merchant of small wares, of Kuttenberg
“I am a burgher of Kuttenberg, and I earned my place measuring canvas while the Germans look down their long noses.”
Things Tobias the Townsman had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the eve of Ascension, at Vespers
The aldermen have called the militia muster for next month. I am a peaceable man, but a burgher must stand ready. I only wish Martin the Fair would return my padded coat and iron cap, so I might present myself properly.
Nota scribaeHe rubbed his jaw for a long time before dictating this.
the second day of Easter week, at Terce
The price of bread is a sin, and the Hungarian soldiers on the roads make the cloth trade near impossible. If I had a reliable man going south, I would send word to my uncle that I am still alive, but there is no one to trust.
I know a man walking to Kolin tomorrow if you have a groschen to pay him.
I do not deal with rough hands like you or your friends.
the Friday after St Gregory, at None
Praise be to God that I am no longer digging in the dirt. I stood near the front at Mass today, right behind the silversmiths. A German merchant tried to step ahead of me, but I held my ground. This is our town too.
It is best not to anger the Germans, Tobias. They buy our wares.
Nota scribaeThe man insisted I write down exactly where he stood in the church.
the Wednesday before Lent, at Prime
A delayed shipment of pins has left my purse light. I had to visit a burgher who lends coin, merely to tide my business over. It is a temporary measure, but the interest is a heavy stone to carry.
Candlemas, at Sext
Martin the Fair and I have made a sensible arrangement. He lacked an iron cap and coat for the militia, and I lacked a good harness. We have swapped to make up each other's deficits, like true townsmen should.
Ay, a fair trade. See that you do not let my harness rust, Tobias.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
I will give back your iron cap the very day you return the good hardened leather harness I lent you.
It is safe and oiled. I am merely having the buckles mended by a specialist.