hired hand, of Suchdol
“I serve Master William, do my work, take my wage, and keep to myself. A silver groschen is the only friend that will not leave you.”
Things John had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the Thursday after the Invention of the Cross, at Vespers
My back aches like a rusted hinge tonight. Saw Roger doing half of Frantishek's work again today. Foolishness. The boy has a crooked arm from that hayrick fall two years ago, and covering for him will only bring Master William's shouting down on us all.
Nota scribaeDictated while sitting on an overturned bucket. The man groaned twice.
the eve of St George, at Compline
Matilda asked for the copper jug back again. Said she needs it for brewing. I told her the same as before: ten groschen is ten groschen. The jug stays where it is until I have the silver in my hand. A pledge is a pledge, foolish woman.
the Tuesday of Easter week, at Prime
That cursed dog Butcher was barking all night. Master William should have drowned the beast years ago, before it got to Julian's fowl and caused all this trouble. Now bread is dearer, the roads are full of hungry folk, and I am still not close enough to buying that cottage.
Butcher keeps the wolves away, John. You'd complain if your shadow fell the wrong way.
the second day of Lent, at None
Heard a rumour from the road that the King is still held by his brother and the Cumans are everywhere. Let them stay away from Suchdol. I have enough trouble counting my pennies to make sure my hoard is safe. I will not beg on the roads when I am too old to dig.
If the soldiers come, you'll dig a trench, old man. Get back to the fence.
Nota scribaeHe patted his sack of bedding repeatedly while saying this.
Candlemas, at Terce
Seven winters since my Rosa died of the fever. I lit no candle for her today. The Lord took her and left me with snoring youths and a drafty shed. Every penny I save is so I can die in my own bed, not this one.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Keep your voice down, John. You want William to throw the lad out on the roads?
I want peace and quiet. Let the boy do what he can.