scrubber and water carrier, of Old Kutna
“I earn my bread on my knees with lye, fair and honest, sakra.”
Things Isabel Porter had written, latest first, with the glosses of her neighbours.
the eve of St Urban, at Vespers
The muster is almost here and I still have no padded jack, sakra. I swear on the cross I will drag the widow Amice before the bailiff if she sells my kit. Matilda took my coin and pawned my gear, and now I am the one who will be fined.
Nota scribaeShe shouted this while wringing a wet rag onto my boots.
the Thursday after St John before the Latin Gate, at Sext
My hands are cracked bleeding from the lye at Alice Miller's house. She acts like the Queen of Sheba, scowling at every spot on the floor. But I know she drinks as much ale as any of us, no matter how high she holds her nose.
If you scrubbed as fast as your tongue wags, my floors would shine. And my ale is my own business.
the third day of Easter week, at Prime
Margery Carter is telling anyone who will listen that I took her by the hand to pawn Zdenyek's gear. Bloody lies, sakra! She pawned his kit a full month ago and bragged about the coin. Do not drag me into your mess.
You pointed the way to Amice's door! I never would have known the wretched widow otherwise.
You had his groschen in your purse before Lent, Margery. Stop crying about it.
the Monday after St Gregory, at None
This yard used to be quiet. Now every time I come back from hauling water, I have to listen to Cecily weeping about her brother Peter who ran off to Prague. Good for him, sakra. I wish he had taken the rest of the beggars with him.
Peter will send for me when the roads are clear. He promised.
We all have our burdens. My mother Bozhena died on the road, and God knows I failed her.
Nota scribaeThe dictator was very loud. Several dogs began to bark.
Candlemas, at Terce
I spent half my savings on a fine padded jack for the town muster. Hard work pays for good linen, sakra. I gave it to Matilda to keep safe while I am working at the mint. She has a dry chest and I only have a pallet.
It is a good piece of work. You will look proper at the muster.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
I needed bread, Isabel! Amice gave me good silver for it. I will pay you back after the harvest.
I do not need your empty promises, sakra. I need my kit!