Good King Wenceslas

Words: John Mason Neale (1818-1866)
Music: 16th century Swedish-German hymn

This song is based on a story about Prince-Duke Wenceslas of Bohemia (907-929), martyr and patron saint of Czechoslovakia, who ruled in Bohemia from 923 to 929. He was raised a Christian by his grandmother. At 16 years old, Wenceslas took over the reins of government from his mother, who was a pagan. He was very devout and was said to have had the power to perform miracles.

He encouraged the work of German missionary priests in the Christianization of Bohemia, and showed great liberality to the poor, especially at Christmas and St. Stephen's Day, December 26th (called "Boxing Day" in some countries). His zeal in spreading Christianity, however, antagonized his non-Christian opponents. Heathen enemies conspired against Wenceslas, and in 929, his younger brother, Boleslav, murdered him.

Wenceslas was regarded as Bohemia's patron saint almost immediately after he was assassinated.


Good King Wenceslas

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.