hired hand at Kuttenberg, of Old Kutna
“I haul rock and timber and pull my weight better than half the bastards here. I mind my own business, provided other men mind theirs.”
Things Richard had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the eve of Whitsun, at Compline
Barbara Richter was weeping over her mother in Caslau again. I just want to drink my ale in peace without hearing that sniffling. Christ almighty, the world is hard enough without weak people making it louder. I spat on the floor and Edith threatened me with her bucket.
Nota scribaeDictated at the tavern. The man spat twice while speaking.
the Tuesday after St Mark, at Vespers
Carried three massive oak beams today while Leonard grimaced just lifting a sack. I know he ruined his back under Drslav's wagon, but if you cannot haul, you should not stand by the stone cross at first light. A strong arm solves problems.
the third day of Easter week, at None
That bastard neighbor walked past the tavern today and looked at me. I spat on the ground. I would rather starve in the dirt than admit I was wrong over that boundary stone. It was his stray ox that kicked it.
A curse will fall on your shed if you keep this up, mark my words.
Keep your curses to yourself, you broken-vowed fool.
Nota scribaeThe priest warned him against holding anger at Eastertide, to no avail.
the feast of St Gregory, at Prime
Waiting by the cross for the hauling master. Frantishek is staring at the dirt again, looking for a carving that belonged to his dead Lida. It is pathetic for a grown man. The air is freezing and I am crossing my arms to keep warm.
It was the last thing she touched before the winter fever took her. Have some pity.
Save your breath, Frantishek. He only cares for his pennies.
the Monday after Candlemas, at Terce
Bloody hell! My neighbor's stupid ox kicked the boundary stone out of place this morning. He says it was there all along. I told the whoreson he was a liar to his face. I will not apologize. He can rot.
I saw the ox wandering, but it is not my fight.
Nota scribaeHe was shouting so loud the dogs started barking.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Do it again, Richard, and you will wear the dirty water.
You have a stone for a heart. My mother is an old woman.