Good King Wenceslas
Good King WenceslasGood King Wenceslas looked out
On the Feast of Stephen,
When the snowlay around 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 winterfuel,
"Hither, page, and stand by me,
If thou know's it, telling,
Younderpeasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives agood league hence,
Underneath the mountain,
Right against the forest-fence,
'BySaint Agnes Fountain."
Bring me flesh,
and bring me wine
Bring me pinelogs hither;
'Thous and I will see him dine,
When we bear them thither."
Page and Monarch forthe they when,
Forth they went together;
Through the rudewind's wild lament,
And the bitter weather.
"Sire, the night is darkernow,
And the wind blows stronger;
Fails my heart, I know not how;
I can go nolonger."
"Mark my footsteps, my good page,
Tread thou in them boldly,
Thou shalt find the Winter's rage,
Free thy blood less coldly.
In his master'sstep he trod,
Where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod,
Which theSaint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure,
Wealth or rankpossessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor,
Shall yourselves find blessing.