hired hand at the stud, of Semin
“I'm a hired hand at the Semin stud. I check the hooves and clear the muck, just as my father did.”
Things Robert had written, latest first, with the glosses of his neighbours.
the second day of Rogation week, at Vespers
The mud in the lower pastures is half a foot thick. I spent the day checking the breeding mares for thrush. It would be a damn sight easier if a certain fellow would give back my father's knife so I could do the finer work. The iron I'm using now is no better than a spoon.
Nota scribaeDictated while he cleaned mud from his boots. He sighed heavily throughout.
the Thursday after St Philip and St James, at None
Humphrey is complaining again about the alehouse shutting early, as if he had a single groschen to spend there. He keeps talking about going to Kuttenberg where the silver flows. I've heard the wages there are paid in real coin, not promises and a bowl of thin pottage.
If you had half my thirst, lad, you'd complain too. And Kuttenberg is full of Germans, you wouldn't last a week.
They say a loaf of bread in Kuttenberg costs twice what it does here.
the third day of Easter week, at Prime
David is still cursing Baldwin for taking off with his gambeson over the winter. The man is long gone to Prague. If David spent less time whining about a padded coat and more time finding the hoof-trimming knife he borrowed at Candlemas, we'd all have a quieter spring.
It was good gear! I bought it for the muster. That peddler is a thief.
Aye, terrible shame about your coat, David. But traders are a slippery sort. Let it lie.
Nota scribaeThe word he muttered under his breath about Humphrey was not recorded.
St Matthias's day, at Sext
Four more mares foaled last night. I was up until Matins fetching hot water and fresh straw. Father always said the lords take the glory of the horses, but the hired men take the shit. He was right. Still waiting on my knife to clear the colts' shoes.
Amen to the shit, Robert. We'll be shoveling it until Judgment Day.
the Friday after Candlemas, at Terce
Lent my father's master-quality hoof knife to David this morning. He said he just needed it to clear a stone from a colt's shoe before the afternoon. It was my father Maresh's, the only good thing he left me. I expect it back before Vespers.
I have it safe, Robert. Just need it for the whole foaling season, like you said.
I never said that, David. Bring it back to the loft tonight.
Nota scribaeHe wrapped a dirty cloth around his hand while speaking.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Christ almighty, Robert, I told you I left it by the far fence. I'll fetch it tomorrow. Or the day after, if the farrier needs me.
You said that before Easter, David. Just bring it.