Why Wenceslas?
May 29, 2008
Good King Wenceslas was the king of Bohemia in the 10th century. Good King Wenceslas was celebrated because of his charitable attempts to give food to the poor. In 1853, John Mason Neale chose Wenceslas as the subject for a children’s song to exemplify generosity. It quickly became a Christmas favorite, even though its words indicate that Wenceslas ‘looked out’ on St. Stephen’s Day, the day after Christmas.
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.
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