Hungarian Heritage Review, 1990 (19. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1990-01-01 / 1. szám

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Even though the subjects of this section may not be historically connected with the month of January, the “Winds of Change” buffeting Hungary these days brings to mind that 179 years plus two months ago (on the 7th day of November, 1810), a child was born in Gyula in Bekes County, Hungary, who was destined to become Hungary’s foremost operatic composer, the first Musical Director of the Hungarian National Theatre, the composer of the National Anthem of Hungary, for which Ferenc Kölcsey (1790 - 1838) wrote the verses. This greatest among Hungarian operatic composers was Ferenc Erkel (1810 - 1893). With what has happened and is still happening in Hungary today, it is timely, we believe, to reacquaint ourselves with the verses and musical score of the National Anthem of Hungary. The eight verses or stanzas were originally translated into English by William N. Loew, the Hungarian founder of the famous Loew’s chain of motion picture theaters. It is appropriate that we do this at this particular point in time because the National Anthem of Hungary truly embodies and expresses the real “Spirit of Hungary.”)

'1. O. my God, the Magyar bless

With Thy plenty and good cheer!

With Thin aid his just cause press,

Where his foes to fight appear.

Fate, who for so long did'st frown,

Bring him happy times and ways;

Atoning sorrow hath weighed down Sins of past and future days.

2. By Thy help our fathers gained Kárpát’s proud and sacred height;

Here by Thee a home obtained Heirs of Bendegúz, the knight.

Where’er Danube’s waters flow iy.nd the streams of Tisza swell Arpád’s children, Thou dost know,

Flourished and did prosper well.

3. For us let the golden grain Grow upon the fields of Kún,

And let Nectar’s silver rain Ripen grapes of Tokay soon.

Thou our flags hast planted o'er Forts where once wild Turks held sway;

Proud Vienna suffered sore

From King Mátyás’ dark array.

4. But, alas! for our misdeed,

Anger rose within Thy breast,

And Thv lightnings Thou did’st speed From Tny thundering sky with zest.

Now the Mongol arrow flew Over our devoted heads;

Or the Turkish yoke we knew,

Which a free-born nation dreads.

5. O, how often has the voice

Sounded of Wild Osman's hordes, When in songs they did rejoice O'er our heroes' captured swords! Yea, how often rose Thy sons.

My fair land, upon Thy sod,

And Thou gavest to these sons, Tombs within the breast they trod!

6. Though in caves pursued he lie,

Even then he fears attacks.

Coming forth the land to spy,

Even a home he finds he lacks. Mountain, vale - go where he would, Grief and sorrow all the same - Underneath a sea of blood,

While above a sea of flame.

7. ‘Neath the fort, a ruin now,

Joy and pleasure erst were found. Only groans and sighs, I trow,

In its limits now abound.

But no freedom’s flowers return From the split blood of the dead, And the tears of slavery burn,

Which the eyes of orphans shed.

8. Pity, God, the Magyar, then,

Long by waves of danger tossed;

Help him by Thy strong hand when He on grief’s sea may be lost.

Fate, who for so long did’st frown, Bring him happy times and ways; Atoning sorrow hath weighed down All the sins of all his days.-Translated into English in 1881 by William N. Loew

Ferenc Erkel

Ferenc Kölcsey

JANUARY 1990

HUNGARIAN HERITAGE REVIEW

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