The Vatican Observer
August 1514

Companionship and Conversation

My dear friends, it is a worthy thing to seek virtuous things, such as brevity and humility. I will strive for the former whilst describing one fallen man's hard lesson in the latter.

As you may recall, Marco Armani is a man who had attempted in folly to pursue companionship at Court with those whose companionship was spoken for. He learned with some pain that only ill befalls ill intent. Unfortunately, friends, it seems he is still forced to learn such lessons. This month, prudently, he visited Sophia, whose wisdom is noteworthy if her visage and influence are not. Still, her companionship is much worth pursuing, as one should strive to grow towards the perfect Image of Companionship embodied in the Trinity with another of like mind. However, despite an excellent presentation of worthy literature and prudent choice of gifts, Sophia declined to accompany Armani to Court, citing other engagements.

We can but encourage Armani to continue on this route, hoping that a humble and persistent heart will win favor in the end. It is an unpleasant but necessary lesson for Signore Armani to endure, perhaps, but we have reason to hope he will emerge the better.

Until the next, friends.

Decisions of the Collegio Romano

Two of the incumbent Fellows of the Collegio Romano reaffirmed their status among the intelligentsia and artists of Roma, this past month.

Signor, doubtless soon to be adorned with the appellation "Maestro", Domenico Facente has once more shown himself to be a master of form and style with his pair of submissions, "Totus Tuus" and Salvator Mundi". The former is a delightful piece designed to be sung in counterpoint, but it could as easily make a charming little round. Of greater weight, but no less charm, is "Salvator Mundi", a "mystery of faith" choral piece. The work wisely makes no great demands upon the voices, owing its lovely metre and flow rather to the rhythm and timing of the interspersed passages. Thus, sure that the whole will blend mellifluously, one may expect the proper atmosphere to be set by the contemplation of the Cross and Resurrection. The Collegio accepted the pieces unanimously, and it is hard to conceive that they could have done otherwise.

Not only ensconed in the heavenly heights, the members also showed that they had a great appreciation for the more technical side of the Earthly arts, for they also unanimously accepted the submission of Signor Lucio Malvezzo, entitled, "The History and Practices of the Glassblowers in Murano". Some felt that there were some minor reservations regarding style: the treatise rambled somewhat, diverting into political commentary and also used some oddly-turned words, possibly coined by the author, to represent the alchemical and other disciplines. Others suggested that the inclusion of the side references turned what would otherwise have been an entirely pedantic survey into a work of great interest, especially as it could be understood and appreciated by those of diverse interests.

Alas that the same cannot be said for Signor Marco Armani's submission regarding the "Square Root of -1". Although there was some division in the Collegio, by far the greater number were disposed to reject this submission. Comments were made, such as: "Clever", "Clever, but useless" and "Turgid". One member went somewhat further, remarking that "Brevity is no fillip for incomprehensibility". Perhaps, if one wishes to be charitable, it is that Signor Armani's work was of so abstruse a nature that it could not be properly appreciated. If so, we may yet see a reworking of the submission in a future month.

In Brief

Due to a recent increase in reported thefts, the police wish to remind everyone to ensure that their houses are secure at all times.

Court and Social

The Pope will host the following events at the Vatican Palace
In the third week of September: Prussian Envoy
In the fourth week of September: Grand Dinner and Poetry Reading

The Director of the Collegio Romano will host the Annual Dinner of the Collegio Romano at the Palatine in the second week of October.

Positions Vacant

Delegation Leader and his Secretary
Assistant Delegation Leader and his Secretary
Coalition Leaders and their Secretaries
Delegation Bursar

Upcoming Debates

None

Men of the Cloth

After eight months of negotiation, the Mission to the Court of King Louis XII of France has come to successful conclusion. Some may contend that a most satisfactory result was due to the exhaustion of both parties. However, it has been learned that His Holiness met with the new leadership before it was dispatched to France. Upon the advice and council of Giulio de'Medici and Secretary Bembo Cardinal N. Quintus was given specific instructions to ensure that factional rivalries were not to be countenanced, and that the Delegation must act in concert, or face consequences similar to the previous Leadership.

Upon reviewing reports of the actions of many of the Pope's previous representatives Major di Miteli of the Swiss Guard was ordered to set his research tasks aside and prevent as much fraternization as possible. The faithful Major performed this thankless task remarkably well, and prevented many of the members of the Delegation from succumbing to the temptations of the French Court.

Cardinal N. Quintus, Patriarch EnSextus, Bishops EnTria and EnFive collaborated to present the point most salient: the Pope was infallible in all ecclesiastic matters. It has also been rumoured that the Cardinal carried a letter directly from His Holiness to the King of France, assuring the King that Holy Church would not support any alliance against France.

Breaking with the manner of debate which had been used previously, the Delegation Leaders directed, rather than participated in the proceedings. This produced surprisingly good results, for it removed the temptation of performing for reasons of pride or vanity and concentrated the discussions upon the reconciliation of the Pope and the King. The Cardinal well knew the fate of his predecessor, and made it clear that ad hominem attacks upon the French representatives were contrary to the purpose of the negotiations.

The Missionary faction was allowed to speak first and the direction proved most successful. Deacon Pennacini spoke with such simple eloquence that he has been deemed fit to bear additional responsibilities for that faction's work in future.

The following day the Fifth Coalition presented its argument. The Canon of the Doria-Pamfili rambled, for which he was subject to the ridicule of the French. Deacon Entre, lacking any greater structure in his presentation, failed no better. However, Priest Ensix had no such difficulty in providing a stalwart defence and did progress the discussions.

Next was the Gonzaga Bishop. His adopted an extremely skilled line of argument, based upon careful analysis of the tactics used by the French against the Doria-Pamfili. Yet his excellent start was squandered by the Canon who, suffering from an attack of nerves, began to stutter uncontrollably. At this sight, not only the French, but also the faction's own Priest Enone and Deacon Endue were overcome with laughter. Thus the promising start made by Bishop Enses was swiftly undermined.

After a brief respite due to time, the Third Faction presented is arguments. Much credit was given to Padre de Gregori for his intense research of the past methods and arguments of the Comte Mercury. He presented the materials to Bishop EnTria with a quote from Cicero, "Nihil tam absurdum, quod non dictum sit ab aliquo." (There is nothing so absurd as to not have been said by a philosopher.) Padre de Gregori's analysis and advice were so astutely judged that he has been commended to the Pope for both activities, given a sizeable reward and is to have medal struck in his honour.

Borgia Bishop EnDue performed well above his previous efforts. Deacon Gagliardi once again performed in a manner more commensurate with the experience of a priest than a deacon, for which he was favourably mentioned and rewarded.

The Farnese, having being allowed to present a case for a reconciliation and being well prepared for the gambits of the "Philosopher Comte", were extraordinarily well represented by the speech of Padre Speranza. Having been informed of the Comte's knowledge of ancient Latin writers and poets, Padre Speranza was armed with numerous quotations to counter the diversions of the Comte. For the excellence of his speech he was mentioned and rewarded. Clearly the Farnese are very fortunate in having two men of great ability amongst their ranks.

As the discussions drew to a conclusion, the Papal Scholars were tasked with the preparation of a veritable mountain of documents. As is his manner, lay cleric Stefano Zanetti laboured tirelessly. He has been rewarded, his efforts not having gone unnoticed.

Disappointingly, it is now suspected that the months of negotiation may have been a mere political ruse by King Louis. Whilst ostensibly engaged in the Papal mission, the King of France has also formalized a truce with England and arranged to marry Mary Tudor, sister of King Henry VIII. King Louis' daughter will marry Francis, Duc d'Angouleme, which will undoubtedly strengthen the King's position in the internal politics of France.

The mission having concluded, those serving with the Papal Delegation are already returning to Rome. However, as news of peasant's revolt in Hungary has just reached the Pontiff, preparations are being made for a small delegation to be dispatched there shortly.