The Vatican Observer
Febuary 1515

Parties

Miei amici, once more the Viminal garnered the laurels as the frequenting-place of Roma's best and brightest. Of course, the most luminous gathering was held at the Palace, for the Grand Revels, but let us proceed in turn.

Imprimis, in the second week, Andrea del Carnevale repeated his hosting habit, but, it was lost upon none, this time it was with his new companion of the court, Valentina. Attending was Major Alberto di Miteli of the Swiss Guards, recently become an adherent of the Barberini, but without Sandra. Other frequent socialites were Bartolomeo Gagliardi and Elena, Damiano Octavio Nero d'Alba, Jacopo Finelli, Marco Vicenzo Penaccini, the new Borgia Seminarian Valentino Clementi, Vincente di Scotti with the accompanying Lucia, and Vito Erasmo Guilgliondo.

Though no one was overcome by the grape, the proceedings were both merry and full of clever wit. It is interesting to note that though Deacon Penaccini indicated that he would forbear to attend Captain d'Alba's later gathering, because of the other's published wish to avoid factional rivalries, he now found himself at table with the selfsame man, and after some deliberations they resolved, nonetheless, to represent their factions in a debate next month.

Secundus, in the third week of the month (so, secundus in tertius, one might say), we return to the Viminal and to the aforementioned Captain d'Alba's gathering. It was almost as well attended, the guest list comprising Major Alberto di Miteli, Andrea del Carnevale and Valentina, the convivial Bartolomeo Gagliardi and Elena, Jacopo Finelli solo, Lucio Malvezzo and Anna, Vincente di Scotti and Lucia, and Vito Erasmo Guilgliondo. The gathering composed itself with great equanimity, which is to say that a good time was had, but nothing of especial note transpired.

Readers may recall that your correspondent asked those responsible for arranging the culinary affairs of their betters to inform him, but none have done so. We may presume that the viands were edible and the wines potable, if little more than that.

To finish the month in glorious splendour, however, we repair to the Vatican Palace and the Grand Revels! Your correspondent is dumbfounded, one might almost say flattened, by the fact that, with an opportunity to attend upon His Holiness and the wonders of the Court, so few of the new notables of Roma saw fit to take advantage. One wonders if their pens were dulled, or perhaps if prudence suggested lessons in etiquette to many. In addition to some entries sent from abroad, only four others joined the throng of courtiers and nobility. Deacon Arturo Negri, was present, but with Ginevra conspicuous by her absence. My, my, one foresees a certain froideur in future conversations, there. Still Deacon Negri's courtly manner was, at least, as one would expect for such an occasion. Deacon Baldessare Zamboni and his new companion Laura also did not embarrass themselves, although the foibles of the court change so frequently that some brushing up on manner could not hurt. One could advise Seminarian Valentino Clementi in the same: his knowledge of etiquette was nonetheless passable. However, the true pearls of refinement were exhibited by Vincente di Scotti, accompanied by his Lucia. This relative newcomer impressed everyone with his suave and unruffled demeanour, not even flustered when presented for a moment to His Holiness himself. The Pope was seen to smile at a bon mot from di Scotti, and so this is obviously a man to watch.

Readers may know that the great theme of this revel was the Arts, to be exemplified by submissions of plays by the talented writers of Roma. However, these will be reported upon by another attendee, so I will forbear to discuss the interesting results. Suffice it to say that Signor de Grassi was certainly pleased with the quality of the plays, if not their quantity.

As is usual when our Divine Leo holds court for revelry, no expense was spared to show that His Holiness can be as festive and appreciative a host as he is an ardent soldier for the Faith, and a patron of the Arts. The sumptuous tables fairly groaned with delicacies of all of the flying, walking, creeping and swimming kinds, as well as fresh fruits, cheeses, sorbets of the paynim lands, puddings, subtleties and, of course, more varieties of wine than any guest could hope to sample, though there were those most valiant in their attempts.

Preceding and following the plays were musicians of great skill, choirs of transcending beauty, and mimes of hilarious and expressive talent. The festivities could certainly not be said to have occupied the evening; rather, they began in the afternoon, and lasted until well past cock's crow on the next day.

One can but sympathize with those who are mourning their inability to attend.

E finito!

Matters Thespian

Theatre-lovers, or those theatre-lovers that matter at any rate, were in for a rare treat this month’s Grand Court and Revels. A challenge set forth by his Holiness to produce two plays, on the themes of Rome’s beloved talking statue and on foreign lands, for the entertainment of Himself and the guests of the Papal Court seems to have stimulated a tremendous response. Though Signor de Grassi, the man chosen by His Holiness to select the winning play, was almost overwhelmed by the number of plays, the good Signore was able to sift through the dreck and drivel to find a few diamonds in the rough that were of high enough quality to consider showing before the Pope. Highest in his praise were the works of Baldessare Zamboni, Rinaldo Leonardo Amadeo de Gregori, Vincente di Scotti, and Valentino Clementi. Alas, only one play in each category could be judged best by these four fine gentlemen. Signore de Grassi weighed content and quality and found the works of Baldessare Zamboni and Rinaldo Leonardo Amadeo de Gregori to be those that would be most pleasing to his Holiness.

The play competition concerning Pasquino was won by a most clever piece penned by the esteemed Baldessare Zamboni. His piece, simply named Pasquino Speaks, was a light-hearted treatment on the talking statue that hid within it searing jabs at well-known identifiable members of the Papal Court. Deacon Zamboni saw his play wonderfully brought to life by a talented cast, featuring Rinaldo di Vittore as Pasquino itself. The handsome Rinaldo played the part of Pasquino perfectly, balancing the wit and humour written in the piece with respect for the general respect Rome accords it’s most famous debater.

The play’s premise saw a parade of thinly-veiled characters seeking to uncover the true identity of Pasquino, only to have their own flaws laid bare by the penetrating judgement of the statue. As the caricatures were so dead-on, the Papal court took particular delight in their portrayals. The character of “The Soldier”, played by Amaldo the Squat, was clearly a savage rebuke of a particular member of the Swiss Guard affiliated with the Ludovisi. Deacon Zamboni’s treatment of the Soldier’s uselessness, as well as the worthlessness of the Swiss Guard in general, brought great mirth to the attending dignitaries. Similarly, Horatio the Ugly’s cutting portrayal of “The Priest”, a character strongly reminiscent of a well-connected priest of the Borgia faction, danced close to the line of bawdiness without crossing it. His artful swipe at the decadence and lewdness of the Borgia faction brought many smiles and knowing nods among the audience. But none of the caricatures went over so well as the character of “The Statesman.” A portrayal of Lucius the Lispy of who could only be Guilio de Medici served both as a hilarious display of comic timing and as a reminder of the need for constant diligence against corruption.

So pleased and inspired by the play was his Holiness, that the Pope took a comic turn himself. The Pope decided to reward Deacon Zamboni for his excellent piece by appointing him Giulio de Medici’s secretary. The audience roared in approval at the Pope’s cleverness, which seemed to put both Signore de Medici and Deacon Zamboni in a most interesting situation.

Canon Rinaldo Leonardo Amadeo de Gregori’s beautiful and poignant play, The Nuncio, carried the day in Signor de Grassi’s mind for the Distant Lands competition. Canon de Gregori’s piece was a powerful meditation both on the power of faith and on the depravity and treachery of the heathens. The Nuncio followed a Prince of the Church as he travelled to the court of the Kha-Khan to represent the interests of the Church. What follows is an intricate web of jealousy, treachery, and murder as selfish Mongols seek to both gain grater power in the court and discredit the worthiness and admirable qualities that emanate from the devout Nuncio. Yet, at each turn, the faith and learning of the Nuncio lays bare the weakness and foolishness of heathen beliefs, and shows to the pagan court the true power of Christianity.

The Nuncio served as an excellent counter-balance to the first play, sombre and contemplative where the former was light and airy. Canon de Gregori was not there to witness the quality performance of his piece, as he is capably serving his Holiness in the lands of Spain. The Pope saw fit to comment on this, praising the Canon’s ability to both pen a masterful play while simultaneously representing the Church on it’s mission to Castille. The Pope decided that Canon di Gregori deserved a place in Rome to return to fitting for such a talented servant, and declared that he was granting the good Canon an estate in Fiesole. The estate is well-known for it’s recently-completed and very fashionable palazzo, and shall certainly serve as an excellent home for Canon di Gregori to return to.

Debates

Alone upon the field of debate this month were Major di Mitelli and Padre Gagliardi. Regular readers will recall how, only last month, Major di Mitelli adroitly saved his friend from arguing that the Pope’s own family indulged in the sin of usury. Whilst Padre Gagliardi was grateful that his argument had been deflected before it could cause him lasting injury, it seems that the Ludovisi were less appreciative that one of their own should have protected a Borgia from Papal wrath. Thus, when the debate opened with Padre Gagliardi doing no more than solicitously enquiring after his friend’s standing with the Ludovisi, Major di Mitelli was forced to acknowledge that his position within that faction had become untenable and that he would in future be lending his weight to the Barberini cause instead. Given the debate was occurring only because their respective factions were rivals, this was enough for the two friends to concede that the day was Padre Gagliardi’s. Hence they departed the field for a shared repast of wine and osso buco.

Court and Social

The Pope will host the following events at the Lateran Palace, Rome
In the second week: Spanish Envoy
In the third week: Conclave
In the fourth week: Grand Court

Positions Vacant

Papal Translator
Papal Cartographer
Chief Researcher
Chief Scholar

Upcoming Debates

DONA v MvP (faction rivalries)

Movers and Shakers

At this time of the year, the major teaching institutions of Roma evaluate the fitness of their staffs and consider the application and appointment of new instructors to replace those deemed too aged or lax. While such positions do equal the importance of senior clerical rank, they do add to the prestige and reputation of those who hold chairs in the various Schools, and thus are sought after by many. In truth, the education of young men who, one hopes, will serve the Holy Church, is of considerable importance.

Major A. di Miteli has been appointed instructor at the Cicero School of Oratory. Undoubtedly, the transfer of the Major's allegiance from the Ludovisi to the Barberini Faction did assist the good Major in receiving the appointment, but he is also well known as an Officer capable of engaging in rhetoric and debate with some of the most astute members of the Clergy. Perhaps the Barberini should be congratulated upon Major di Miteli's decision for they gain a man who has proved himself in France and Hungary as well as the Vatican.

Canon de Gregori did not fare as well. Having applied to both the position of Oratory and Etiquette instructor he was denied both. Similarly absent from Rome due to his service in Burgos was Padre Blatti of the Ludovisi. When it came to the consideration of his application to the Cicero School, the matter was quickly determined against him. Whilst one might regard such outcomes as no more than the vicissitudes of fortune, it has been rumoured that there are those who remained in Rome this past month who strove to block the progress of these talented individuals.

A more curious outcome and appointment was the acceptance of Signor D. Facente as instructor at the Tacitus School of Administration instead of V.G. Magliano, the newly appointed Padre affiliated with the Aldobrandini Faction. One may only assume that Padre Magliano was diverted by the internal politics of the Aldobrandini and, unlike Signor Facente, did not make himself available for an interview. Meanwhile, many in the City wonder what a musician with a stutter could possibly know about administration.

Signor V. Clementi was accepted as a seminarian by the Borgia Faction. This is a wise decision on the part of the Borgia who must replenish their Faction after the unfortunate events of the Mission to the Court of France. Astute and accomplished young men are needed by all Factions.

Regrettably, Captain A. del Carnevale was not accepted by Bishop Albani. A quixotic decision, perhaps, given the recently waning prominence of that faction.

Finally, and one may state most dramatically, Signor M. Gabbiadini was accepted by the Swiss Guards as a Captain and by the Chigi faction as well. Immediately he was dispatched to Burgos after being equipped and informed of his duties. A more complete report on the new Captain's most timely arrival may be read in this month's report of the Papal Mission's activities in Castille.

Men of the Cloth / Men of Steel

To state that the situation in the Court of Castille has now degenerated into a stalemate would be entirely inappropriate. The very term indicates that a game or competition has reached a point where neither side has an advantage. In Burgos the relationship between the Papal Delegation and the Council of Regency has deteriorated to a point where there is little in the way of discussion or any but the most perfunctory discourse between the parties. One participant, who shall remain anonymous has described the progression of events as reflecting the weather of the region. The light snow of the Christmas past has now become a constant and dreary experience, with few days of clear weather.

Although the common people have been most hospitable and accommodating, the nature of the place has been more difficult than the previous Mission to Budapest. While some could be lead to conclude that the Papal Delegation, consisting mainly of men from various cities in Italy, is merely a group of pampered men accustomed to a degree of deference, objective people have noticed that their Spanish counterparts are loath to speak openly. Not only men of the Clergy, but Noblemen of repute and station, some accomplished in the Military Arts, do not wish to speak without the greatest care for fear that their character and devotion will be brought into question. Such is the power of Cardinal Jimenez.

As previously reported, Cardinal Jimenez's previous position as Inquisitor-General was one of great internal power in Spain, especially as he enjoyed the unequivocal support of King Ferdinand of Aragon. The Cardinal's activities in Grenada, while applauded by many, did result in an uprising shortly after that province was reclaimed. Few speak openly of forced conversions, exiles, executions, and all manner of coercion to bring the Moors of Grenada to the True Faith. The majority of the Papal Delegation, who adhere to the principles of Our Saviour, believe one may be lead to know what is true by demonstration and example, but it cannot be imposed for then it has no value or meaning. Thus, the imperious attitude of Cardinal Jimenez is doubly painful because it is contradictory to the fundamental teachings of Our Lord and Saviour, but cannot be overtly contradicted because of the need for His Holiness to maintain the most agreeable relationship with King Ferdinand and King Carlos. After all, Napoli is not far from Roma.

Having reached a point of frustration, Cardinal Tertius, the Delegation Leader, has been recalled to the Vatican. It is believed that the Holy Father has no intention of dismissing the venerable Cardinal but the more assertive Cardinal En Szesc will be sent from Krakow to head the Delegation. It is also known that the Council of Regency will dispatch an envoy to the Vatican, and it is rumoured that Cardinal Jimenez, himself will undertake the journey. Should Cardinal Jimenez arrive in the Vatican one does hope that he will remember his vow of obedience.

Both the Assistant Delegation Leader, Patriarch N. Sextus, and the Second Coalition Leader Archbishop N. Seis remain in Burgos. Each has continued to demonstrate a degree of restraint and has maintained order and civility to the best of his abilities. Thankfully both men are well known for their intelligence and their most judicious use of power and persuasion.

The Aldobrandini Faction has spent this period of time reorganizing after the humiliation of Bishop En Due last month. All the members present are considered "acting" until such time as they are confirmed in their positions. Headed by Acting Bishop En Cinque, all have remained quiet this month past, including the newly appointed Padre Magliano who preformed so well last month.

The Chigi Faction, however, found it nearly impossible to remain silent. During the few discussions held, Bishop N. Tres began to expound upon the parable of the Good Samaritan. This, would be innocent enough in the majority of situations, but by implication it was in itself a criticism of the treatment of the Moors of Grenada. The members of the Spanish Delegation responded in accordance with the expectations of Cardinal Jimenez and berated the Bishop.

Bishop N. Tres may be a man of good character, but he is not the most eloquent orator. Those members of the Faction who came to his defence, Canon N. Trois and Subdeacon N. Drei were summarily shouted down by the Spaniards. Acting Padre N. Six nearly met with the same fate. Padre En Six fortunately managed to avoided the subject through a display of eloquence and diplomacy.

The situation could have been much worse, except for the timely arrival of Captain Gabbiadini and his Company. Recognizing that the situation might result in blows the Captain rightly intervened, positioning his men between the two contingents. After assuring the Spanish that the Chigi members would be removed from the hall, he quite correctly escorted the Faction members to safety. For this clear-headed action it is known that he will be promoted to the rank of Major in the Swiss Guard. Those members of the Chigi embarrassed by the incident will return to the Vatican and will undoubtedly be reassigned.

The men of the Farnese Faction who volunteered to augment the Delegation, notably Canon de Gregori and Padre di Vitelli found themselves in the unenviable position of risking unwarranted attacks and doing nothing. Together with Padre Blatti of the Ludovisi they decided that in accordance with the example of Patriarch N. Sextus to remain politely neutral, until specific instruction were received from His Holiness. After the debacle of the Chigi Faction such an approach had great merit. Undoubtedly all three gentlemen would have preferred to engage in a vigorous debate, but by this time in the proceedings matters had nearly degenerated into outright conflict rather than the hoped-for discussion.

Likewise, the Missionary Faction decided to remain cordial. They had gained some initial concessions the previous month and did not wish to squander the potential of having the lesser members of their Faction barred from accompanying the Spanish in their expansion of New Spain. The rumours of Ignatius Loyola forming a Society, very much like the Missionary Faction may have influenced Bishop N. Quarto et al to restrain themselves at this time. The lay cleric V. dei Gambetti, lacking the authority to speak without permission, was therefore silent.

Much of the blame for the current situation fell upon the Papal Scholars. Bishop N. Sixieme, despite having worked tirelessly for months, was dismissed for not providing a fuller profile of Cardinal Jimenez. Having taken the approach that it was not his place to research political events without express orders, his downfall was a natural consequence of that decision. Padre En Seeks was also dismissed on the same grounds. Such was the demoralisation of the Papal Scholars that even the lay cleric S. Zanetti was reprimanded for his lack of foresight. Hopefully, the young man will be able to repair the damage done to his reputation by this most unwarranted treatment.

Only Deacon C. Salieri of the Borgia was recognized for his research and given a modest reward. It is rumoured that this exception may have been motivated by a desire within the clerical hierarchy to avoid alienating the powerful Borgia Faction. Whether this is so, it is evident that the Holy Father will need the alliance and allegiance of all the Factions in the coming months.

Court Companionship

It appears that a number of people were listening to me last month, unlike the month before. Perhaps there are a few more readers in Roma than prior evidence would have suggested. Indeed, this month sees a good combination of both careful planning and perseverance.

To begin with, we have the example of Captain del Carnevale of the Swiss Guards. After several months of listening to the gossip and advice of Lusanna, the good Captain decided it was time to gain access to higher circles and sought out the lady Valentina. Putting to good use the advice that I'd espoused over the past couple months, and with the example of his own superior officer, Major di Miteli, serving as an illustration of proper technique, he hunted down two fine manuscripts of the works of Tacitus, namely "De origine et situ Germanorum" and "Dialogus de oratoribus". Although these two set his wallet back quite a bit, they also proved to be much to Valentina's liking. In exchange, she helped him gain a deeper understanding of the workings of the Court.

Vincente di Scotti also attempted to gain some insights by seeking out a young and somewhat inexperienced Lucia. Still, her knowledge of the Court is deeper than Signore di Scotti's, and so this seemed like a good idea to him. His gifts were not as perfect as Captain del Carnevale's, still he was careful to select manuscripts rather than flowers and gained the access he desired.

Deacon Baldessare Zamboni, on the other hand, proved the worth of the word "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again." The Barberini Deacon was disappointed in the first week when, despite some careful planning on a gift (what do you give a companion who has everything), he was informed by the Lady Laura that he should "go back to Maria and leave me alone." Refusing to take "no" for an answer, he spent the following week gaining a deeper understanding of the well-to-do Laura's interests. Armed with that knowledge, he purchased a new, more appropriate gift, and returned to her door. She toyed with him briefly, acting disinterested, but quickly came around when he started to leave.

So there you have it; two different techniques, three successful endeavours. I expect to hear of more next month.