The Vatican Observer
July 1515

The Quirinal, Yet Once More

Miei amici, with the summer heat in full force and with many of the notables of Roma away with the Mission, only one gathering graced the Quirinal this past month, at the very end of the month. Still, quality is of more import than quantity, and the event certainly exhibited that-- and the delightful hint of prospective scandal!

Gerolamo dal Pozzo hosted the gathering, and did it solo, for reasons which will become all too apparent. Partaking of the offered viands and wine were Arturo Negri and Ginevra, Baldessare Zamboni and Laura, Marco Gabbiadini and Antonella and Ugo Blatti and Valentina. While it was good to see the last two gentlemen at last arrive with companions, it was this that set the stage for a scandal which is not, as yet, resolved.

You see, gentle readers, a little bird has told me that, earlier in the month, the host dal Pozzo and his guest Blatti both met on Valentina's doorstep, intent upon paying her a visit. Padre Blatti retired, and one might have supposed that he graciously ceded the field to his host-- except that he returned later in the month and, successful, brought the selfsame Valentina to the gathering hosted by her other suitor! Mirabile! Misere!

To compound this evening of wonders, the guest provided a most handsome guest-gift to his host. It would be crass to value the beautiful, portable scriptorium at somewhere in the region of forty ducats, so I shall not. Now, deliciously, a plethora of possible reasons for this thoughtful gift suggest themselves. Was it just a simple, gracious gesture? An apologium? A barb? Time will tell what the reaction will be, but I would not doubt that a debate regarding etiquette, manner, loyalty or some such may occasion soon.

On the other hand the only debates arising between attendees who desire to uphold their factional honours will be between Major Gabbiadini and Padre Negri and also between the Major and Deacon Zamboni.

While the social interplay was delicious, the table was only somewhat more than pedestrian, but the wines were of excellent quality, so much so that Padre Negri grew most entertainingly tipsy, as the evening progressed.

Truly, the followers of Roman events have much for which to thank Signor dal Pozzo, even if his gathering was more the seed out of which our entertainments will grow, rather than the arena in which they were actually fought.

E finito.

Debates

Esteemed readers, as lovers of debate well know, the months of Summer can be most disappointing with little of moment and the streets and bars of Rome sadly empty, the clergy upon their missions and the laity resting at the beach or mountains. For this cause, last month saw not a single debate, with tedious concord ruling all.

July I am happy to report to you, however, has proved most unseasonably interesting with not one but three debates filling the streets of our glorious city with learned discourse and witty repartee. After famine, feast, and my thanks go to all of those who work to keep Rome at the forefront of intellectual passion. Let other, lesser cities look on in envy at the intellectual capital we have on display here at the world's spiritual capital.

First to debate were Deacon Gerolamo Dal Pozzo affiliated with the Albani and Major Marco Gabbiadini of the Chigi. The two men had come to dispute over the attentions of the learned Antonella, both having attended with gifts upon that most wise of women and neither having ceded ground to the other's claims.

Given the clement weather, it was agreed that the two men should meet among the ruins at Trajan's forum, where lovers of debate were decamped in readiness with wines and pastries and much discussion already underway by the time the two arrived. Major Gabbiadini commenced proceedings, noting that as the sun illuminated the forum shedding light upon the works of the past so the illuminations of a manuscript shed light upon its contents. From this base he then proposed that a book without illustration was as the forum in the dark, revealing little and potentially perilous to those who entered heedlessly. Deacon Dal Pozzo replied by proposing that this was not so, and as the wise traveller could carry a lantern in the dark so the true scholar could bring the light of his own understanding to a text and as such illuminate it through his own wisdom alone, provided that the text itself be worthy of illumination.

Major Gabbiadini sought to correct his rival, suggesting that even the most learned must needs struggle when the text offers no assistance by way of illustration, and that to say otherwise was to take the lantern from the traveller who no matter his skill would then surely become lost.

Deacon Dal Pozzo wittily rejoindered that Major Gabbiadini was already lost and that his need for guidance must be apparent to all, and followed this by observing that he was as a man alone on a dark night who looks to illumination to guide his way without realising that light is of little aid to a man who has not the wit to understand that which he sees. Major Gabbiadini swiftly retorted that lacking wit he might be but alone he was not, for had not Antonella chosen him as companion while the good Deacon had nothing but dry literature to keep him entertained? The crowd laughed mightily at this reversal, their sympathies now with the Major, and so Deacon Dal Pozzo was forced to concede which he did with most good grace and humour.

Flush with victory, the Major turned to his next opponent, Padre Negri of the Barberini. The Barberini are, of course, faction rivals to Gabbiadini's own patrons the Chigi. The two men had met this month past at the gathering hosted by Padre Vittorio Gregorio Magliano and Costanza and had decided to debate in defence of their factions' honour.

Major Gabbiadini again opened proceedings, proposing that the ruins they sat among were a sermon writ in stone, proclaiming to all the vanities of earthly things and the impermanence of man's works upon this Earth. Padre Negri took a moment before replying, and many attending thought it evident that he in truth agreed with this proposal which placed him at no small disadvantage. Undaunted however, Padre Negri responded by saying if all earthly works were doomed to ruin then the Vatican itself was so doomed being a church built by earthly men and using earthly materials. Could it be true, the Padre asked, that Major Gabbiadini believed that the lord G-d would permit his earthly church to crumble leaving men bereft of symbols of heaven to guide them to the truth? Major Gabbiadini had no answer to this subtle rebuttal, and there was much applause as to the skill with which the Padre had seen off what had seemed to many a devastating opening by the Major.

Both men smiled, recognising in the other a most worthy opponent. A brief pause later to allow the crowd to quieten, and the Padre continued on his theme suggesting that in truth the Major had learnt the wrong lesson entirely. That the ruins taught that works built without faith were fallible and doomed to fail but works built with faith were as the mountains themselves, solid and lasting. Sadly, the effect was damaged rather when a wandering wineseller queried how this stood with the fall of Constantinople just 60 years back and although all agreed this interloper had no part in the debate his interjection was sufficient to destroy the power of the Padre's argument.

Trying again, the Padre proposed that the interloper had shown the importance of correct doctrine, and that had Constantinople embraced the true Church in place of the Eastern it would stand today. Major Gabbiadini corrected this argument however stating that if one was to read G-d's preferences in military victories as preferences in faith one would come to the conclusion he was a Turk, which plainly could not be the case. All concurred and as the Padre thought how best to recover from this series of reversals the Major continued by saying that it was a curious priest who worshipped a Turkish god and did he wear a turban when about his services? Though some afterwards said this humour was too strong and perhaps blasphemous, the Major was clever enough to say it with so broad a smile that at the time all laughed and again he was hailed as the victor of the day.

Finally, as the Major rested and took some wine, Deacon Dal Pozzo returned to the fray taking arms against Padre Vittorio Gregorio Magliano whose Aldobrandini faction are the rivals of the Deacon's own Albani. Deacon Dal Pozzo opened the debate by proposing that in the fall of the Roman Republic were many lessons applicable to the life of a pious man today. Just as the Republic had sickened when avarice in the form of Crassus, ambition in the form of Pompey and vanity in the form of Caesar had grown strong in its bosom so a pious man grew weak when avarice, ambition and vanity gained place in his own heart. If he was then to avoid the fate of the Republic a man should put aside such things and live a simple life free of such vices and temptations. All about were struck by the honest truth of these remarks and all agreed that a fine point had been made and made well.

Padre Magliano, perhaps recognising that the crowd considered the Deacon to have scored a notable victory, nodded his head and in sombre tone replied that indeed all this was true and that as soon as the Deacon abandoned the pleasures of the Papal court for a simple monastery he would be sure to follow him and his good example. With this sally the mood changed and all laughed as the Deacon was forced to explain in return why despite his words he had no plans to retire to quiet contemplation as that particular juncture. Both men were counted to have made good play against the other and each was held to have won his own point.

Many would have retired at this juncture, each satisfied that he had satisfied the honour of his faction. Happily these men were made of finer stuff and returned once more to the debate with Padre Magliano positing that the Republic had not fallen by reason of the great men striving for its control but by the weakness of the institutions those men strove against. Interesting as this might surely be, most present had little concern for the subtleties of ancient politics and in departing from Republic as metaphor to Republic as fact the Padre had left safe ground and found himself now dangerously exposed. The Deacon was swift to take advantage, jesting that the men of ancient Rome were like the men of the Aldobrandini, none were famed for piety or restraint and all were best forgotten. The assembled throng laughed so at this sally that the poor Padre's reply was quite lost and he was forced to concede that Deacon Dal Pozzo had won the day.

And so the month passed, with scholarship and laughter, let us hope that all the Summer remaining to us passes so well and in such spirits.

Court Companionship

While it was not as busy a month as the last, this month still involved some controversy and an example of the benefits of persistence. Last month, it was Antonella who attracted the attention. This month, the rewards were greater as the centre of the activity Valentina.

However, as with last month, one of the other parties was the young Deacon Gerolamo Dal Pozzo of the Albani faction. Returning to the store from which he'd purchased his gifts of last month, the young man selected quite a large stack of obscure tomes - indeed almost three times larger than last month's. With several porters hired off the streets, he headed towards another meeting with disappointment.

Meanwhile, Ludovisi Priest, Ugo Blatti, sought out a more compact gift. A beautifully decorated scroll with much ornamentation was his selection. Armed with this, he arrived at Valentina's doorstep just in time to meet with the small procession led by Deacon Dal Pozzo.

The two glared at each other balefully, but neither had chosen to back down when the lady's maid came to find out what the commotion was at the door She was happy to accept the gifts on behalf of her Mistress, but that was as close as either man got to their goal. They left, disappointed, with much muttering of words scarcely to be expected from the lips of such fine members of the Clergy.

Deacon Dal Pozzo seemed to lose heart and, as with the previous month, was not seen again at the lady's door. Father Blatti, on the other hand, returned to the scroll seller and purchased another of similar quality. He returned the following week to try his luck again. With no rivalry disturbing the peace at her door, Valentina was persuaded to come to the door to meet the young Priest. He impressed her with his knowledge and she allowed him inside to discuss current happenings.

The two were seen a couple of weeks later at a most unlikely event; Deacon Dal Pozzo's party. Fortunately, Father Blatti was sufficiently wise enough to bring a gift for his host.

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 third week: Envoy

Movers and Shakers

The month has seen very few new men desirous of taking Holy Orders. Indeed, only one such application was made by Signor J. Finelli to join the Gonzaga Faction as a Deacon of the Church. He was duly accepted by the Gonzaga, a Faction seeking to rebuild its ranks and reputation. Signor Finelli's previous experience with the Papal Scholars while in Spain, and the favourable reports of his superiors, doubtlessly contributed to his acceptance.

Captain A. del Carnevale was denied the position of Captain of the Papal Escort. Although qualified for the post, and thought to be a man of good character, it appears that one of the advisers to His Holiness expressed some concern that such an honour should not be given to a Milanese for political reasons. It is not without some irony that it is thought that Secretario Bembo, who is from Venezia, expressed this opinion.

Signor D. Facente was given the position of Papal Commissioner for Archaeology. What Signor Facente lacks in eloquence he appears to compensate for by determination, having applied a total of four times before attaining the post.

Of the most profound importance is the resignation of Bishop En Tre of the Chigi Faction as Delegation Adviser. This, supposedly, was the result of some astute political manoeuvring by Bishop de Gregori of the Farnese and several of his allies including Bishop Gagliardi of the Borgia and Captain del Carnevale. None of this can be completely substantiated, but there have been rumours of such an alliance for some time in the Vatican. Of course, these may be little more than conjecture or jealousy.

Bishop de Gregori then offered his services to become Adviser to the Delegation and was immediately accepted. Those who oppose the Farnese find this upsetting. Those who support the Faction, and believe that Bishop de Gregori has been passed over on numerous occasions because of age, or experience, point to the fact that he is easily twice the orator of the previous Adviser and has an intellect that is peerless.

Meanwhile, Canon di Vitelli will resume the responsibilities of managing the Chigi Faction.

Finally, with some kind humour, one must sympathize with the lay cleric Signor S. Zanetti. After spending months with the Papal Scholars he had the naive thought to ask for a promotion. This, after all, is not done. A man must have taken vows to progress in any Faction. This was told to Signor Zanetti with great kindness by Bishop Sexieme, who is a demanding man, but recognizes the value of a good servant and scholar.

Men of the Cloth / Men of Steel

Upon first arriving in Lyon the delegation had been alarmed at the number of soldiers present in, and around, the city. Lyon resembled an armed camp more than a modest city on the Rhone. Yet, steadily men and horses have been moving south to a destination unknown at this time. This has caused nearly as much apprehension amongst the members of the delegation as the former situation. Francois, le Roi, explained through intermediaries, that these were merely summer exercises. He is, after all, new to the throne and must see to the strengths, weaknesses, and quality of the army of France. A perfectly sound answer given in an unusual place. Such exercises, if they be that, could have been undertaken in proximity to Paris with much more ease. Lyon lies close to the Swiss Confederation, several small German states, and in Italia; Piemonte and Lombardia.

Some members of the delegation wished to inquire as to the intentions of the King, but were persuaded that a direct confrontation so far from Roma was not the most prudent course of action. The memory of the Holy Church is long and it is well remembered that the French have not be averse to using force of arms to achieve their ends, nor resort to political methods contrary to many states. The memory of the false papacy of Avignon has not faded.

Cardinal Quintus gave orders that no mention of the movements of the army of France were to be permitted. The delegation was to conduct itself with comity and maintain an appropriate level of decorum. In this matter he is thought to have been prompted by Bishop de Gregori, who had assumed the duties of adviser. Thus being informed, the formalities of a state visit were observed. At this time the French Court was most eager to learn of the Pontiff's attitude toward the possibility of France determining its own members of the clergy, under the guidance of the Cardinal of France. This has long been a point of contention as France seeks to draw from her own population, rather than have men sent from Roma to minister to their people.

Upon this point the Holy Church has been most adamant. However, the circumstances dictated that a conciliatory tone be taken, and King Francois is most susceptible to flattery. He regards himself as a humanist, well read, and interested in all things regained from antiquity. He, to the dismay of some, believes himself the equal to many intellectuals and even an equal, in temporal affairs, to His Holiness. Upon this vanity the delegation concentrated its efforts even as some may have choked on the words they spoke.

Patriarch N. Sextus and Archbishop En Tres found this plan of action the best course under difficult circumstances. Archbishop Trente was less enthused at the prospect of assuming such a subservient posture, and the Fifth Coalition was directed to speak in a more restrained manner. This was to have dire consequences for some.

The Borgia Faction has revived itself and now has become as effective as it ever was. Bishop N. Cinco arrived from Napoli and took the faction well in hand, being one of the few remaining Spanish members of the faction. Having been a soldier, the Bishop is accustomed to strict obedience to orders, both from his superiors and to his subordinates. This may appear hard but it produced excellent results for the entire faction. They were to speak about those subjects about which they were most familiar. Indeed, they were ordered to curry as much favour with the King and Court as possible.

Canon Gagliardi, who is well known in Roma as a mathematician and linguist addressed these subjects in his most usual clear manner. It is difficult to make mathematics less than dry for the layman, and to make such a complex subject comprehensible is of much greater difficulty. For his astute an interesting explanations, much to the King's pleasure, he was mentioned in reports and granted an estate in recognition of his linguistic skill. Further, it is known that he visited the Comte de Mercurie at that nobleman's invitation, gaining some gold.

Padre di Scotti brought up the subject of the lack of sculpture of quality in the King's Court and asked if His Majesty's estates likewise lacked such adornment. Upon receiving a qualified “no” he respectfully stated that it would be much in His Majesty's interest to obtain reproductions of the classical sculptures in Roma. This could be done easily, especially if one did not contract with Maestro Michelangelo, who was nearly impossible to deal with, and would not consent to execute a reproduction for any amount. The Padre was mentioned favourably in reports and is to have a bronze medal struck in his honour for his quick wit. The King granted him a gift of tapestry. Padre Salieri also spoke well, producing his usual inventive reasoning. For maintaining the Faction’s dignity he was most favourably mentioned in reports, given a tapestry by the French and a bronze medal is to be struck for him in Roma. Likewise, Deacon Clementi given a valuable tapestry and mention very favourably in reports to the Holy See.

The Farnese Faction, under the temporary direction of Canon E. di Vitelli, performed as many have come to expect. The Canon expounded upon the lessons to be gained from the writings of Aristotle. Explaining that although that philosopher had not the advantage of knowing the word of Our Lord, he did have a profound effect upon what was, and is, considered to be the study of the natural sciences. This was not a speech, but rather a dialog between the learned men of the Court and Canon di Vitelli, who is able to converse with great insight in such matters. The French, perhaps feeling insufficient, presented the Canon with many gifts: tapestries, silver plate, and wines from the various areas of France. He was mentioned in reports for his performance, as was Bishop de Gregori who was also given an unknown sum from the delegation leaders.

Padre N. Quarto was much taken aback by such a display of knowledge, but did not lose his way. Conversely Padre dei Gambetti spoke with great eloquence upon the common excellence of French and Italian poetry. This pleased the French to a great degree and he was well rewarded in tapestry and silver, and is to have a bronze medal struck upon his return to Roma. Major d'Alba was most favourably mentioned for his continued good service to his faction.

The attitude of Archbishop Trente, leader of the Fifth Coalition, was not good on this occasion. In contrast to the other members of the delegation hierarchy, he did not find the preferred approach of Cardinal Sextus to be worthy of men dedicated to the Holy Church, believing instead that all discussions should concern Holy Doctrine. Thus, his direction was of the most modest quality, leading to misfortune for some.

Bishop N. Six and the majority of the Doria-Pamfili did little to impress the French Delegation and His Majesty's Court, discussions about Saint Thomas Aquinas and Saint Augustine doing little to engage their opposite numbers, who had developed an appetite for more worldly subjects. This lead to the utter humiliation of Deacon En Five, when he berated those assembled for their lack of proper interest in the wisdom of the aforementioned theologians. The French, understandably found this chastising most insulting. In response, they whistled and shouted until the Comte de Mercurie called for silence, stating that a mere Deacon was not typically allowed to give a homily during mass. Further, there were men amongst the French who had studied theology longer than the poor Deacon had been alive, pointing out that by presuming to lecture he was guilty of the sin of false pride. Consequently Deacon En Five was dismissed and can expect to find himself in the hinterlands of Bohemia in the near future.

The Gonzaga Faction fared little better. Bishop N. Sex, having no firm grasp on the situation, contributed little to the discussion. This was alleviated, somewhat, by Padre En Quintari's discussion of the relevance of Pythagoras and Euclid in practical mathematics. For reasons known only to himself, Deacon Tarantella broke entirely from the general tone of the discussions and asked the French directly what their intentions were for their Army. This caused an uproar of such proportions that Deacon Tarantella was immediately arrested by the French Guard. The Gonzaga, having no military escort, could not prevent this, nor would Major d'Alba of the Farnese, who was utterly outnumbered and under orders to maintain the honour of the Farnese and the Third Coalition.

Deacon Tarantella remains a prisoner, his fate unknown.

Seeing the treatment of his fellow faction member, Deacon Finelli did not support Deacon Tarantella. Discretion is more than the better part of valour, for one cannot save a man who has already drowned.

Deacon Finelli faced his most challenging moment with grace and distinction, for to have returned to philosophy, mathematics or art of any kind would have been entirely too facile. Instead he simply apologized, stating that as a guest good manners are an adornment to a man. He did not take a pleading tone, but rather, as made an observation upon the situation. This calmed the French to no little degree. For his sensible action Cardinal Sextus gave the young Deacon a modest monetary compensation.

The Missionary Faction was quiet, as has become customary. Bishop N. Quarto having lost so many promising men in Spain, has been loathe to engage in any inquiry as to the possibility of members of his Faction preaching the word of Our Lord and Savoir. Also, there is little that France offers for the Missionary Faction. However, of a disturbing nature was the dismissal of Deacon En Phive, found with a page of the French Court in a most compromising situation.

Under the direction of Bishop Sexieme the Papal Scholars have proved themselves to be a considerable force and an invaluable asset to the delegation. Once again these men toiled, unseen and often unappreciated, by the other Factions. However, this month several members were rewarded by their more prominent fellows most handsomely. Deacon Penaccini was given a great number of gifts from both the Borgia and Farnese. The lay cleric S. Zanetti was also well rewarded by the Factions for his contribution. For his appreciation of the situation and thoughtful editing of many pieces of research Major di Miteli was mentioned most favourably in reports sent to Roma.

Finally, for his thoughtful and skilful direction of the delegation, Cardinal Sextus Minor is to have his holdings near Valletri increased significantly.

Positions Vacant

Secretary to Giulio de' Medici
Assistant to the Secretary to the Pope
Trooper of the Papal Escort

Upcoming Debates

GDP v UB (over Valentina)
AN v MG (faction rivalries)
BZ v MG (faction rivalries)