The tune to which this carol is set was originally a 14th century dance. It should therefore be performed at a 'dancing pace'. The Reverend J.M. Neale (1818-66), who had a considerable reputation for reviving carols, wrote these lyrics that are deeply imbued with Victorian sentiment.

1. 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
Gathering winter fuel

2. "Hither page and stand by me
If thou know'st it telling
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and whats his dwelling?"
"Sire, he lives a good league hence
Underneath the mountain
Close against the forest fence
By Saint Agnes fountain"

3. "Bring me flesh and bring me wine
Bring me pine logs hither
Thou and I shall see him dine
When we bear them thither"
Page and monarch on they went On they went together
Through the rude wind's wild lament
Through the bitter weather

4. "Sire the night is darker now
And the storm grows stronger
Fails my heart, I know not how
I can go no longer"
"Mark my steps, be brave my page
Tread thou in them boldly
Then thou'lt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly"

5. In his master's steps he trod
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which his foot had printed
Therefore Christian men be sure
Wealth or rank possessing
Ye who now do bless the poor
Shall yourselves find blessing