Song Name: | Good King Wenceslas_v3 | By: | John Mason Neale |
Posted By: | kugrian | Difficulty: | Beginner |
Key: | Any | Genre: | General |
Harp Type: | Diatonic | ||
Created: | 2008-12-18 12:12:13 | Modified: | 0000-00-00 00:00:00 |
Song: |
7 7 7 -8 7 7 6 Good King Wenceslas looked out -6 6 -6 -7 7 7 On the feast of Stephen 7 7 7 -8 7 7 6 When the snow lay round about -6 6 -6 -7 7 7 Deep and crisp and even 9 -9 8 -8 8 -8 7 Brightly shone the moon that night -6 6 -6 -7 7 7 Though the frost was cruel 6 6 -6 -7 7 7 -8 When a poor man came in sight 9 -9 8 -8 7 -9 7 Gath'ring winter fu--uueel Other lyrics: "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 The words to the carol "Good King Wenceslas" were written by John Mason Neale and published in 1853, the music originates in Finland 300 years earlier. This Christmas carol is unusual as there is no reference in the lyrics to the nativity. Good King Wenceslas was the king of Bohemia in the 10th century. Good King Wenceslas was a Catholic and was martyred following his assassination by his brother Boleslaw and his supporters, his Saint's Day is September 28th, and he is the Patron Saint of the Czech Republic. St. Stephen's feast day was celebrated on 26th December which is why this song is sung as a Christmas carol. Lyrics and song information - http://www.carols.org.uk/good_king_wenceslas.htm |