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Rh a Hungarian historian, and we may judge how deep an impression the remarkably handsome youth and his elegant dancing must have made on all who beheld him, when we read the enthusiastic description of the event written many years later. The youth was sent to Eger to "learn chivalry," or knightly ways. The fortress of Eger was an important military centre; the heroic and successful defence of the town by Stephen Dobó was known and applauded in all the neighbouring countries, and so, too, was the magnificent part which the women of Eger had played in that piece of heroism. Balassa's first love-songs were addressed to the daughter of the same Stephen Losonczy who is mentioned above as the valiant defender of Temesvár. Balassa's father was himself the captain of a border-fortress, and by his intrepidity drew upon himself the wrath of the Sultan. It was in this warlike atmosphere that the young poet grew up, and his private life was as perturbed as the age in which he lived. It was a restless life indeed, full of litigation, full of discord. His marriage is characteristic of his whole life, and reveals his disposition. He wished to marry a cousin, a member of the Dobó family. The lady was entitled to one part of the large fortress and town of Sárospatak (the fortress having several owners). The family, however, strongly objected to the match, because the pair were cousins, so Balassa determined to acquire both bride and fortress by one bold stroke.

On Sunday he went to church at Sárospatak with several of his armed men; he waited until the service was over, and· then stepped forward boldly, grasped the hand of Christine Dobó, and compelled the priest to marry them. After the wedding, he led his wife to the courtyard of the fortress, and addressed the garrison in