(Section C)
Led by MARIE WILSON
Conducted by FRANK BRIDGE
St. Francis of Assisi, of whom legend tells that he loved all the creatures of the earth and sky and that he could speak with them, met a flock of birds who stopped and greeted him. He addressed them and spoke of their Creator, saying, ' He preserved your seed in the Ark, that your race might not perish ', and besought all birds' always to praise Him as they ought. The birds listened attentively, and, at the end, spreading their wings, bent their heads reverently before breaking into a great song of praise and joy at the tidings that they were also cared for by God as His creatures. At the end St. Francis gave them his blessing, and the birds flew off chirping with happiness.