The English traditional song variously known as The Wren, The King, or just the first line quoted here has always been one of my seasonal favourites. When my friend Brian Ingle recorded the song on his recent album, he asked for a spot illustration for the booklet, resulting in the original version — and a new “faux-linocut” digital style for me, as described in my last post of 2023.

But of course, I couldn’t leave well enough alone, and the wren gained a forest, some snow, and a border for New Year’s!

The lyrics reflect the complicated history of this song; if you are interested, you can find out more here.

Joy, health, love, and peace be all here in this place
By your leave we will sing concerning our king

Our king is well dressed in the silks of the best
In ribbons so rare, no king can compare

We have travelled many miles over hedges and stiles
In search of our king, unto you we bring

We have powder and shot to conquer the lot
We have cannon and ball to conquer them all

Old Christmas is past, Twelfth Night is the last,
And we bid you adieu, great joy to the new

May this New Year bring you many moments of contentment, and renewed energy in all your endeavours — and only metaphorical cannonballs!