II. Esztergom: Üdvöz légyen Géza fia/Koppány küldött jó úrnőm

Song Meaning

The lyrics immediately establish a stark contrast between a reverent, almost liturgical invocation of a noble past and a fierce rejection of it. The Regősök chant praises for István, son of Géza, framing him as a divinely appointed leader who will guide the people to Christ's path, referencing historical figures like Árpád and emphasizing a unified "seven Hungarian lordships." This sets a tone of hopeful, divinely sanctioned succession. This hopeful vision is violently interrupted by Sarolt, who dismisses the past as "harmful remembrance," linking heroic history to "betrayal and rebellion." Her words are sharp and dismissive, calling the historical songs "barbaric" and "pagan," and she demands the singers be silenced, revealing a deep-seated fear of the old ways resurfacing. This creates a central tension between embracing a new, Christian order and the lingering power of ancient traditions and loyalties. The arrival of Laborc, bearing a message from Koppány, escalates this conflict. He invokes "ancient custom" and "ancient law," proposing that Sarolt choose Koppány as her new husband and co-ruler. The offer is framed as a way to restore old rights and bring prosperity, but it's a direct challenge to István's claim and Sarolt's authority. The repetition of "És érvényes lesz újra az ôsi jog" (And ancient law will be valid again) underscores the gravity of this plea. Sarolt's response is one of absolute fury and defiance. She labels Koppány's proposal as "shameless insult," "infidelity," and "betrayal," directly contrasting it with her unwavering support for István. Her declaration, "István will be the prince / With fire and iron, if necessary!" and her brutal threat to hang the "treacherous oath-breaker" reveal the brutal stakes of this power struggle. The repeated, sharp question "Mit képzel Koppány?" (What does Koppány imagine?) from multiple voices hammers home the perceived audacity and unacceptability of his demand, solidifying the lyrical conflict.