Dame Merouda Pendray

2010-06-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

On ye day of St Augustine of Canturbury, I moued me to attend ye faire in Silfren Mere, a grete tournament of chiualry. 7 though I could not fight, I was exceeding pleased to be able to participate in a contest of skill at bow, but, alas, to my gret sorrow and grief, my bow was unfit for service et though a good gentle kindley gave to me hys that I might use it, 7 so I returned to ye encampment set vp by my lady Margaret et her companion Lord Edwin et spent my time in conuersation wh my lord, et Mistress Giovanna, et my lady, and others as were there. And so also did I speak to Mistress Aramanthra, a grete favorite of mine, and diuers others. 7 so also did I receive a message yt my dear Mistress Ghita sent, carrying news of the grete tourney in the Kingdom of the Middle, declaring yt a new Crown was chosen thereat. But nonetheless, I was sore sorry that I had no games or other diuersions, and near wept with the frustration of having no long time at archery. 7 my lady Margaret provided a splendid meal, but was ill, and could not partake of it herself, and so we soon packed vp ye car and departed again to her home.

On ye day of Mybrad, we met with Mistress Giovanna et her lord, Padruig, with my Lady Margaret, et ate a hearty meal together et shared news of the tourney et other such things as had happened while we were apart, et we ate at a sign yt showed a globe but was not named such. Et thereafter we departed, et spent ye remainder of ye day in trauel, returning vnto Marihaus.

On ye ides of May, I moued me to attend a fair in a place called Ianevil, et saw thereat my lady daughter et her dtr Osmond et son Harold, et so also saw her hosbond receiue of Syr Dafydd some instruccion in ye arte of ye tourney. Et so also did we speak with Geoff of Easley, et Lady Genvieve de Bellville, et listened to a ladies madrigal, et a harpest called Brithwen, et ye Lorde Abelard, et diuers others. & my lord knight had brought with hym a set of armor for youths et babies, et I helped ye village boys to try said things on, yt they might know what it is like to dress in such stuffs, et they were exceedingly pleased to try ym.

But on ys date, while walking to ye Earle’s Chancery, I stumbled et fell, and am sore wounded, and am seen to by one of ye midwyfes, knowing something of stanching blood, et my leg is scratched as if a baited bear had beatan me. Et it aches, 7 I went to market, owing yt tomorrow is a fyssche day, et will instruct my cook to prepare said food in accordance with the way how to make it as I saw from Master Edward H., who doth send about his books of cookery and hath sent one that is of my lord’s native lands called Libre del Coch. And such wholesome thing might tempt him, being he is unwell now, but not so ill as he must have foods for ye inualids.

2010-05-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I visited ye kitchens et noted that it is become too hot already and have determined yt a summer kitchen must be built, 7 set to order, 7 vsed, owing to the grete heat yt seethe into ye house from ye closeness of the kitchens. But said summer kitchen shall not be ouer big, but only of a small enough size, for it is unwise to spend too much on such a building to be used only at such tymes. But nonetheless, this is added to my list of items yt must be done to recouer from yese last yeres. & ye heat of ys season is too much, 7 I can little recall so hot a May.

7 so also on ys day, I receiued of ye Marchoness a letter of credit for some 12 soueriegn and seueral shillings, et am to take it to ye stores at Bosten. And so also did she invite all at ye Chancery et others of her household to eat al fresco 7 set her men to cook beef over flames, et I had no veil or mask for my face and could find no shade and so have had my skin marred by ye sun, but not to my discomfort, et I most thankful for that.

2010-05-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I moved me to walk about ye estate at Marihaus et determine what thyngs must be done, owing to having neglected much during ys grete illness.

Item: ye meshes at ye first door, ye field door, & ye grete window in my apartment needs must be mended.

item: ye field dore et ye stable dores must be whitewashed, as must ye whole stable, et ye steppes vnto ye field door.

item: ye bottom boards of ye stable must be replaced.

item: ye near garden must be weeded, et so also all ye far gardens. Et ye east field needs must be mown.

item: ye tree I obrtained some weeks ago must be planted, et seedlings set out.

item: ye clothing yt I can make no more of must be seperated out, yt it may be sent as alms vnto ye poor or sold vnto ye rag & bone man, each piece in accordance with its repair.

item: ye archery equipment must be seen to, et ye butts rebuilt.

2009-12-22T11:31:00.000-08:00

On ys day, I have not moved from Marihaus, owing to illness. 7 I was to ye surgeon yesterday, who bade me rest and stay away from ye Earle's Chancery these *iij* days, and I am vexed at ys but am in no wise willing to go against it. Et so also do I fret heavily, having will to do much that needs attention, but have little ability.

Et vpon ye *xj*th day of December, which is for remeberance of Saint Damascus, I sent vnto my sonne a boke of letters by which he may have greater instruction in ye way how to write ym, et some days later receiued of hym a letter bearing news of my lady daughter et her children, et he saith yt all is well wh ym, 7 I right glad to know it.

And so also did we trauel vnto Marihaus with ye babes, Curnan 7 Ryley, yt we might spend some portion of time wh Rosamund, Gerald, Catlin 7 Iames, et yr babe, Kilian. Et I owe some of ys illness to ys heavy trauel, having been too weak to endure yt and having had no rest, for too true it is yt I have been dreadful ill since St Lucy's eve.

As for yt evening, the Marchoiness sent vnto me a purse containing *c* soverigns, et I humbly grateful for it, owing to the woes we have had ys year, et set aside ys purse for use in alms and gifts in Christmastide. But I was most distressed to send her man away with word yt I could not come to ye banquet she had prepared for ye grete discomfort I had, although I did not know at yt time just how ill I was.

Et vpon St. Lucy's day, my Lord Miguel et I went vnto ye feast in celebration of ye marriage of ye Lady Jennifer of ye River's Edge, who hath married one lord William whom I know naught of, but she seemed most pleased for the marriage and hath departed these lands to live in ye lands of her hosbond. 7 at same feast I spent pleasant time in ye companie of many of House Redhair, 7 gave unto ye new-made wyfe a purse containing as many soverigns as I could spare.

But vpon ye next day, I woke with such sickness as caused my Lord to exclaim and pray of me yt I might go to ye surgeons. Et I did not, instead exhausting myself in tyring to continue to run ye household et keep faith et duties at ye Earle's Chancery, et so am now made so ill that I am to return to bed vpon completing ys account.

2009-12-06T08:47:00.000-08:00

On ye eue of ye day of Saint Nicholas, I moued me to attend ye fesiual called Boar's Head, and therat saw many friends 7 crowns. Et I spake at length with my dear cousin Mistress Melisant et so also spake with Viscountess Iulia of whom I think most highly, et ye conuersation was exceedingly short, much to my sorrow, but we were both taken with others things needful of our attencion. 7 so also I saw my dear gossip ye Lord Toshikagi, whom ye Crown was moved to place on vigil in preparation for an eleuation of hys estate, et he shall become a member of ye moost noble Order of ye Laurel. 7 many others were in attendance, including my Lady daughter, et her hosbond, Theodwyn, et all ye babees: Curnan, Riley, et Osmond. 7 I had grete pleasure at yr companie et chased ye babes et delighted in yr laughter 7 watched my Lady daughter as she moved about ye fest with grete happiness, et was sore sad when she et her kin departed for Maison-Vpon-Newbury. But my Lord Miguel et I straid not for ye feast, but left vpon ye completion of ye Crown's business, having had little rest et fearful of falling asleep on ye iourney home. Et so we returned vnto Marihaus and therafter to listen briefly to ye Iester tell a story et then to my chambers, et sleep.

2009-10-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I again trauelled with my lady daughter et her family to attend ye harvesting of apples et pompions, et the harvest is very good ys year. Et it is my wish to set my cooks to the prepeation of a moyle et a tarte and all other wholesome things as may be had. Et ye remainder of said apples shall be removed to ye cellars wherein are storfes those foods yt may last when kept cool. Et I have grete ease of ye mask I have received of ye surgeon, and hope yt I need never again write of a life without it.

2009-09-17T15:05:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I received of ye surgeon hys device, et it is a mask yt assists me to breathe. Et it is passing strange, but if it lets me sleep, I shall have no complaint of it. Et I am euer pleased yt this surgeon hath provided the help he swore he could provide, et hath done so quickly, unlike ye other grete learned men I had consulted through these many years. Et if this mask shall help me, then I shall swear off all ye other philosephers of medicine et cleave vnto ys one surgeon et hys helpers.

2009-09-07T15:01:00.000-07:00

On ys day, we arrived home from ye Grete Dragon Faire in ye Barony of South Down, et I am sore tired for ye gret distaunces trauelled et ye businesses conducted. I did have ye pleasure of visiting with many friends thereat, for I saw my lord's man Dana et our lady Susan et many others, but I am right well exhausted, et I pray yt ye surgeon's cure will assist in my affliction.

2009-09-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys date, I set my servants to prepare for a journey to ye New Kingdom of Meridies, for yr is a great gathering there, in ye Barony of South Downs, et my Lord is minded to do some business thereat 7 asks that I attend to ys with him. Et we departed as ye Midnight Office was beginning at ye cathedral.

2009-09-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

On ys date, I returned to Marihaus, hauing been watched by ye seruant as I slept, et already ye surgeon has sent a message vnto me with hys diagnosis et ye way how to cure it. Et I am to trauel again unto ye surgeon near ye ides of September, yt I may receive of the surgeon yt which shall allow me to again sleep.

2009-08-31T14:49:00.000-07:00

On ys date, I traulled unto ye surgeon, et was given a servant yt ye surgeon said shall watch me sleep that ye deuils that cause ye malise yt keeps me awake might be monitored et ye surgeon might devise a way to help me.

2009-08-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I attended ye grete fair yt comes to ys neighborhood each year, et spent many hours in amusement et ye antics of the performers, but felt no need to purchase any goods. Et I ate a strange food, being bacon covered with so kind of candy made with ye Italian powdre, et I did not like it, but as I did not purchase any grete quantity thereof, no harm is done. Et thereafter to Marihaus et I did little but allow my clown to entertain me, for I continue to struggle with this dread exhaustion.

2009-08-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

On ys day we arrived at Marihaus, et sent messages regarding our safe return vnot my lady daughter et her family et ye many others who would desire to know such a thing. Et we had left ye Pennsic Iousts on ye day of Saint Dominic, whom my lord calls Domingo, et stopped in our iourney at ye estate of Mistress Ghita et her lord husband, et continued on ys day, and am now home. And right well pleased I am to be so.

2009-08-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

On ys day I visited ye spicer again et spent 35 sovereigns, a goodly sum. Et so also did I arrange for gifts to be sent vnto ye encampment yt I might give a small token of favor to my lady daughter et each member of her family.

2009-08-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I ventured again into ye markets 7 ordered on one Thomas ye lapidary a coronet suitable to my stattion, to be delivered *ij* days hence. So also did Mistress Gwynhwyfar et her lord Roland depart ye Iousts to return vnto Aryeton. Et so also did I attend ye court of ye Crown of ys Newe Kingdom. Et within my tables I wrote ye names of all who were commended by ye Crown but in returning to ye encampment said list was wiped from ye book. Of greatest note was ye attendance of ye Crown of ye New Kingdom called ye Middle, which did beg a boon of ys Crown yt Isabella de Falco be made a knyght of ye order of the pelican. Et so also do I recall yt Alisdair Montgomery received of ye crown notice in ye order named after ye ancient city of Tyr.

2009-08-04T14:07:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I moved from out ye encampment to visit ye merchaunts. 7 there I purchased some pins, 7 a bowl et a lantern from Eadric, et spices from ye spicer Arwen, et ate of fried turnips in a red vinegar sauce from a place called Noble's Inn.

7 so also did I meet with ye Viscountess Astrid, et her son et grandson, both goodly boys, 7 Mistraisse Malise & her hosbond Dahrien & her woman Dyonesia. 7 so also did I meet Baroness Katryn, but could not find Mistress Bronwyn, though I sent out many inquiries.

2009-08-03T13:41:00.000-07:00

On ys ye day of ye myrrah bearing women, I did not stir from ye encampment in ye day. At evensong, I went to ye encampment of Baron Aaron Swiftrunner 7 enioyed hys kindness, et spent some time in conuersation with ye Baroness Rufinia, whom I admire. But other yn ys, I did little but read et try not to fret for my concerns.

Vpon ye day of Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, Baron Swiftrunner came vnto ye encampment to addess an invitation to hys encampment ye following evening et we agreed yt ys seemed a marvelous entertainment et swore our attendance. 7 elsewise I did little but study.

Vpon again rising on ye eve of said day, I moved little for my continued exhaustion, doing naught but writing letters describing our safe arriual.

On ye day of Joseph of Arimathea, we departed for ye Pennsic Iousts after ye bells struck for Compline 7 we spent ye night in trauell, et arrived at our encampment near vnto Terce, which was yn ye eve of Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, et we spent some hours in ye direction of ye placement of our goods, et then to bed for seuerall hours.

2009-05-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I set my woman about work in ye near gardens, et have seen some improvement, but could not stay to see ye work through, and so must continue ye work vpon another day.

7 so also did we trauell unto ye manor owned by ye Goodman Daffyd et his wyffe, Elizabeth, to celebrate her birthday, et we were accompanied by my Lord's man, Stephen, et we were given much food et drink et were entertained by a prankish Foole, who delighted Goody Elizabeth most gretely.

2009-05-21T14:01:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I received of Mistress Browyn a letter, et I so busy with ye work at ye Earle's chancery yt I can not write her as I wished to do so, and I displeased for this.

2009-05-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I sent vnto ye markets for such herbs and greens 7 other things as may be bought for ye gardens at Marihaus, for I had spent ye previous days in reviewing ye gardens of ye manor 7 noted yt ye harshe winter had done much damage. 7 I receiued many plants et seeds et so will set about ye work needed to replenish ye gardens et fields.

2009-05-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

On ys day, we set forth to return to Wylcliffe et returned home so late yt yr was little more to do but retire. 7 we most happi to do so, for we were hard tired by ye trauell.

2009-05-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

On ys dya, I rose before my Lord, my Lady et her Lord, et walked through ye manor's grounds, visiting with those whom I chanced vpon, et I most spercifically recall a gentle named Killkeren, who was pleasing in conversation euen as he lamented ye continued sleep of hys sonnes. 7 I instructed my cooks on ye meal they were to prepare but broke my fast at ye inn, et again spoke in plesant ways with many who were there. 7 the sterard spoke with me to learn if ye rooms were now warm et I assured him yt they were. 7 I spent much time vpon ye archery range, et shor so long yt my back could no longer summon strenght enough to pull ye bow, and I most exceedingly pleased for having so long a time to practice at shot. & so also did I receive much instruction from THL Gasparo Ballister 7 the Baron Thomas Mac Paul ye Yonger, which also gave me great pleasure. But in ye evening I found my cook hgad fai.led to prepare ye meal as directed et I most wroth for ys mistake, et so went to attend ye Crown's court in hunger. Et my lord et I, after ye said court, walked among ye many people staying at ye manor and spent good time in discourse wh ye subjects of ye New Kingdom called Outlands. Et thence to our own rooms et to bed.

2009-05-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I set my servant to cook a small porrige et thereafter sought ye manor's steward to complain of ye fires in our rooms. Et thereafter I returned to ye room, et with my Lord ate ye food as cooked for us but soon after repaired to and inn serving food. 7 there at we ate and spoke pleseantly with a gentle named Ivor 7 another named Cainnleach (who is of ye New Kingdom called Outlands 7 is wed vnto one Giovanni) et divers others, who spoke of ye history of ye manor called Anemos, et ye things yt they had witnessed, et divers many other things, 7 ye time passed most pleasingly, 7 I happy for speaking vnto these gentles. Et so also did we spend much time in quiet, et my Lord read, et I repaired my arrows et watched ye fighters in their tourney, et listened to ye horses whicker, knowing not why these creatures whinnies seemed so noticable to me ys day. Et it rained, and we moved little through the day, but ye steward sent a man to repair ye fireplace et we were so comforted yt is bothered us not to be still. 7 my lady Margaret spent some while talking with me but I so tired that I remember not what we spoke of.

2009-05-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

On ys day, we trauelled vnto Shattentorshire, which lies vpon ye far western boundary of ys New Kingdom, to attend ye Crown at yr tourney called Quest. 7 we trauelled so long yt ye carriages had to trauell in darkness ye moost seuere of turns in ye road 7 we feared for our safety. 7 Edwin atte Bridge was at ye gate to meet vs, and he a most welcome sight. He led us to our room 7 there we retired. Ye rooms were cold but we had sufficient funiture to keep comfortable.

2009-04-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I received a missive from ye Viscountess, Gwyneth.

2009-04-09T11:44:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I received of ye Viscountess, Gwyneth Felton, news yt ye Crown of ye New Kingdom to ye south shall celebrate a *iiij* year mark in October in ye shire of Grey Gargoyles, 7 I most happi to attend if I am able to do so.

2009-04-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

On ys day I brought ye two young lords to yr mother 7 sister, et Curnan is most pleased to haue a sister, but ye little Ryley hath no mind to ye matter. Et my Lady daughter already hath removed ye baybee from her swaddling.

2009-03-31T17:32:00.000-07:00

On ys day, my Lady daughter hath bourne a daughter whom she hath named Osmond. Et ye babe is lusty 7 well-formed, 7 I have held her and superuised her nurse at ye babe's fisrt bath. Et my Lady daughter's hosband, Edward, wept to have his chylde in his arms.

2009-03-29T07:01:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I received more news of ye terrible flooding in ys New Kingdom, far to ye west in ye Shire of Korsvag, 7 wept to learn of it. Though no subiect of ye Crown hath perished or sufferred grete loss, many are driven from yr homes 7 among those yt are not subiect to ye Crown their hath been much destuction. Euan ye noblest of ye Crown's subiects yr, ye Duchess Fina, hath sent word yt she stands beside all yt dewll thereat to fight against ye rising waters lest their homes be destroyed. 7 I pray yt ye Lord in His mercy shew them relief from their trauail.

2009-03-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

On ys day, little but my usual work. Of good note, my Lady daughter 7 her sonnes met with me at an inn yt serves food from ye lands of ye kingdom of Ayutthaya, with whom the Portugese hath so recently discouered and trade with much to yr profit. 7 the food was of strange nature 7 served forth in a straunge way, but of delicate and wholesome flavor, and I not displeased with this, though I found ye fissh cooked in a new sort of milk to be more plesaunt than the noodles which were neither sweet nor spiced in proprer proportion.

Et so also did the Lady Isobel speak to me on her concerns regarding the baby she now carries, and she prays that she shall bear a girl this time, and I hope for this as well. The babe arrives soon enough, sooner than expected, for my lady daughter complains of many of they symptoms that come before she goes to childbed, and I am most worried to see her away from her chambers and her physick when seeming so near to her time.

2009-03-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I received news of the death of ye hosband of Cybele de Rowangrove, who had once a work commissioned of me by ye Coronet. And his name was David ye Thirsty, and though I knew him not, I am saddened yt one who was a good friend to many hath died.

Vpon ye day after the Feast of St. Benedict, I received ye new bow I hath commissioned, and it is of a weight yt many a man can not pull; I think none shall mete my worth less for being a woman in this hunt owning to my strength. And ys new bow came through ye bowyer of Westtown, 7 I am minded to send vnto Jack Flanders for new arrows to be delivered to me before I depart for ye Fesitval called Camelot to ye westernmost lands of ys New Kingdom.

2009-01-31T18:26:00.000-08:00

On ys day, I did not stir from out my bed chamber, owing to the grete illness I suffer. I sent a letter vnto Ethan of Gildsdorf et ate a small gruel but could do no more on account of ye illness.

2009-01-30T18:32:00.000-08:00

On ys day, I travelled vnto my lady daughter's home et spent some while in her companie, 7 we dined vpon a pottage et bread et well cooked greens vpon sops. 7 she hath sent for ye barber surgeon to assit her in her dreadful tooth-ache, but vpon his arrival he told her he could do naught on account of ye babe in her womb. 7 so we arranged what ease we could et she doth try to bear all in good cheer.

7 vpon my return to Marihaus I noted yt I felt most unwell, et retired to my chambers.

2008-09-24T05:27:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I received a missive yt spoke of ye passing of a great man of ye New Kingdom to ye East, one Duke Morghun Sheridan, of a fall from ye heights of his hall, hauing been overseeing som repairs. And I know him not, but I sorrow for those who are bereaved at ys news, knowing full well yt it is of no little consequence to lose so grete a lord.

2008-09-23T05:33:00.000-07:00

On ys day, my Lord spake wh me regarding Marihaus, which is nearly refurbished in its front section and he trauells yere to oversee ye hanging of some doors et review such work as has been done et discuss yt which I would have done in ye next season of building. Et he bade me come with him, but I cannot, having made promise to participate in several activities at yr Excellencies Michaelmas feast.

2008-09-11T05:31:00.000-07:00

On ys day, ye young lord Ryley hath turned one year. 7 we played with ye same babe at a small archery tourney in celebration of ys day. And little else of note.

2008-08-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

Vpon ye day of Saint Joachim. my Lord Miguel et I waited upon ye Baron et Baroness at ye yr tourney, et spent pleasaunt hours in discourse with many whom I hath seen little iin these passing months. Et so also did I see my old gossips, Lady Gabrielle and Lady Genvieve. and most pleased was I, fot it hath been many years since I was with them and able to speak of things we all enjoy. 7 we have all promised to gather again, having made oaths to one another to work on such documents and illuminations as we may. 7 so also did I spend time in ye companie of ye Countess Julia, for whom I have great regard, et ye Baroness Alice, et others, but I did not shoot in ye archery tourney et so am sad for ys.

Thereafter we trauelled unto Wylcliffe to see what improvements have been made, as my lord's man Christopher hath been installed there to ensure such work occureth; 7 the work comes apace quickly, and many improvements have been made to the manor. My Lord has agreed yt I shall have the design of ye back wing according to my pleasure et so I spoke with Christopher about ys, 7 it is something yt may be done, et I most happi for this. 7 thereafter we spent a great deal of time touring ye lands to see what damage hat been wrought by ye floods of ys yr, and noted many improvements yt have been made in our absence to ye roads that we think no improvement at all.

Et I boarded with ye lady Catlin et her lord Iames, for Wylcliffe is not in fit state for a lady of my station, ye changes be so grete. But thereafter to Marihaus, et the trip smooth 7 of no note.

2008-08-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys day, I learned yt my woman, ye Lady Margaret, hath been to ye Pennsic Iousts ys year et I knew it not, et I am most distressed for hauing missed her thereat.

We take to ye roads in several hours et God willing will be returned to Marihaus in safety et speed.

2008-08-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

On ys day, we began our iourney home, et having caused some of ye stuffe of ye household to be attached to our wagons, returned to ye manor of Mistress Margherita, et spent ye day in trauell.

2008-08-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I went from out ye encampment et sought information on ye printer of whom I had heard report. Et so in walking I met with Mistress Alexis, with whom I had had much correspondence but had not met, et a lady of ye encampment yt hosted ye Goodman Ethan of Gilsdorf. & I spoke with them at length, owing vnto ye rains, et learned of ym more in ye vseful arte of knitting. 7 ye lady Vihlein spake with me regading ye ouens yt are run within yr encampment, et I am determined o pursue ys acquaitence, owing to ye pleasure of talking wh her et ye hope of further learning yt may be of vse in improving ye manor.

7 thence I found ye printer of whom I had heard report et spoke with him at grete length regarding ye workings of his press, et am minded to comission such documents as I may, or obtain a press in my own name, yt I might profit from this business as well as work within ye Earle's chancery. Et so also did I introduce his work to ye Mistress Gwenhwyvar, yt she may also know more of ys work.

Et thereafter did my Lord et I begin ouersight og ye packing of our wagonsm yt we might leave vpon ye next day.

2008-08-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I set forth to ye fair yt I might again seek a gift to send to my lady daughtre in distant Madrone, and spent ye most part of ye day in ys. Thereafter I sought ye goodman Ethan of Gilsdorf, who had spent some time at Marihaus several fortnights past, and whose conuersation gave me grete pleasure. Et he was in attendance within hys encampment and we spoke several moments, but owing to ye lateness of ye hour, I staid not, but noted the pleasauntness of ye camp et thought to learn more of ye company with which he staid. Et so to dinner et then to visitations thereafter.

2008-08-06T12:47:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I moued from out ye encampment to watch some of ye iousts et to obtain those things which I might need in future, et so spent ye day amongst ye merchants in yr faire. Et in all I purchased a spoon of silverm et a knife et a simple Italian fork for ye table, et 5 ells of linen, et baubles for ye young lords. So also did I buy parchment. I could find no gift for my lady daughter or her companion. Et I spent much time in pleasaunt discorse with many of my acquaintence, including ye Master Eadric, et ye Countess Guenievre du Dragon Vert, 7 my lady Margaret's man, ye Lord Edwin atte Bridge, et ye Lord Dahrien Cordell and his lady wife Mistress Mysie. And many others. Et thereafter it was so late that I went willingly to bed.

2008-08-05T12:59:00.000-07:00

I haue moued little from ye encampment in yse days, 7 haue spent ye time in ye company of my friends et haue learnt from Mana Borisoua some ways in which I might change colors and numbers of stitches in ye cap I am making, 7 I most grateful for her help. So also does she continue in working up ye stockings she hath promised, and makes good progress, 7 I most content to be at ease.

2008-08-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys day, we rose at Terce et instructed ye seruants in setting up our pauillion, 7 in ys we receiued assistance from ye others of ye encampment. Et we were right glad to see our compaionions, some of whom we had not seen in many months. Et we ate with ye household according to ye meal provided by my woman, ye Lady Mana Borisoua, 7 I had great pleasure in yr company. Et yr was little else done ys day, owing to our grete exhaustion.

2008-08-03T03:21:00.000-07:00

Vpon ye day of Iames ye Apostle, my Lord et I directed our seruants in ye packing of ye household stuffes, yt we might iourney as commanded vnto ye Pennsic iousts. & ys took many days. 7 so we took to ye Kynges roads et trauelled unto ye fairs on answer to ye Crown's summons, et were long delayed, et arriueth not vntill many hours after Matins. Et thereafter to bed in ye wagons.

2008-06-08T18:06:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys day, my Lord directed his man in ye removal of such goods as have been damaged in ye cellar owing to ye terrible floods of ys past *iij* days. 7 it may be yt they may be repaired but ye rains are fallng euen now 7 can not be predicted. 7 i hath seen my gardens and know ym much damaged, but ye raspberries sent by my Lady Margaret are rooting well still. Yet other herbs have been broken and driuen into ye ground and may not recover. 7 so it is yt ys straunge year hath done much damage to ye gardens at Marihaus.

Vpon ye feast of ye abbot, Petroc, I sent *c* soverigns vnto ye lords yt oversee ye markets, yt I may own thereof as well, et am on ys day most glad yt I have done so owing yt ye crops are so damaged by ye rains.

Et ye young lord Curnan hath had his *vj* birthday, et my lady daughter returned vpon ye eve of St Matthias in order to attend her son vpon his feast, et staid some while before returning to ye New Kingdom of AnTir.

Vpon ye day of Anthony of Florence, my Lord et I gathered ye young lord Curnan, et ye baybee, et attended vpon ye crown of ys New Kingdom in ye Tourney of Succession; et there I spake vnto many who gave me great pleasure, and recieve of my Lady Margaret, through the care of her Lord, some fair raspberries et mint to replace yt which was lost in ye winter. Et Curnan watched attentively et spake with many et was interested in all yt he saw, both ye rigors of war et ye work of commerce, 7 ye plesuntries of Court.

Vpon ye day called Crouchmas by ye French, I trauelled vnto ye Barony of Jararvellir et atended a day of learning, et there also spake with Giovanna et many others whom I love well. But here my hand is aching from ye weather et I can write no more, and so to bed.

2008-04-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

On ys date, my Lord and I did meet with ye Lord Ivan Kuzmovich Velikov, who doth dwell in ye Barony of Windhaven in ys last year, and partake of a supper at ye brewery vpon Water Street. He hath removed here for some short while to receive perquisites of his place, and ys was ye one evening yt he could spend wh vs. 7 we sat at table some time, catching up on ye news of his home, of his good lady Bevin and their daughter. 7 so also did we share our own news, 7 yet the evening was too short, and so we departed his company before we desired it, 7 yet am I happy to record yt he and his lady and child are well.

7 so also did I prepare ye documents regarding ye payment of taxes for ye estates, and am pleased to know yt ye estates and my work as a tutor 7 at ye Earle's Chancery brought income enough to send vnto ye king his proportion without beggering vs nor forcing vs to vsurious moneylenders.

Vpon ye day following ye Annunciation of ye Blessed Virgin, ye Lady Isobel departed from here to make a new home in ye Barony of Madrone, which is in ye New Kingdom of AnTir, and I most sad for her departure. Ye young lord Curnan et ye babee Ryley remaineth vpon ye estate of yr father for ys time. 7 I received of her a missive describing her iourney 7 I know her to be safe, but am not yet quiet, for she is many days travel from vs. Et I have sent vnto ye Baron 7 Baroness of Madrone a letter introducing my Lady daughter, in hope yt ys might ease her.

7 so also hath my Lord's man Christopher departed, and I happy to see him go, euen vnto agreeing with my Lord that a loan of more than a *c* sovereigns to pay for his new lodging might be made, for he came to vs vpon promise of a fortnight's logdging but staid here for a fortnight et *iiij* months beyond it.

Vpon ye day of Leo ye great, I, with ye young Lord Curnan, toured ye fields of Marihaus to determine how much damage hath been done by ys fierce winter, and noted yt rabbits et other such creature had eaten to ruin ye apples, mulberry, raspberries et one of ye elderberries set into ye orchard last year. So also hath the rosemary et bay hedge and ye mint died in ys winter. Ye lemon balm, rhubarb, lovage are grown enough yt I may consider ym safe, et ye violets and dandelion grow, but ye thyme, sage, wormwood, echinecia do not do well, though they may yet recover. I am much oppressed by ys loss to my gardens and know not if it can be recovered in ys year without difficulty or if I must set aside ye plans to make ye manor euer more able to provide for itself by enlarging ye gardens in order to replant what hath been lost. I fear to see what hat occurred in the woods and fields of Wylcliffe, although my Lord's sister Catlin hath sent word that the manor itself hath endured ye winter well, still I am concerned, remebering what befell ye land and ye roads in the rains of last summer.

On ye day of St Vincent Confessor, I set to making cheese according to ye fashion of ye receipt sent to me by I know not whom, 7 it made a simple fresh cheese of a mild sweetness et flavor, and though it is good enow, it is my desire to add to it more sweetness or make of it a cake yt might serve vpon a banquet table, thinking the cheese might be improved by more honey or ginger.

2007-12-24T17:48:00.000-08:00

Vpon Christmas Eve, my Lord's family trauelled vnto Marihaus et spent the euening in celebration, 7 ye Lady Isobel made certain of ye preperations, directing ye household et my Lord's man Christopher in ye kitchens et halls, for though it was ye holy day, I was engaged at ye Earle's Chancery 7 could not oversee myself.

2007-12-10T22:35:00.000-08:00

Vpon ye feast of ye immaculate conception, I attended ye festival prepared by ye baron et baroness to honor ye king 7 queen. 7 thereat I gaue ye said Crown my advice as is my dutie and am pleased with the willingness of ye Crown to attend to yr council. & so also did I speak at length with many beloued friends who were also at that place, et spent goodly time in talking wh ye Lord Jurgis Magnus, et Maestra Giovanna et her Lord Padruig, et my woman Margaret, 7 ye Lord Edwin atte Bridge et ye Baron Mihael, et many others of note, 7 I most plesed to see ym, but so also am I grieved by ye lack of time to speak with many others whom I saw but could not attend in ye course of ye festival.

Et vpon ys occasion ye Crown saw fit to elevate ye estate of Astrid of ye Yellow rose, gifting vnto her ye rights and priuleges of ye Pelican.

& so also did my Lord Miguel accompany me, and spend his day in pleasaunt discourse wh many of his old acquaintance

But also vpon yt day did we receive further news of ye young lord Curnan, who is grieuous ill, and so upon ye *ij* day of ye feast of ye conception I trauelled vnto my Lady Isobel's home et spent my time in ministering to ye young lord, et ye baybee, but vpon my return to Marihaus received word yt none of ye medicines hath increased ye young lords health et so my Lady Isobel goes with ye young lord to seek assitance from ye Chirugeons.

2007-11-23T19:17:00.000-08:00

Vpon ys day, my lady daughter and her two baybees arrived and spent the day in quiet pastimes, for I still most ill and can attend to little.

So also on this day did my Lord returneth from his service to M. de Clint, 7 we spake on ye issue of his man, and though I not yet be settled to him staying within Marihaus, I am willing to let it be so for some brief time, and have allowed yt he may lodge below stairs 7 give such service and payment as shall be arranged in exchange for lodging et seat at table; my Lord's man remains committed to other masters and so can not take directly to our service, but neither can he be boarded as a guest.

2007-11-22T18:51:00.000-08:00

Vpon Saint Cecilia's day, my Lord's man Christopher presented himself vnto me and prayed that I take him in, having been reduced in his lodging and vnwilling to suffer such slight at the hands of his other master. 7 I let him within, though I know not for how long, and will give him work and food as may be had vntil such time as my Lord returneth, or his man offendeth me.

2007-11-21T19:41:00.000-08:00

Vpon ys day, after returning from ye Earle's Chancery, I betook me to my chambers, for I am again ill, and am little able to remain about, 7 have sent word vnto Baldwyn of Foxvale that I will not be at his estate for ye festival he had invited me to attend vpon ye morrow, as I am too ill to trauel. It would quiet me greatly were my Lord to return.

2007-11-16T19:00:00.000-08:00

Vpon ye eve of St Edmund Ryche, my Lord trauelled forth vnto Vanished Woods in ye New Kingdom to ye south, to do good service in ye house of M. de Clint, having received of him a letter requesting my Lord might help him and the said letter so doleful a plea that my Lord could not stay from him, nor I in good conscience attempt to turn him from going. 7 we know not when my Lord shall return but hope it be right quickly.

2007-10-20T14:33:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys day I was well enow to arise and attend to my duties at ye Earle's chancery for a morning, having recouered somewhat from ye grieuous illness I have sufferred of late. 7 vpon my return to Marihaus, my lady daughter attended vpon me wh her babes. Et so also did ye childe dwelling within ye croft to the outside of ye southern field enter ye manor of his own will, ye croft's husbander having no notice of ye child's wanderings, et we kept ye baybee safe until hys father might come.

2007-10-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

Vpn ys day hauing receiued many letters aduising vpon ye matter of seueral practices in ye kingdom, I wrote a missive describing some few of my thoughts on ye matters and caused yt to be copied out and sent to ye many who hath sent letters unto me. And thereafter I returned to bed, having been weakened by malady.

2007-09-30T21:22:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys day, my Lord Miguel, with ye Lady Isobel et her children et his man Christopher, trauelled from out ye county to ye west to view an array of carriages and carts. Et I staid abed for a goodly portion of time for still being unwell but was moved to meet with ym at a baker's inn called after Atalanta, 7 then returned home and to bed.

2007-09-29T21:25:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys day, Isobel took Curnan et ye baybee to a fair, 7 later returned with ye children to accompany vs to ye Importer's Inn to celebrate ye birthday of my Lord's man, Stephan, who hath been melancholy of late but is now recovered. 7 thence home et to bed.

2007-09-28T21:23:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys day Isobel hath asked of me yt I might have ye little lord Curnan abide a night herein, yt he may have especial notice, for he hath spoken of his desire to stay here with my Lord et I, 7 I agreed that he might come. 7 so also did we have M. de Keith to sup with us at an Inn owned by a family by name of Randall, et so we ate fish thereat, as it is a fish day, and he having no fish at his home sent a request vnto vs yt we might accompany him. And no other thing of note ys day.

2007-09-18T18:35:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys day, I received of ye Marchioness a perse containing more yn an hundred sovereigns, 7 I most grateful to have it, 7 have already set it aside in ye accounts for safekeeping rather yn expenditure.

Vpon ye feast of Ninian, I attended vpon ye baron et baroness of Caer Anterth, et myself took part in yr tourney for an archer champion, et though I did well at ye third of ye contests, piercing a sack of carmine-reddened water, I did not win. Still, I am content, for having improved much in ys summer I expect I may do well enow in ye hunt. 7 so I took my duty in seeing to ye care of ye archery range after ye contest, 7 think none so pleasaunt a man to lose to as ye Lord Arnbjorn et am merry for the strength of my arm 7 my new bow. & I staid not for ye supper after, but returned vnto Marihaus.

Vpon ye holy day of ye cross, at ye Marchioness's invitation, my Lord Miguel 7 I attended a fair whereat we ate simple sausages and drank strong beer, et so also nuts and fine cakes, although yr were many finer sweetmeats et fare, 7 we watched young men playing at stoolball so long yt there were sundry torches lit yt ye men might continue play. 7 I found ys a pleasaunt perquisite et am glad to be of ye Earle's chancery.

7 through all yese day, ye Lady Isobel hat come vnto Marihaus for help et rest, being much tired after her labors but not contented to stay within childbed after her travail. Ye baybee grows well et ye little lord Curnan takes delight in hys brother.

2007-09-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys day, I received a missive of Mistress Tatiana bearing ye news of ye death of Master Antonio d'Agua, et I most distressed at ys news, for I know not how he died nor of any ill he sufferred, et I feel ys news exceedingly.

2007-09-11T18:09:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys day, ye Lady Isobel hath giuen birth vnto a son, whom she hath named Ryley in like manner of the Dudleys. 7 she is still to childbed, the baybee swadled beside her, although, if she is again as was with Curnan, ye babe be not swaddled for long, 7 she hath no care for the practice and advise of ye physicians in ys.

2007-09-10T20:58:00.001-07:00

Vpon ys day I did labor at ye Earle's chancery, but vpon completion of ys duty, I returned to Marihaus et noted yt the new-receiued raspberries show growth et must be planted. Et so also did I spend ye evening at my writing-table, in answer to both Goody Cristina et Mistress Bronwyn, of whom I also had a letter ys day. And so also did I receive a portion of ye gift of basil giuen vnto ye scribes of ye Earle's Chancery, from whom I know naught. Et I put ys basil to oil et vinegar, yt it may be a fine sauce, et so also did I set aside ye Calcutta fruits sent vnto me some while ago by Rosamund, which I haue preserved ys day also, in oil, et set others vpon screens to dry for use in ye winter. I know these fruits not, and can eat but one well-disbursed in a pottage or some such thing, and were it not a gift of Rosamund herself, I might think myself the target of a poisioner, so strangely biting are these fruits. They make an excellent spice, but are too keen vpon ye tongue for aught else.

2007-09-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys day, I receive a missive of ye Goodwife Cristina, who in my youth did also foster in ye houshold of ye Lisle's, et of whom I have heard little in many years, 7 I most pleased to recieve ys short letter of her. Et no other thing of note on ys day.

2007-09-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

Vpon ye day before Saint Gregory's eve, I set forth to ye shire of Rokeclife, there to meet wh sundry friends. My iourney was delayed, for I too tired upon ye end of my time at ye Earle's chancery to take to the road. But I trauelled without incident et found yt my woman, Margaret Fitzwilliam, had seen to the settling of a place for me, yt I might but step within et sleep had I mind to do so. 7 vpon at last arriving, I visited with my Lady Margaret, 7 Mistress Giovanna, et of course my Laurel, Bronwyn 7 her Lord, Master Calvin. 7 we spent ye day in merry discourse et ye eve in our cups, although I took little, having no head for such drink after so long a iourney.

And I was much taken by ye way in which Mistress Giovanna instructed her cooks, and found ye meal prepared to be well seasoned. Et I received of Giovanna a gift of stockings knit, a set for me et a set for Curnan, et so also a gift of olives et other fruits from Bronwyn, et I most grateful to both of yse grete Ladies.

Et upon ye next day, I departed from yt place and betook me vnto ye far manor, yt is, Wylcliffe, et saw to ye work being undertaken by my Lord's man, Christopher, who doth repair such parts of ye manor house as were damaged in ys last bitter winter et yese grete rains of these last months. & whilst there, I did note yt some of ye upper field hath been washed away by ye floods of ye last fortnight. Et I rested some while in ye care of James et Catrin, et thereafter to ye long iourney back to Marihaus.

2007-08-27T21:22:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I received a missive of ye Lady Gwynedd yt Solomon ben Jacob, ye Levite, hath died, and am made so melancholy by ys news yt I can turn my attention to naught.

2007-08-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I contented myself with gleaning nuts yt had fallen, yt they may be eaten 7 ye hulls set aside for dying ye servants clothing. 7 little else hath been done in this week, owing to ye grete amount of rain yt falls daily in ys last seven day.

2007-08-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys day, vpon departing from ye Earle's chancery, I spake vnto a goodwife in her orchard and after expresing admiration for her raspberries she sent forth her servant with a basket of ye bushes prepared for plantying in mine own manor yard. 7 so also did Isobel, ye baybee, et I visit ye lady Gwenydd, who gifted vnto me a basket of elderberries et a quanity of new made vinegar yt I might have made up into some healthful syrup

2007-08-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I receiued a broadsheet declaring yt the New Kingdom of ye Middle hath won ye Pennsic Ioust and thereafter directed ye household to pack our stuffes et depart. And so thence we trauelled back to Marihaus. Our iourney took a greater time than needed, for vpon ye Crown's road near vnto ye Barony of Red Spears we found many carriages destroyed and people injured et could not continue our iourney vntil yese things were attended as best as they might be.

And vpon our return, I to a dry bed for ye first time in days, being much exhausted by ye trauel et weather 7 activites of ye Iousts.

2007-08-10T07:02:00.000-07:00

On ys ye day of Laurence ye Martyr, I made my last visit to ye market et purchased a toy for Curnan et two trinkets to be giuen unto Isobel et her Lord from Claus ye toymaker et a new stylus for my waxed tablet from Hal Raeburn, having purchased already a new fry pan from Eadric ye potter et a portable bow rest from Danr ye Smith ye day before and thus buying those things which were needed. I found no thing needed at any of ye apothecaries or spicers or merchers, and am sorry yt no new goods were to be found, but so also am I glad to have mine own coin still within my purse.

Ye previous days have been dreadful, either so wet yt ye rains damage our clothing and beds even within our pavillion or so hot yt even I thought to wear nothing but shert et trews et found myself staying within our encampment dressed in ye thinnest and least amount of ye clothing brought back from my trauels amongst ye Turks. In ys time, I did little but sleep, read and confer with ye others of ye encampment during ye days, et to visit other nobles after ye sunset. 7 may it please God, never again shall I endure such miserable weather as is to be found in yese New Kingdoms.

2007-08-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I went forth vnto ye market and saw thereat a display of crafts by those who would be known as masters of yr craft, et saw many beautiful works made by broiderers et painters et divers others. 7 while there I spoke with my good cousin, Melisant St Clair, et spoke with her briefly but most ioyously. So also did I walk amongst ye sellers et saw many goods, but purchased naught but a new lead point 7 new milk flavoured with the dark powder favored by ye Italians et Spaniards.

2007-08-05T06:12:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys day, I sojourned within ye encampment of Northshield, et greeted those whom I could find, spending an hour in pleasant discourse with ye quene, et Mistress Mysie, et Master Owen, Baroness Kadijah, the man at arms Phillip et his companion, and such others as I met in walking through ye encampment. Et so also did I visit ye chapel of ye bead afore returning vnto my own rest. 7 little therein the day but ye mending of my dress et reading.

2007-08-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

Vpon ye eve of St Stephen, my Lord 7 I departed from Marihaus et took to ye Kynges roads to attend ye Pennsic Iousts. We trauelled well et smooth, et ioined ye House Redhair encampment. There we were welcomed most gently, but I did no service vnto ye Crowns or perform any duties other than those to my household, having no strength et being laid low by ye grete heat. Et in those times yt I was well enow to partake in some pleasantry or be otherwise about I saw may nobles et yr households abroad in no more than shert et trews.

2007-07-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

Vpon ye day of Saint Mary Magdelene, I set ye household vnto preparation for ye coming Pennsic Iousts, ye whice we trauel vnto ys yr. Having had little time to turn my hand to anything before, I am rushed et expect not yt we will be fully ready to wait vpon ye Crown at yr iousts, yet have I managed to order ye cooks to prepare trauelling dishes, et have ordered of ye tailors several garments, ye which I have already received several. My Lord Miguel hath procured a new wagon et carriage to travel thereto et methinks we will be comfortable enow to trauel. Master Thorvald hath already sent word to vs yt an encampment hath been set vp yt we mayjoin, et I need must attend to several letters to be delivered vnto others in attendance vpon ye Crowns at ye Iousts.

2007-07-11T05:58:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys day, I needs must set forth my instructions for ye coming trauel vnto ye Pennsic Iousts, hauing not been thereto in ye last season but in ye season before. 7 I have some worry as to my ability to live within encampment in ys season, hauing recently returned from a progress to ye fair in the bounds of Shattered Oak et vnto Wylcliffe greatly weakened by ye heat.

2007-06-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

Vpon ye feast of Boniface, I journeyed unto ye manor of ye Lady Gwenydd to receive of her trey gifts for my orchard; *ij* elderberry 7 a mulberry tree. Et she attended vpon me most graciously 7 led me about her estate, yt I might see it more fully. Et so also did serve forth a wine 7 entertain me most plesauntly for an hour or more wh her tales, et I departed from her having in my mind most favorable thoughts for ye association.

2007-06-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

Vpon ye commemoration of Petronilla, I noted yt *ij* of ye apples show growth vpon ye graft-branch, and am most pleased by yt. Of ye remaining *ij*, which suffereth at ye treatment of ye cur, yr is growth vpon ye rootstock but vpon ye grafts, none. Yet I will stay awhile, et let them remain, thinking yt the root may be regrafted vpon ye next year if no thing may show vpon ye graft now thereon.

Et vpon the day of ye martyr, Iustin, my Lord et I trauelled vnto ye inn of ye Holy Day yt I might meet wh Baldwen de Foxvale, whom I loveth as a brother, hauing received of him a message yt prayed I attend vpon him yr whilst he staid thereat vpon his master's bidding. Et so we supped et spent ye evening at great pleasure in talking, although my Lord did overwhelm Baldwen with his enthusiasm for advising how Baldwen might advise his master vpon his business.

Vpon ye feast of ye venerable Bede, I set ye cook to prepare a great store of food in preparation for my Lord's return from his business, et said cook prepared many delights, including ye use of an India hen, a bird of ye New Kingdoms, ye which I have heard of in ye letters received from my couzins Lisle , which I found mild and wholesome.

2007-05-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

Vpon ye eve, my Lord Miguel set to ye kynge's roads to do business near to ye Barony of ye Flame in ye New Kingdom to ye south, but having trouble wh ye wagon was unable to continue 7 so returneth home. 7 we thereafter moved to an inn to sup, as I had no thing ready, thinking to furnish my own meal from meat left over. My Lord attempts to arrange repair of ye wagon this date, et mayhap return to his business, elsewise, a great expenditure shall be lost et M. de Kieth, who doth accompany my Lord on ys business, will also lose yt which he hath inuested.

Et so also did I move to ioin ye archers et practice among ym vpon ye aforementioned eve, but found yt ye accursed weather did interfere so mightily yt no arrow could be loosed with accuracy et ye rains soon enow drenched vs.

2007-05-21T17:29:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys day I have sent forth a letter to all within ye Barony inuiting said gentles to consider regularly gathering at some inn or another such place to converse and perhaps eat and play at tables or merrels, 7 so I wait for reply, thinking it a good and pleasant pastime, 7 all to ye betterment of ye Barony yt we do so gather.

Vpon ye eve 7 day yt marks ye feast of Alcuin of York, my Lord et I met with ye Lord Ivan et his lady, Bevin, who hath returned for a brief sojourn in ys county in order to attend to matters of his business. And we partook of a meal within Marihaus on ye eve, and with ye Lord Ivan only vpon the saint's day, at an inn which did serve forth ye foods of Nihon 7 Cathay.

Vpon St. Antoniuses day, ye Lady Mana Borisova Tchekrygina et her Lord, Edmund arriveth from far distant Meridies, enroute to ye far north of ye Midrealm, being both lands of ye New Kingdoms. Et they staid wh vs some while, and were most welcome guests, 7 we went many places et ate at several inns of little note, having much joy in ye shared company et little concern for ye reputation of said inns.

2007-05-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

On ye eve of St Iohn Latin, Isobel brought her lady, Amabilla, 7 we set to the rearrangement 7 inuentory of ye storage of goods yt I have purchased of ye mercers, yt we may know more fully what remains therein.

But so also did Isobel bring her hound, 7 let ye cur run wild within ye fields, et it found my new-planted apples, 7 dug ym from yr places. Although I have reset ym therein, I do not yet know if ye trees shall survive, and I most distressed for this.

Vpon ye day of St Iohn Latin, I attended vpon ye Baron and Baroness of Caer Anterth, 7 watched yr tourney of ribbons, 7 visited with many whom I have long longed to see. I was maruelous pleased to see Mistress Melisant, whom I do hold in ye greatest of respect, 7 I passed a delightful hour in her company, gladdened by her news, though sad to learn yt she had come vnto ye Barony for to attend as a mourner at ye funeral of her colleague. Et so also did I speak with Kou no Toshkagi, et his Lady, ye Countess Guinevere, et also vnto ye Viscount Lief and his lady wife, who did tell of ye baybee yt they have taken as a ward, born vnto ye childe of ye Viscontess, but who hath descended to ye life of ye road and thus hath no home of her own will. An please it Heauen, ye baybee is safe vntil such time as its mother amend her ways.

This day, none but duty at ye Earle's Chancery, et I most tired, having little rest, owing to ye trauel of ye previous day, 7 so also ye time spent in ye company of ye baybee, Curnan, who is soon to be of an age to be called a young lord. I delight in his company and can not be still when he is wh me. And so this evening, to letters, and to a storyteller, and then to bed.

2007-05-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

Vpon this day I received a letter of ye black monk vnto whom I had sent ye purse for ye benefit of ye scriptorium at Wales which did contain his most humble thanks for ye gift.

Vpon ye feast of St Phillip ye Apostle, yr was a celebration of ye new year in ye New Kingdoms, the which I did not celebrate, having too many duties at ye Earle's Chancery to travel therefrom.

Et so also on ye day of Catherine of Sienna did I see to ye planting of ye apple trees obtained from ye Weston Manor in ye southernmost garden of Marihaus, having for curiosity grafted ym by my own hand under ye instruction of ye steward's man.

2007-04-28T21:32:00.000-07:00

On ys day, my Lord et I, with ye baybee Curnan, travelled vnto Iaraueller to meet with his lady sister Catlin et her husband et sonne. And once thereat, we gained permission to visit ye menagerie of ye Lord Mayor et we were provided with sausages et bread at repast from his kitchen. Ye Lord Mayor's servant was a dullard, a doltish ronyon, methinks, drunken and slow, et I greatly surprised to see so poor a servant there.

2007-04-27T04:28:00.000-07:00

Vpon ye ides of April, ye Lady Morwenna sent vnto me a basket of duck eggs as a token of her friendship, et I most gladly received them of her, and in turn gave her leave to study in my library, which she did that very day. Alas, she has since sent vnto us ye news yt her lord husband did not safeguard the fowlhouse on St. Mark's eve and so all ye byrds et eggs are lost for ys season, having been eaten to a one by ye wild dogs vpon her lands.

2007-04-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys day I received *iij* of ye books I had sent for 7 paid out ye letter of credit sent therewith. So also did I newly apply ye embroidery yt I had made some years ago et removed from ye gonfalon vpon which I had it placed, a little picture of of a woman in blue kirtle, to a piece of velvet ye which to be used to cover a cushion 7 wrote out ye instructions therefore.

2007-04-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys day I received of ye Baroness ye news yt ye Lord Donato hath died; et I sorrowe to learn of it, 7 said prayers in rememberance of him and his lady wyfe, Ayesha, who I had held in great esteem.

Et so also did I receive injury whilst riding in my carriage, there being a cart behind me and unable to stop before stiking me. Et so I sent for one of ye sheriff's men, and caused him to record ye name of ye cart driver, et I to home to bed, for ye sufferings made me fit for naught else.

2007-04-19T21:13:00.000-07:00

Vpon ys day, I sent a purse of *l* sovereigns vnto ye scriptorium of ye Welsh whereat is made a copy of ye Holy Bible in englysch, and bade ym enter ye name of my lady mother et ye baybee of late memory into yr boke.

2007-03-14T16:07:00.000-07:00

Vpon ye feast day of Gerald of Mayo, I sent a missive by my man vnto ye lady Gwynedd to request of her a cut of her elder tree, et on ys day she did reply, saying yt she would send word vnto me when ye tree was ready. So also have I received a missive of ye master potter, Hroar, wh whom I desire to contract for new storage vessels as might make ye transport of small amounts of foodstuffs a thing of little difficulty. Et little else but work within ye Earle's Chancery, yea, little else done, not even handwork, for I am not quiet and can turn my hand to nothing et can only summon ye will to make plans for ye easiest way of obtaining such stockings as are knit et much sought by ye members of all ye courts of both ye Kynge at London et ye Crowns of ye New Kingdoms. Et so have I turned my mind to ye Vtopia of Thomas More, that I might at least gain ye advantage of knowledge in ys time.

2007-02-28T22:00:00.000-08:00

On ys day, I received a letter of my Laurel, Bronwyn ferch Gwyn ap Rhys, who announced vnto me ye death of Stefano d'Amato, and I wept to learn of it.

2007-02-22T16:33:00.000-08:00

Vpon Ash Wednesday, I received a letter of the Weston manor, that I might obtain of ym certain apple trees for planting at Wylcliffe, and I am to visit ym come April to chose my trees. And so also haue I spoken to Richard ye Huntsman, yt I might arrange a hunt in ye fall, and am minded to purchase a new bow for the hunt. I have already sent forth instruction to the taylors to make a suit of clothing as is worthy of this pursuit.

This evening, I did send a man to obtain for vs a pye of Naples from ye Inn yt doth employ a cook from ye same city, and thereafter, my lord et I did little but read, each at our own studies.

2007-02-12T18:22:00.000-08:00

Vpon ys day, I returned vnto ye Earle's Chancery, having returned to Marihaus last eventide. We arrived home but a few hours before the snows, having finished a progress between ye manor of Maestra Giovanna et her Lord, Padruig, et ye home of Catlin et James, which doth border on the Wycliffe manor. Et so also did we view Wycliffe House, but as ye winds were cold et snows heavy, we did not depart from ye carriage and instead sent word to ye men yt ye outbuilding by the road hath been damaged and must be repaired.

Et Maestra Giovanna showed me the gift of stockings with garters yt she had made, and I found them a pretty thing and am minded to make like things for myself.

2007-02-04T13:26:00.000-08:00

Vpon ye eve of Candlemas, I received of ye goody Pamela, who doth now dwell at ye place called Grey Gargoyles, a message requesting that my Lord et I trauel vnto her home and celebrate among many long vnseen friends, and I sorrowful to relay vnto her that I could not, having been commanded et committed vnto attending ye crown at yier Tournement of Chivalry to take place vpon ye day after Candlemas, 7 my Lord vpon yt same day to contract for ye manufacture of a cart in Vanished Woods.

Et so I did take to ye roads and trauel vnto ye Canton of Coille Stoirmeil to attend their majesties pleasure, et ye trip was quiet but for the vicious cold, which did cause much difficulty in both ye trauel et ye tourney, 7 I found it wisest to stay in ye hall that was away from the rooms in which ye tourney was held, for it was too bitter to walk between ye halls. Some who did fell and hurt ymselves and were sent vnto ye physicians. And so also was Count Raito grievously hurt at ye tourney, but word was sent vnto us before ye end of ye day yt ye physicks of ye doctors had assisted him to recover.

But I witnessed none but a few moments of ye tourney, retiring to ye waiting hall and sitting at table with many a companion, and most especially Maestra Giovanna and her gossips, and we serued from out our own chests beef et bread et cheeses et an apple pudding et sundry other things, and her honourable Lord, Padruig, et others of the men would sometimes leave off yr fighting et sit at table briefly to replenish themselves. Et Giovanna helped me to straighten my handwork, that I might learn to make stockings after the fashion of ye Egyptians.

Et also on ys day did ye Crown announce yt They would increase the estate of the roman, Niklos, et bade him stand vigil for knighthood.

On ys day, naught but rest for ye greater part thereof, and I have set my cook to preparing blancmange from ye chicken we used not at ye Tourney, and will send for ye baybee, Curnan, yt we might care for him and give ye Lady Isobel an evenings ease.

2007-01-06T12:07:00.000-08:00

Ephiphany. This day, little by way of celebration though it be Twelfth Day. I am minded to have the players perform vpon my return ys evening but consider it no difficulty if I should retire to chambers before time. My lord and I hath many days celebrated this Christmastide and I most willing to rest vpon ys oon.

Vpon Second night, we traueled to the home of ye goody Barbara, who hath suffered for her husbands death not a month past, and spent ye evening in conuersation wh her 7 her father, et her daughter et her man, 7 spake at length of 'membrances.

Et so also did we spend ye seuenth night wh many at a merriment over two manors; first, at a masque among those who would dress as if they lived yet in ye past, and wore ye clothes of their grandsires to marke ye festival, as was commanded by ye manor's Lord of Misrull, and second, at ye manor of Maistra Ghita et her honorable Lord, Thomas. 7 M. Ghita spent may hours telling vs of their plans to improve ye manor over ye next summer, and I be likeminded to set my seruants to improue both ye near and far manors by her example. There we were settled, and ye next day returned vnto ye near manor and so to bed.

Vpon ye eighth day, I made my way vnto ye Earle's Chancery and gifted vnto ye clerks many sweetmeats from ye banquet of Christmas eve, and they most pleased to receiue ym of me, and in the euening, to supper with my Lord, ye Lady Isobel, and ye baybee at ye Inn at ye Azure Mound.

But vpon twelfth night, I did attend vpon ye lady Bevin and her Lord Ivan, to assist ym in supervising ye packing of their goods, yt thye might move unto a new home in ye Barony called Windhaven, and I most sorry to see ym go. Lord Ivan doth remain behind for some short while, attending to business 7 staying in ye home of M. Mysie et THL Dahriean, vpone ye good sufferance as ye dependent of M. Mysie.

Vpon ys day have I turned my attention to letters yt must be writ, and have received of ye honorable Lady Alienor Sanz-Argent of ye New Kingdom called An Tir a letter describing yt which she plans for a contest, and I have set aside my reply, being not satisfied with my writing for having no composure in my mind. Instead, I attend vpon ye Lord Ivan this evening and thereafter to bed.

2006-12-25T10:58:00.000-08:00

Vpon ye eve of Christmas, we did host many of the members of ye family, gathered here to merrymake, 7 we were attended vpon by my Lady Isobel, with the baybee, Curnan. So also were we attended vpon by Rosamund, Gerald, their daughter Catlin, her husband James, and their son Kilian. So also Christopher, another child of Rosamund and Gerald. Et ye baybees, Kilian 7 Curnan, behaved well and so have the mark of good breeding vpon ym. Et we made vnto the baybees gifts of toys and clothing, and unto my lady daughter I gifted a purse with forty pounds, and to my lord a figurine, and I received of my Lord a fine trunk of India for my jewels and two figurines.

Isobel 7 I directed ye cooks to prepare a beef and a ham, et sundry vegetables et fruits, and a pottage of mushroom and bacon. And Rosamund and Catlin each brought sweetmeats as gifts and these also were used as ye banquet. And so we ate, and thereafter did all depart vnnto yr lodgings, et Miguel et I engaged a storyteller vntil such time as we desired to depart vnto bed.

2006-12-18T05:42:00.000-08:00

Vpon ye invitation of ye crown, I did attend ye masque called Boar's Head. Vpon yt day, Alice 7 Valarius did confirm their desire to be relieved of their offices and ye crown appointed Alisdair 7 Kateryn to take the place of ye said Alice and Valarius. Et many wept for their departing, but so also did many reioice at the other's arrival.

So also did ye Crown and Tanist of the New Kingdom to ye south attend ye masque, and I was minded of much of ye history of ys new kingdom, and thought vpon ye many times I have waited vpon these same people, for the Crown condescended to honor two boys yt I knew in the days yt they were more pleased by sweetmeats and playthings yn ye note of ye Crown, and now they will soon enow be fit for ye jousts and wars.

I sought but did not find the Lady Anne, who makes the seething pots I did order. Her man delivered unto me the message yt ye pots are not yet done and doth beg indulgence yt she may try again to complete ym.

I travelled therefrom with Thorvald Redhair, Maistra Ghita, Suiliean, et their householders, to meet my Lord at the Inn at Backe's Arms, but sadly had to leave my lady Margaret at ye masque.

Vpon ye day called Consualia by ye Romans, my Lord and I did attend a feast given for ye secretaries and others at ye Earle's Chancery, and we ate of many delicasies 7 daunced 7 enioyed other such pleasentries as ye Earle was minded to have arranged.

I did receivea purse of ye Marchioness vpon ys day and yn home and then to bed.

2006-12-06T19:37:00.000-08:00

On ys Feast of Saint Nicholas, we accompanied M. de Keith, who hath been abroad in ye Holy Roman Empire and hath returned home with a cook from Lower Saxony, to a meal in celebration of ye day. My lord Miguel and I ate with pleasure of the offerings and found it delightful.

So also on ys day did I receive of ye Lady Elaine Halevy a gift of sweet cakes made wh ye dark and flavorful powder she hath obtained from ye spicers and sometimes used by ye Italians.

On ye eve of ye feast of Nicholas, I had of ye Earle's chancery a small gift of sweetmeats, and have set ym to side yt I may serve ym forth on ye occasion of ye first night of Christmas, having received of Rosamund and Gerald ye news yt they, with my lord's sister, will travel from ye far estate 7 arrive here vpon yt date.

2006-10-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

Vpon the day of Arbeau, I travelled south, into ye shire of Rockwall. There did I attend vpon ye king 7 queen, having been called before ym as a member of yr Laurel council, 7 I spake my mind before ym. So also did I seke the lady Anne Grey to enquire after my seething pot, but I found her not. I spent some time in conversation wh Maestra Giovanna, who doth delight me, et so also with Gretje Crynes, who doth command her cooks well. And little but the running of the estate hath occupied me since that time. Michaelmas is past, and All Saints comes; on the morrow I must instruct my servants to finish gathering what fruits may be found yet in the fields and herb beds. I ate but a little erbolate this day, and am minded to put away what herbs as may be good physick.

2006-10-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Vpon Saint Jerome's day, I did progress vnto ye estate of ye Baron et Baroness, to partake in an entertainment. Many of ye nobles and gentles of ye barony were present, some whom none had seen in many years, as Andrew Grenecloak, who was returned from his travels to attend vpon yr excellauncies in ys last of yr courts.

While there, I was wroth to find my blank-tables damaged and must send ym forth to ye Stationairs yt they may be repaired.

I spent my time in pleasaunt discourse wh ye lady Adelecia, 7 Dame Josceline, 7 sundry others whom I love well. So also did I witness the lady Genevieve de Belleville become a part of ye household of Durand Fitz Robert as his squire.

2006-08-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

On the Feast of Saint Merewenna, whom I do yet honor as all my countrymen, my Lord Miguel 7 I traveld vnto ye faire at Bristol; the Quene and many of her nobles were there, making merrie and commanding such sports and jests as might please them. My Lord and I caused a message to be sent vnto our good couzins which art away at the behest of the crowns of the Newe Kingdoms, tarrying at ye Pennsic Jousts, teazing et telling ym of ye excellent mead and tobacco we sampled--alas, some attending ye faire drank overmuch and lolled in ye strets as grete drunkards. We did not stay long near the Quene, but went about our business, for there was great variety in both the stalls of merchants and the minstrels and players of ye streets, and our time short. I did contract of Anne Grey a special pot yt I may use to seeth infusions of herbs to be decorated with my arms, with sundy pots and cups as are needed to serve forth ye medicines, to be delivered upon ye occassion of ye day of Arbeau. So also did I spend some time within ye bookselleres stall; I bought *ij* books of pattern, yt I might gift vnto my tailor for ye fashioning of goodly clothing like yt of Her Magesty et so also a book of receipts for mine own collection. My Lord purchashed of ye tanner a quantity of leather, I know not for what purpose. And so we returned to ye estate, and to bed.

2006-07-26T21:09:00.000-07:00

On ys day, I did discovere yt my library hath been destroyed, and many of ye books et drawings I did treasure for their smallness were utterly ruined, for not only did ye place where I had stored those things burn, so also were those copies I most diligently prepared destroyed at ye hand of mischance, and thus the work of years is lost. So it was yt when ye missive sent by my good cozin, who doth take the play name of Broom, did arrive, I could not set my hand to answer, distraught as I am over the loss of ye travelling libraries. I pray vnto ye Lord that some fair chance may yet show some portion of ys work safe.

2006-07-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

On ys day, naught but work for ye Earle's chancery 7 a little close work. My Lord Miguel is gone unto ye place in ye New Kingdoms called Vanished Woods to work vnder ye instruction of his good cozin and returns 2 days hence. I have sent a mesage forth vnto ye mystress Ghita, asking when I might attend vpon her in order to receive of her ye silks I did offer to buy.

2006-07-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

On ys day we did journey home. We did arive vpon ye estate even as ye storms broke, and did watch the trees bend before ye wind from ye safety of ye manor, and so to bed.