George the Fly

the Tuesday before Whitsun, at Vespers

The Hungarian soldiers on the roads make the bread dearer every week. I am twenty groschen short for my share in the upper crew and Saint John's feast is coming. A man cannot save a penny when a loaf costs like silver.

• 
  Francis the Hare

  You are a miserable miser, George. Buy a second ale and forget the Hungarians.

Nota scribaeDictated at the Platnerska tavern. He nursed one ale the entire time.

the third day of May, at Compline

My chest aches from the rock dust in the lower seams, but I will not stop. A man who complains does not get the nod from Foreman Hermann. I just breathe shallow and keep swinging.

• 
  Hans the Horse

  It is hard work, George. Drink some water and rest your back.

the third day of Easter week, at Prime

Francis the Hare still holds the pick he borrowed from Drslav at Candlemas. I share a floor with the man and he has no shame. A man should buy his own iron or starve. It sickens me.

• 
  Francis the Hare

  Mind your own business. Drslav has two picks and I need to eat.

• 
  George the Fly

  You will eat dirt when Hermann catches you.

Nota scribaeHe crossed his arms tightly and glared at the wall while saying this.

the eve of Saint Gregory, at None

I stood at the Platnerska tonight and watched the men drink away their wages. Christina ran between the tables while they shouted. When winter comes, they will beg, and I will be in a dry seam.

• 
  Christina Schmidt

  Either buy a second ale or make room for the men who do.

Candlemas, at Terce

Sixty groschen. That is the price to buy into the upper crew, away from the worst of the dust and the stagnant water. I have been eating thin gruel to save for it. God willing, I will have it by summer.

• 
  Hans the Horse

  I hope you get your silver, George. My mother Dorothy always said a steady hand wins out.

Nota scribaeThe man spoke very slowly and refused to smile.