Wenceslas Christmas Carol
The traditional Christmas carol, "Good King Wenceslas" performed for Storynory's tale of Good King Wenceslas
Sung by Gabriella Burnel.
Guitar by Jamie McCredie
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.
Wenceslas Songs and Stories at Christmas Time
St Stephens Day PCR
Re-listening to this story on the Day of St Stephen, the day when this Christmas
Carol takes place, originally known as Boxing Day,brings about the wonder of Story and Sing.
The Song of Good King Wenceslas encapsulates the Story.
When Good King Wenceslas looks out on to the snow and
says 'Hither paige come stand by me
if thou know'st is telling" we see character in the story of the song
and the wonderful character of Good King Wenceslas..brings about the drama of the story for the characters and the musical quality.
With it's seven metric beat line and five stanza's it gives the song its rhythm that lends it to a telling in the theirs person like a dramatic chorus telling about Wenceslas and his kingdom and its under tune from Bohemia, where the tale is originally set.
Can you think of any other tales where the story comes out of the song?
We Three Kings Of Orient Are, Little Town of Bethleham are two and both Christian tales like good Wenceslas too.
Let me know Ill get back to you
Hope you're having a good Christmas
N*