3. Nicolas devotes himself to God (Anthony Rolfe Johnson; English Chamber

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 [bad word] my happiness behind 
But Love desired more still.
Heartsick, I call’d on God to purge my angry soul, 
To be my only Master, friend and guide.
I begged for sweet humility 
And Love was satisfied.