[bad word] Our eyes are blinded by the holiness you bear. The bishop’s robe, the mitre and the cross of gold 
Obscure the simple man within the Saint.
Strip off your glory, Nicolas, and speak!
NICOLAS Across the tremendous bridge of sixteen hundred years [bad word] to stand in worship with you
As I stood among my faithful congregation long ago. 
All who knelt beside me then are gone.
Their name is dust, their tombs are grass and clay, 
Yet still their shining seed of faith survives
In you!
It weathers time, it springs again 
In you!
With you it stands like forest oak
Or withers with the grasses underfoot.
Preserve the living Faith for which your fathers fought! 
For Faith was won by centuries of sacrifice
And many martyrs died
That you might worship God.
 [bad word] Help us, Lord! to find the hidden road 
That leads from love to greater Love, from faith 
To greater Faith.
Strengthen us, O Lord!
 [bad word] up our strength to serve Thee with simplicity.