Boar's Head Carol
The "Boar's Head Carol" is a macaronic 15th century English Christmas carol that describes the ancient tradition of sacrificing a boar and presenting its head at a Yuletide feast. Of the several extant versions of the carol, the one most usually performed today is based on a version published in 1521 in Wynkyn de Worde's Christmasse Carolles.
Lyrics
1.The boar's head in hand bear I
Bedecked with bays and rosemary .
I pray you, my masters, be merry
Quot estis in convivio. - [howsoever many are at the feast]
Caput apri defero, - [I bring the boar's head]
Reddens laudes Domino. - [rendering praises to the Lord]
2.
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. - [it is served with mustard]
Caput apri defero,
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: - [in the Queen's hall]
Caput apri defero,
Reddens laudes Domino.
4.
The boar's head, I dare well say,
Anon after the eleventh day,
He takes his leave and goes away,
Exivit tum de patria. - [he has then left the fatherland]
Caput apri defero,
Reddens laudes Domino.