A Conversation About Work and Needs

Ac Donne ihDaoxan ieieocod hæbbe, and
Dæt scear and Done culter on Dure sylh iefæstnod hæbbe, Donne
sceal ih fulne æcer erian oDDe mare.
Hæfst De unigne iefbran?
|iese, ih hæbbe cnapan: sb sceal Da oxan mid gade Dfwan. Sb is
ne has for hiele and hrbame.
Hwæt mare dbst De? Hæfst De icet mare td ddnne?
|iese lbof, mihel ih hæbbe td ddnne! Ih sceal Dara oxena binne mid
hceie afyllan, and hce wæterian, and hira steall feormian.
Wala, Dæt is mihel iedeorf!
|iese lbof, hit is mihel iedeorf, for Dum De ih neom frbo.

If thou hast given me the oxen, and
the plough and the seed for sowing have been firmly placed in the earth, then
I shall harvest a full field or more.
Hast thou any unique offerings?
Indeed, I have plans: I shall drive the oxen with a fork. It is
not harsh for health and warmth.
What more dost thou wish? Hast thou no other desires?
Indeed, my friend, much do I desire! I shall fill the barn with
grains of corn, and water them, and nourish their place.
Verily, that is much toil!
Indeed my friend, it is much toil, for when I am free from thee.