 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| The novel Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman is set in Medieval England during the years 1290-1291. Birdy is 14 years old and the daughter of a knight. Her brother, who is a monk, has taught Birdy to read and write, and has suggested that she write an account of her days which will help her to grow "less childish and more learned." |
|
18TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, Feast of Saint Mawes, who can cure headaches, worms, and snakebite I have developed a rash on my body where the rough cloth rubs my skin. I wanted to take a bath, thinking that the dirt on my skin made the rash worse, but the bathing tub has been turned upside down and is being used as an extra table in the kitchen and I cannot have it until spring, so I just spread goose grease on my rash. The dogs are following me everywhere. |
|
9TH DAY OF JANUARY, Feast of Saint Fillan, ancient Irish abbot, whose bell and staff and arm will survive Now that Christmas is over, we are putting the manor to rights again. Morwenna made me help the kitchen boys dig out the pits and bones and dog droppings from the rushes on the hall floor. We found a silver gilt belt with jeweled buckle, three shoes, a lady's stocking, a wad of fake hair, a rat skeleton, and two silver pennies. I also found Ralf Emory's knife that he accused Walter of Pennington of stealing. Walter is going to the king to complain and there may be a joust between them at the next tournament, though no one stole it after all - it fell into the rushes. Should I tell? I would dearly love to see that joust. This afternoon we sprinkled dried mint and thyme and gillyflowers over the cleaned rushes. The hall smells much better, but that may be because Robert is not here today. |
| Please note, as shown in the excerpts above, that historical journal entries are written in the first person and are full of accurate details from that time period. |