This is one of my favorite Christmas songs. It was written by John Mason Neale (in collaboration with his music editor, Thomas Helmore). It was first published in the 1850s.
The story takes place on the Feast of Stephen (Dec. 26), about a Bohemian Duke who was posthumously given the title of King in honor of all his good works/kindness to the poor (not to be confused with an ACTUAL king of similar name).
The melody is from a 13th century Springtime Carol, “Tempus adest floridum,” found in Piae Cantiones (1582). Critics were very annoyed that Neale used a Springtime melody for a Christmas season hymn!
However, despite the criticisms, Neale’s lovely hymn of this sweet and mystical tale has lived on.
Carol: “Good King Wenceslas”
Text: by John Mason Neale, 1853
Melody: “Tempus adest floridum,” 13th Century; published in Piae Cantiones in 1582
Here is the url for the simple YouTube video we made for this track: youtu.be/dfs4unmoMwI
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, tho' the frost was cruel,
When a poor man came in sight, gath'ring winter fuel.
"Hither, page, and stand by me, if thou know'st 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:
You and I shall 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 grows 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 shalt find the winter's rage freeze the blood less coldly."
In his master's steps he trod, where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod which the saint had printed.
Therefore, may ye be assured, wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing.
credits
from Advent 2017,
released December 7, 2017
Vocals: L.D.A.L.
Arrangement: L.D.A.L.
Copyright/Produced by: L.D.A.L./DeguMoth Studios, 2017
Copyright for the text and melody: Public Domain
(For more information, see above in the section "About this track.")
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