Ságvári Ágnes (szerk.): Budapest. The History of a Capital (Budapest, 1975)
Documents
Hungary, and moreover we have most graciously allowed the consistent use of red sealing-wax with the seal in the weighty matters, in the following manner and according to the following representation; a coat of arms in azure with a cornucopia from which depends a variety of flowers, and in whose centre is seen a tower, massively built of squared stones with a gate divided into two wings and a portcullis within, as appears at the very head of our most gracious charter, made by a conning limner by his own hand in true and proper colours. We further decree and grant that the citizens, inhabitants and hospes of the said city of Pest, as well as their descendants, shall by virtue of the red sealing-wax impression of the seal on which the above-described coat of arms is engraved, know and recognize all documents passing between them for any reason to be genuine and fully binding at all times, confirmed with our greater secret seal which we use as the king of Hungary. Given... in our city of Vienna, this 23rd day of the month of October, in the year 1703, the 46th year of our reign over the Holy Roman Empire, the 49th year of our reign over Hungary and parts annexed, and in the 47th year of our reign over Bohemia... Translated from Latin. József Patatich: Szabad királyi Pest városnak kiváltsága [The Privileges of the Free Royal City of Pest ], Pest, 1840, pp. 3-15. VI Oath of allegiance of the citizens of Pest April 23rd, 1723 I,...................., swear by God, by the Blessed Virgin and by all the Saints of God that I, as the recognized and admitted citizen of this Royal Free City of Pest, shall always give full loyalty and humble obedience, with property and blood, to my lawful king and lord. Likewise I shall regard and recognize the chief magistrate and the other elected head, as well as the entire council, not only as the customary elected and confirmed municipal council, but shall faithfully render them all the due respect, honour and obedience which 1 owe them as a true citizen under divine, natural and written law, and also in all conscience, honesty and equity. Likewise if I hear anything against the Council 1 shall report it at once, that they should acquire knowledge of it and be enabled to prevent the evil. I shall in no way and never in the slightest degree defame the Council with dishonest, derogatory, scornful acts, reproaches or rumour, nor shall I permit others to do so. I shall be watchful to avoid incitement to revolt and insubordination, and unlawful gatherings. I shall lead an honest, peaceful and pure life. 1 shall also live in peace with my neighbours, shall cause them no unpleasantness, shall offer no resistance to the orders of the council, shall not condemn them, but shall always and in everything render obedience to the council as my superior authority. I shall readily fulfil my civic obligations and shall in everything promote and consider the good of the city. I shall subject myself to all municipal orders, statutes, liberties and rights in obedience, and shall where needed assist in protecting them to the best of my power. And finally I shall in everything conduct myself and desire to live as is befitting and proper for a loyal and obedient citizen, so help me God. The original text is in German. Pesti levéltár (Archives of the City of Budapest) Tanácsiilési jegyzőkönyv (Minutes of the Council meeting), 1720-1722, pp. 158-159. 87
