The Vatican Observer
April 1514

Discourses

Once again the streets and salons of Rome have been witness to learned argument and discourse at the highest level. No less than four such interchanges have proven worthy of report this month, such was the level of interest or skill displayed.

Of these, it must sadly be noted that amicable behaviour was shown more by some than by others. Of those approaching their debates in the proper Christian spirit must be young Deacon Bartolomeo Gagliardi, affiliated to the Borgia, and Captain of the Swiss Guard Alberto di Miteli who owes loyalty to the Ludovisi. Indeed, it was in recognition of the traditional rivalry of their respective factions that the two gentlemen met to discuss the nature of the Labourers in the Vineyard, found at Matthew 20:1-16.

Captain di Miteli remarked that it was to be noted that Jesus, in providing the parable, not only gave guidance as to the bounteous grace of God but also as to the manner in which a good man may be recognised by his generosity. In return, Deacon Gagliardi posited that by implication it could also be said that Jesus was comparing the fruit of the grape to the fruits of piety and the pleasure in one was a symbol of the pleasure to be anticipated from the other. Onlookers regarded these points with interest, but all agreed that the men had rather missed the heart of the parable from their considerations.

So rebuked, each returned to his theme with Captain di Miteli wittily proposing that Deacon Gagliardi sought to emulate the life of Jesus by keeping a cellar so well stocked that none would be turned away unsatisfied, then cleverly developed this theme by noting that as with Gagliardi's cellar so none who came to the gate of Heaven with heart open would be turned away but rather the lowest and the highest each would receive their full reward. Deacon Gagliardi by contrast proposed that the parable contained a valuable lesson in humility, showing that though one might think oneself more blessed in the eyes of heaven all were blessed who accepted the Lord's word. The view of those observing was that each man had now reached the essence of the parable and that neither could be judged the better of the other. In good fellowship then and friendly truce the two men were seen departing to investigate further the depths of the now mythical cellar which had seen such debate.

On the steps of St Stephen's meanwhile Deacon Giovanni Speranza, of the Farnese faction, met with Deacon Marco Vicenzo Penaccini of the Sforza. Each had returned to develop their arguments as to the parting of the Red Sea, detailed in the Observer of last month.

Having been unable on their previous meeting to settle the question of whether the sea was divided into two parts or more severally, they now met to enquire as to whether upon the parting the Israelites crossed the sea to the far shore or returned to the shore from whence they came. Deacon Speranza initially commented that it would seem to impute foolishness on the Israelites to suggest that they would return to the land of their enemies having fled, but Deacon Penaccini responded by noting that to those for whom the very seas had opened such a return could hold little peril, particularly given the fate of Pharaoh and his men.

Deacon Speranza observed that despite this truth, it could be seen as taking God's protection for granted to return to that place from which he had given liberation. Deacon Penaccini, however, said that no limits could be placed upon the protection of God when he was of a mind to deliver a people from bondage and that in his arms the Israelites were as safe on their shore of origin as on the distant one across the sea. All present agreed that this was so and thus Deacon Speranza was forced to cede the argument.

Encouraged by this success Deacon Penaccini next met with Deacon de Gregori of the Farnese, who wished to discuss the progress of the new basilica. Each man, judging the mood of the crowd to be ready for some small amusement, opened with witty words as to the progress of works to date. Deacon Penaccini commenting that the lack of a cupola showed that Rome today was as Rome at the time of Christ such that the Pantheon, greatest of Roman temples, was open to the skies just as the Church of St Peter's itself was so open. The laughter of those present was so great that sadly but few heard Deacon de Gregori's own remark that just as perspective was tricked in the basilica to make the statues of those placed on high seem no larger than those placed below so in life a clever aspect could often let rogues pass for learned men.

Nonetheless, Deacon de Gregori forged on and noted to the hilarity of all that while great statues could seem small great passions could not be so easily concealed, and the passion of Deacon Penaccini for victory was such that no sleight of perspective could ever serve to make his ambition appear reduced.

As Deacon Penaccini struggled in vain to recapture the amused bystanders, Deacon de Gregori pressed his advantage innocuously approving the proposal that being a vision of heaven the Vatican should not contain a crucifix. As those present nodded agreement Deacon de Gregori then wittily remarked that just as the crucifix was not to be found within the basilica so Deacon Penaccini was never to be found in St Stephen's as his love of debate prevented him ever seeing anything beyond the steps.

At this even Deacon Penaccini himself was seen to laugh, and all agreed that the Deacon de Gregori had proved himself the better wit on the day.

Last we come to promising young artist Marco Armani who met with the gifted musician Domenico Facente over the matter of the attachment of Claudia, said to have the ear of many in the Papal court.

The two gentlemen chose to discuss the question of whether God was as glorified by secular art as he was by sacred. Sig. Facente sadly struggled to make his point, being afflicted with an unfortunate stutter. To his credit, Sig. Armani made no comment on this barrier to communication restricting himself simply to the daring observation that secular art must also glorify God or the Papacy would not have purchased so much of it. Sig. Facente and those others present were forced to recognise the remark's wit and acuity, though some queried whether it was wholly appropriate. Nonetheless, it was clear that the debate belonged to Sig. Armani, even if Claudia's counsel is now reserved for Sig. Facente. We can only hope that Sig. Armani's future patrons also find his humour amusing rather than impudent.

Positions Vacant

Eloquence Instructors

Men of the Cloth

Following last month's debacle, the delegation of the King of France, including his chief philosopher, the Comte de Mercurey, was at pains this month to ensure that a more productive discussion was had.

The new Delegation Leader, Cardinal Encinque, opened by apologising for any embarrassment caused by his predecessor. This approach was well received by the French court, which made generous gifts to many of those present as a gesture of goodwill. Of particular note were the gold and gem-studded crucifix given to Marco Armani and the silver salver received by Stefano Zanetti.

As the negotiations progresssed, it was noted that those providing stalwart support to the Papal Delegation included Patriarch Entre and Bishop Endue of the Missionary Faction. The Papal Scholars generally performed well, although Bishop Entre made a poorly-developed argument which was regrettably unsupported by the materials available to the Mission. Both he and Priest Encinque of his command have indicated that they shall be returning to Rome to undertake further study.

Of those units newly arrived to join the Mission, the Papal Dispatches drew significant attention to the able leadership of Priest de Gregori of the Farnese. Not yet deemed worthy of a grace and favour estate, his standing in Rome will no doubt have received a filip from his conduct this month. We shall watch this rising star with interest.

A Delightful Lenten Gathering

Gentle Readers, Intelligentsia and Social Notables of Roma,

Once more the Esquiline was the site of a gathering of lively and, for the most part, like-minded souls.

The host, Signor Domenico Facente, is becoming quite well known in the neighbourhoods, as a notable composer and singer, a knowledgeable scribe, and, now a connoisseur of fine jewellery and glasswork. He and his companion Claudia-- what a fine, ancient name-- brought together many of the new names in Roma, to socialise, have discourse and to witness the unveiling and blessing of a fine new rosary crafted by Lucio Malvezzo.

Attending were Signor Malvezzo and Anna, Borgia Deacon Bartolomeo Gagliardi and Elena, Chigi Deacon Vicenzo Zanotti and Sandra, Captain Alberto di Miteli, associated with the Ludovisi, and Marco Vicenzo Penaccini, a Sforza Deacon becoming renowned for his accumulation of debates.

Despite their being members of differing factions, and in fact having been adjudged equals in a recent debate, Deacon Gagliardi and Captain di Miteli seem to be quite comfortable in each other's presence, and will no doubt look forward to one more matching wits against each other, to uphold their respective factions' banners.

Deacon Gagliardi further endeared himself to the guests by ordering more wines from the house, to supplement the already varied selection being provided by the host, with dinner.

It should be noted that Signor Facente himself abstained from the wines being offered, even his own, as he had put all wine, other than the Sacrament, aside for Lent.

The wines complemented a nice selection of antipasti, followed by a simple, yet well-prepared pasta dish and lamb al rosti. All were quite merry by the end of the meal, especially the Borgia Deacon, who insisted on trying "just a mouthful" of every vintage there, and commenting upon their qualities.

A variety of desserts from Spain and Italy followed, along with cheeses and fruits.

Before the evening broke up into little groups, discourses and murmurings in corners and little rooms, the rosary of Signor Malvezzo was brought out. Although there were one or two clergy present who slightly ranked Deacon Gagliardi, they ceded the honour to him with good grace, and the Deacon composed himself, performed a very competent benediction, including some impromptu praise of the quality of the rosary, and then became merry once again, after the chorus of "Amen".

All in all, a delightful and socially successful evening, and one to which your correspondent was glad to be invited.

Around the Markets

This being Lent, the demands for meat have predictably fallen, whilst the fishmongers are reporting booming sales. Those known to have so changed their dietary preferences include Deacon Zanotti and the young musician, Domenico Facente. Of course, as any who have spent time in the markets this month will know, Signor Facente's purchases have also included the usual vast quantities of vellum, ink and quills. Moreover, it is already rumoured that Signor Facente may shortly deliver another composition to the Collegio Romano, a belief which cannot be wholly unconnected with those purchases.

Meanwhile, almost all of the city's glass suppliers have been seen delivering samples to the home of Lucio Malvezzo. Now that his rosary, whilst admittedly very well done, has been displayed, the quantities of glass delivered have been appraised as having been far in excess of those required for that item. Upon careful assessment of the samples delivered, we can only assume that there must have been considerable wastage or that the sculptor is indeed very selective of the materials which he works with.

Finally, Deacon Gagliardi has hosted several soirees at his home for the city's mummers and singers. Wisely seeking to ensure good humour on everyone's part, he took the precaution of laying down a series of fine wines. Unfortunately, such events having taken place behind closed doors, we are unable to report precisely which dishes Deacon Gagliardi's personal chef served on each occasion.

Upcoming Debates

AdM v. BG (Factional Rivalries)