Good King Wenceslas - story of the carol

One of the best loved Christmas Carols is Good King Wenceslas. Although originally spring tune from Sweden, first published in the 16th century and sung with Latin text translated as “Spring has unwrapped her flowers,” John Mason Neale chose Wenceslas as the subject for a children’s song to exemplify generosity. It quickly became a Christmas favorite.

Play the carol Good King Wenceslas, see the sheet music and lyrics.

Who was King Wenceslas?

Wenceslas was the Duke of Bohemia and murdered in 935 AD by his wicked younger brother, Boleslav. As the song indicates, he was a good, honest, and strongly principled man. He became the Patron Saint of the Czech Republic and his Saint’s day is September 28th. His picture appeared on Bohemian coins, and the Crown of Wenceslas became the symbol of Czech independence.

Learn more about King Wenceslas and legends about him.

Fame of Good King Wenceslas carol

The carol is famous even in the east India.

In 1983, The Beatles performed several brief renditions of the carol, in a variety of arrangements. At one point, John Lennon sang a humorous set of lyrics, mentioning several Hollywood stars. This recording was later included on The Beatles' Christmas Album.

In Christopher Moore's novel "The stupidest Angel", one zombie keeps asking for the lyrics to "Good King Wenceslas".

Good King Wenceslas’ lyrics

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
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
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 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."

In his master's 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

Books about Good King Wenceslas

• Good King Wenceslas by Pauline Baynes
• Good King Wenceslas by John M. Neale