

Water rippled Welcome! in the bath-tub by his side

he dived in open-eyed, he swam, he cried:

NICOLAS

God be glorified!

CHORUS

When he went to church at Christmastide

he climbed up to the font to be baptised.

NICOLAS

God be glorified!

CHORUS

Pilgrims came to kneel and pray by his side.

He grew in grace, his name was sanctified.

NICOLAS

God be glorified!

CHORUS

Nicolas grew in innocence and pride.

His glory spread in rainbow round the countryside.

Nicolas will be a Saint! the neighbours cried.

NICOLAS (MAN)

God be glorified!