Droopy Andreas

the eve of Ascension, at Vespers

The priest says I must pay the three groschen I owe for sitting by the shrine, or he will drive me off. I give my bread to others, so the bowl stays empty. Lord, send me a sign if I should seek a cloister.

• 
  Bald Ellen

  Keep your head down, lad. The priest barks worse than he bites if he sees you praying.

Nota scribaeHe spoke so softly I had to ask him to repeat it thrice.

the second Tuesday in May, at None

A wagon from Kuttenberg passed on the road today. I kept my eyes on the dust. I am an orphan from Prague, I know nothing of silver or strongboxes or broken necks. Praise the saints for the cold earth.

• 
  Menhard

  You left quietly, lad. Good thing you did, considering who swung from the gallows.

• 
  Droopy Andreas

  I do not know you, sir. I am but a poor beggar.

the second day of Easter week, at Prime

The rain is bitter cold, but it washes the sins from a man's skin. I gave my last crust to Bald Ellen. The belly aches, but fasting cleans the soul.

• 
  Bald Ellen

  God bless you for the bread. It kept the chill off my old bones.

Nota scribaeHe wept a little while dictating this.

the feast of Saint Benedict, at Terce

I pray daily for the souls of those taken by fever. And for mothers who save their silver pennies only for their sons to squander them in taverns. The Lord sees our follies.

• 
  Isabel

  A mother never forgets the boy she raised, no matter what he broke or where he ran.

the first Friday of Lent, at Compline

I have cast off my old clothes and walked until my feet bled. I sit now at the shrine in Bylany. The world is a dark stair, and we all fall down it eventually. Pray for poor William.

• 
  John

  If you show your face here again, you'll get worse than a fall down the stairs, you little worm.

Nota scribaeDictated by a shivering wretch who smelled of fear and old sweat.