The Boar's Head Carol

Melody - Melody - Melody - Melody - first published 1521

"Wynkyn de Worde"

The boar's head in hand bear I
Bedecked with bays and rosemary
I pray you, my masters, be merry
Quot estis in convivio.1)
Caput apri defero,2)
Reddens laudes Domino 3)

The boar's head, as I understand,
Is the rarest dish in all the land,
Which thus bedecked with a gay garland
Servitur cum sinapio. 4)
Caput apri defero,2)
Reddens laudes Domino 3)
Our steward hath provided this
In honour of the King of bliss
Which on this day to be served is
In Reginensi Atrio:5)
Caput apri defero,2)
Reddens laudes Domino 3)

The boar's head, I dare well say,
Anon after the eleventh day,
He takes his leave and goes away,
Exivit tum de patria.6)
Caput apri defero,2)
Reddens laudes Domino 3)


1) Howsoever many are at the feast
2) I bring the boar's head,
3) Rendering praises to the Lord
4) It is served with mustard.
5) In the Queen's hall
6) He has then left the fatherland.


| Deutsche Volkslieder | Ahnenforschung | Ferienaufenthalt | Folksongs | Hymns | Genealogy | Pacific Holiday | HOME PAGE | SEARCH | Email |