Good King Wenceslas

Christmas Carol Lyrics

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 the 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.
Ark 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.

About This Carol

Good King Wenceslas tells a story of kindness and generosity that has echoed through Christmas celebrations since the 19th century. The lyrics were written by English hymnwriter John Mason Neale in 1853, set to the melody of a much older 13th-century springtime song called “Tempus Adest Floridum” (which translates to “The time is near for flowering”).

The carol recounts the tale of Wenceslas, a real-life 10th-century Duke of Bohemia, who later became a revered saint. According to legend, he braved harsh winter weather on the Feast of Stephen (December 26) to bring food and firewood to a poor man he spotted from his castle. His loyal page followed, finding warmth in the duke’s footsteps through the snow.

Though some debate the historical accuracy of every detail, the message of the carol is clear and timeless: charity and compassion are at the heart of true Christmas spirit. Its vivid storytelling and noble message continue to inspire acts of kindness, especially during the holidays.

Good King Wenceslas may not have the sleigh bells or snowmen of other carols, but it offers something deeper - a reminder that warmth doesn't always come from the hearth, but from the heart.

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