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Good King Wenceslas is one of the most celebrated Christmas carols, which was composed by John Mason Neale and it was published in the mid nineteenth century, which is believed by some to be 1853. However, the music of the carol can be tracked back to Finland and has the flavor, which was popular there 300 years ago. As you read the song you will find that there is no reference to Christ or his birth in the entire song.In fact the title of the song tells you that it is about a king named Wenceslas, who incidentally was the Bohemian King sometime in the 10th century.
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King Wenceslas was murdered by his brother and therefore his followers started celebrating his feast on 28th September, which is known as the Saint's Day. But his feast is also celebrated on 26th December, as he is also the patron saint of Czech Republic. Here is 123newyear.com providing you the lyrics of this Christmas 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
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
Sing along with Good King Wenceslas and celebrate this festive season with 123newyear.com. Browse through other links on this site for more information on Christmas carols.
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