The Vatican Observer
April 1515

Parties

Miei amici, this month past, two hosts invited the luminaries of Roma to gather, celebrate and converse, but not until late in the month-- slightly odd, when one considers the calendar. Still, the evenings were of great interest, if variously attended.

In the third week, Andrea del Carnevale and Valentina held their gathering in a different venue from their previous, to wit, the Quirinal. In attendance were Arturo Negri with Ginevra, Alberto di Miteli with Sandra, Baldessare Zamboni and Laura, Lucio Malvezzo with Anna, Marco Vicenzo Penaccini with (finally!) his new companion Lusanna, Umberto Tarentella and Chiara, Vincenzo dei Gambetti with Antonia, Vincente di Scotti with Lucia, and Vito Erasmo Guilgliondo, who eschews companions, at least at these gatherings. Rumours gather about that one...

The host spared no pains to ensure that the gathering would be well-remembered, himself arriving at the Quirinal some hours in advance of the evening, to sample the great variety of meats to be served, far more meats than are usual at such banquets. A truly impressive array was served out, accompanied by some of the best wines available in the club. In addition to the more familiar boar, beef, capons, venison and delectable pheasant, some meat from a little known bird, apparently of prodigious size, was prepared arrosto. The texture and flavour of the fowl was intriguing, but the meat suffers from a tendency to dryness. Obviously, this "turky" might be better served farcito. Still, all agreed that the meal was a culinary triumph.

So enjoyable were the wines, also, that Vincente di Scotti resolved to comment upon a sample of them all to his companion and, as the evening wore on, to anyone who would listen. As it turned out, his satirical comments upon vino et veritas turned out to be most amusing. The host himself was observed to become quite jolly with the grape, and ended up at the Quirinal's tables of chance-- where he chanced to win a small sum of ducats.

All in all, a most enjoyable evening, with no serious arguments observed.

On perhaps a more serious, and certainly less gustatorially challenging note, we end the month at the Aventine with host Vincente di Scotti displaying his new, illustrated manuscript, "Pasquino Speaks with Madama Lucrezia". With him, looking on in admiration, was Lucia. Fellow admirers of art included the illustrious Baldessare Zamboni (senza Laura) and Vito Erasmo Guilgliondo. Your correspondent would like to report the irony that this was the occasion to which Signor Guilgliondo finally brought a companion-- but I cannot.

The guests composed themselves to dine upon more empyrean fare than that craved by base gourmandry, more philosophic and airy potables than the mere pressings of the grape. In other words, no dinner was provided, and the guests made do with nibbles offered by the establishment, and whatever wine they chose to procure for themselves.

Nonetheless, the twin pleasures of an elegantly scribed rendering of the witty piece, combined with the beauty and cleverness of the exquisitely-rendered capitals, miniatures and border work, will surely not hinder Signor di Scotti’s attempts to procure commissions.

Aficionados who were not able to attend might yet benefit from the opportunity to view or purchase the manuscript, provided they contact Signor di Scotti promptly.

E finito.

Pope and Cardinal

His Holiness, much of the Papal Court, Cardinal Jimenez and his escort journeyed to the Medici Palace in Florence for the month. Along the route of the Papal retinue's progress, many common people ceased their labours and paid their respects, some with great reverence and humility; others more boisterously. During the brief period of travel, Captain Quintani of the Papal Escort, by his vigilance and discretion, demonstrated why His Holiness holds this fine man in such high regard.

Upon arriving, His Holiness was greeted by Bishop de Grassi, who had been dispatched to prepare the Medici Palace, and arrange for all manner of refreshments. The entire Court and the Cardinal's entourage was made most comfortable. The following day Mass was celebrated at Santo Spirito, a church deemed more appropriate for the occasion.

In the evening, arrangements had been made to present the comedy "La Calandria" by Babbiena, alias Cardinal Bernardo Dovizi. It is a play that is a favourite of His Holiness and delights most audiences. However, Cardinal Jimenez did not find the device of a young woman dressed as a man appropriate. The irony of this observation was noted by many who heard.

Eventually Cardinal Jimenez was encouraged to go hunting with His Holiness. The Holy Father is more than fond of boar hunting in particular. During this season of the year the males of that animal are particularly aggressive, thus it was decided that this form of sport be pursued. Much to the surprise and relief of many Cardinal Jimenez proved an exceptional horseman and adept with the spear. By all reliable accounts the Cardinal was more involved in the fall of Grenada, militarily, than had been previously been suspected.

Easter was celebrated at the great Cathedral of Florence. The presence of the Pontiff, Cardinal Jimenez, and the numerous Cardinals and Bishops celebrating Mass was an event many citizens will not forget. In the evening a great feast was held in the Medici Palace, the boar and other game providing fare for all invited.

Before departing, His Holiness and His advisers conferred with Cardinal Jimenez. The foremost concern of the Pontiff was the renewed militarization of Francis I of France. Since the ascension of Francis I to the throne there have been reports of that King rearming his forces. The possibility of a French incursion in either Lombardia or Castile appears to be a great concern to both His Holiness and Cardinal Jimenez. His Holiness has decided that a formal Mission will be sent to the Court of France to discern the intentions of the King. Cardinal Jimenez stated that he was certain that King Ferdinand of Aragon, and those Spanish forces in Naples, would march north should the situation deteriorate.

At this time it is not know if Cardinal Jimenez will return to Rome for the Conclaves, or if he will depart directly for Madrid.

Cercasi Conduttori

Due to a recent upsurge in the demand for private transport, carriage drivers and sedan bearers are sought. Applicants should present themselves to the residences of Deacon Penaccini and Signor dei Gambetti.

Cercasi Patroni

The workshops of Salvatore Gambino, Vincente di Scotti and Lucio Malvezzo all report that following the end of the Lenten observances their order books are now open for new commissions.

Upcoming Debates

None

Men of the Cloth / Men of Steel

The Papal Mission to the Court of Carlos V has taken a most agreeable turn. Apparently in the absence of Cardinal Jimenez, Guillaume de Chieves has influenced Carlos V to move the proceedings to Madrid, a decidedly more comfortable location than the austerity of Burgos.

Senor de Chieves is the present tutor to the young Archduke and a former adviser to Phillip of Brabant, the father of Carlos of Castile. From initial reports he is regarded as an important influence in Court, and a man of more pragmatic disposition than Cardinal Jimenez.

The leadership of the Delegation made no significant strides in the relationship with the Council of Regency. However, this may be due to Cardinal En Szesc's approach. He, in conjunction with Patriarch N. Sextus and the Second Coalition Leader Archbishop N. Seis, appears to have adopted a conservative approach, preferring to manage the Factions rather than aggressively lead the constituent parts of the Mission.

Happily, the Delegation has grown to include the Farnese Faction and a new Papal Translator, one Padre Gagliardi. This may be seen as an indication of the importance His Holiness has given to the growing power of Spain in European affairs, and the expansion of territories in the New World. The great majority of the month was not spent in formal sessions debating subtle points of theology. Rather, individual members, small groups, and Factions negotiated informally to reach those compromises necessary for both the Court and the Vatican to collaborate with the least friction.

The Aldobrandini Faction continued to cultivate the most cordial relationships with those members from Old Castile. Padre V.G. Magliano has become a favourite of the representative from Valladolid who apparently found both his manner and reasoning much to his liking. Although it cannot be confirmed, it is rumoured that the representative has promised his support in the Council. The gift to him of a fine silver ring may well be an indication of this. The Padre was favourably mentioned in reports and is to have a medal struck in recognition of his continuing good work.

The Chigi Faction fared somewhat better than recently. Bishop En Tres was received favourably and Padre N. Six performed very well. Major Gabbiadini and his men were spared the distasteful duties they performed the previous month and were allowed to enjoy the City.

As was previous mentioned, the Farnese Faction volunteered to support the Mission. Lead by Acting Bishop de Gregori, the Faction performed well. De Gregori was promoted, as would di Vitelli have been, had his last advancement not been so recent. Moreover, both were favourably mentioned in Cardinal En Szesc's reports, and di Vitelli was also given a small monetary gift. Meanwhile, the stalwart Captain d'Alba was mentioned favourably for his conduct and diligence, and promoted to the rank of Major.

Padre U. Blatti of the Ludovisi, who has remained in Castile for some months, was favourably mentioned and recommended for promotion. Unfortunately for him the Ludovisi ranks were already full, hence note was made of his continuing service and the credit he has brought to the Ludovisi instead.

The Missionary Faction found itself without a definite purpose at this time. Bishop En Quarto continues to lead well. Having formed a good relationship with the Council, there were but few opportunities for the Faction to exercise its Evangelic Mission in Madrid at this time.

During this time the Papal scholars found themselves involved in a different form of research, much of which was discovering the nature and perspectives of the various members of the Council of Regency. This was not done in a clandestine manner, but rather by researching the writings of some members, and the civil legal suits decided if a member was, or had been, a Magistrate. As one may imagine such work is time consuming and frustrating. Under the direction of Acting Bishop En Seeks an astounding amount of material was made available to the Delegation regarding the writings, opinions, and judgments both civil and ecclesiastic, of the Spanish.

For the continued excellence of his work Deacon Salieri is to have a medal struck in recognition of his contribution. He was also mentioned favourably and given a monetary gift.

Deacon Finelli was favourably mentioned. Whereas the Borgia Seminarian, Clementi, was granted a sizable purse for his efforts. Regrettably the lay cleric S. Zanetti was afflicted with a form of ague that forced him to remain in bed, though he was mostly recovered by the end of the month.

Finally, Padre Gagliardi must be given his due, as his fluency in Spanish has greatly eased the administrative and ecclesiastical burdens of the Mission. Dealing with merchants and others to secure the food and lodging needed, in addition to translating for various members of both the Holy Church and the Council of Regency, has swiftly earnt him considerable appreciation within the Delegation. Doubtless with a month or two's service behind him, the promotion denied him this month as being too alacritous will yet be his.

Court Companionship

It was another disappointing month in Roma, although there was some activity. Unfortunately, half of it was bad news for Elena. Padre Bartolomeo Gagliardi took some time off from his preparations for leaving on a mission with the Borgia faction and sought her out. I'm told that she was rather upset when he informed her that he no longer needed her services. She asked him to hold off making a decision until his return, but he refused, saying that she was unable to provide him access to the levels of Court appropriate to his current stature.

The only other activity during the month happened in the first week.

Deacon Penaccini seems to have been listening to my advice over the past few months. He carefully selected a beautifully decorated, and rather expensive, book and was soon after seen knocking of the door of Lusanna. She was very pleased with the gift and proceeded to fill him in on recent activity at mid-levels of the Court and some rather choice titbits and rumours of the doings of those higher up.

That, however, marked the end of the month as far as the seeking of Court connections went. This despite the fact that there continue to be a significant number of young men who may find their ambitions stymied simply because they have failed to take the most basic of measures. I hope that I shall be able to write about most of them next month.

Court and Social

The Pope will host the following events at the Vatican Palace, Rome
In the first week: Conclave
In the second week: Conclave
In the third week: Grand Court

Positions Vacant

Secretary to Delegation Leader
Secretary to Assistant Delegation Leader
Secretary to Coalition Leader