watchman at the poorhouse warehouse, of Kuttenberg
“I guard the grain at the poorhouse quietly. It suits me, though I am owed ten groschen.”
Things Jan had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Tuesday before Whitsun, at Vespers
My knees ache from the long shifts at the front gate. I watched the poor gather for their rations again today. I wish I could walk to the cross by the Hoprink church to say a prayer for my late brother Ludwig, but my legs will not bear the journey.
Nota scribaeHe traced a cross on his chest no less than three times while dictating this.
the second day of May, at Compline
Franz, if you are reading this through the clerk, I want my padded coif back. Ten groschen it cost me at the Easter market, and you gave it to Gerta the ale-wife for sour beer. The muster approaches and the captain will look for it.
the third day of Easter week, at None
Hermann and Fritz have been bickering again about the woods and poor Konrad. May he rest in peace. It does no good to shout over what happened last Saint Bartholomew's day. I keep my eyes on the floorboards and pray for the dead.
The old man was slow, Jan. That is the truth of it, no matter how much Hermann weeps.
He was a steadfast friend and you left him to the arrows!
Nota scribaeDictated in the warehouse yard while the others were arguing inside.
the Friday after Saint Gregory, at Prime
Young Claus jumped at a shadow by the grain store this morning. The boy is terrified of the whip, and who can blame him? I showed him how to check the heavy iron padlocks properly so the captain has no reason to beat him.
Candlemas, at Terce
I bought a candle to light for Ludwig. He was a good tailor and died of the bloody flux before a priest could reach him. I fear for his soul in purgatory. I trace the cross and hope the Lord takes mercy on him.
We will light it together. The Lord knows a good tailor.
Nota scribaeThe man spoke very softly, so I had to lean close to hear him.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
You are a good man, Jan. Rest your legs, the Lord hears your prayers from the loft just as well.