Good King Wenceslas

Written by: John Mason Neale

Good King Wenceslas is a popular Christmas carol that tells the tale of a Bohemian king's generosity and piety.

Good King Wenceslas Lyrics and Words

Song lyrics to 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
Gathering 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 shall see him dine
When we bear them 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, good my page
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shall find the winters rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly.

In his masters step 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.

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Good King Wenceslas - A History of the Carol

Good King Wenceslas is a Christmas Carol based on the life of Saint Wenceslaus I, the Duke of Bohemia, who lived in the 10th century (c. 907–935). Although he was a duke and not a king, he was posthumously given the title "rex" (king) due to his martyrdom and veneration as a saint. Wenceslaus was known for his piety and good deeds towards the poor and less fortunate.

The Story behind the Christmas Carol - Good King Wenceslas

Good King Wenceslas, the carol recounts a story where on the Feast of Stephen (December 26), King Wenceslas sees a poor man gathering wood in the middle of a harsh winter. Moved by compassion, the king decides to bring the man food and pine logs for his fire. His page, who accompanies him, finds the journey challenging due to the severe weather, but by following in the king's footsteps, he finds the path easier. The narrative emphasizes the king's Christian charity and the miraculous nature of his good deeds, which are symbolized by warmth persisting in the footsteps he leaves.

The melody used for "Good King Wenceslas" is a 13th-century spring carol, "Tempus adest floridum" ("The time is near for flowering"), which was traditionally sung in the context of spring rather than Christmas. Neale's adaptation of this tune for a Christmas story is one reason why the carol stands out.

Over time, "Good King Wenceslas" has become a staple of Christmas music, often sung in churches, schools, and during holiday performances. It encapsulates themes of generosity, kindness, and the spirit of giving, aligning with the Christian values of Christmas.

Good King Wenceslas - Sheet Music

Sheet music for Good King Wenceslas is sold through MusicNotes.com. We are not able to post printable copies of sheet music on this website. Please click the image to see the sheet music.

Steve Calderone - Piano Solo - Good King Wenceslas — Musicnotes Edition