farmer at the first gate, of Grunta
“I am master of the holding at the first gate, managing men and soil just as my late father Ulrich did.”
Things William had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Monday after Ascension, at Vespers
The merchants in Kuttenberg offer dung for good grain. I told Emma I’d sooner feed the cabbage to the pigs than sell at a loss, but we have no pigs. The hands must work harder if we are to make up the difference. No supper for Thomas if he complains of his stomach again.
Nota scribaeHe spoke fast and puffed his chest out so much I thought he might burst his tunic.
the Tuesday before Rogation days, at None
Gilbert thinks to mock me by asking after his axe. I told the lad plainly: he broke the plowshare, so the axe stays with me as a pledge. That is how a fair master runs a yard. I carry it to remind him of his clumsiness.
the third day of Easter week, at Prime
Christ is risen, but the King is still in chains and the levy hangs over us all. Captain Walter says the Hungarian troops are everywhere. We must keep the yard tight. I have Thomas mending the east fence today. It must be strong enough to hold.
Ay, the roads are not safe. Good to see a man taking proper care of his holding.
My brother Christopher went to the levy and never came back. Mend your fences well.
the feast of Saint Matthias, at Terce
Drink at the alehouse with Captain Walter. He is a man who knows the burden of command. We drank to my late father, Ulrich. Some fool tried to tell me the old man paid his hands on time, unlike me. The old man didn't have to deal with these tolls!
Your father was a good man, William, but you still owe for the ale.
Ulrich was a fair master, God rest him.
Nota scribaeThe farmer was red in the face and spilled his ale twice while dictating.
the Monday after Candlemas, at Sext
Woke the hands before dawn today. Gilbert is slow to rise, getting old. I was pacing the fields long before them. The grain stores are lower than I'd like, but we will manage if everyone does their share. A master must always be watching.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
My stomach would not complain so much if you paid us what we are owed, master.
Hold your tongue, boy, or I'll set you to hauling water all night.
The merchants have us all by the throat, William. Half my rye went for pennies.