The Vatican Observer
June 1516

Advancements, temporal and spiritual

June brings the feast of Saint Justin, the noted philologian. As a lover of reason, he might wonder what reasoning Deacon Condottiero had for announcing his stepping down from the position of advisor to the Farnese? Whatever brought about his decision, it was welcomed by Deacon Gandolfini who soon replaced Condottiero in the role.

At the same time as Gandolfini accepted his new responsibilities within the Farnese, Deacon Mazzetti accepted the same position within the Barberini. Perhaps Deacon Mazzetti’s first task might be to advise Dante di Gregori, who after an unsuccessful application last month was finally accepted as a Deacon of the faction.

The Ludovisi faction, whose numbers suffered greatly in Milan, also welcomed a new Deacon as Marcello Adalfieri Novelli entered their ranks having recently set his mind on Holy service.

As these gentlemen set foot upon the lower rungs of the Priesthood, those in the higher echelons sought appointments of their own. It is said that it was impossible to spend any time at the Vatican this month without hearing someone singing the praises of Canon Gagliardi. With so many singing his praises, the success of his campaign to be named Papal Mathematician came as little surprise, though this makes his success no less notable.

Archbishop de Gregori also had cause for celebration this month as he was reappointed as Etiquette Instructor by the Director of the Horace School of Etiquette. I am sure that the school’s students are hoping that his tenure lasts longer this time around.

But it was not just those in Holy Orders who sought to better themselves as the Director of the Collegio Romano confirmed that the highly respected Maestro Domenico Facente would continue in his role as Papal Commissioner for Archaeology.

Around the markets

The departure of the Delegation for Constantinople has taken a toll on the merchants of Roma. Both the Borgia and Farnese are well known to frequent many vendors providing the best food and drink, books, and furnishings. However, the loss for the individual merchants may produce a beneficial result for the Holy Church; a much more important objective for all.

Most notable is the recent arrival of Freres Dupont Confisserie, French bakers who have begun quite successfully among the more notable members of society with their novel pastries. Diacono della Zucca, who is known to have a great affection for sweets has taken rooms above the establishment, so tempting are the delights prepared by Freres Dupont, he has spent seriously, devouring the confections with abandon.

Vescovo Blatti, upon his return, spent a great deal refurnishing and restocking his residence. The merchants of the vicolo de Sediari, de Pastini, Stradi de Vascellari and de Salumi were undoubtedly happy to see the Vescovo buy furnishings, plates, vases, and food in abundance. Vescovo Blatti was preparing for a party which should go well, if his efforts to provide for his guests are an indication.

Maestro Facente, as usual, paid his household bills and stable fees. Surprisingly he did not acquire any writing materials. One may surmise that Arcivescovo dei Gregori's most generous gift last month may suffice for some time. Yet, he and his cook Signor Gallo were fixtures on the Strada de' Giubbonari having the satori make new clothing for both men; two complete sets of dress each! Signor Andolini and Signor Brazzi did very well, receiving orders for two extra shirts and extra hose.

By far the largest purchases were made by Diacono Tarentella and Signor Leone, each of whom bought a fine Palazzo as a residence. Diacono Tarentella found a most suitable palazzo on the via della Scrofa. While Signor Leone found a suitable residence on the via Poli. May each find peace and contentment in their new locations.

The Social and the Sublime

Miei amici, despite the torrid heat of the city and the missions to exotic locales, this is one month of June in which the city did not empty itself to the country estates. The salons, gathering halls and the churches found themselves well-attended, both by faces well known, and those new to social and ecclesiastical circles.

The first week of the month saw one party thrown by the Ludovisi, and of course, the prestigious Royal Embassage to the Corte Pontificia. We will look in briefly on the party, saving the august for the place of emphasis.

Ludovisi Bishop Ugo Blatti saved Roma's reputation as an inviting and social city, by hosting a gathering at the Capitoline, with Valentina. New Ludovisi Deacon Marcello Adalfieri Novelli, attended, as did Deacon Niccolo Della Zucca: a wise decision for anyone showing support for, and solidarity with, his faction. However, two relative newcomers to Roma also showed their social acumen: Andrea Poliponi attended with Luisa, and Vincenzo Raimundo Leone, solo. The evening passed amicably, with good food and wine, and interesting discourse. Signore Poliponi in fact was one of the Most Seen, this month, at parties, Church and clubs, as will be shown hereafter.

In Court, a new star joined that of Maestro Domenico Facente in the firmament of the musical spheres, but more on that later.

The Papal Palace was graced by its most illustrious and majestic visitor in months: His Royal Majesty, Charles, King of Aragon and Sicily, Castille and Leon, and King of Naples, Duke of Burgundy, Brabant, Limburg, Lothier, Luxemburg and Namur, Count Palatine of Burgundy, Count of Artois, Charolais, Flanders, Hainalt, Holland, and Zeeland, together with his immense train of courtiers, knights and advisors.

Certainly the present Master of Ceremonies was required to be a virtuoso at the Cæremoniale Episcoporum. After the fanfare, processional and presentation, followed by hymns, ritual greetings and responses, presentation of gifts and introductions of the embassage, all of which took something over three hours, the great company retired to the halls wherein the dinner and Grand Ball were to be held. Though it would have been easy for them to have been lost amid all of the visiting and Roman nobility and ecclesiastical "powers and dominions", it should be noted that Archbishop Rinaldo Leonardo Amadeo dei Gregori and Maria were in attendance, as were Maestro Domenico Facente and a tall, fair-haired figure that only a few immediately recognised as Edward L'Inglese, a visitor to Roma and a noted cleric and musician on his own shores, it is said. Since these latter two were to perform as part of the evening's entertainment for the Royal Embassy, their companions, Claudia and Anna, were seated among the guests, suitably escorted.

Those who have followed the courtly machinations assiduously for the last few months may be intrigued or amused to hear that Archbishop dei Gregori, upon his introduction to the royal embassage, was once again introduced not only as a Papal Councillor, but also as a Teaching Master at the Horace School of Etiquette. The Archbishop then proceeded to demonstrate his credentials with a flow of courtesy and wit that drew smiles and appreciation from all concerned: a triumphal exhibition that caused not a few of the Papal courtiers, and one School Director, to take a few steps further backwards, into the less brightly illuminated areas of the halls. His companion of the court, Maria, was seen to be quietly beaming throughout the evening. Rumour has it that she has made many contributions to several of his endeavours, of late.

That being said, once again the highlights of the evenings were the glorious entertainments provided during the dinner and Ball. In addition to the pageant or stravaganza, there were choral pieces, and the much anticipated solos. However, that evening the solos were shared by Maestro Facente and Edward L'Inglese. The golden-maned Englishman would have drawn attention merely by his appearance, but it turned out that he was also a most accomplished performer. The evening progressed from the audience not knowing what to make of him, to at least a good proportion of the female portion of it wondering what they might make with him. Not a few drew comparisons to golden-haired angels, prompting one wit to quote, "Non angeli, sed Angli": not angels, Englishmen.

Still, while Signore L'Ingelese's star may be rising, there is one fixed firmly in the heights at present, and it shone once more, when Roma's own Domenico Facente introduced the pieces that would be interspersed throughout the dinner and Ball, when the dancers would take respite. Most cleverly, the Maestro, some say with advice from L'Inglese, included a number of chansons that would be well-regarded by the court of His Royal Majesty, as well as being a bit of a novelty, though hardly unknown, in the Papal Court. The admixture included: Petite Camusette, Je Me Complains, El Grillo, En l'Ombre d'Une Boissonet, Prenez Sur Moi Vostre Example Amoreux, Ohime, Dov'e Il Mio Ben. The five first chansons were arranged for four parts, sung, in order from countertenor to basso, by: Tomaso Finucane, Edward L'Inglese, Vincenzo Capirola, and Domenico Facente. The last, original, Facente piece was given as a duet by Finucane and L'Inglese, with Capirola and Maestro Facente accompanying on viol and lute, respectively. All of the efforts were warmly and gaily received.

One event of great esteem to the court did transpire: it seems that the Archbishop dei Gregori was given a minor challenge, regarding his protégé Facente, when the Archbishop waxed eloquent regarding the man's brilliance. At the penultimate lull of the Ball, the Archbishop responded by calling to Facente and, seemingly with not a doubt in the world, called upon him for an immediate improvisation-- in French. The which, without batting an eyelash, Facente turned out: eighteen lines, with a recitativo. It is reported that the point was ceded in favour of the Papal Court, with great good humour.

While the royal presence and the various other presentations would make it unfair-- and dangerous--- to claim that the Facente and L'Inglese recitals were the centrepieces of the evening, they were certainly among the great highlights and were much approved.

Papal Conclave was held in the third week of the month, with Archbishop Rinaldo Leonardo Amadeo dei Gregori in attendance as Councillor. Considering the fact that no one has ever heard of the Archbishop's study of protocol and politics, it might be assumed that he was relying upon the natural acumen demonstrated on previous missions. Therefore, the sheen of sweat upon his brow, which appeared when he was asked to comment upon foreign policy, was no doubt due to concentration. Nonetheless, his responses aroused neither any great approbation nor censure, and he was seen to take his seat again with some satisfaction.

Church and the Salons and Clubs.

While it is of course the case that all of us attend Church regularly, it is always good to see how some of Roma's notables make a special effort for extra attendance and tithing. At the outset of the month, Barberini Deacon Stefano Piero Mazzetti saw to his prayers. In the week that followed, Edward L'Inglese and Anna were seen in Church together, with L'Inglese making a healthy donation, gladdening the hearts of those that still might not have heard of him. Deacon Dante di Gregori also attended masses. In the third week of the month, Andrea Poliponi laid up treasure in Heaven.

The third week of the month saw Barberini Deacon Dante di Gregori at the Quirinal, perhaps taking respite-- or refuge-- after his verbal batterings in the debates of the month. Deacon Stefano Piero Mazzetti followed his example in both the third and fourth weeks. Licking his debating wounds at the Aventine was Vincenzo Raimundo Leone, also in the last two weeks of the month. Finishing his month at the Esquiline, Andrea Poliponi escorted Luisa. The dashing Polioni took a turn at the tables, dallying with Dame Fortuna. True to her nature, she saw him win twice, lose twice and cut once, venturing 20 ducats each time. However, more important than the sums wagered was the esteem that the other frequenters of the table have for those willing to take a chance.

E finito.

Ineamus Ad Discendum Exeamus Ad Merendum

It is no secret that His Holiness has taken great pains to improve the quality and conditions of the Collegium de Scuola; building have been refurbished, pay is higher, and new instructors have been enticed to teach here in Roma. Presently the number of instructors of all levels is almost ninety. Janus Lascaris, the noted Greek scholar, has been here for nearly three years, and provided with a suitable press he and his subordinates have been producing Greek texts for more than a year. While no definite decision has been reached regarding Hebraic studies, there is a growing interest in the study of the Torah and Talmud. This, in the opinion of many, can bring nothing but good, because it provides a greater understanding of the words of Our Savior and the Law of Moses.

The return of Vescovo U. Blatti to the Scuola Martial was met with much appreciation with many attending in hopes to be taught by a patient and adept man. Diacono Mazzetti and Diacono della Zucca were the most prominent among those attending the intense instruction of eloquence. As it has been noted here, previously, and known generally, eloquence, if not given by Our Lord, is a most difficult skill to improve.

Subdiacono L'Inglese, seminariono Amendola, and Signor di Gregori all attended the Scuola Martial during the month. With hard work, dedication, and repetition each improved his ability accordingly. It is most pleasing to note that laymen have begun to study here, in Roma, instead of Padua. Yet, there is much to be done if Roma is to be regarded as a place of diverse learning.

It has been said that as one teaches, one learns. Therefore, it is not surprising that Arcivescovo dei Gregori spent two weeks at the Scuola Horace instructing young men on the delicate subject of etiquette.

It is a subject not readily understood by most because it is more than good manners. It is the accepted mannerisms of the Papal Court, which can be most unforgiving at times. One may have impeccable manners at table, or in the street or salon, but if one bows too low, confuses a Vescovo with a Cardinale, or kisses a ring too long, or too briefly, the Court will take note.

Also, one may be gifted in one area and yet feel the need for improvement in another. Such was the case of Vescovo Blatti who availed himself of the instruction of wit at the Scuola Juvenal. Also attending was Signor Poliponi.

The Scuola Cicero had two students of note; Signor Novelli took the intensive course while Diacono Caminetti studied two weeks improving Oratory skills.

The remaining scuola, while well attended, were not frequented by any men of note or members of Factions. Hopefully, this will change with time, and more men will find the means and time to dedicate themselves to a variety of study.

Some may ask; "What is the product of all this study?". In addition to producing intelligent and able men serving the Holy Church, one need only to look as far as the Collegio Romano, which has become the genesis for many good works. This month, alone, Maestro Facente is known to have completed another musical composition. Soon, he is rumoured to tae up another Archaeological subject. Signor Amendola and Subdiacono L'Inglese have both been seen frequenting the Collegio and Library because they are working on their own compositions. And, no less a figure than Arcivescovo dei Gregori has submitted a work this month.

Learning begets more learning and eventually produces tangible results in the form of music, theory, mathematics, and diverse subjects which benefit all who desire to partake of the result.

Papal Calendar

The Pope will host the following events at the Medici Palace, Florence
In the first week: Conclave
In the second week: None
In the third week: None
In the fourth week: Major Envoys, Cardinal Albrecht von Hohenzollern, Elector of Mainz and Archbishop of Magdeburg, accompanied by Anton Fugger

Upcoming Debates

Each of DDG, RC and VRL have cause with LV over Lusanna
UT and SPM over Chiara

Positions Vacant

Keeper of the Papal Purse
Inquisitor

Men of the Cloth / Men of Steel

As May became June, Rome’s chosen representatives left Milan, taking with them little glory and leaving behind few successes. King Francis proved a most formidable opponent and Rome gained no promises or treaties from the French King. Yet such were the political casualties of the delegation that few voiced a desire to remain behind to continue their work. Had they know what awaited in Constantinople, perhaps many would have viewed the time they spent in Milan in a far more favourable light.

The Third Coalition of the Borgia and the Farnese were entrusted with this delicate mission for His Holiness, crafting common understanding with the Turk while seeking clemency for the many Christian slaves held by him, rumours had circulated that others might be sent in their stead and yet despite such courtly tales, which were persistent in their telling but sadly lacking in actual detail, no such substitution was made.

The delegation was first received by Yavuz Sultan Selim in the Hagia Sofia, once a cathedral but since Mehmed’s invasion it serves as the city’s main mosque. Seeing the cathedral with its once glorious mosaics plastered over and its relics removed was a clear statement that Islam and not Christianity ruled within the city. In such a surrounding Cardinal Singolo spoke for the delegation, and delivered a most eloquent opening oration on Christian friendship and love. The assembled court listened intently to the Cardinal, nodded appreciatively and then cheered as Selim ordered the Cardinal taken away to the cells to await a public lashing. As the delegation leapt to their feet in protest Ezhan Aybar, an advisor to the Sultan, proclaimed that seeking to convert followers of Islam to Christianity was a crime punishable by death but out of love for His Holiness a flogging would suffice.

Archbishop Terzo, leading the third coalition, was the loudest voice of protest decrying the pillar of charity and asking for the charitable release of the Cardinal. This brought Selim to his feet and he pointed out that Zakah related to alms giving to those in hardship and could any of the gloriously attired peacocks before claim such a state. “But the first pillar is Shahadah, the basic creed of Islam, I testify that there is no God but Allah. It is the first words that a new born hears and the last words that they will ever hear. In my city is it all and Allah loveth not transgressors.” The Archbishop tried to respond but Selim ordered him taken away to join the Cardinal in the cells until a suitable reward for his loyalty could be decided.

In the heavy silence that followed Patriarch Funftens, assistant to the Cardinal, calmed the delegation and offered Selim platitudes without number. He was assisted in his efforts of reconciliation by Bishop di Vitelli who put his experience as the Papal Legate to the Orient to good effect. That di Vitelli’s request to serve as Advisor to Archbishop Singolo was indeed most unfortunate.

Although the initial danger passed the Papal Legate’s was sure to press home to the Farnese just how dangerous the Sultan’s court could be. The Bishop did his best to pass on his knowledge to his faction and in so doing appeared the most estimable leader present. His Holiness obviously thought so as di Vitelli will find a new estate, and a sizable sum, awaiting his stewardship as a reward for showing the Sultan that at least some of the Pope’s men were competent. Canon dei Gambetti listened well and settled in well as did the Farnese Deacons Condottiero and Colonna, the latter making such an impression on his hosts that he received several sumptuous gifts. Unfortunately despite the Bishops best intentions Deacon Gandolfini and Padre Valetti found themselves summoned by Ezhan Aybar who informed them that most serious accusations of fornication and the consumption of alcohol had been brought against the two of them. Such Hadd crimes carried a most serious penalty; lapidation, flogging, even crucifixion. The two were astounded at such penalties, Padre Valetti fell to reasoned debate to save himself from the stones whilst the Deacon took a more heavy handed approach claiming that such punishments were unGodly and such treatment of a Papal envoy was tantamount to a declaration of war against Christianity. Aybar seemed taken aback, before informing the Deacon that he was already at war with Christianity for there is no God but Allah. Undeterred, Gandolfini berated the Sultan’s advisor at great length and at great volume. It is said that "Mayest thou be the Vizier of Sultan Selim” is a common curse at court and certainly Aybar seemed to find himself under great pressure as the Deacon continued. As the debate grew news of the confrontation began to spread and soon Selim himself came to witness the Deacon’s passionate defence. After hours had passed Selim himself called an end to the proceedings and declared that Gandolfini had so impressed him that he would be rewarded, and surely there could be no greater reward than a martyr’s death. The Deacon was taken away and sentenced to be crucified despite di Vitelli’s impassioned, though respectful, intervention.

With such a dramatic ending to the proceedings, Padre Valetti’s punishment was all but forgotten. His presence in the centre of such events however saw the young man’s name on many lips and in great demand, something that will no doubt continue when he returned to Rome to tell the tale.

The Borgia were well placed to compare the dangers of Milan and Constantinople, as many of their number travelled directly from one to the other. Canon Bartolomeo Gagliardi lead the faction confidently and regained some respect for the delegation, the Papal Translator’s knowledge of Arabic and Persian proving sufficient to please the Sultan’s court. For such service His Holiness intends to award the Canon with a small villa in Capri along with a sizable monetary award. But Gagliardi was generous in victory and he found time to heap praise on Padre Salieri, Padre di Scotti, Deacon Clementi and Sub Deacon Lombardi. So well received in Rome were his words on Lombardi that letters were immediately written to raise the young man to the position of Deacon. News of Padre Salieri also met with a receptive audience and I am sure that the Padre will find the gift of a fine palazzo in Rome just as rewarding as hard work itself. The only disappointment for the Borgia in fact was that a member of their Swiss Guard had to be dismissed after being found drunk, but as no even seemed to know his name this matter did not dismay the faction overly.

The Papal Scholars quickly settled into the many churches of Constantinople. It is hoped that they will be able to save a number of relics and learned works, returning them to the safe custody of Rome. Scholars are said to be greatly valued in the Islamic faith which might explain why, unlike many of their peers, the Scholars month passed without dramatic events. For their studious dedication volunteers Padre Ficolo and Canon Magliano were brought to the attention of the Patriarch and ended the month richer than they had started it, in worth both spiritual and monetary.

Exactly what the Missionary Faction is expected to do in a country which beheads Christian missionaries is none too clear, and in trying to find their place in such a hostile land the faction suffered greatly. The newly appointed Bishop of the faction sort to find employment amongst the local churches, but in attempting to better the lot of the Christians within the city sought to resolve several disputes over taxation. The Sultans bureaucracy is amongst the finest in the world when it comes to collecting taxes and the Bishop soon found himself in a great deal of difficulty and by the end of the month the Bishop, along with a Padre that had been assisting him in his efforts, left the city and returned to Rome in a great deal of consternation and a great deal poorer.

News from Milan

News has finally been received of Deacon Capellini, who disappeared last month during the Milanese delegation. It has been revealed that the poor Deacon had been taken hostage by masterless Swiss mercenaries who sort to replace the spoils of war with less honestly earned reward. Deacon Capellini sought to extricate himself from their clutches and it appears was successful in his efforts. Unfortunately the Deacon only made it as far as the small cotton growing village of Crespi d’Adda before his captors found him again. The Deacon attempted to seek sanctuary in the village’s small chapel but found his route cut off just as he reached the steps. In a final attempt to win his freedom he called on the unarmed townsfolk to rise up against the armed and armoured Swiss, passionately calling on them to answer the call of a man of God. Whether his words were having an affect on the villagers became a mute point as a bolt suddenly claimed the Deacon’s life, leaving him bleeding on the steps of the chapel as the Swiss rode from the scene of their terrible crime.

Debates

Oh my brethren! Such surfeit as we have had this month past does my heart great joy. Four debates, four and of those four one most civil and one most rancorous.

Of the civil first, Subdeacon Giani Lombardi of the Borgia met with Subdeacon Edward L'Inglese of the Barberini, L'Inglese engaging in his second debate in as many months. Valiant Englishman!

The cause of the debate was a shared interest in Anna, and the desire for access to her many secrets. The two gentlemen had met at her door and, due to a lack of common understanding on that occasion, now met to discuss the fate of the unbaptised child which met with premature end, was it damned to suffer the torments of the inferno or was it instead delivered unto the the limbo of infants, in which it enjoyed great happiness but was yet denied the beatific vision?

Subdeacon L'Inglese, learning perhaps from his linguistic challenges of the month past, had prepared a proposal to put to the assembled audience of scholars and gentlemen of leisure. He opened by proposing that the good Lord would not condemn innocents to suffer, and that as Aquinas had taught the state of the unbaptised innocent was one of eternal natural joy, without painful knowledge of the greater joy denied them. Subdeacon Lombardi countered, proposing that by condemning the unbaptised to hell the Lord encouraged us all to baptise our children swiftly and so encouraged the raising of children within the true faith.

Subdeacon L'Inglese accepted this in part, but noted that while it was true that an upbringing in the faith was in every child's interest, it was also sad truth that many children die while yet enwombed or in the act of birth and no baptism of such children can be possible, and so that to condemn them would be to punish those who had no opportunity to seek grace, and so unjust.

The assembled crowd applauded L'Inglese, noting that his arguments showed a familiarity with the views of the Council of Florence and that he had well combined scholarship with a merciful heart. Lombardi smilingly accepted defeat, and to the further applause of all the two men then shared bread and wine, showing that debates may be pursued seriously yet without enmity resulting.

This matter concluded, refreshments were brought and each of Dante di Gregori, VIncenzo Raimundo Leone and Albani deacon Roberto Caminetti presented themselves, each of whom faced the other taking the same subject matter as their thesis.

First di Gregori and Leone met, with Leone proposing that if impossibility of baptism of itself avoided hell then the heathen of the New World who had not yet had opportunity for baptism were all safe from Hell though men of Europe were not, and as this could not be just so it could not be a true statement. Di Gregori countered by proposing that it was exactly so, and that the savages of the New World were indeed denied Hell but equally were denied Heaven and so were exactly as unbaptised infants denied the possibilty of true grace, a fate more tragic than that of any European who by rightful choice could still seek Heaven. All present were amazed, both men had scored most soundly upon the other, both arguments were felt solid and skilful. Encouraged, di Gregori essayed a small bon mot, jesting that the savage was like the infant also in his seeming almost to have wit but speaking no tongue that educated man could understand, but the joke fell flat and achieved little, and the accompanying proposal that they be taught Latin so that they could hear Mass was felt impractical.

Leone remarked that if di Gregori wished to teach teach the savages to speak Latin he would gladly buy his passage on a Spanish ship to speed him on his way, a witticism that raised much merriment and which caused di Gregori to admit himself bested and that he had been persuaded by Leone's argument. Leone would accept no surrender however, and pressed on, proposing that the fate of men's souls was no laughing matter and that by entering into humorous exchange di Gregori made little of the mission to these peoples that would one day be necessary, and so belittled the sacrifices that future clergy would be called to make. Those present cried to Leone to cease, astounded at his continuance of the debate, but Leone sneered at his opponent saying that di Gregori had attempted wit as he had no arguments of substance and Leone then continued to restate his argument again in clearer and even less refutable terms. Indeed, it seemed Leone was intent on utterly humiliating the bemused and clearly defeated di Gregori, and perhaps would have done so had those arbiting not forcibly called a halt and ended the debate at that point.

While Leone recovered his temper, di Gregori was called on to meet with Deacon Caminetti. Caminetti proposed that di Gregori had been correct in many of his previous arguments, and that indeed the unbaptised savage dwelt in a form of limbo himself just as the unbaptised infant, and called upon no lesser authority than the divine Dante and his First Cirle of Hell as illustration of what such a state would be like. Di Gregori, regathering his wits further proposed that the beatific vision was a thing of such wonder that though it might seem to the uneducated that the savage was blessed in his unbaptised state in fact his limbo truly was a form of hell, but a merciful form in which he did not know the wonder of that which he had lost by not entering into the true faith.

Both points were sound, Caminetti then remarked that most working men would probably be happier in the savage's limbo than contemplating the beatific vision, but by this jest effectively argued that Heaven was inferior to limbo and was thus left exposed to di Gregori's further proposal that though it might not be apparent how Heaven exceeded the perfect natural joy of the savage's Hell still faith demanded that we accept the supremacy of Heaven. Di Gregori was held the winner of this bout, having shown that the Lord is merciful and does not cause the innocent,even the innocent savage, to suffer but that also he saves the best of his rewards for those of true faith.

Finally, Deacon Caminetti met with Signore Leone, Leone's temper having returned to him. Deacon Caminetti skilfuly argued that on consideration it must be that the savage could not truly enjoy perfect natural happiness in limbo as even though he were not baptised and had no chance for baptism still he had the chance for sinful acts which the unbaptised infant did not. Caminetti questioned whether a savage who murdered his brother truly went to the same reward as a virtuous savage who lived a life of peace and mercy but never heard the redeeming word of the Lord. In turn, Leone proposed that baptism was a necessary state for perfect grace, but that though the teachings of the Lord were a guide to a rightful life, good works could in any event lead to walking that path even without such a guide. Leone argued that a savage who did good works would be rewarded with perfect natural happiness in limbo, one who did wrongful works would be punished as any man, and one who achieved baptism and performed good works would see the face of the Lord himself.

All attending considered both men to have made sound and robust arguments, but felt that Leone's had advanced the debate furthest and that he was in the ascendant. Next Caminetti wittily remarked that if the savage had to walk the path of the righteous without a guide in order to reach his limbo, then his path was as tricky as that of a man walking the streets of Rome at night without a servant to guide his way, all laughed and Leone added that indeed it was so and that if Caminetti were to see Heaven himself simple charity demanded that he head out to the streets promptly himself to ensure that any wandering lost seekers found their path. Caminetti recognised that Leone's rhetoric was too supple and swift to be defeated that day, and so accepted his defeat and stated that he would indeed so walk the streets and that this was a fine time with which to commence that most pressing duty.

And so, Vincenzo Raimundo Leone won two debates, showing himself a most feared opponent, but one who it is said may face charges for boorish conduct for his behaviour in respect of di Gregori. Di Gregori, despite his wounded pride, himself found victory in argument and though Deacon Caminetti was not so fortunate all agreed that he had argued his part well and accepted defeat with dignity. All told, four fine debates and four examples of the best that Rome and therefore the world has to offer us.

Court Companionship

With summer now here, and many men of the cloth returning from the North, while others head East, Roma should, maybe, have been busier than ever. Maybe the languid heat had some effect, as although many find themselves in need of Companions with experience of the ways of Court, actual activity was less than in May.

Dante di Gregori, newly resplendent in his robes as a Barberini Deacon, visits the Salons for Gossip at the start of the Month. Niccolo della Zucca, the Ludovisi Deacon followed shortly after, with Roberto Caminetti leaving his visit until the end of the month. It must be assumed all received some wisdom, and gossip, from these visits.

The end of the month also saw both of the attempts to obtain new Companions.

Domenico Facente, the Papal Commissioner for Archaeology, sought out the Brilliant and Wealthy Laura, taking with him pastries, and a book of poems. He was rejected, but managed to avoid any indiscretion that might otherwise have upset his current Companion, the Wealthy Claudia Meanwhile Niccolo della Zucca, the Ludovisi Deacon spent heavily to attract the attention of the Brilliant Alessandra, with success.

Finally, we cannot let pass those few individuals who, through a lack of common sense, have failed to seek out the advice of a Companion, for the first time. To wit; Marcello Adalfieri Novelli and Vincenzo Raimundo Leone. Hopefully they will correct this oversight before they become more and more out of touch with court gossip. I am glad to report that those who failed in this last month have corrected their ways.