labourer at the lower square, of Kuttenberg
“I am my own man, meant for better than hauling dirt, though my father tries to keep me in a gaol.”
Things Eberhard Schneider had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the eve of Ascension Day, at Vespers
Sakra, I am tired of Jarda weeping into his ale about his brother Jan being two days' walk away. I would pay good groschen if someone took my brother Joerg and my sisters far away. A man makes his own path, he does not cry for his kin.
the second Tuesday after Easter, at None
I need a smooth tongue. Veit Muller is the only man in Kuttenberg who can talk a dog off a meat stall. I have a letter for him to read, praising his good sense, but I need a stranger to hand it to him. I will pay two groschen.
A letter? If you have something to ask, buy me a beer and say it plainly.
It is a matter of diplomacy, Veit. A delicate proxy.
Nota scribaeHe paced the whole time he spoke, waving his hands about.
the Wednesday before Easter, at Prime
Another morning freezing in the damp air at the Lower Square, waiting for the tally-keeper. The older men snatched the indoor work again. Sakra, they sit around trading borrowed tools while I break my back lifting silver ingots. I will not end up like Denis Spicer, counting pennies.
Keep my name out of your proud mouth. Honest work never hurt anyone.
the feast of Saint Gregory, at Sext
My father Franz is a tyrant who cares only for coin. He will not let me marry Annabel because she has no dowry. He thinks it will shame the Schneider name! What shame is there in love? He is entirely blind. Her uncle keeps her locked away.
You will starve come winter with no dowry. Have some sense.
Listen to Father, Eberhard. You shame us with this shouting.
Nota scribaeHe shouted the last part so loudly a passing dog took fright.
the Monday after Candlemas, at Compline
I ate cheap bread by the steps of Saint James to avoid my own hearth. Endres is feuding over some watchman's fine again. There are soldiers on the roads making bread dearer, yet my family only cares for standing. I am getting out of this rut soon.
The fine was unjust! You would complain too if it were your coin.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
You have a cold heart, Eberhard. Family is a blessing.
Leave if you hate us so much. Father would save on bread.