Boar's Head Carol

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The boar’s head in hand bring I,
Bedeck'd with bays and rosemary.
I pray you, my masters, be merry[1]
    Quot estis in convivio[2]

        Caput apri defero
        Reddens laudes Domino[3]

The boar's head, as I understand,
Is the rarest dish in all this land,
Which thus bedeck'd with a gay garland
    Let us servire cantico.[4]

        Caput apri defero
        Reddens laudes Domino

Our steward hath provided this
In honor of the King of Bliss;
Which, on this day to be served is
    In Reginensi atrio.[5]

        Caput apri defero
        Reddens laudes Domino

Boar's Head Carol is a traditional English Christmas carol, first published in 1521 by Wynken de Worde in Christmasse Carolles.

Notes

  1. Or: And I pray you, my masters, merry be.
  2. Translation: As you all feast so heartily.
  3. Translation of Chorus:
    Lo, behold the head I bring
    Giving praise to God we sing
    Alternate translation:
    The boar’s head I bring,
    Giving praises to the Lord.
  4. Translation: Let us serve with a song.
  5. Translation: In the Queen's hall.