Good King Wenceslas I
Words from the
Wiccan Yule Songs
of
Balefire Coven
Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the Feast of Yule
When the snow lay round about
Deep in Winter's rule
Brightly shone the Moon that night
Though the frost was cruel
When a poor roe came in sight
Seeking winter fuel.
"Hither, page, and stand by me
If thou know'st it, telling
yonder stag, O whose is he?
Where and how his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Right against the forest fence
By good Brighit's fountain."
"Bring me apples; bring me corn
Bring my warm clothes hither
He shall dine `fore Solstice morn
When we bring them thither."
Page and monarch, forth they went
Forth they went together
through the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather.
"Page, 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 King
Tread thou in them boldly
Thou shalt find fierce Winter's sting
Freeze thy blood less coldly."
In the Oak King's steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the God had printed.
Therefore, Paganfolk, be sure
Any rank possessing
Ye who now will bless the Earth
Shall, yourselves, find blessing.