The Nicholas de Serce Story
Nicholas de Serce’s origin and most of his history are mysteries.
So this is a short story, with all of that we know about this intriguing signori.
It is believed, centuries ago, late one chilly Christmas eve,
was the only time Nicholas de Serce has ever been seen.
Befana had a wretched headache,
bedridden she could not make deliveries before daybreak.
She asked her friend to assist, honored, he could not resist.
Nicholas quickly rallied a large crew and took off in a flurry.
They arrived in La Spezia with a fleet of bulging dories,
filled with packages resplendent in their glory.
They made heed, breaking the loads onto lorries with steeds,
then quickly set off at a lighting paced speed,
delivering all night by candle and lantern light.
The gifts were safely in place before the rising sun,
Nicholas de Serce’s good deed was done,
he and his team quietly rowed off to their faraway home.
But when he was kissing Italy goodbye,
Nicholas left his lantern behind, now stored deep in the Uffici it keeps his legend alive.
