woodworker and cart repairer, of Kuttenberg
“I swing a broadaxe until my arms ache, then I plough my father's dirt until dark.”
Things Hynek Fair had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the eve of Pentecost, at Compline
Another meal ruined by Anthony whining about the far strip. Our father left the dirt, he didn't say who should work it. I have the back for the plough, so I plough it. Keep bleating and I will sell it to a stranger just for the quiet.
the Monday after Ascension, at None
Jan Wood spent half the shift crying over the bailiff's muster roll again. A man should either march or run to the woods, not weep on my timber. The wood dust is thick enough today without his tears soaking the sawdust.
Easy for you to say, Hynek. Stephen the clerk didn't write your name down before he left for Prague.
Nota scribaeThe dictation was interrupted by a heavy fit of coughing.
the second day of Easter week, at Terce
Bought a dark loaf from Kunz Klein at the market today. It is decent enough bread. The man looks like he carries a heavy stone on his back lately, but I pay my pennies and keep my head down. White bread is for men with soft hands.
Thank you, Hynek. The dark loaf gives a man strength.
My bench was empty today. A good white loaf never hurt anyone.
the feast of the Annunciation, at Sext
I prefer working beside Roger Short. Ever since the fever took him last winter, he just mutters his prayers and swings his axe. It is good to have quiet when you are cutting supports for the mines. A careless swing and a man could lose his sight.
Praise be to the saints who delivered me from the sickness.
Ash Wednesday, at Vespers
I am so covered in earth and wood dust I can barely open my eyes. But I will not pay Barbara Vogel's prices at the Chmelna bathhouse. A man shouldn't hand over his hard groschen just for hot water. The public trough will do.
Wash in the horse trough then, you cheap stubborn fool.
Nota scribaeHe wiped dirt from his face onto my ledger while he spoke.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
It is my birthright, you stubborn ox! Father meant it for me.
Let a man eat his soup in peace, both of you.