The Vatican Observer
August 1515

Debates

Gentle readers, this month sees the recent revival in learned discourse and witty exchanges continue and strengthen. No less than three engagements took place this past month, a return to disputatory form which all admirers of the art of rhetoric must applaud.

First in the month came a discussion between Deacon Dal Pozzo of the Albani and Padre Blatti of the Ludovisi, meeting in the beautiful Vatican gardens to reconcile their competing claims for the attention of that noted court companion Valentina. The subject chosen was the Passion of St. Anthony, the two men showing an admirable amity in their conduct discussed among themselves and agreed that the more senior should take the more difficult argument. This settled it fell upon Padre Blatti to argue that by virtue of his emphasis on the renunciation of worldly concerns and the importance of the spiritual battle against demons St Anthony was of less relevance to the lives of ordinary folks than many other saints. Deacon Dal Pozzo by contrast argued that by virtue of St Anthony's tireless good humour and famous air of peace and confidence he gave heart to those who felt themselves beset by worldly things by showing that true happiness lay not in such matters.

Deacon Dal Pozzo opened by framing his argument as described above, proposing that to the ordinary man beset with worldly cares the knowledge that inner peace could be achieved regardless of wealth or station was a blessing and source of cheer. Although many attending nodded at the truth of this proposal, some felt it an argument easily advanced by a man living in prosperity and with high station, and queried whether the good deacon would be so sanguine were he himself poor and without position. Responding, Padre Blatti said that this was all well and good, but that it was hardly good counsel to tell troubled men to withdraw to a cave for all men had troubles and the caves would soon become all too crowded. All laughed at this witticism, and with good grace Deacon Dal Pozzo conceded the argument and the two men were seen later to continue their discourse in fine humour and without rancour. A most fitting conclusion to any debate in which St Anthony is invoked.

Next came Padre Arturo Negri of the Barberini meeting with Swiss Guard Major Marco Gabbiadini, allied to the Chigi. The men met to resolve factional rivalries and also chose the Vatican gardens, in which were gathered many luminaries, poets and scholars discussing their ideas and displaying their compositions. All hushed as Major Gabbiadini took his place on a small bench to await his rival Padre Negri, for Major Gabbiadini has no small reputation as a debater of skill and won both contests in which he engaged last month. Indeed, this would be the second month in which the Major and the Padre met and many present were hoping that in his desire to reverse his defeat of July the Padre would have mustered arguments of the greatest skill and subtlety.

Sadly, it was not to be. The good Padre arrived late and with every sign of haste upon him, having it seems quite forgotten until almost the final moment that the debate was scheduled for that day. Unprepared as he so evidently was, Padre Negri was forced to return to the argument of the past month stating that he had further thoughts on the issue of the permanence of man's works and could now demonstrate to the satisfaction of all that there were such as would outlast time among man's creations. All waited with interest and delight, as you will recall my reader last month it was with this self same argument that Padre Negri came to be defeated by the learned Major. All waited, and then waited a while yet, and soon it became apparent that Padre Negri had but little fresh to add and had not been struck by inspiration. As the Padre rehearsed again the arguments of last month his opponent Major Gabbiadini smiled and said that many things pass and are impermanent but that he could now agree one thing which had endured without change. Looking surprised and relieved the Padre enquired what was this unchanging thing, only to be answered that it was he himself who with his arguments that had won no favour last month could surely hope to win no favour again this month. All present were greatly amused by the Padre's discomfiture and it was widely agreed that once more the Major had shown his skill and wit and had won the day.

Lastly we turn to Deacon Zamboni of the Barberini who met with the same Major Gabbiadini later that day the Basilica of St Peter. Once again, factional rivalries were the cause, the topic of discussion being whether our Lord wore sandals on Palm Sunday. Deacon Zamboni opened, stating that our Lord would doubtless have worn sandals to protect his feet from the rigours of the road and that it was fruitless to ponder overmuch on the finer points of whether our Lord wore sandals, carried a purse or as to any other of his sartorial selections. The good Deacon continued by wittily noting that men of fashion concern themselves with fashion, while men of God concern themselves with his message, and then continued by stating that Christian charity forbade him from commenting further on the Major's apparent concern with issues of apparel and in which category that placed him. Much amusement was had at the Major's expense, for he is a most notably turned out individual with a fine uniform that is well kept and in which he gives the most distinguished of impressions.

As the good humoured comments from the audience continued, some wondered if the match were already won and if the Major would be forced to concede, indeed the Major bowed his head as if about to do just that. Those who thought the Major defeated though had not reckoned on his quick wit and agile mind, for raising his gaze again he replied that his clothes were as he was ordered to wear by His Holiness the Pope and no choice of his own, while the robes of the gracious Deacon seemed most well cut and ornamented surely beyond the strict requirements of his holy office? Indeed, it was true that Deacon Zamboni too cut a fine figure and had taken some care to present his robes to best effect, the barb struck home and it was clear that both men had gained some ground at the expense of the other.

Clearly taken aback at this reversal, the Deacon called upon his powers of scholarship noting that there was scant scriptural evidence as to the nature of our Lord's footwear and that thus we must depend upon common sense. As those present pondered this argument, the Major countered by saying that true as this was we must also depend on our knowledge of our Lord's nature and intrinsic to his nature was humility and compassion. Could it be true that our Lord had gone shod when others were barefoot and so placed himself above them in station? Would not his boundless compassion have moved him to give his sandals to the unfortunate? And would not the faithful have recorded such a gesture? Since the Bible is silent as to the holy gift of sandals it must be concluded there were none to be given and so that the Lord was barefoot that day.

All grew silent as this argument unfolded, then grew noisy in applause for it was clear that once again Major Gabbiadini had triumphed. four contests now against the Barberini and a victory in each one. Clearly Major Gabbiadini is a man to be feared in contests of wit and learning and men of Rome would do well to hone their arguments and sharpen their tongues if a dispute with him is in the offing.

Until next month then, let us hope it brings further such delights and that the good Major continues to delight us with his skill and erudition.

Court Companionship

It is a well known fact that the up and coming young men of Roma do not spend time looking for secrets in the salons and other such establishments that are scattered throughout the city. Instead, they go straight to the source, seeking out companions amongst those young ladies with access to the powerful of the Church. This fact was once more in evidence this month as Albani Deacon Gerolamo Dal Pozzo discovered that the 'third time is the charm' can apply to being charming. Returning once more to that well-frequented shop, he spent lavishly on a single, but quite obscure tome. With this, sans the porters required last time, he spent the first week trying to find time to give it to the well-connected Elena. Finally, he achieved his aim, and presented her with the book. She favoured him with a bright smile and immediately took him aside to try and further his education on matters of the Pontiff's court.

However, having finally, after months of trying, opened a window into the court, Deacon Dal Pozzo proceeded to spend the rest of the month with the shutter closed. He was seen at parties over the next three weeks, indeed he hosted two, without Elena anywhere in evidence. Is this man truly one of the upwardly mobile, or is he doomed to fall into the depths of obscurity, his name only mentioned in sentences such as "what ever became of that young Dal Pozzo?" Only time will tell.

Mostra

This coming October there shall be a Festival of Art at the Palazzo di Venezia.

Artists, established and new to the city, are invited to submit works for display. In order to reflect the widest possible range of genuine talent, no artist shall have more than a single work exhibited.

Musicians are sought to accompany the exhibition.

Artists and musicians alike should contact Esteban Gabriel Merino.

Court and Social

The Pope will host the following events at the Medici Palace, Florence
In the first week: Grand Ball
In the third week: Grand Dinner

Positions Vacant

Delegation Leader
Assistant Delegation Leader
Coalition Leader
Delegation Bursar

Upcoming Debates

AN v MG (faction rivalries)
BZ v MG (faction rivalries)
AdC v MG (faction rivalries)
GDP v VGM (faction rivalries)

Men of the Cloth / Men of Steel

The Month of August dawned hot and humid in Lyons, which did little to assuage the anxiety felt in almost every quarter of the 3rd Coalition. Anxiety brought on by the arrest in July of Deacon Tarentella of the Gonzaga, and the movement of a large part of the Royal Army of France south towards Switzerland and Italia. This anxiety exacerbated, in no small degree, by the arrest being sparked by a direct question on the intentions of the French, in relation to the latter.

Bishop de Gregori, of the Farnese, Adviser to the Delegation Leader, took it upon himself to work tirelessly for the release of the Deacon. Assisted by Deacon Salieri of the Borgia, he collected a number of donations, and set to the delicate task of releasing a man arrested by Royal Order. By skilled negotiation, and application of the monies donated, these two were able to bring about the release of the captive.

Cardinal Quintus, angered perhaps over the disobedience of Gonzaga, did nothing overt to assist the rescue, but surely gave his private support. He meanwhile seemed reluctant to push the French on any issue of serious contention. As a result it was a month dogged by uncertainty as the delegation struggled to ascertain whether the French were ceding ground or merely seeking to placate the delegation so that it could retire in comfort to Rome.

Patriarch N. Sextus supported his leader with admirable aplomb, while Archbishop En Tres formed, as it were, the spear point of the Papal delegations argument. He was thus able to press home a flattering suggestion that the King's regal status was best served by the current position regarding the selection of the Clergy, while Archbishop Trente, leader of the Fifth Coalition, again failed to make any serious argument of value, and might even have been said to be wavering.

Amongst the Borgia, the Bishop N. Cinco having taken charge with good effect, now pushed the faction squarely behind the Cardinal in every debate, arguing almost as a shadow of the leader. Canon Gagliardi made himself well heard, but despite seeming diffident in respect of certain points, was sufficiently eloquent to earn himself a mention in the report to his Holiness. The Canon also received further gifts from his admirer's within the French Nobility, and it can be said he has acquired an embarrassment of riches.

Priest's di Scotti and Salieri represent the opposite extremes of the factions' Priestly efforts at debate. The former seeming to be tongue tied, reluctant to take the initiative, while conversely Salieri spoke with fire and passion, and as a result was rewarded with a mention in the report, as well as receiving gifts of fine cloth-of-gold. Meanwhile Deacon Clementi built on his success of last month, and was mentioned in the report to his holiness in the most glowing of terms, as well as receiving yet more gifts, this time of Champagne and Silver Goblets.

The spirited and fiery discourse of Bishop de Gregori inspired the Farnese to lead the Cardinal's attack. Despite this, the two mentions made of the Bishop in the Papal report were meagre. Perhaps the Cardinal has reason to fear the Bishop's ambition, or mayhap he wishes to play down the incident of the arrest, and rescue. De Gregori also received silver plate, wines of considerable value and the Pope himself ordered a Medal of Bronze be stuck for him. Thus Canon E. di Vitelli, the acting leader of the Farnese, stalwartly followed the Cardinal’s leadership. Among the priests, dei Gambetti shone, quoting prescient tracts in support of Canon di Vitelli. Padre dei Gambetti was mentioned in reports, and there is little room to list the gifts in money and items he received, in addition to which he was granted an estate. Meanwhile Major d'Alba of the Swiss Guard was mentioned for his cool head, for when certain younger members of the nobility tried to 'mob' dei Gambetti, he was able to deal with the situation effectively. For his quick and calm actions, he received a small purse of gold.

It is perhaps best not to mention the Doria-Pamfili, where the Bishop misspoke himself and seemed to suggest the French King should appoint his own Bishops! The glare from Cardinal Quintus was almost palpable. Primundus, a Priest of this faction, was so busy cheering the speech of his Bishop, he did not realise the mistake until too late, and thus suffered from humiliation in front of friend and French alike!

The upper echelons of the Gonzaga seemed unable, or unwilling, to press the French, and left it to their lower echelons to speak out. Deacon Ficolo was singled out from a number of good speakers, and rewarded with the honour of a quote within the papal report, as well as earning himself a number of gifts. Obviously he is a man to watch.

Amongst the Papal Scholars it seems they deserve the title, for many were able to quote long legal arguments in support of the Papal appointment of French clergy. Padre EnCinque was so eloquent the King dabbed his eyes with a 'kerchief, and applauded. Deacon Penaccini had the honour of his entire dissertation being forwarded to the Holy Father in the report, as well as handsome monetary gifts, and a medal of Bronze is to be struck in his name. The lay cleric S. Zanetti was again successful, as was Major di Miteli, both having a large part of their contributions quoted in the report. The former received fine gifts, and the latter was mentioned again when promotion was unavailable. Sadly while di Miteli was speaking, some rogue stole into his room and absconded with much of his baggage. That his request that Lt. Colonel EnQuatro retire was unsuccessful can only have compounded his miseries.

The leadership of the Missionary Faction was quiet, as has become customary. Yet amongst their number was a Canon who spoke with such visionary Missionary zeal that the king wept, and a priest who was humiliated when an alleged paramour blew him a kiss from the crowd.

So it is that the fine men of this Delegation return to Roma, some with goods and gifts, success and even lands granted for their tireless work, in the Lord's name. Some have made their reputation, some fewer souls have made clear to all they lack the grit, or wisdom, to serve the Father well. It is clear all will be happy to return, and Roma will be happy to receive them!

Meanwhile at home, Deacon Zamboni sought to have Padre EnTrois resign, to allow the better man to take over the post. The Priest then gladly resigned, allowing Zamboni to purchase promotion to Priest. By contrast, Deacons Dal Pozzo and Padre Magliano met with less success in their plans to make room for advancement.

Once More, With Feeling!

Miei amici, as a fine counterpoint to the excesses of which Pasquino often speaks, both of the hosts of this month's gatherings either paid no costs or only provided for those of appropriate social standing. Moreover, so as not to be accused of jading the palates of the attendees, the cooks of the Quirinal and the Capitoline were instructed to provide "good, simple fare", and not too much of it. It is good to see that not all of the hosts of Roma bow to conformity, not all feel obliged to provide boards groaning with luxuries of food and wine to their guests. The mere coming together of like-minded, intelligent people should result in sufficient contentment and gaiety to make such a gathering worthwhile.

Well. You will see how that worked out...

In the second week of the month, Gerolamo dal Pozzo again hosted at the Quirinal, but without his companion of the court, Elena. Among the guests were Arturo Negri and Ginevra, as in last month, also Marco Gabbiadini and Antonella once more and Ugo Blatti and Valentina, again. My, these folk are becoming inseparable, how nice to see it. Such an atmosphere of decorum was observed that no one even became tipsy-- or perhaps it was the good, simple wine.

Unfortunately, when one restricts those of lesser social stature to paying for their own provender-- in essence, making a space available for them, that they may bask at the table of their betters-- one then becomes prey to the simple fact that many of those of the higher notoriety in Roma are away on the Mission, and not a few of those newer to Roma simply cannot afford too many gatherings. So, the affair was close-knit, but scant in numbers.

As in the preceding month Major Gabbiadini and Padre Negri again agreed to represent their respective factions in debate.

The Capitoline was ablaze with splendour-- well, perhaps not splendour, but ablaze with something, certainly, in the third week of the month. This gathering rivalled one or two of last year's formidable endeavours, for the most debates caused in a single evening!

This time, despite hosts Baldessare Zamboni and Laura inviting all guests to make their own arrangements for food and drink, there were a considerable number of attendees. Deacon Zamboni is a man of great influence and great notoriety, and it is worthwhile for many simply to be seen in the company of one of Roma's Prime Movers. Andrea del Carnevale and Maddalena, Arturo Negri and Ginevra, Domenico Facente and Claudia, Gerolamo dal Pozzo (again sans Elena, perhaps an imbalance of the humours?), Marco Gabbiadini and Antonella, Ugo Blatti and Valentina (still merrymaking!), and Vittorio Gregorio Magliano and Costanza all paid their respects, and their own way. Still, it is very unlikely that Deacon Zamboni added much lustre to his own name, as so many of his station were away with the Mission, or simply did not attend. Therefore, all were glad for their invitations, which were certainly a gracious act, by so august a man.

Glad, that is, when they were not in argument. While the various views of the often opposed guests certainly added spice to the conversations of the evenings-- there can be no discourse if both hold identical viewpoints-- nonetheless, by the time that the third remove of bread, oil, and end-of-season olives had gone by, debate became a little more acerbic. Debates became positively formalised by the end of the evening when Marco Gabbiadini became the most sought-after man in Roma, having forthcoming debates with his host Deacon Zamboni, with Andrea del Carnevale and, again, with Arturo Negri! I believe that he has tied Deacon Penaccini of the Sforza in that respect, now. Gerolamo dal Pozzo and Vittorio Gregorio Magliano will also be upholding their respective factions' honour.

Fortunately, the lack of wine prevented anyone from becoming drunken.

Ugo Blatti, perhaps looking for a respite from the spirited, if not actually backbiting, conversations, found his way to the gambling table and lost a small amount with good grace.

Thus a good time was certainly had by your correspondent, and also not a few lovers of heated conversation.

Gerolamo dal Pozzo attempted yet another re-enactment at the Quirinal at the end of the month. Obviously, something is amiss, miei amici, for once more, Elena was nowhere to be seen! The busy Lucio Malvezzo and Anna did find time to attend, as did the ubiquitous pairs of Marco Gabbiadini and Antonella and Ugo Blatti and Valentina who tie for the prize for "most peripatetic". Aristotle would be proud. Padre Negri was absent on this occasion. Perhaps between the debates and the good, simple fare, he had a sufficiency. Once more, the guest list was sparse, though of quality.