The Vatican Observer
May 1515

Parties

Miei amici, Three gatherings provided opportunities for those awaiting the sweltering summer heat to cool their humours with the evening breezes, while exciting them again in clever discourse.

At the outset of the month, Vincente di Scotti held a "French Evening" at The Aventine, in the company of Lucia, and his guests Arturo Negri and Ginevra, Lucio Malvezzo with Anna and Vito Erasmo Guilgliondo, solo despite knowing the witty Antonia. Regrettably, while the conversation was spirited, it would seem that Signor di Scotti's interpretation of a 'soirée' signifies no food and no potables beyond that which the "guests" may wheedle from the establishment with their own coin. If such is the entertainment of France, pity the poor members of the Mission to Lyons next month-- Deacon di Scotti included! Perhaps a fortuitous opportunity on the mission will let him celebrate in the style that he would no doubt prefer. On the bright side, no one was capable of being overcome by Bacchus.

The second week saw Baldessare Zamboni and Laura holding court at The Capitoline. Attending were Andrea del Carnevale with Valentina, Arturo Negri and Ginevra, the renowned Musician Domenico Facente and Claudia, and the previous weeks' host and hostess, Vincente di Scotti and Lucia.

Once more, though some few nibblings were made available, and something resembling either wine or sugar of lead was passed around in a crock, the principal entertainments were those of the spirit, fortunately freely offered by Maestro Domenico Facente. Those who have followed his rise in the precincts of the Palace and the halls of learning will know that Our Lord has decreed that Signor Facente's voice must falter in the common tongue when he speaks. This is but a reasonable balance, for when he lectures in Latin or sings his words, they flow so quickly, melodiously and intelligently, that it were plain unfairness to also allow him to orate in ordinary speech. By request, the maestro played first a presentation Pavana, followed by a pair each of Gagliarda (which the French call a Galliard) and Salterri, when the floor had been cleared for dancing. He also sang as requested, and seemed equally at ease performing nonsense songs and the most grief stricken ballads. Not only did he sing for his supper, but rumour has it that he truly paid for it as well, for only he and Signor del Carnevale brought gifts to this gathering.

In the last week of the month, appropriately, came a much-anticipated affair: Vito Erasmo Guilgliondo's party at The Viminal, with its illustrious sponsor. Private Guilgliondo was favoured to be allowed to host a gathering whose costs were borne by none other than His Holiness, apparently for great punctility regarding his assignments and orders as a member of the Swiss Guard, the which had been reported to the Pontiff.

Inexplicably, aside from Captain del Carnevale with Valentina and Padre di Scotti with Lucia, only a number of artists, poets, junior clergy and others of no particular consequence attended the gathering. Your correspondent can only suppose that this was due to the private's relatively modest interest with the socialites of Roma, but when this record is made public, how they will wish that they had thought again!

The porters that had begun arriving early in the morning of the day were followed by cooks who laboured incessantly until the evening, to provide a veritable Papal Banquet, with such a superfluity of delicacies that I cannot begin to describe them all: fruits of the sea, candied birds' tongues, subtleties, soups of saffron hue, pastries and cakes, enough for thrice the guests.

Many of the wines were older than those who drank them, but the prize must go to a full barrel of wine from the Chàteauneuf-Calcernier, or Calcenarium, in the region of Provence, in France. Appropriately, that region but last month celebrated the Feast of St. Marc, which they style the Fête des Vignerons. This Calcernier, sometimes called a vin d'Avignon, had the 1463 markings upon its barrel, said to be a fortuitous year of happy grapes. The wine, when red (and this one was so red as to be nearly black), is generally crushed of the grenache, syrah, mourvèdre, cinsault, counoise, vaccarèse, terret noir or muscadin grapes, and this was redolent of the usual, large proportion of grenache, with syrah and mourvèdre added to provide colour, body and leg. The barrel itself was a hoary, respectable one that had seen many uses, apparently, for the truly discerning palate detected traces of blackcurrant and other berries, mixed with hints of spice, vanilla, tobacco and leather. It may be noted that this region also produces white wines. Suggestion of a blended rosé would doubtless lead to death by stoning. Owing to the establishment of the original château by Pope John XXII, some have suggested commemorating the wine with the castle's name, and calling it Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The true oenophile must deplore such modern frivolities, pious though they may sound.

In an incontrovertible demonstration of the Immanence of Divine Grace, despite the profusion of the delights, not a single one of the guests became inebriated! The jollity and diversion lasted into the young hours nonetheless, with many a benison wished upon the supremely gracious sponsor of the event.

It is impossible that the fortunate private's star shall not rise, after such an evening.

E finito.

Satire II

His clergyman's black cap with green made gay
He's left his well-lined offices, and found
More worry, more expenses, and less pay!
He has a flock of folk to feed, and not a pount
To spend: the first fruits are already pledged:
The old debt must be paid: it's overdue
Though for two terms' non-payment he has hedged,
The third will post his name in public view.
To St Peter's Church in haste he now should go,
But can't: his majordomo and his cook
Aren't there to ride behind him in a row.
His mule is out, or sick; its haunches look
Quite fallen-in: and girth and saddle are broke.
Or, back from Ripa, it's tired, and has cast a shoe.
The poor chap can't go out unless all his folk
Are trotting just behind him: it won't do
Unless down to the kitchen-boy they're present.
Not in Matthew or in Mark does he seek the founts
Of knowledge: all the study he finds pleasant
Is how he's going to balance his accounts!

Ludovico Ariosto

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: Grand Ball
In the fourth week: Grand Ball

Positions Vacant

Papal Commissioner for Archaeology
Papal Mathematician
Curator of the Papal Library
Master of the Papal Chapel

Upcoming Debates

None

Movers and Shakers

It is apparent to anyone who has passed by the Palazzo Orsini that Il Pasquino has been extremely vocal this past month. The graffiti of those anonymous wits recount the differing opinions of the activities of the Farnese and Borgia Factions. The quality of verse varying from the most erudite to the most vulgar and obscene. Even the best composed does not bear repetition, for any resident may read for themselves the opinions of unknown persons.

Within the most prominent faction, the Barberini of Firenze, Deacon A. Negri ascended to the position of Padre upon the resignation of Padre Andue. Thereupon, the new Padre applied for the position of Secretary to the Delegation Leader but was refused the position because of his lack of experience.

Bishop de Gregori of the Farnese applied for the position of Adviser to the Delegation, but was refused this honour in favour of Bishop En Trois of the Chigi. The conventional wisdom is that a man originally from Flanders would be more knowledgeable of the conduct of the French Court. The post was vacated by the Bishop N. Dos of the Borgia. Many state publicly that much of the reconstitution of the Farnese Faction is due to the efforts of Bishop de Gregori, an attribute that may be beneficial to both the Faction and His Holiness' objectives.

In truth much of the reorganization of the Farnese is directly attributable to Bishop de Gregori. Padre di Vitelli was made Canon by purchase, E. Grimaldi and V. dei Gambetti were both admitted as deacons into the Farnese. All approved by the Bishop. Such is the value of a good and vigorous leader.

Further changes were made within the Borgia Faction beyond the departure of Bishop N. Dos. Canon En Four and Padre Essex also found it prudent to retire or resign to the contemplative life. Rumours of the internal machinations of the Faction abound, but as no one has come forth all that may be repeated is that around the markets of Roma and the great halls of the Vatican, the general opinion is that Deacon di Scotti is a very persuasive man.

Upon hearing that Canon En Four had resigned, Padre Gagliardi assumed the position of Canon of the Borgia, although he is currently in Madrid. By both seniority and prestige he is rightfully assuming those duties.

The former Deacon di Scotti has now assumed the position of Padre, recently absented by Padre Essex. Meanwhile, Seminarian Clementi rose to Sub-deacon by purchase. The fortunes of the Borgia may again be improving.

Finally, V.E. Giulgliando has risen to the rank of lieutenant of the Swiss Guards. The young man appears to be much favoured by His Holiness, which, as will all such things, brings about unwarranted jealousy. One only has to pass Pasquino to read the evidence.

Men of the Cloth / Men of Steel

The return of Cardinal Jimenez has, once again, brought a severity to the proceeding in Madrid. The Cardinal made it abundantly apparent that his sojourn to the Papal Court was not undertaken for his health. Much of the congenial atmosphere was dissipated by the Cardinal's arrival, and the hard business of forging a strategy for future dealing with the Court of Francis I was the one and only concern for discussion.

Cardinal En Szesc, having received appropriate communications from His Holiness regarding the urgency of such collaboration made all possible alterations to the overall tenor of the Delegation. This new manner was criticized by Patriarch N. Sextus, who never having been a strong supporter of the Cardinal, had already found great fault in the approach undertaken previously. For such insolence the Patriarch is to be recalled to Roma, and his cousin Patriarch Sextus Minor has been named his replacement.

Archbishop N.Seis, who seems to accommodate himself to circumstances as easily as water assumes the shape of a new vessel, counselled those beneath his authority to set themselves to the new situation with good grace. In truth, the Second Coalition performed very well during such an abrupt change of attitude.

The Aldobrandini, under Bishop Sesto, took the Archbishop's admonition to heart and did not engage in contentious points with Cardinal Jimenez and the Council of Regency. The Faction having developed an excellent relationship with many members listened to the advice offered, questioned at appropriate times, and was in all ways respectful. The Lords and gentlemen of Old Castile have long experience with the French, which may serve His Holiness well in the coming months. The particularly good relationship established between Padre Magliano and several men of the Council was noted by the receipt of several parting gifts.

The Chigi Faction fared well, if not as well as the Aldobrandini. Bishop En Tres, et al, were not as enthusiastic about the alteration of posture, having become accustomed to a more familiar attitude than Cardinal Jimenez found proper. However, Acting Padre N. Seeks performed so well that he is to be granted an estate by His Holiness. Major Gabbiadini was mentioned in reports for his continuing faithful conduct and told to look towards assuming greater responsibilities in future.

The Farnese Faction was present, in toto, lead by Bishop de Gregori. Whether the rigours of his new position, or the recruitment drive he had led had taken some toll upon the Bishop is a unknown. However he was not as personally active as he has been in the past. Consequently the Faction suffered very mixed results.

Canon E. di Vitelli presented his observations upon the distancing of the French Court from the Holy Church with great clarity. This was greeted by the Council with unstinting approval, as was apparent from the reports sent back to Rome. Cardinal Jimenez personally gave the Canon a fine silver crucifix made in the Castillian style.

Padre Quarto and Acting Padre Sedecim fared passably well. Deacon dei Gambetti was promoted Padre for his good work and Major d’Alba was favourably mentioned for his preservation of order. However, Deacons Quatre and Grimaldi and Subdeacon Entres were entirely unprepared for a session of strategic discussion. Apparently, Deacon Grimaldi, who is known to be a good and devout man, will be allowed to go to Assisi and join the Franciscans.

Sadly, the Missionary Faction came under the most vicious of attacks. Only Bishop N. Quarto and Padre Sex survived the torrent of criticism heaped upon the Faction, the remainder all being dismissed out of hand by Cardinal Jimenez. After abiding so long to hear of the opportunities that may await the greater Missionary Faction, broaching the subject of New Spain was not to be tolerated. Their insistence that the subject be addressed incensed Cardinal Jimenez to the point that the offenders were forcibly removed.

As always the Papal Scholars toiled continuously to research, record, revise, and provide the Delegation with every manner of material desired. Bishop Sexieme performed excellently, overseeing the work of the largest contingent of men to labour in this area. For its size only one man was found unsatisfactory: Padre En Cinque was attempted to speak though quite overcome with sherries, for which misconduct he was summarily dismissed.

The rewards and accolades of the Scholars are entirely justified. Deacon Salieri was very favourably mentioned and received a large reward. Deacon Finelli was mentioned twice and Deacon Penaccini once, albeit in the strongest possible terms. The newly-promoted Subdeacon Clementi was advanced further to Deacon and given a cash reward. Lay cleric Zanetti, who has recovered completely from his symptoms, was given a handsome reward, whilst Major di Mitelli, who set aside sword and halberd to take up the pen, was both mentioned and granted a fine selection of silver plate.

The Papal Translator Canon Gagliardi was recognized for his contribution to the success of the Mission with a very handsome reward of an exceptional Spanish stallion from his hosts and mentioned favourably in reports to the Vatican.

Padre U. Blatti of the Ludovisi, who has been Cardinal En Szesc's most discreet emissary to various men of importance on the Council of Regency was repeatedly commended in the Cardinal's reports to the Vatican.

We may only pray that the information gained from the Mission to the Court of Carlos V will bear good fruit this summer in the Court of Francis I.