The Vatican Observer
April 1516

Advancements, temporal and spiritual

The church received applications from a great number of young men seeking to join the priesthood this month. Perhaps they all realised their calling during last month’s Easter services.

Bernabo Amendola was accepted warmly into the Seminarian ranks of the Barberini, but could find no position for the newly arrived Edward L’inglese. Roberto Camanetti was also turned away by the Barberini faction, but found the Albani more welcoming and he took up the position of a Deacon.

Niccolo della Zucca and Bernabo Cozzi also each had their humility tested this month as the Sforza turned each of them away, but the Ludovisi accepted both young men who just had enough time to purchase their Subdeacon and Deacon robes before the entire faction left Rome bound for Milan.

Bishop di Vitelli of the Farnese received a number of callers this month as many within his faction sought to advance. Priest dei Gambetti took up the empty Canon position, leaving his position empty for Deacon Valetti to advance to the Priesthood. Girolamo Alessandro Condottiero made a most notable entry into the faction, not only by joining as a Deacon but also by gaining the position of Advisor to Bishop Vitelli after the previous incumbent stepped aside. Following Condottiero into the Deacon ranks came Marcantonio Colonna and the final position was taken by Umberto Gandolfini who presented himself, and a number of letters of introduction, to Bishop di Vitelli. The letters were obviously complementary as Bishop di Vitelli welcomed the young man in to what has suddenly become a very popular faction.

Away from the ranks of the church Carlo Malatesta was judged as suitable by the Swiss Guard’s recruiters and offered the rank of Private. Andrea Poliponi, seeking a similar position, was not so fortunate however and after a short interview was turned away from the barracks without explanation.

With so many newcomers to the clergy, one might be forgiven for overlooking those already present. However a couple of further appointments are most worthy of mention.

The Papal Legate to the Orient, after a period of deliberation which saw him in conversation with close advisors, announced his intention to retire to Stift Melk. Unwilling to leave such an important position unfilled, His Eminence appointed Bishop di Vitelli to the role. With new responsibilities and many new Deacons to guide the Bishop will most certainly be kept busy.

Finally Archbishop de Gregori left his position as Etiquette instructor at the Horace school to take up the more prestigious appointment as a Councillor to His Eminence Pope Leo X. It is believed that His Eminence received a most impressive account of the Archbishop’s character from a valued source.

Around the markets

Much to the delight, and profit, of the merchants of Roma a veritable flock of men have arrived in Roma to serve the Holy Church. The wine merchants, butchers, and apothecaries that dot each Rioni have done well.

The tailors of the strada de' Giubbonari have seldom enjoyed such business; Signor Poliponi, Signor l'Inglese, Diacono Caminetti, needed new clothes, as did all those who have joined factions. The orders for new clothing ranged from Signor l'Inglese's simple attire to the Diacono Caminetti's robes and vestments.

These were made from the best wool, linen, and silk imported to the city. Nor did the hat makers of the vicolo de' Cappellari want for customers. Seminario Amendola frequented these merchants as well, but purchased modest robes suitable for his station. He then spent much of his free time investigating the ruins of the Rioni Monti.

The via de Librari was frequented by Signo Poliponi, but was nearly a second home for Canonico Gaglardi.

The Papal Translator and Mathematician sought out volumes in Greek and Arabic, some of the later having traveled from as far as Arabia Felix via Venezia. The good Canonico also ordered various pieces from artisans possibly for a singular project, or to construct his own instruments of measurement.

Upon his safe return Vescovo di Vitelli celebrated much of the month with lavish parties and decorating his palazzo. The craftsmen of the vicolo de'Sediari and strada de'Vascellari sold a great deal of furniture and some vases of good quality to the Vescovo who is now Legate Occidentalis.

Diacono Caminetti took rooms on the strada del Paradiso at great expense, and withe the permission o the owner stocked a portion of the cellar with wines and spirits; chianti, ,sovana, montefalco, barolo, grappa, and acquavite to name some of his purchases. While never seen drunk, he has not been quite sober, and it is unlikely the Albani will appreciate a diacono who slurs his Latin.

Niccolo della'Zucca too proved possibly imprudent. It is reported that on his arrival at a fashionable hostelry he showed himself not yet to be a man of worldly experience. Leaving his purse with the keeper of this establishment, Della'Zucca found himself host to all who entered and who cared to partake of his hospitality, leading to all present praising his warmth and generosity and to a great lightening of his purse

Arciescovo de Gregori, Consilionius Papae, made a great donation to the Rioni Ponte of flour and wool cloth. These were distributed from the Chiesa S.M. in Posterula and San Giuliano to thegreat joy of the less fortunate. Such charity is certainly the mark of a man of great spiritual deapth.

Unlike Spring, Maestro Facente and his servant are always with us. He and his servant, Signor Gallo, tend to the Maestro's palazzo and his work. One may see Il Maestro on the via de'Carta buyng paper and parchment while Signor Gallo is buying pasta on the vicolo de Pastini. Only the addition of Signora Ruffo to clean and the palazzo, and launder clothes is of note.

Court Companionship

With Easter past and the life of the World the Good Lord created for us awakening from winter rest, so Roma is again becoming alive and vibrant. Men of ambition have come to Roma, and many find themselves in need of Companions with experience of the ways of Court.

To this end, the well represented and well bred newcomer to Roma, Barberini Seminarian Bernabo Amendola, attends a Salon and keeps his ears open for gossip, intrigue and news, and is indeed seen in close conversation with at least one of those 'in the know'.

Meanwhile a number of newcomers to Roma make approaches to well established Companions. Andrea Poliponi approaches Luisa, spending heavily, but to no avail.

Albanani Deacon Roberto Caminetti, the tall thin youth who is said to have walked to Roma, seeks the advice of the Influential Costanza. Unfortunately he is both out of luck and out of pocket.

Edward L'Inglese, newly arrived from England, and speaking text book Latin, rather than the vernacular, is in dire need of someone to show him the ways of the court, and approaching the Brilliant Anna sought to find someone able to converse with him equally in formal Latin, French or English, but more importantly, willing to teach him of the language and customs of court. Sadly for L'Inglese, he met Swiss Guard Private Carlo Malatesta at her doorstep and a row erupted, and as neither stood down, each now has cause with the other.

Newly arrived and well appointed Barberini Deacon Stefano Piero Mazzetti approached the Brilliant Chiara (attached to Gonzaga Deacon Umberto Tarentella as Companion, currently on mission in Milano). His approach was somewhat novel, offering to discuss with her dramatic scenes from the old testament and try to convince her to model (nothing lewd) for a painting that he told her he was planning to begin next month. She showed a little interest in this, but turned him away.

In the second week Stefano Piero Mazzetti returned to Chiara and showed her a few preliminary, flattering, sketches. When she enquired where he had gotten the inspiration for the backdrop appearance (suitably exotic and a likely backdrop for such a painting), he informed her that it was his own apartment. With this she agreed to switch loyalties, giving Umberto Tarentella cause with Stefano Piero Mazzetti on his return from the mission to Milano.

Andrea Poliponi approached Luisa again in the second week of April, hoping no doubt to be better received. He was, and proved that determination and money succeeds. Meanwhile new to Roma, Marcantonio Colonna attends a Salon, where it can be assumed he learns much in his close conversations.

Later, it became clear that Barberini Seminarian Bernabo Amendola had approached the Influential Costanza, through the use of a rather unusual stratagem. He managed to pass a note to the servants of her father, no doubt with some small gift for the servants, which they passed on to her. She is said to have been pleased with the Poetry, and invited the Seminarian to discuss matters both Poetic, Politic and Pontifical during week three.

Also in week three, Papal Legate to the Orient, Farnese Bishop Enzo di Vitelli asked the Brilliant Fiametta, his Companion since Sept 1514, to become his confidante. Mayhap this was a little fast for Fiametta, and she is said to have reluctantly refused the making of such a close alliance with the Bishop. After all, six or seven months is not always enough time to be sure.

Newly arrived, high spending, Farnese Deacon Girolamo Alessandro Condottiero sought advice in a Salon; a search, which we can only assume, was fruitful.

Finally, we cannot let pass those few individuals who, through a lack of common sense, have failed to seek out the advice of a Companion, for the first time. to wit; Lorenzo Valetti, Farnese Subdeacon Umberto Gandolfini and Albani Deacon Roberto Caminetti. Hopefully they will correct this oversight before they become more and more out of touch with court gossip.

Ineamus Ad Discendum Exeamus Ad Merendum

The men of Roma, whether cleri, militis, or privati have always sought to improve themselves through study.

The Collegium Scuola seeks to educate men in service and society for the benefit of the Holy Church,Roma, the Papal State, and themselves.

Maestro Facente attended the Scuola Horace for three weeks in order to improve his etiquette. While his manners are usually that of a gentleman he has much to learn of the etiquette of the Papal Court. Sadly, his patron, Arcivescovo de Gregori will not be there to guide him. The Arcivescovo was dismissed from his position as Docens for an error in his own deportment. The Papal Court is most unforgiving at times. The Docens of the Scuola Martial could only make himself available the second week of the month because he had other duties. The study of eloquence is demanding and the good Docens' course was well attended counting among his students Vescovo di Vitelli, and a young man from the far North; Edoardo l'Inglese, who some call "d'angelo alto" because of his height and fair hair. The Scuolo Cato had only one student of note; Padre dei Gambetti sought to improve his presence, which is an important in debate and rhetoric for all men.

The remainder of the month the Scuola Cicero was attended by several notables. Diacono Valetti, Subdiacono Gandolfini, and Diacono Colonna all sought to improve their Oratory before undertaking a Mission. In this area Diacono Colonna was most determined, spending two weeks upon declamation and logic in his Oration. Deacon Mazzetti was also seen attending the Juvenal School of Wit, no doubt preparing for the return of Deacon Tarantella from the current mission.

Padua may claim a fine Universitas, but under the guidance of the Holy Father the Colligium Scuola produces men of gravitas.

Court and Social

The Pope will host the following events at the Vatican Palace, Rome
In the first week: Major Envoy, the Portugese Ambassador, with Grand Ball to follow
In the second week: Grand Ball
In the third week: None
In the fourth week: Papal Hunt

Upcoming Debates

CM and ELI over Anna
UT and SPM over Chiara

Positions Vacant

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

Men of the Cloth / Men of Steel

The start of April brought with it a feast to remember the death of Saint Ambrose, the forth century Bishop of Milan. It also brought the Ludovisi faction who arrived in Milan led by Canon Blatti along with the first chapter of the Aldobrandini under the guidance of Bishop Vier who placed the Chapter under the command of the Missionary Faction.

The Ludovisi were given positions of honour at the feast and as the meal progressed a trio of Ludovisi Deacons found themselves in conversation with the French King himself. The talk turned to the recent Easter Mass, which led one of the Deacons to propose that perhaps His Majesty might seem to emulate Pontius Pilate and offer to free the Duke of Milan back to his people. The other two Deacons sensed an opportunity and heavily praised such a gesture; indeed the three men were most vocal. What they were not was very observant; otherwise they might have noticed that the French King did not appreciate being likened to the man who sent Our Lord to his crucifixion. Nor did he think highly of their continued references to the Duke of Milan, a title claimed by the very man to whom they spoke.

At this point Canon Blatti, who had previously been distracted by a private conversation, became all too aware of the difficulties as the King exploded with rage at the three unwise men. As they fell back before his fury a pair of Subdeacons and an unfortunate member of the Swiss guard chose to defend the Deacons and were themselves forced to join in their humiliating retreat from the feast, and shortly thereafter the City itself. For the remainder of the month Canon Blatti could be found apologising to King Francis at great length and most eloquently. His efforts proved not to be in vain however, and by the end of the month His French Majesty was at peace and Cannon Blatti was well regarded and had earned himself promoted to Bishop. A personal victory then, however Pyrrhic. Niccolo della Zucca, who had only joined the Ludovisi as a Subdeacon at the beginning of the month and seemed surprised to find himself leaving Rome so soon, ended the month even more surprised to find himself a Deacon as he was promoted to fill one of the newly created vacancies. Truly della Zucca learned that there is a to keep silence, and a time to speak. Deacon Cozzi, who seemed no less surprised by the sudden departure for Milan, found himself mentioned favourably for his own part in conforting the many young clerics whose careers lay in ruin after that day.

Compared to such an eventful start to the month the remaining weeks seemed somewhat subdued. The Papal Scholars were tasked with assisting Ottaviano Arcimboldi, the young Archbishop of Milan, catalogue a number of church treasures and artworks. This task they carried out with a high level of diligence and humility, as has come to be expected. Whilst the upper ranks of the Scholars may not have come to prominence a number of junior members were well regarded. Good things were heard of Father Ficolo on a number of occasions and received a moderate purse for his industry. A pair of Subdeacons were not so blessed and following their destruction of a small Michelangelo marble the pair were dismissed. One of the young men was Stefao Zanetti, who up to this point had been a rising star amongst the Scholars.

The third Chapter of the Borgia worked alongside the Scholars for the months, although they were also called on to deal with the fallout from the Ludovivi episode. Father Salieri and Deacon Clementi, both of whom have been making quite a name for themselves, continued to earn praise from both the invading army and the delegation. Both were wealthier at the ed of the month than they were at the beginning, and Deacon Clementi had gained a Tin Medal in his honour.

The Missionary Faction, putting their recent troubles behind them, spent the month amongst the citizens of Milan, reassuring them of the peaceful intentions of the French King and offering what aid and assistance they could. Apart from a minor regrettable incident involving a Subdeacon within the faction, the Missionaries had an uneventful month. Deacon Tarantella of the Gonzaga, who had volunteered his services to the faction, was able to offer some assistance in mediating a dispute between a Milan merchant and a sergeant of the Swiss army, and for that service the merchant thanked him with a moderate gift. Deacon Capellini, of the Sforza, was also spoken of well by the townsfolk but received no reward for his troubles.

Working alongside the missionaries the Aldobrandini 1st chapter settled in to Milan well. Canon Magliano seemed born to such tasks and received the earthly rewards of a small sum of money, and the notification that a small estate would be waiting for him on his return to Rome.

Debates

Once again gentle readers, Rome enjoy calm and peace. But concern yourself not, word reaches me that the recent influx of new men of wit and eloquence to Rome has already given rise to no less than two causes of debate, let us hope that many more such are sparked in the coming months that we may all enjoy this great sport of observing the finest minds of our generation debate the most abstruse of matters.

The Social and the Sublime

Gatherings! Court! Dinners! Salons! Scandal! And Oh, Those Farnese...

The month began with a Papal Conclave and a social gathering. The Papal Conclave, of course, is the assembly at which His Holiness is advised upon matters of state. It requires all Councillors to attend, and the usual persons who may attend any Papal Court also sometimes make an appearance. This month witnessed the attendance of Borgia Canon and Papal Translator Bartolomeo Gagliardi and the newly appointed Councillor to His Holiness, Archbishop Rinaldo Leonardo Amadeo de Gregori. Already, the month's events were foreshadowed, in that the Archbishop, known for his acumen on Missions but not truly at the more formal administration, managed to express himself acceptably on the few points whereon he was addressed. On the other hand, some of the senior Councillors to, and of, the Medici, gave Canon Gagliardi to understand that his offerings could have been better. As the canon has, heretofore, always seemed a most capable administrator within his faction, there may be more than one reason for the sniping.

In a more social venue, the Celian, Farnese Deacon Lorenzo Valetti hosted a party. New Papal Legate to the Orient, Farnese Bishop Enzo di Vitelli, attended with Fiammetta, as did new Farnese Deacon Girolamo Alessandro Condottiero and Farnese Sub Deacon Umberto Gandolfini. My goodness, it was almost more a factional planning session, with no attendees from outside the farnese at all; they certainly know how to have a goodtime. On the other hand, while food and wine flowed, there was not a hint of inebriation, so perhaps there was some planning going on after all. Came the second week of the month and yet another tweaking of a mighty nose. First, I will mention that Sub Deacon Umberto Gandolfini of the-- yes, Farnese-- attended mass, the most worthy use that any of us can make of his time. Perhaps he wished that he might have attended the Papal Ball: if so, the adage that one must fear one's prayers might be answered could also have passed throguh his mind when he heard the news at the end of the week.

Borgia Canon Bartolomeo Gagliardi was again at the Court, this time with Francesca. It was remarked that his courtly etiquette was entirely as expected. Councillor, Archbishop Rinaldo Leonardo Amadeo de Gregori was a much-expected attendee with Maria, and as all know his courtly manner has beenmuch remarked upon in the past, and in fact his second month of tutelage as a Etiquette Instructior was to continue with classes next week. Eheu! Whether his many new worries and triumphs as a Councillor preoccupied him, or whether his companionof the court had not kept him abreast of the almost monthly changes in the minutia of What Is Correct At Court, he managed to offend one or two of the other persons celebrating, including, rumour has it a favourite of the Director of the Horace School. While most contented themselves with snide remarks that might be attributed to a verdant eye colour, the Director-- somewhat bravely, one would think-- informed Archbishop dei Gregori that he woudl no longer be required to lecture this month-- or any other. Whereupon the Archbishop merely fixed him with his eye and then, coolly, indicated that if he was not needed as an instructor, he would return as a student to see what might be learned from his replacement. Aie, I would not be the teacher there, next month, for a wainload of ducats.

The third week of the month passed with rather less event. Barberini Seminarian Bernabo Amendola and newcomer Carlo Malatesta attended mass, storing up their treasures in a wiser place than this world. Farnese Deacon Lorenzo Valetti was at the Celian once more, but as a tranquil patron, rather than a host.

An Envoy from one of the lesser states was received wuith due pomp by the Court. Showing admirable self-confidence, Canon Bartolomeo Gagliardi attnded once more. If any of the first week's critcs were tempted, they wisely kept silent this time, and it was deemed that the Canon's admistrative and advisorial abilities were quite as necessary for such a gathering

Insofar as non-Papal events are concerned, the jewel in the crown of April was definitely that held at the Quirinal by Deacon Lorenzo Valetti of the-- oh, I shall not tell you. The most-observed luminaries of the month were there: Borgia Canon and Papal Translator Bartolomeo Gagliardi was, in fact, the guest of honour and came with Francesca. As he was being honoured, all others attended upon him, including Maestro Domenico Facente, Papal Commissioner for Archaeology, who provided the music-- of course. His companion, Claudia, came with him and, upon greeting them, host Valetti congratulated the maestro upon his most recent composition being once more accepted by the Collegio. Arriving with the maestro was his new Patron, Archbishop dei Gregori, accompanied by Maria. Also attending upon Canon Gagliardi were a great admixture of faces old and new: Andrea Poliponi with Luisa, new Barberini Seminarian Bernabo Amendola with Costanza, newcomer Edward L'Inglese, Farnese Deacon Girolamo Alessandro Condottiero, Canon Vincenzo dei Gambetti with Antonella, Borgia Priest Vincente di Scotti with Lucia, Deacon Stefano Piero Mazzetti with new companion Chiara, Deacon Lorenzo Valetti and Farnese Sub Deacon Umberto Gandolfini, also new Swiss Guards Private Carlo Malatesta.

One minor note of wonder was heard to be passed about the gathering. Certainly, while it might be seen as an act of Christian charity, the Quirinal was playing home to a number of eager, new faces, whose newness was accentuated by the fact that they were-- new. Ahem. Your correspondent could not but observe that some of the guests, of exalted social distinction, were a bit taken aback to see the guest of honour presented with those who might otherwise have passed a few more months proving themselves in the Fields of Honour and Scandal. One hopes that Canon Gagliardi will not suffer greatly in the esteem of his social confreres, for such a selfless and generous act. My! With so many of Roma's interesting people, long-time or just arrived, in one place, it is not surprising that the flow of wine, food and conversation continued unabated for the many hours of the gathering. While he entered into the spirit of things, the spirit of things entered frequently into Canon Vincenzo dei Gambetti, and he became another of Bacchus' conquests--- yet, he was so jovial and witty, when tipsy, that everyone had a wonderful time and it merely added to the mutual good will.

The only lull in the festivities occurred for a most happy reason, when, after the dinner, Maestro Facente stood up to propose a toast. This caused a minor sensation, as it is known that the Maestro has difficulty speaking to one person, so speaking in public is something that he rarely does. Addressing the host, Vescovo di Vitelli, he said; "Pace tua. Omnia mutantur nos et mutamur in illis. Deo favente, prosit." (With permission. All things change and we change with them. God willing, good health.) He drained his glass, as did the learned men, while those who had no Latin mimicked the gesture. He bowed, and proceeded to join the musicians. Arcivescovo de Gregori and Diacono Gagliardi were observed to exchange knowing glances: there would be some new canzona or danza the Maestro had composed especially for the evening. And so there was, and received with all the acclaim that usually follows "a Facente".

E finito.