The Vatican Observer
February 1514

Men of the Cloth

No doubt inspired by thoughts of Lent, a number of candidates for the priesthood have donned robes for the first time this month. Leaving the palazzi of the Borgia, Chigi and Farnese Factions were the newly appointed Deacons Argenti, Zanotti and Speranza. Of these, only Deacon Zanotti appears to be following the path of peace, Deacons Speranza and Pennaccini having exchanged words in a most unbecoming tone at Deacon Argenti's party. As for Deacon Argenti, perhaps his reaction to Captain di Miteli's jibe was more understandable, after all, he had been insulted by one of his own guests.

Around the Markets

Domenico Facente has made repeated visits to the artisan's quarter during the past month, often stopping at the nearby capella where he is a regular member of the congregation. Amongst the packages subsequently delivered to his large and airy apartment have been large quantities of printed music, books and vellum. Speculation abounds that he may be on the verge of presenting his new composition to the Collegio Romano.

Meanwhile, Lucio Malvezzo has been visiting all of the glass shops in town, ascertaining their wares. Only the very best material will do for the new rosary he is working on, or so he would have everyone in Rome believe. Will his work be as notable as the fuss he has created? Time will tell.

More refined, however, have been the purchases of Rinaldo de Gregori and Deacon Zanotti. Since arriving Senior. de Gregori has located a tailor and ordered a whole new wardrobe. Being an astute gentleman, however, he has not forgotten to ensure a plentiful supply of lace for his Court Companion, the beautiful and well-connected Francesca. Deacon Zanotti's tastes, it might be said, are a little more potent. Casks of lacryma christae, chianti and brandy have characterised his deliveries.

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Men of Steel

Never indolent by nature, word has reached the offices of the Vatican Observer that young Lieutenant di Miteli has already secured himself a captaincy. Not that this can come as any great surprise to those who have observed the now Captain di Miteli in his new uniform with his much-prized dress sword.

No doubt, this high flier already has his eye upon a major's regalia. How the ambitious Captain will achieve his aim, we do not know. What is certain is that there is no vacancy that we can see.

Court and Social

The event of the month, unquestionably, was the fine party hosted by Raphael Argenti and Valentina. As befits one who has never even considered walking through the streets of Rome, the private rooms at the Aventine had been transformed into a winter garden with a string quartet esconced in one corner. Events were temporarily disrupted when Deacons Speranza and Penaccini disagreed over the best translation of the word "love", following which Captain di Miteli made a series of rather brusque remarks about the host's choice of drapes. Apparently, the Borgia crest in the fabric offended the sensibilities of the young Ludovisi Captain. However, the unpleasantness was quickly forgotten once the Captain had been shown the door and Lucio Malvezzo bought a round of drinks for the house. Those who remained to be regaled as the host recounted the tale of Priest Enneuno of the Ludovisi and the young Michaelangelo included Domenico Facente, Giovanni Speranza, Lucio Malvezzo and Anna, Marco Armani, Rinaldo Leonardo Amadeo de Gregori and Francesca, Marco Vicenzo Penaccini and Vicenzo Zanotti. At the end of the evening, the gentlemen departed with fine brandy minatures and the ladies with small floral bouquets, both gifts from the host.

A rather more scholarly affair was hosted by Bartolomeo Gagliardi, the recently arrived Venetian gentleman who introduced Rome to the delights of rice and peas last month. As well as affording his guests a private viewing of the very well executed "Upon the Cross" which Signor. Gagliardi had commissioned from Marco Armani, the guests were offered a selection of frittelle. Again the host had drawn upon a menu from his own region, this time having the city's cooks conjure forth sweet delicacies which, it would seem, are commonly served in Venice at Carnevale. Those with whom the Signor. Gagliardi and Elena exchanged pleasantries included Marco Armani, Captain di Miteli, Deacon Speranza and Monica, Marco Vicenzo Penaccini and Deacon Argenti with Valentina.