Good King Wenceslas II

Traditional Carol

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 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

Thou and I will 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 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 winter's rage

Freeze thy blood less coldly."

Though the fire burned golden bright

On the palace fender

Twice as warm love's faithful light

True and strong and tender

Therefore people everywhere

Wealth or rank possessing

You who now will bless the poor

Shall yourselves find blessing.