Good King Wenceslas

Good King Wenceslas
(Traditional)



Good King Wenceslas looked out
on the feast of Stephen
when the snow lay round about
deep and crisp and even
Brightly shown the moon that night
though the frost was cruel
when a poor man came in sight
gathering winter fuel

Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know it telling
yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?
Sire, he lives a good league hence
underneath the mountain
right against the forest fence
by Saint Agnes fountain

Bring me flesh, and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I will see him dine
when we bear them thither
Page and monarch, forth they went
forth they went together
through the rude wind's wild lament
and the bitter weather

Sire, the night is darker now
and the wind blows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how
I can go no longer
Mark my footsteps my good page
tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
freeze thy blood less coldly

In his master's step he trod
where the snow lay dented
Heat was in the very sod
which the saint had printed
Therefore, Christian men, be sure
wealth or rank possessing
ye who now will bless the poor
shall yourselves find blessing