Emperor Francis designated Komárno as the camp site for the noble anti-Napoleonic insurrection. In the spring of 1797, the poet Mihály Csokonai Vitéz also arrived in Komárno. Csokonai wrote an encouraging poem for the people gathering for the war against the French. Csokonai’s poem entitled “To the Assembly of Noble Hungarians” was performed at the flag consecration celebration on 26 April 1797 by Julianna Vajda, who immediately stole the poet’s heart.
The enamoured poet travelled a great deal in 1797 and 1798 as well, seeking work from villages from Bicske to Keszthely, and in the meantime he also spent much time around Komárno. Komárno was at that time a wealthy trading centre, primarily trading in grain. In that world, a poet looking for work was not a suitable candidate for a husband in the eyes of Julianna’s parents, and therefore in the spring of 1798, with the support of her parents, she said yes to István Lévai, a wealthy merchant.
Research has confirmed that Csokonai and Lilla were in contact even after her marriage was concluded. The poet in those years visited parishes in the area and liked to spend time near his love. He also sent her his poems, which were published in print in 1800, and he visited her in 1802. He did not come empty-handed; he gave her a ring that he had inherited from his father.