Page:A history of Hungarian literature.djvu/243

 JOHN ARANY 229 Toldi was the first epic, in wh ich subje ct, language and characters were ali pop ular. It made a great stir in the literary world and was a warded the Kisfaludy Society's prize. Every one admired th e simpticity of th e means by which Arany prodneed his remarkable poetica} effects. There was none of the elabo rate grandeur of the old classical epics ; there was no artifidal rhetoric and no invocation of the M use. The language of Toldi far excels the fiat aad lustreless diction of most contemporary seholars and poets. It was as though Arany had discovered an idiom previously unknown. He was profoundly versed in his mother tongue. When we read his writings we seem to hear the rippling of the hidden sources of the Hungar ian language. His native tongue, like every other language, was full of old and hackneyed figurative expressions, to which he gave new life and colour. The second part of Toldi, which came third in order of publication, appearing only towards th e end of the poet's life, shows us Nicholas Toldi as a man in the prime of life. W e read of his chivalric adventures, of his one great love, and of his inward conflicts, more strenuous even than his feats of arms. His love for Piroska is the chief subject of this part of the poem. Th e hand of the fair Piroska is offered as the prize at a tournament, and Toldi, out of thoughtless good nature, consents to aid a companion in arms by fighting in his place, with visor down, and carrying his friend's shield and colours. In this manner, contrary to ali the rules of chivalry, he wins Piroska for Lorinez Tar. From this deed springs the great tragedy of ToMi's life, for t oo late he learns to love the lady and to repent the deceit which made her the wife of another.