The Vatican Observer
May 1516

Advancements, temporal and spiritual

Moves were afoot within the Farnese as Deacon Seis, currently acting as advisor to the Bishop, announced that he would be laying down his burdens, leaving Rome, and retiring to a large estate in Umbria. Despite such an upheaval the Deacon seemed in good spirits, not to mention in new finery and so we wish him well.

Edward l’Inglese, who found little welcome in Rome last month, approached the Barberini again seeking a Subdeacons position within their ranks. At first he was turned away yet again, but then Deacon Mazzetti took a personal interest in the Englishman and spoke to the Bishop suggesting that the Barberini should be seen to offer charity and succour. Something in the Deacons sermon obviously reminded the Bishop of his Christian responsibilities, as soon thereafter l’Inglese was tracked down by a messenger bearing an invitation to return to the Barberini and a suggestion of where Subdeacons robes could be acquired.

New arrival to Rome, Dante di Gregori, was not so fortunate. His own application to the Barberini was returned to him, with the message that his application was viewed with interest, but that the moment was not opportune. Perhaps persistence will be rewarded here, as it was for Subdeacon L'Inglese.

The Borgia also added a Subdeacon to their numbers as Giano Lombardi presented himself and, without the assistance of any, convinced them of his worthiness.

Around the markets

The forthcoming Mission to Constantinopoli produced a great deal of business for the strada de'Giubbonari.

The calzettari, calzolari, capelleri, e satori were busy fashioning hose, shoes, hats, and tailoring clothes for men and women of every strata, in addition to the usual demand for summer clothing. The demands varied from the simple dress of Subdiacono Lombardi, the lighter summer robes of Arcivescovo dei Gregori, to Canonico Gagliardi's oriental attire. The latter's dress being made from linen and green silk, which is supposedly the colour most favourable to Islam. The turban may seem large to us, but who should know better what is appropriate for an Oriental Court than a Venetian?

Vescovo di Vitelli, who has left for the Orient, spent lavishly upon those men from Genova and Venezia who had knowledge of the Turks. Apparently no overt offers of wine, spirits, or certain foods were considered polite. Neither were any paintings, or statues, nor any object that bore a human image suitable. The Sultan would be very appreciative of glassware, mirrors, and gold or silver tableware Fiorentio. Some unusual guests were a group of Monaci Coptidi formerly from Egypt who advised the Vescovo upon his dress and that of his companion, and what was considered proper etiquette in the Sultan's Court. One of the monks agreed to accompany the Vescovo because Greek was more commonly used when conversing with foreigners.

It is unusual how men behave when the prospect of journeying to so alien a place looms large. Some men prepare for the journey while others indulge in what they will not have for some months. Diacono Condottiero feasted for the month as often as possible with friends, indulging in wine, pork, and sausage. Conversely,Subdiacono Lombardi bought goose down bedding and a fine rug from Persia via Venezia. And, in addition to his new dress Canonico Gagliardi found a suitable book from the via de Librari on Turkish grammar. Each tends to his own nature; one to what he will miss, one to his comfort, and another to the good of his Faction.

Those not going to the Orient have demands and tastes as diverse. Diacono Cozzi finally was seen on the vicolo de Pastini and the strada de'Salumi buying pasta and meat. Maestro Facente, typically, was busy paying his servants, his stable fees, and attending to his affairs while his servant Signor Gallo was about Roma buying food and household items. Only a brief interlude disturbed the routine, visits to the via del Carta with Arcivescovo dei Gregori's man Giuseppi for paper, vellum and inks, and the acquisition of a barrel of wine given from Patron to Protege. The Arcivescovo also made substantial donations to Santa Brigida, San, Giuliano, an Santa Cecilia all at Maestro Facente's request.

Quite converse to such charity Diacono Caminetti appears to have thought only of himself, and his intimates. While diverse and discerning taste is a laudable when it begins to border on gluttony it is a sinful attribute, which leads to the sin of envy among others. This month the Diacono had a great appetite for French food and wine; boar and truffles, cheeses, wine, and brandy all found there way to his table. Nor was this enough. The acquavitari provided spirits from Greece and others beer from England. While one should not judge it is difficult when the graffiti around Il Pasquino speaks so loudly of such excess.

Court Companionship

With summer fast approaching, and Roma getting warm, many find themselves in need of Companions with experience of the ways of Court.

Albani Deacon Roberto Caminetti decided to get the month of with style, and acquired a huge Bouquet of flowers (rumoured to have cost around 60 Ducats) and headed over to visit Lusanna. Unfortunately here he meets Farnese Priest Lorenzo Valetti, and new arrivals Dante di Gregori, and Vincenzo Raimundo. None stand aside, so all have cause with each other for debates in June. It seems none have learnt the art standing aside for their betters. Let us hope that such encounters do not split Faction members, or allies.

Meanwhile new Borgia Subdeacon Giano Lombardi approaches the brilliant Anna, who was the centre of some attention last month, and is successful, spending some time at her abode in close discussion.

Good friends, Farnese Deacons Girolamo Alessandro Condottiero and Umberto Gandolfini attend Salons, but manage to avoid each other. Each, one can assume, learns something of the rumours of court.

Edward L'Inglese again approaches the Brilliant Anna, having won the debate over her earlier that month, and takes her from Borgia Subdeacon Giano Lombardi giving cause. Maybe she missed talking in English and Latin.

At around the same time, Vincenzo Raimundo Leone approaches Lusanna again, and is happy to find himself alone at her door. He is even happier to be invited in for further discussions.

Later in the month, Albani Deacon Roberto Caminetti considers approaching the Brilliant Anna, but hearing she has already invited Borgia Subdeacon Giano Lombardi into her house (and unaware that she is out with Edward L'Inglese), decides instead to attend a Salon to learn more of the gossip of Roma.

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; Dante di Gregori and Farnese Priest Lorenzo. 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.

Ineamus Ad Discendum Exeamus Ad Merendum

Often, it seems, without reason or rhyme a Scuola attracts a great number of young men.

Most often the Scuola Cicero enjoys this distinction, because of the importance of Oratory in the life of those who have taken vows in the Holy Church. It is a skill most basic to the individual who has not retreated to a monastic life; no sermon, homily, and certainly no political or theological argument may be successful without a firm grasp of Oration.

However, this month the Scuola Martial enjoyed, to the best knowledge of the Observer, the largest attendance it has had in years. Indeed, eloquence is a rare virtue. None may dispute or deny its value in all manner of human affairs. Yet to have five notable personages, several visiting scholars, and others of lesser note is more than uncommon. The Docens of the Scuola had to ask His Holiness for assistance in the education of so many men. Fortunately, Signor Gian G. Trassino, the noted poet and linguist, made his services available at the Pontiff's request. Signor Trassino is dedicated to the promotion of lingua Romana as the truest form of Italian; lingua Toscana offends his ears, and we may only imagine the mutual pain inflicted upon both student and teacher when confronted by dialects more "impure".

Most fortunately Signor L'Inglese did not have to endure such derision because he is grappling with grammar, presently. His Latin is quite good, as those who celebrate Mass at Santa Cecilia will attest. One can only wish him well, for he is far from home, Subdiacono G. Lombardi, recently arrived from Brescia, was less fortunate in his week of study. Although progressing through sheer force of will the Subdiacono was subjected to Signor Trassino's derision. Students have stated that the young man was derided for his name, Giano instead of Gianni, and his home Bresa instead of Brescia. Signor Trassino may be a fine poet, but not a good teacher; to expect eloquence while teaching eloquence is folly. Many await the return of Vescoco Blatti, a much more patient, and effective teacher.

Still, Seminariono Amendola spent his week under the guidance of the substitute Docens, and did quite well. Diacono Mazzetti occupies a position high enough to allow him a certain degree of respect from Signor Trassino, and was thus spared any demeaning reference to his dialect. While D. di Gregori was instructed by the Docens, and improved his skill without enduring the derision heaped upon others.

Earlier in the month Signor Poliponi was at the Sculoa Juvenal sharpening his wit. For what is eloquence or presence if there is no wit, or spark, when engaged in debate? A pantomime? As those who are known for their skills in debating will attest all three elements are needed in proportion, as well as grace and good manners.

The only person of note to frequent the Scuola Cicero was Diacono Gandolfini, of the Farnese. Most probably to hone his skills for his Mission to the East. Equally, the Scuola di Pliny saw only Canonico Gagliardi grace its halls, where he is said to have spent his time practicing the painting of miniatures, to what end is as yet unknown.

The Papal Hunt

Mei amici, the last week of May was graced by an event which Roma has not seen for some time, a Papal Hunt! While many of the noteworthy, both old and new, had full calendars this past month, two of each of the Barberini Faction and the Farnese had enough confidence to attempt to impress His Holiness at this different sort of festivity. What fortune they had will be seen.

Barberini Seminarian Bernabo Amendola and Costanza, Barberini Deacon Sefano Perio Mazzetti, Farnese Canon Vincenzo dei Gambetti and Farnese Deacon Marcantonio Colonna all attended the Hunt and, furthermore, participated in it. Canon Gambetti and Deacon Mazzetti each began with a stumble before the outset, as it was decided by the members of the heights of society present that their courtly manner could definitely use improvement. Seminarian Amendola's manners passed the jaundiced eye of the worldy wise, albeit he was not deemed to shine. Nonetheless, despite this somewhat frosty reception, all four men threw themselves into the hunt proper with a will, and no doubt quite a few prayers.

Deacon Mazetti's efforts earned him some polite comments, Deacon Colonna was thought to have aquitted himself acceptably for one of such low station, but the actions of Canon dei Gambetti earned him recognition by one of the Medici present. Going him one better, Seminarian Amendola came to the attention of no less than one of the siblings of His Holiness! Certainly, the favour of personages so exalted cannot but aid these lucky men at some crucial point in the future.

The assemblage flew various types of falcons and hawks at small game and pheasant, and the pinnacle of the Hunt was a brave sortie in search of both deer and the boar, that most ferocious of opponents. No doubt the memoires of the participants will recall their successes.

It is anticipated that the next such event should attract far more of Roma's status seekers and bon vivants.

Papal Calendar

The Pope will host the following events at the Medici Palace, Florence
In the first week: Royal Envoy, 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, with Grand Ball to follow
In the second week: None
In the third week: Conclave
In the fourth week: Grand Ball

Upcoming Debates

Each of DDG, LV, RC and VRL with the other over Lusanna
GL and ELI over Anna
UT and SPM over Chiara

Positions Vacant

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

Men of the Cloth / Men of Steel

May brought a spell of warm weather to Milan in the lead up to the Feast of Ascension. It soon became apparent to all however that as the temperature rose in the city, so did the passions of the French King and his forces

After last month’s trials and tribulations the Ludovisi faction quietly regrouped, reorganised and reflected. They carried out their allotted tasks quietly and unobtrusively and drew little attention to themselves. For such humility Bishop Blatti was praised at the Feast of Ascension but continued to hold to his humble ways by stating that at least some of the praise must fall upon the newly ordained Deacon della Zucca who he had found to be of great assistance. For Deacon Cozzi there was little praise, but as he ended the month by taking up one of the empty Priest positions he must have found some favour.

The Papal Scholars sadly did not pass unnoticed, and suffered gravely for it. They saw a Canon and a pair of Padres hurrying back to Rome in disgrace after negotiations with King Francis, Duke of Milan, did not go well. The meeting took place behind closed doors and thus why it turned sour is as yet unknown, certainly Padre Ficolo has said nothing of what transpired however since the following week saw him mentioned in place of the opportunity to take up the robes of a Canon in the Scholars (it was said his current rank was too recent to permit of another promotion so soon) he has perhaps a different view of the outcomes than many. Of course whether the Gonzaga will honour his new position upon his return still remains to be seen.

Serving under the command of the Scholars, the third chapter of the Borgia faired a little better. After a month assisting Archbishop Arcimboldi to deal with the records and ledgers of his archdiocese, Padre Salieri received a considerable gift from the Archbishop. Such was the generosity of the Archbishop of Milan that he even awarded Deacon Clementi a small sum for his service.

For much of the month the Missionary Faction saw to the spiritual needs of the French army, but once again the warm weather seemed to bring trouble in its wake. A most regrettable misunderstanding over the collection of tithes saw the Bishop of the faction forced to apologise to the French King, and then saw him banished from the city along with a canon, two deacons and a subdeacon. Deacon Tarantella spoke eloquently, and at great length, in defence of his Bishop and whilst his loyalty is to be praised his reputation will no doubt have suffered due to his association with the incident. Despite such a blow the Deacon, being one of the few suitable missionaries remaining in the city by the time the Feast, was invited to take up the robes of a Priest and gladly accepted. Padre Tarantella should not commission himself new robes just yet until such time as his position has been confirmed by the Gonzaga. It is said that Deacon Federico Capellini of the Sforza has also seen promotion to the rank of priest, although again only within the missionary faction, but word of this is as yet unverified for the young cleric was last seen assisting those banished from the city. That he left with them is known, but as yet he has not returned and fears grow for his safety.

Finally we come to the Aldobrandini first chapter would were tirelessly working beside the Missionaries, but thankfully at some distance form the Bishop. Of the Aldobrandini little can be reported, which in probably for the best given the misfortune that has befallen many this month. For keeping his chapter intact and in Milan, Canon Magliano received a position of honour at the Feast which will no doubt bring him to the attention of His Holiness. For now however the Canon will have to be content with the gift of a golden chalice and a small monetary gift bestowed upon him by the city council.

A most troubling month for the mission then, with a large number of clergy being driven from the city if not from the service of the Holy Father. It seems the King of France is not a man to be taken lightly.

Further proof of the King’s influence came at the Feast due to the presence of a surprise guest, none other than the noted artist Leonardo da Vinci. For the past three years da Vinci has resided in the Vatican as a personal guest of the Pope’s brother Giuliano de’Medici, but King Francis took great pleasure in announcing to the assembled feasters that he has offered to appoint da Vinci as “First Painter, architect and engineer to the King”. Leonardo, who has not received a commission for some time whilst such rivals as Michelangelo and Raphael have been hard at work, is apparently considering this most generous offer even though he would require him to leave his homeland.

In all a bleak month for Rome.

Far from Milan, Bishop di Vitelli found himself in Istanbul with a small escort and a number of sealed missives from His Holiness. What duties the Papal Legate for the Orient was engaged in, and to whom His Holiness writes, is unknown at this time.

Debates

Beati Noi! Beati Noi! Gentlemen of Rome, Holy Fathers, brethren of the Cloth, guardsmen, scholars, artists, musicians, whatever your field of endeavour let you rejoice for debates have returned to grace Rome's streets and halls of refreshments.

Well, so far just one debate, but I hear there are more to come, more indeed. Let us rejoice, for what is more satisfying than to hear the witty retorts and learned arguments of men of the cloth who have wronged each other? Truly, life offers few more edifying displays.

This month just past saw the first such debate, between Swiss Guard Private Carlo Malatesta and that peculiar Englishman Edward L'Inglese, now a subdeacon with the Barberini. Edward, how does one even pronounce such a name? With difficulty, as you shall see.

The chosen location was once again the frullateria at the Lago di Argentina, a pleasant piazza at the heart of Rome. Many were the crowds gathered, some to hear the discourse between the two, others to regard the curious foreigner who is said to speak Italian with such an accent that even a Sicilian would blush!

And so, the chosen topic was the parable of the lost sheep, and how one may reconcile there being greater rejoicing in Heaven over those who return to the faith than those who remain constant if all are equal in the eyes of the Lord. L'inglese commenced, proposing that surely the point of the parable was that it is a thing of joy when those lost are found, when a sinner repents. That such joy in now way diminishes the joy of Heaven in those sheep who never stray.

At least, that is what it is thought he said, it was I admit unclear and required some repetition and interpretation by the assembled onlookers. At the very least, he spoke of sheep, this much is certain.

Povero Malatesta, he looked shaken by the opening remarks, clearly having understood more of L'inglese than I was able to and just as clearly thinking the crowd persuaded by his remarks (and indeed, perhaps I am harsh on L'Inglese, his point was not a poor one, merely poorly expressed, and with time that will no doubt correct itself).

Private Malatesta sought to make his own point, but it was clear that his confidence was dented, he stumbled over L'Inglese's given name, appeared to be making much the same point as had just been essayed, and in truth seemed most uncomfortable. All present agreed that L'Inglese, though he had struggled to make himself understood, had in truth presented a point with no easy answer to it and it was clear that Private Malatesta had none. As such, L'Inglese was held the winner of the contest, and hailed by all as a sound fellow for a foreigner.

And so it is, a debate, if a brief one. Subdeacon L'Inglese a man not to be trifled with, even if one would think him barely able to construct a sentence (indeed, he was heard to query why the debates were not in Latin, rather than the language of the divine Dante). Let us praise this Englishman, and commiserate with the young private, let us hope one causes further offence and the other is able to practice his skills in future in more lengthy debates. Until then, I say again, rejoice. For debates have returned to Rome.

The Social and the Sublime

As the Heat of Summer Looms...

Miei amici, soon Summer's furnace heat will descend upon Roma, and those not off on business outside the city will retire to the cool of the countryside, if they can.

At the outset of the month, people attended Church, the salons and clubs, and the Papal Court. Leaving the most eminent gathering to the last, we find Andrea Poliponi and Luisa, and Deacon Stefano Piero Mazzetti and Chiara, attending Mass. Padre Vincente di Scotti and Lucia celebrated the anniversary of his appointment as a priest, at the Quirinal, and no doubt looked to the future.

A gala event was held at the Court of His Holiness, as the Portuguese Ambassador was received, followed by a grand ball being held in his honour. For those impoverished of information and matters politic, the Portuguese envoy is Prince Joao, and his suite included Dom Garcia de Resende, the Marquess d'Evora, and Dom Tristao da Cunha. Borgia Canon and Papal Translator Bartolomeo Gagliardi and Francesca were the most notable personages attending, other than those of the Court Proper. Canon Gagliardi was observed to conduct himself with protocol and etiquette sufficient for the Court.

Music was presented for entertainment and for dancing, and such music it was, conducted, of course, by the inimitable Maestro Domenico Facente. In addition to several canzoni, he conducted and played in various delectables such as the stately pavans, and the sprightly galliards and energetic saltarellos. The specific pieces presented were 'Io Piango', 'Alla riva del Tebro", "O Rosa Bella", and "Cantiga Portugueasa" for the canzoni, and the dances included 'Pavana, Gagliarda, e Saltarello': 'Gagliarda con variazioni', by Facente himself, and the Pavana de Venezia by Capirola, and Piva Rusticana by Finucane, an interesting country dance. The assemblage was enchanted and excited by the music, and one of the Portuguese courtiers in attendance could be heard whispering to anyone that would listen that he had been an important advisor to the excellent conductor.

On the occasions when the orchestra provided intermission music, the Maestro was seen to whirl his companion of the Court, Claudia, about the floor. This may be said: his feet certainly do not falter or trip, though his tongue sometimes may.

In the second week, the Quirinal was witness to a party hosted by Dante Di Gregori. However, with a laudable burst of generosity to a newcomer, Farnese Deacon Girolamo Alessandro Condottiero met the costs! In attendance were Seminarian Bernabo Amendola and Costanza, Deacon Condottiero, of course, Farnese Deacon Lorenzo Valetti, Albani Deacon Roberto Caminetti, Farnese Deacon Umberto Gandolfini, Farnese Canon Vincenzo dei Gambetti and Antonia, and Borgia Priest Vincente di Scotti and Lucia. What merriment, what conversations, as the wine flowed! Now, as will be heard elsewhere, the charming Lusanna has given no less than four of the attendees cause for debate, but the men seemed to be treating the situation amicably, as they kept attending each others socials during the month! We will see if the amity persists in the debates to come...

There was yet another Grand Ball, for His Holiness does indeed love to see others enjoying themselves at performances of the arts. In addition, the ball again honoured the Portuguese Delegation, some of whom were unable to remain to the end of the month. Attending once more were Borgia Canon Bartolomeo Gagliardi and Francesca. Again, the Canon neither distinguished nor disgraced himself by his courtly manner, but most importantly: he was seen.

In the next to last week, Borgia Priest Vincente di Scotti and Lucia looked to their eternal reward, at Mass. Celebrating a more temporal and immediate reward, Vincenzo Raimondo Leone triumphantly conducted Lusanna to the Aventine. Lusanna takes the prize for the most sought-after companion of the court of the season: no less than four gentlemen competed for her advice, and no doubt the debating circles will hear much more about this!

Albani Deacon Roberto Caminetti was the host at yet another gathering at the popular Quirinal, and you could almost have read the doorman's list from the last week: seen attending were Andrea Poliponi and Luisa, Carlo Malatesta, Dante di Gregori, Farnese Deacons Girolamo Alessandro Condottiero, Lorenzo Valetti, Umberto Gandolfini and Marcantonio Colonna, and Farnese Canon Vincenzo dei Gambetti and Antonia. Again, despite the potential rancour of the early weeks of the month, the evening passed in animated conversation and with good will.

In the final week of the month, Farnese Deacon Girolamo Alessandro Condottiero gave thanks for his fortunes at Mass. Strangely, it seems that Vincenzo Raimondo Leone once again made his way to the Aventine-- but alone! Will we hear more of this, too? Scandal, competition, a parting, penury-- or simply filled schedules? Who knows, but we will certainly be listening to find out.

Proving himself no retiring mushroom insofar as his personal social life is concerned, Maestro Domenico Facente, a positive fixture at Court and Grand balls nowadays, spared no effort to make his guests welcome at a birthday gathering at his Palazzo, with Claudia playing hostess. Attending were Andrea Poliponi and Luisa, the much talked about newcomer Edward L'Inglese, Borgia Canon and Papal Translator Bartolomeo Gagliardi and Francesca, Borgia Priest Vincente di Scotti and Lucia, and, as anticipated, Councillor to His Holiness, Archbishop Rinaldo Leonardo Amadeo de Gregori, with Maria. The Archbishop is, of course, the noteworthy Patron of Maestro Facente.

As is usual, Signor Facente's table was carefully designed and laden with homely and appealing foods, as well as a variety of potables for his guests. Though he adjured all comers not to bring gifts, but to make offerings to the poor instead, his Patron declaimed that he could not be backward in his responsibilities, and provided the Maestro with "a birthday present of the finest quality paper--the masonry of creativity--, the best ink-- it's mortar--, and a hogshead of fine wine: in moderacy, it's architect's assistant, in excess, the destroyer of foundations". The Archbishop acknowledged that the Maestro derived no inspiration from the goblet, but knew him to be discerning in matters culinary. It was no great surprise to your correspondent, as he had heard that Signor Massocci's had filled a large order of the materials usually desired by the great composer.

Since Il Facente himself was the host, he could not very well act as his own musician, but of course his guests begged him for just a brief recital as the evening continued, and they were not disappointed.

E finito.