The Vatican Observer
March 1515

Parties

Miei amici, at last, your correspondent has the great pleasure of reporting Deacon Baldessare Zamboni and his companion Laura's gathering at the Capitoline. For many months, now, it had seemed that there was no gathering place but the Viminal.

Attending, at the outset of the month, were Andrea del Carnevale and Valentina, Alberto di Miteli with Sandra, Bartolomeo Gagliardi, Rinaldo de' Gregori with Francesca, Vincente di Scotti with Lucia, and Vito Erasmo Guilgliondo, still conspicuously, one might almost say notoriously, solo. Apparently S. Gagliardi's usual companion, Elena, elected not to attend the gathering, remaining at home.

The guests ordered variously from the viands and wines of the establishment, and enjoyed also the marvellous sculptures and frescoes with which the Capitoline is adorned. S. di Scotti was so enamoured of one of the vintages offered that he sampled it repeatedly, and ended by insisting that everyone try it, at his expense. No one was ungracious enough to refuse.

Rumour has it that all of the guests were so pleased to be able to bask in the social grandeur of Deacon Zamboni, and indirectly, the illustrious faction to which he belongs, that they brought little host-gifts in thanks. In fact, rumour also has it that some gifts were not that little. The evening passed and ended in casual amity; there will be no lively public discussions as a result of this particular event.

Following with his own display of hospitality, Andrea del Carnevale once again opened the Viminal to guests, in the company of his companion of the court, Valentina. This time it was made clear that the host wished to demonstrate his largesse. Not a few notables reprised their attendance, along with some who had not found their way to S. Zamboni's. Present once more were Alberto di Miteli and Sandra, Bartolomeo Gagliardi-- this time with Elena, Baldessare Zamboni and Vito Erasmo Guilgliondo, soli, and Vincente di Scotti with Lucia. Also alone at this gathering, were seen Damiano Octavio Nero d'Alba and Valentino Clementi.

While conversation was gracious and varied, the main items of attention were the most interesting dishes which the thoughtful host had ordered. These included the not-often seen Solanum lycopersicum, a round, red fruit of some plant with a juicy, acidic taste, and flesh which encompasses a multiplicity of seeds. It can be baked, fried or even turned into sauces. I predict a promising future for this interesting plant, if one can ignore its extraordinary hue and the tendency for the raw fruit's juice to sting like the blazes if it finds it way to one's eyes.

With several of the egg and vegetable dishes, and one marvellous chicken dish (the only meat dish, in respect of Lent), a russet, powdery spice was also featured. It is doubtless one of extraordinary value. It's noble name is Capsicum annum; the name of the imported chicken recipe, in some obscure language, was apparently paprika hendl. Another oddity was served on dishes, with savoury herbs surrounding them. It seems to be a watery, oblong, rounded tuber of some sort, and the servers declined to say from whence it was harvested. Though its consistency was interesting, it was rather bland, and your correspondent has grave doubts as to whether anything will come of this patata.

Once more, though wine flowed liberally, all concentrated on the provender and spent their discourse in merriment, rather than challenging each other with conundra. It was generally agreed that the host had covered himself with no little glory, for whether one fancied all of his novelties or not, they were certainly of great interest and received many polite comments.

For the present, then, miei amici, finito.

Debates

Gentle readers, this month past saw but one debate worthy of note, and that a sluggardly and uninspired affair. As so often is the case, cause lay in factional rivalry, with Deacon Marco Vicenzo Penaccini of the Sforza and Guard Captain Damiano Octavio Nero d'Alba of the Farnese meeting to discuss their respective differences following their encounter at Captain Carnevale's recent party.

The two gentlemen met at an early hour at that home on the Largo Argentina of so many debates, Pascucci's frullateria. For the benefit of those more newly arrived in Roma, Pascucci's specialises in the preparation of fruit based drinks which invigorate the body while not clouding the mind and therefore is full at all hours with men interested in learned discourse and scholarship as well as with students of theology and artes liberales. Pascucci's is to be found in the vicinity of the Largo Argentina, a piazza containing picturesque ruins of Classical origin which do much to prompt a man to reflect upon the vanities of this world.

Deacon Penaccini had the honour of commencing debate, but seemed bereft of both notes and inspiration as he sat among the assembled throng. Finally, after an uncomfortable hiatus during which many wondered if he would be forced to concede before even commencing, his gaze fell upon the aforementioned ruins and there seemed to spark within him notion of an argument. The good Deacon then slowly and hesitantly proceeded to open proceedings by positing that, since it could truly be said that vanity was folly, to concern oneself with matters such as the press of one's uniform or the gleam of one's boots was to commit oneself toward base error and away from divine truth.

Many present smiled at this barbed observation, for it was evident to all that Captain d'Alba was a most well presented man who had gone to no small trouble to ensure himself well turned out for the occasion. The Captain in response paused but a moment, and then proposed by way of counter that rather it should rather be said that the man who did not care for his appearance and appurtenances was guilty both of the sin of sloth and the sin of pride, the former by reason of his avoidance of the necessary work to remain presentable and the latter by reason of the lack of respect so shown to those who then had to gaze upon him.

Those gathered considered both arguments to have equal force, and the view was taken that both men spoke truly and that the answer lay in moderation rather than either extreme. On hearing this deliberation, Captain d'Alba commented that he would moderate his views and admit that a man might be free of sin and yet have unpolished boots if the Deacon would moderate his in turn and admit that a man could be right though his uniform were pressed. Deacon Penaccini nodded agreement to this proposition, stating simply and in a conciliatory tone well fitted to his clerical status that the Captain spoke truly and that his logic could not be faulted. Before the Deacon could continue or develop his thoughts further, the wily Captain laughed and swiftly thanked him for his gracious concession and announced to all that since the Deacon had admitted that the Captain was correct the debate was concluded with the Deacon the loser.

Deacon Penaccini attempted to clarify his statement, protesting that his meaning was being wilfully obscured, but to no avail and to the great amusement of all the Captain was held victorious.

Around the Markets

Following the return of his agent's trip to Southern Germany, Deacon Negri has become the proud owner of several lavishly illustrated late 14th Century manuscripts which are sure to take pride of place in his library. Meanwhile Canon de Gregori has been making arrangements for a complete redecoration of the estate in Fiesole he received from His Holiness last month. Doubtless once the works are complete Canon de Gregori's estate will also boast a fine and fashionable library.

Entering into the Lenten spirit along with party host del Carnevale, Maestro Facente has abstained from meat and wine. Always a man of moderation, his abstinence has not extended to the small cups of Indian tea to which he has become accustomed.

Meanwhile, in a most uncharacteristic show of modesty, Padre Gagliardi reduced, rather than added to, his cellar. Unconfirmed reports indicate that this may have more to do with the worried air which overcame the good father when he recently reviewed his accounts, rather than his observation of Lent.

Across town, Enzo di Vitelli has been celebrating his return to Rome from Spain with a series of dinners so fine his dining table has been oft thought at risk of collapsing. So far, the legs of the table have held, which is more than can be said for the increasingly portly priest.

More moderate in his purchases, if not his enthusiasm for the wares, has been the Borgia Seminarian, Clementi. He continues to rise before dawn so that he may ensure he has the pick of the day's fresh produce. Whether Padre di Vitelli would condone the young seminarian's purchasing of a live bird from the market, just so he could release it in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi, is another matter entirely.

Finally, there have been discussions between members of the Arte della Seta concerning the recent arrival of Vincente di Scotti. It would seem that the good Deacon's penchant for fine handkerchiefs as gifts has caused a considerable shortage of these items. Whilst an increase in trade would normally be welcomed, there are fears that one who makes as capricious a choice as that of fine handkerchiefs will be wont to divert his favour to another item after but little time. Thus the guild members know not whether to increase production or merely raise the price of their remaining stock. Such are the woes of the merchant.

Court and Social

The Pope will host the following events at the Medici Palace, Florence
In the first week: Spanish Envoy
In the fourth week: Conclave

Movers and Shakers

While this month has not seen applications and appointments as numerous as February there were some of note, and undoubtedly of great importance to those seeking those posts and affiliations.

The most prestigious of the positions was the appointment of Padre B. Gagliardi as Papal Translator. Padre Gagliardi received this post due to his own merit, according to most reliable sources. The known support of the majority of the members of the Collegio Romano, several officers of the Swiss Guard and the support of his Faction may have indirectly influenced his acceptance. Yet, one must recognise that Padre Gagliardi is eminently qualified and will perform his duties with the same dedication he has demonstrated to the Collegio in the past.

It is with regret that the application of Canon de Gregori as Etiquette Instructor at the Horace School has once again been rejected. Many in the Vatican wonder why a man of Canon de Gregori's obvious talents has met with such resistance on several attempts to obtain a position. He is obviously appreciated by the His Holiness, who has rewarded him with a palazzo among other honours. Many in Roma have begun to speak of various conspiracies, although none have shown proof of individual intrigue. There have even been suggestions of Factional rivalries and discord within the Farnese Faction, but these appear to be unfounded.

The alliance of Captain A. del Carnevale with the Barberini has been made official by that most powerful Faction. The addition of another officer of the Swiss Guard can only augment the already prominent and influential position of the Faction and increase His Holiness' reliance upon the support of the Barberini in pursuing the policies of the Church.

The acceptance of Signor V. di Scotti as a Deacon in the Borgia Faction is, without doubt, a boon to the Faction's efforts to add to its currently burgeoning reputation.

Men of the Cloth / Men of Steel

The absence of Cardinal Jimenez has allowed the Delegation to consolidate around the new leader Cardinal En Szesc, recently arrived from Poland. It may be fairly said that the Cardinal is a man of great determination and, unlike his predecessor, does not refrain from exercising his authority.

The change in leadership been met with the full support of Patriarch N. Sextus, whose natural inclinations are in agreement with the Cardinal's methods of leadership. Archbishop N. Seis was not as enthusiastic, as he has been accustomed to exercising his own authority over the Second Coalition, but he soon accustomed himself to his new role as a faithful subordinate.

The Council of Regency, citing their Lenten obligations, demurred at the proposition of engaging in any substantive debate and discussion. Such an excuse from an entire Council was an obvious indication of the reluctance of any member to potentially offend, or upset the intentions of Cardinal Jimenez.

Cardinal En Szesc received the news with great understanding and proceeded to devise an alternative approach to the reluctant Councillors. The Delegation would seize every opportunity to cultivate personal relationships with the Spanish. Every invitation to attend Mass would be accepted, as would every invitation to dine, pray, reflect, and converse with individual members of the Council. Thus the Aldobrandini were to mingle with the representatives of Old Castille and the Chigi those from New Castille.

The Missionary Faction asked to be allowed to travel to Grenada, but were told such a journey was impractical. Several of the younger members, not fully understanding their place, asked to make a pilgrimage to Salamanca. The Cardinal stated that as the two Deacons, Eine and Drei, and sub-deacon En Zwei were so eager to perform their missionary duties he would be delighted to dispatch them to Lisbon where they could take ship for the West African coast. There would be no shortage of souls in needing salvation, and the Church would be most grateful for their services preaching the Gospel to the heathen of that region. Hence the three were sent off without delay and there were no further requests to leave Burgos.

The plan of developing individual relationships appears to have worked very well in the majority of situations. Bishop Sesto of the Aldobrandini formed a most advantageous friendship with the Bishop of Valladolid and will be rewarded with his own estate upon completion of the Mission. Likewise, Canon En Cinque and Padre N. Seeks formed good relationships with other members of the council. Notably, Padre V.G. Magliano became so well regarded by a Hidalgo that he was given a fine silver goblet of some value.

With one notable exception, the Chigi Faction also fared rather well. Padre N. Quarto was discovered by Major Gabbiadini to be entertaining a member of the Council in a manner not to be mentioned. The Major was commended to the Pope for his swift and judicious action in preventing any further scandal.

Padre U. Blatti, of the Ludovisi, made one of the most important connections of the month as his intelligence and conversation were found most pleasing to a representative from Madrid. He was mentioned in reports by Cardinal En Szesc, and was given a gold ring as a sign of friendship.

The Papal Scholars, having lost Bishop Sixieme, were not well served by his replacement. Both the Bishop and Deacon En Fore were summarily dismissed for their lack of initiative. The same, happily, cannot be said of those volunteering their services to that faction. So it was that Deacon C. Salieri was given a handsome reward for his continuing good work; Deacon J. Finelli was mentioned in reports; and, in an effort to regain his reputation the lay cleric, Signor S. Zanetti produced a history of Cardinal Jimenez that found great favour with Cardinal En Szesc, who personally rewarded the young man with a generous gift and his appreciation.

It is hoped that this effort to forge bonds between members of the Delegation and the Council will mitigate the overarching control of Cardinal Jimenez in the coming months.

Cardinal Jimenez in Rome!

It has been generally known that the Court of Castille intended to send an envoy to the Vatican, but the general public was unaware that Cardinal Jimenez himself would be arriving to discuss matters of importance with His Holiness.

Fortunately, Cardinal N. Tertius did manage to convey this most important information in his reports before both he and Cardinal Jimenez arrived in Roma. Great credit must be given to the foresight and patience of the venerable Cardinal.

Thus being forewarned of the arrival of a man described as both arrogant and severe, the Pope cancelled all Court activities. Bishop de Grassi may have been somewhat disappointed that the Grand Court was deferred to another occasion, but the importance of the Spaniard’s visit far outweighed the scheduled event.

Upon the advice of his brother and his most trusted advisers, Cardinal Sadaleto and Secretary Bembo it was decided to present the most humble and austere aspect of the Papal Court. After all, the possibility of Cardinal Jimenez criticizing the splendour of the Vatican would have been intolerable. Besides, it is no great secret that Cardinal Jimenez has aspirations beyond that of Cardinal.

Upon the Cardinal's arrival there was a brief period of overt tension when the Cardinal's Spanish Guard was forced to lay down their arms and retire to quarters prepared for the company. The Captain of the Papal Guard, Enrico Quintani, formerly known as Heinrich Funfnagle of Uri Canton, refused to allow any armed individuals into the presence of the Holy Father. As is only right and proper.

Regrettably, no reports of the discussions between Pope Leo X and His advisers and Cardinal Jimenez are available at present. We hope to have further information once discussions have resumed between the parties at the Medici Palace in Florence next month.

Court Companionship

It was a very quiet, and disappointing, month in Roma. In spite of the fact that there are still several aspiring Romans in need of companionship and access to Court rumours, it seems that they choose not to follow my advice. Instead they continue to be quiet and unassuming, perhaps seeking out companionship at some lesser, and less reputable, places.

The only man who showed any real sign of ambition was Signor Vincenzo dei Gambetti, newly returned to Roma after half a year serving on missions. Signor dei Gambetti obviously spent some time checking over my recent columns, because he did not settle for what he could get, but instead aimed as high as he could. Spending a considerable sum on a number of carefully chosen obscure manuscripts, he approached the much-better placed Antonia. After a close examination of his choices, she gave him a smile and immediately filled him in on the latest from the Court. The two were last seen in close proximity, discussing various specific aspects of the news.

I do hope that the last few holdouts will consider their futures. Having the proper companion is and always shall be essential to making ones way through the intricate maze of Court politics.

Positions Vacant

Councillor to the Pope

Upcoming Debates

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