Good King Wenceslas
Christmas Poems
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 shone the moon that night Though the frost was cruel When a poor man came in sight Gathring winter fuel
Hither, page, and stand by me If thou knowst 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 him thither. Page and monarch forth they went Forth they went together Through the rude winds 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 winters rage Freeze thy blood less coldly.
In his masters steps he trod Where the snow lay dinted 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