worker of the soil, of Kuttenberg
“I work the earth outside the walls and wash the dirt down with ale, though my back aches and my brother aches it worse.”
Things Heinz Schwarz had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the eve of Whitsun, at Vespers
My daughter Anna thinks she can marry who she pleases. I told her no, and I say it again for the book. It would shame this house. Let her sell her wares, but she will not sell our good name.
Nota scribaeHe rubbed his left temple the entire time he spoke of his daughter.
the Thursday before Ascension, at None
Karl brought up the far strip again at the meal. My head pounds just hearing his name. Our father meant it for me. I would take him to the bailiff, but a plain man gets no fair hearing in this town. The German burghers hold all the favor.
Father never said it was yours. You just took it upon yourself because I was away.
I work it while you talk. That is the difference.
the Tuesday of Easter week, at Compline
Drank Thomas under the table again tonight. My purse is lighter for it, but Christ almighty, it is worth the empty copper just to see him snoring in the dirt. Richard had to carry him home.
I tripped on a root, you whoreson. I was not drunk.
He was heavy as a dead ox, Heinz. Next time you carry him.
Nota scribaeDictated at the alehouse. The man was swaying as he spoke.
the second Sunday of Lent, at Terce
Hauling water to the plot all morning and my back is screaming. Dorothy tells me to rest, but if the soil is not turned, we do not eat. I only wish the boy would help instead of carving his wood all day.
My woodworking brings in good groschen, Father. I am no digger.
He is a good lad, Heinz. Do not scold him for having a trade.
the day after Candlemas, at Sext
The ground is frozen hard as iron. There are soldiers on the road from Kolin, and bread costs more than it did at harvest. And to make the winter worse, Karl cornered me after Mass to ask about the far strip. I need an ale.
Come to the alehouse, Heinz. We will drink until we forget about the soldiers and your brother.
Nota scribaeHe sighed heavily before speaking the last sentence.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
You drink away your coin with Thomas Tanner and speak of our good name. You are not the one who must live with him.
Leave the girl be, Heinz. You will only make her stubborn.