since we cannot get hold of help – housemaids

in particular are impossible to find, – they all leave, –

and those who stay demand 500 kr. in addition to

clothes and shoes. – Engel has not been able to find

anyone either, and as a consequence she

will have a hard time of it this year, – we have thought

about letting everything “lie fallow” for a year, – it has been

7 years, since we arrived here, – and if one should

observe Sunday as a day of rest then one should also

according to the Bible observe the command to

hallow the seventh year, when “you shall neither sow your field

nor prune your vineyard”; – (but the theologians tend to

be resourceful in finding small commandments

that must be complied with the greatest strictness, –

while the large commandments, which are at the front of the Bible

are not even mentioned). This I often throw back

at the farmers here when they reprove me, for

working on a Sunday.

This has turned into a theological discussion – forgive me for

bothering you, – butter is impossible for us to get

hold of – at the moment, when Bergen’s provisions committee buys it

up for more than the maximum price; – the rest of us mortals

are not allowed to give as much, – a strange

arrangement – But it will soon be resolved. With best

wishes to you and your family from Engel and your devoted Nikolai.

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