Good King Wenceslas.
This is one of my favourite Christmas carols that I enjoyed singing at the Christmas carol service at the local Parish Church.
Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen
Where 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, gathering 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 St 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 wild 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 shall 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.
This legend is based on the life of saint Wenceslas 1 Duke of Bohemia in Czech (907-935)
As an act of piety he would deliver alms around churches and gave generously to the poor, including widows and orphans,
He was considered, not a Prince but father of the wretched.
The holy Roman Emperor Otto posthumously conferred his regal dignity and sainthood posthumously in recognition of his dedication and KINDNESS to lesser mortals than himself.
Sadly he was assassinated by his evil brother Boleslav the Cruel in order to seize his title.
St Wenceslas is recognised as the Patron Saint of Czech.
my thanks to the Denise Nesbitt the keystone of Abcw and equally to Roger our knowledgeable administrator .
K is for Kindness and a king
I have no idea what happened, but in any case, I've fixed your Linky link.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're feeling better. Nice post.
ROG, ABCW
I always loved the story of Good King Wenceslas when I was a child, and imagined the Page, stepping in his footsteps. Now I am considerably older I appreciate the realities of his life.
ReplyDeleteI love this! I'm trying to avoid xmas for another few weeks before the kids go insane but sneakily I'm looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteNice to know the carole..and pics are apt.Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you! Now I understand this legend for the first time. I love the carol and you took great care to choose the right images. Your post looks very attractive.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the information about the kilts and tartans of the Royal Family.
I hope you feel better now.
Have a great week.
Wil, ABCW Team.
A very informative post. Thank you for the comments on my Kilbane post. Research is very time consuming but fascinating. Perhaps we will find more information before our trip.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your detail of the song. I'm ready to start preparing for Christmas, our church is already gathering items for the poor!
ReplyDeleteAnn
Hi Roger, thanks for fixing my link AGAIN! I would appreciate you sending me a detailed e-mail of how to link up etc.
ReplyDeleteI am feeling so much better thanks..I just have to be careful and keep taking the meds!
Glad you liked my take on Good King W.
Love Di.x
Hi Hildred, it was such a descriptive piece of writing, I always enjoyed singing it. It was part of our repertoire when we used to go carol singing around the parish,This culminated in the Vicarage where we were fed warm mince pies and lemonade. I think the vicar and the adult choristers had something a wee bit stronger!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Di.x
Hi Thud, good to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteI'm beginning to think about Christmas presents, so much to buy,each year we say we're going to spend less but never do !
love di..xx
hello KVSM good to hear from you glad you liked my little yarn !
ReplyDeleteThe carol always captures my imagination at Christmas time.
Music plays a great part in my life!
Best wishes, Di.x
Hello Reader Wil,
ReplyDeleteso good to hear from you and thank you for your kind words, most appreciated.
I am feeling so much better thank you,
love Di x
Hi Kate good to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind comments, I hope you can fine out more about the Kilblanes' before your trip, Good luck,
Di.x
Hello Anne, lovely to hear from you again. glad you enjoyed the details of the Carol.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Di.x
Its a carol I always enjoy hearing, and singing. From a fellow back sufferer hope yours is feeling a bit more mobile.
ReplyDeleteHi Joy, it's amazing how well known the carol is and loved by so many, it seems!
ReplyDeleteSorry you too have back problems and have found a comfort zone for yours.
best wishes,
di.x
The song makes me think of my dad because he always liked playing Christmas music. I remember hearing this song on many a Christmas morning! Thanks for bringing back those lovely memories :)
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Susan
Hi Susan, thanks for your kind comments. I'm so pleased Good King Wenceslas evoked warm memories for you of your dear dad.
ReplyDeletebest wishes,
Di.x
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the new comment! Yes Scotland is very beautiful. I can understand that you long to be there.
ReplyDeleteHow are you doing? I hope you feel better now!
Wil, ABCW Team.
Hi Wil,
ReplyDeleteI am so much better now thank you, the doctor was right when she said it would take 6-8 weeks to repair !
Scotland is a fine country, we are only a few hours drive away from the Lowlands. Last time we were there it was Autumn and the changing colours were sublime.
Best wishes,
Di..xxx
I can understand your association but it is depressing to think that Christmas is around the corner.
ReplyDeleteHello Cheshire Wife, I'm sorry that the thought of Christmas depresses you, it cheers me no end as all our family will be home along with our four grandchildren, always hectic and tiring but great fun.
ReplyDeleteDi x