Saint Clement Carol

1 It was about November-tide
A long, long time ago,
When good S. Clement testified
The faith that now we know.
Right boldly then, he said his say,
Before a furious king;
And therefore on S. Clement’s Day
We go a-Clementing.

2 Work in the mines they gave him then,
To try the brave old saint:
And there two thousand Christian men
With thirst were like to faint.
He prayed a prayer, and out of clay
He made the waters spring,
And therefore on S. Clement’s Day
We go a-Clementing.

3 An anchor ‘round his neck, they tied,
And cast him in the sea;
And bravely as he lived he died,
And gallantly went free.
He rests a many miles away,
Yet here his name we sing,
As all upon S. Clement’s Day
We go a-Clementing.

4 Our fathers kept it long ago,
And their request we make
Good Christians, one small mite bestow,
For sweet S. Clement’s sake:
And make this feast as glad and gay
As if it came in spring,
When all upon S. Clement’s Day
We go a-Clementing.