Ad aspera

Knud placed a silver coin on the counter.
-- And I could use something to eat after the journey...

The attendant tossed the silver coin into a box and scribbled something in his papers.
-- Tell me your name. Your room is on the second floor, the third door on the right down the corridor. Food is there, free for guests, but don't expect anything fancy, -- he pointed to a door in the adjacent room.