hired hand at the farm, of Suchdol
“I do my share of the work, same as any man. I am as strong as the rest of them, I swear it.”
Things Frantishek had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the feast of St Pancras, at Compline
The vinegar poultice stings like the devil, but I think it helps. Emma saw me resting in the barn yesterday when the pain was fierce, but she is a good lass and promised not to tell. If William catches on, I will be turned out to starve.
Nota scribaeHe kept looking over his shoulder toward the main house as he spoke.
the eve of St George, at None
The heavy ploughing is near and a man needs all his strength. Roger is a true friend. He said he would search for a good handful of nettles to steep in vinegar for me. They say it draws the stiffness from a joint, and I am keen to try it.
I found a good patch down by the stream. We will boil it tonight when the master is asleep.
Praise be. I cannot grip the plough handles like this much longer.
the third day of Easter week, at Vespers
That scruffy hound Butcher got loose again and now there is hell to pay. Julian is demanding silver because the dog chased his precious fowl. God's wounds, men of means will ruin poor folk over a few feathers. I am keeping out of the yard until it settles.
If that dog costs me one penny to Julian's steward, I will drown it myself.
Do not let him hurt Butcher! He is a good dog, he just likes to run.
Nota scribaeDictated from behind a large ale barrel.
the Monday after St Valentine, at Sext
I wish John and Matilda would stop shouting over that copper jug. A man cannot even eat his pottage in peace. I went out to the barn to be away from the noise. Best to stay invisible when the old man is in a foul temper.
Candlemas, at Prime
The cold bites deep today. My right wrist aches a bit from that fall off the hayrick two winters back, but it is nothing. I swung the scythe all morning. Master William has no cause to complain of my work, I am as strong as a bull.
You take twice as long to clear a stall, lad. Do not think the master is blind.
Leave the boy be, John. The frost makes everyone stiff.
Nota scribaeHe rubbed his arm the whole time he spoke, wincing.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Your secret is safe with me, Frantishek. Just let Roger do the heavy lifting.
What secret is this? You had better be pulling your weight, boy.
No secret, master! I am as fit as a horse, Emma just worries over nothing.