Christmas-Songs.Org: Boars Head Carol
The boar's head in hand bring I
Bedeck'd with bays and rosemary.
I pray you, my masters, be merry
Quot estis in convivio.
Caput apri defero
Reddens laudes Domino.
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.
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.
Caput apri defero
Reddens laudes Domino
About this song Boars Head Carol
"The boar's head carol" is a traditional Christmas song dating back to 16th century England. This song is sung on Christmas day at Queen's college, Oxford, and the custom of bringing a boar's head to the dining table is still maintained.
Translation of the latin terms used:
Quot estis in convivio - all who are feasting together
servite cum in cantico - serve it while singing
In Reginensi Atrio - within the Queen's Hall
Caput apri defero, Reddens laudes Domino - I bring the boar's head, sing thanks to the Lord.