The Vatican Observer
June 1515

The Quirinal, Twice

Miei amici, as the sweltering summer heat begins, the Quirinal was the scene of the only two gatherings. Many have retired to palazzos in the countryside, and no few of the new notables among the clergy are now in Lyons.

During the second week of the month, Padre Vittorio Gregorio Magliano and Costanza hosted a gathering whose attendees included Arturo Negri and Ginevra, Major Marco Gabbiadini, solo, and Padre Ugo Blatti, also solo. A disturbing trend. Come, come, gentlemen.

The table fare was undistinguished, but the conversation was civil and entertaining. The evening passed quietly, although Signori Negri and Gabbiadini will represent their rival factions in debate next month.

For the third week of the month, Captain Andrea del Carnevale announced a gathering to celebrate the cut of the Gordian knot by Alexander the Great. Perhaps those of a more philosophical bent might deplore the theme, for the incomparable Alexander's methods of foreshortening problems were not always to the benefit of the rest of the world, but it was surely an appropriate commemoration for a party hosted by one of the Swiss Guards, who leave sophistry to the clergy and natural scientists.

Captain del Carnevale hosted not with Valentina, but with Maddalena, his new companion of the court. Notables in attendance included Arturo Negri and Ginevra, Baldessare Zamboni and Laura, Lucio Malvezzo with Anna, Ugo Blatti solo once more, Vittorio Gregorio Magliano and Costanza, and newly arrived in Roma, Gerolamo dal Pozzo.

The table was finely set at this gathering, wiping clean the remembrance of some sparser affairs in May. In keeping with the Ionian theme, dolmadakia, a blend of rice and onions in vine leaves, was the centrepiece of the first remove. This was followed by succulent lamb, flavoured with garlic, rosemary, star-anise and thyme, and a salad of the region, consisting primarily of cucumber, tomatoes, greens and feta cheese, with olives to taste. The interesting pita bread and much of the strong Greek red land wines accompanied the fare: a good choice, as these robust wines complemented the provender. At the end of the meal, some chalvas, made of honey, liquorice and semolina flour and spiced with the rare and exquisite cinnamon, was served.

The appetiser and desert wines: ouzo and retsina, were sampled by many, and resampled a few too many times by at least some: Lucio Malvezzo, an up-and-coming artist, was accosted by one of the attendees of no particular consequence, who implied a certain shyness on the part of the aesthetically-sensitive. The offender was thrown out with a broken lip and a black eye, but the unhappy Malvezzo happened to see the man to the gutter just as a pair of guards passed by, and ended up spending the final week of the month in gaol, explaining the situation.

A somewhat less vinal, if perhaps not less venal, result of the gathering was that Signor Gerolamo dal Pozzo and Padre Vittorio Gregorio Magliano are to meet to debate a topic on behalf and to the glory of their rival factions.

E finito.

Persistence

After a month with no activity at all, a number of men with a desire to move up in the world set out to seek their fortunes.

Unfortunately for two of them, Gerolamo Dal Pozzo and Major Marco Gabbiadini of the Chigi faction, Antonella's knowledge proved to be in demand. Signor Dal Pozzo spent a large sum on a variety of obscure, but not especially rare, works. Major Gabbiadini spent twice as much on a single St. Giles manuscript, beautifully illuminated. Arriving at Antonella's door simultaneously, they presented their gifts to the Lady's maid and hoped for the best. To their utter disappointment, the woman that they hoped would bring fame and fortune gladly took the gifts, but refused to even speak to them. Her maid told them that only one of them would be welcome.

Meanwhile, Captain Andrea del Carnevale of the Barberini spent a small fortune on the Eclogae and Aeneid of Publius Vergilius Maro. He attempted to use these (quoting fluently from the poetry of Virgil) to gain the attentions of Maddalena, but she refused to even consider his suit. Indeed, she was so unimpressed by his grasp of the metre that she shut the door in the middle of a quote.

Undaunted, Captain del Carnevale returned to the bookseller (a well known and respected establishment often described as "the best") and spent another small fortune on Hippolytos by Euripides. Returning to Maddalena's door, he presented this book without attempting any quotes. Her eyes opened wide with delight and she apologized for her behaviour of the previous week. Inviting the young Captain inside, she quickly began his education.

In the following week, Major Gabbiadini returned to Antonella’s door with another illuminated manuscript, this time about St. Catherine. With just a single suitor this time, the Lady chose to accept the gift and allowed the Major to join her in her sitting room.

So, once more, persistence has shown its worth. I hope that all the young men of Roma will keep that in mind when seeking a companion.

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 Lateran Palace, Rome
In the first week: Conclavel
In the third week: Envoy

Positions Vacant

Keeper of the Papal Purse
Inquisitor
Captain of the Papal Escort
Lieutenant of the Papal Escort

Upcoming Debates

GDP v MG (over Antonella)
AN v MG (faction rivalries)
GDP vs VGM (faction rivalries)

Movers and Shakers

This month there were few applications, but a great deal of rumour and innuendo. Anyone who wishes may pass the Palazzo Orsini and read more opinions and gossip than if they had frequented a salon or tavern. Apparently the summer weather inspires some to scrawl with chalk, or post their verses and missives.

Because they may be read at will, such things do not merit individual citation. In brief, the current matters of controversy will be touched upon to spare those who do not wish to inconvenience themselves. Supposedly there has been an effort to depose the current Lieutenant Colonel of the Swiss Guard, lead by Major di Miteli. Bishop de Gregori has been accused of desiring the resignation of a certain Bishop. Padre di Scotti has been called numerous unmentionable names because he supposedly applied for a promotion to a rank in the Farnese Faction which he already held! The latter is obviously an error made in the Papal Curia, or an outright slander. Ironically, all these men have been in Madrid and are now in Lyons. Yet, the wits and scribblers will go on and on, tainting those men doing the work set out for them by the Holy Father. Even His Holiness is not free from ridicule and slander! There are graffiti alleging misconduct of all manner, none of which tolerates repetition.

Actual applications for positions have been made. Padre A. Negri of the Barberini submitted his name as Secretary to the Delegation but was refused the post on the grounds that the Barberini were not to be sent to Lyons. Signor G. Dal Pozzo was accepted by the Albani as Deacon. Padre V.G. Magliano sought promotion to Canon, but was refused due his lack of seniority in the Faction.

The positions of Papal Mathematician and Commissioner of Archaeology were sought by both Signor L. Malvezzo and Signor D. Facente. The decision of the Director of the Collegio was to grant Signor Malvezzo the post of Papal Mathematician because of his writings. Curiously, given his outstanding record as a tutor of administration, Signor Facente was not found acceptable for either position.

Men of the Cloth / Men of Steel

By the Grace of Our Lord the Factions recently in Madrid arrived in Lyons safely, and in a timely manner. Those dispatched from Roma took ship from Pisa and upon arriving first at the French city were surprised at the appearance of the place, for the environs of Lyons resembled an armed camp. Cardinal N. Quintus may have been informed completely of the conditions, but often it is not until a place is viewed that the impact is realised.

Upon consolidating the constituent parts of the Mission the leadership, especially the Patriarch Sextus Minor who had obtained much wise council from Cardinal Jimenez, understood the position more fully. This was not to be a theological debate regarding the Doctrine of the Holy Church, this was to be an intervention into Secular affairs that could adversely effect the position of the Vatican. Thus the consensus of Cardinal N. Quintus, Patriarch Sextus, Archbishop En Tres of the Third Coalition, and Archbishop Trente of the Fifth Coalition was to discern the intentions of Francois I. Such a delicate undertaking may have been why Cardinal Quintus was entrusted by His Holiness with the assignment. He is well regarded as a humanist scholar and in worldly affairs, much more so than his predecessor.

A full week was spent organizing the members of the Mission. Accommodations had been provided for the senior members of the Delegation but little arrangement had been made for the numerous members of lesser position. It was not until the celebration of Pentecost that the whole had found adequate housing in Lyons.

Archbishop En Tres, leading the Third Coalition, and being familiar with the French because of his place of birth, directed his subordinates to feign ignorance of any customs known to them. They were to behave with curiosity and appreciation of any matters their counterparts wished to expound upon. This, with few exceptions, proved very agreeable because the King and his advisers do consider themselves to be humanists of the most enlightened sort.

The Borgia Faction, now lead by acting Bishop B. Gagliardi, began a discussion of the Mass as unifying for all Catholics. As the Bishop elaborated upon this obvious premise he interjected upon the inherent community developed by such observation of the Faith. This theme was not taken up by acting Canon Essex, of England, who refused to speak to any Frenchman. The stiff necked Canon was promptly dismissed for disobedience and sent back to his island.

Padre V. di Scotti had no such reservations and further expounded upon the universality of the Mass of the Holy Church, and spoke so well the King gave him a small chest of silver. Acting Padre En Seis, of Coimbra, also built upon this theme and spoke very well. Deacon C. Salieri who is known to be a man of great potential and eloquence moved the proposition further by stating, without direct admonishment, that the celebration of the Mass was itself a celebration of Christian brotherhood. As such, he maintained, the coming together to Worship also signified the greater community of all of Our Lord's children, thus demonstrating the teaching of Our Saviour. The eloquence of this oration was mentioned in reports to His Holiness, and he was elevated to Padre. In recognition for his leadership Bishop Gagliardi was given a ring of appreciable value by the Delegation Leadership.

Bishop de Gregori of the Farnese being an astute and learned man, began to speak on the Holy Eucharist and the Communion of all faithful to the Holy Catholic Church with Our Saviour. Both by his intellect and presence he was most inspiring to all who heard, both Delegation members and the French Court. His Majesty stated that a man who could speak so well should not drink from a common cup and so the chamberlain presented the Bishop with a golden chalice, with several jewels encrusted.

Perhaps because he followed such an eloquent presentation Canon E. di Vitelli was nearly shouted down when he made an error by misquoting St. Augustine. The Canon quickly recovered his composure, but, naturally, his reputation has suffered somewhat. Nonetheless, Canon di Vitelli was mentioned in reports for his earnest effort. Padre N. Quartto continued this topic with fair results. Padre V. dei Gambetti seized the opportunity to correct his superior's error speaking at length on St. Augustine and the coming of one to know Our Saviour. The Padre's presentation relied more on rhetoric than did his Bishop, yet it was of such impeccable logic that he was given a gold Crucifix from the French Delegation. He has been most favourably mentioned in all reports. By contrast, Deacon En Uno was found in a most compromising position with a woman of easy virtue and will be dismissed.

The Doria-Pamfili, lead by Bishop N. Six were indeed unfortunate and unlucky. The Bishop, Canon, and both Padres presented themselves well. Padre Cinque being most excellent in his speech and manner. However, Deacon Quatre from Bruges has little tolerance for the French and proceeded to address the King as though conducting an inquisition. This breach of all good sense and good manners caused the French Delegation to shout and whistle him down. Sadly, Deacon J. Finelli, being a man of integrity, attempted to defend his fellow and therefore met the same humiliating fate. Both the sub-deacons were also reviled for no reason other than their affiliation. In the circumstances, the good Deacon had to be dismissed but was quietly given a position in Verona in recognition of his past efforts and noted loyalty.

Bishop N. Sex of the Gonzaga, seeing the fate of the Doria-Pamfili, was more subtle in his presentation and his direction of his Faction. The discussion of the importance of the Holy Eucharist continued without straying far from conventional doctrine. Hence the speakers fared passably, whilst not being as well received as those of the other Factions. The sole exception was Deacon U. Tarantella who spoke most eloquently and was given a modest gift by the French Delegation.

The Missionary Faction, having suffered great loss in numbers in Madrid, did not press any issue with great vigour. Bishop N. Quarto remained content to do or say little that could offend whilst he awaited the arrival of the new recruits to the missionary cause.

Under the direction of Bishop Sexieme the Papal Scholars continue to do good work in the preparation of documents, researching, and providing all Factions with the materials they require. Of this group Deacon M. Penaccini was given a modest reward for his research on St. Augustine and Major di Miteli was mentioned for his research on the present policy of France to nationalize its arms production. The Major also was given a reasonable monetary reward from the Delegation. The lay cleric S. Zanetti was taken by seasickness during the journey to Lyons and did not fully recover from its ill effects in time to participate in the discussions. It is difficult to report that a man of such tireless dedication has suffered so greatly.

For his contribution to the Delegation His Holiness has granted an estate near Valletri to Patriarch N. Sextus Minor. Additionally he has had a medal struck for Archbishop En Tres for his management of a difficult affair in his Coalition.