The Vatican Observer
November 1514

A Whirlwind of Social Gatherings

Miei amici, if I thought that last month featured a plethora, then this month just ending was a veritable cornucopia of community! Two weeks had two gatherings each, as did two clubs, the Quirinal and the Aventine.

In week the second, Deacon Baldessare Zamboni and Maria hosted at The Quirinal. In attendance were: Arturo Negri, noted as a friend, and yet member of a rival faction to Zamboni's, who came with Ginevra, Bartolomeo Gagliardi with Elena, Enzo di Vitelli and Fiammetta, Guido d'Aosta, Guido Vitale-- yet another Factional rival of the host-- Iacopo di Rossi with Chiara, Ugo Blatti, and Vittorio Gregorio Magliano and Costanza.

There was a minor incident at the door when one Vito Erasmo Guilgliondo sought admission, only to be turned away by the door warden because he was virtually unknown to the club and was not on any list to be admitted.

Once more the menu was notable only for its pedestrian, if well-prepared, fare and it was the wine and discussion which provided the main diversions for the evening. Deacon Negri demonstrated a great adherence to St. Paul's admonition about the stomach, and, once he had sampled a few extra vintages from the cellar, stood beakers of the same to all attending, to polite remarks.

Arising out of factional rivalries, many of the attendees will have cause to demonstrate their fervour to their factions in spirited debate, next month. These include Deacons Arturo Negri and host Baldessare Zamboni, Deacon Negri and Captain Guido Vitale, and Deacons Iacopo di Rossi and Vittorio Gregorio Magliano.

In the same week, Stefano Zanetti and Margherita held court at The Celian. Paying their respects were Damiano Octavio Nero d'Alba and Orlando Orsini. Although the gathering was intimate in scope, no-one was disappointed, for the repast was overseen and, some say, prepared, by none other than Zanetti's own man, one Bertuccio. He also attended upon his master at the table, and his enthusiasm for explaining to the host the skill involved in the cooking and certain of the techniques employed made him amusing and popular, rather than a mushroom. Certainly the provender was exceptional: Crayfish and Crab salad, Sea bass glazed in honey and mustard, served on a bed of lettuce and prawns, with a lemon, coriander and white wine sauce. Freshly cooked roast leg of ham glazed in a horseradish baste, and a varied selection of vegetables to go with it all. The desserts and intermezzos were whole roasted pears and apples drizzled in honey with fresh cream, and a selection of grapes and cheeses. These were accompanied by a good selection of wines.

While the venue may not have been august, the repast was fit for a Doge.

In the third week, Deacon Baldessare Zamboni and Maria once more gave forth at The Quirinal. Their guests were Arturo Negri and Ginevra, Bartolomeo Gagliardi and Elena, Enzo di Vitelli with Fiammetta, Guido Vitale, Iacopo di Rossi and Chiara, and Ugo Blatti.

As usual, the wine provided several opportunities for entertainment both then and in the months to come, due to the effects of the grape and the disagreements arising from discourse during the imbibing. Once more the same pairs' voices arose, but as the etiquette of the debate is that no man shall have more than one outstanding with the same opponent at one time, it may be that these will be discarded: Deacons Arturo Negri and Baldessare Zamboni, and Deacon Negri and Captain Guido Vitale. This time, both Deacons Negri and Pater Gagliardi found amity with Bacchus, and the former spent some time gambling lustily at the tables, surprising everyone by walking away with exactly the same amount that he had spent on wine at the earlier party. Deacon Gagliardi disbursed numerous coins in gifts to the serving staff and the steward of the Quirinal, and those worthies certainly did not object. The host also took a turn at the table and lost quite impressively, possibly doubling and more what he laid out for the gathering: rumour suggested two hundreds of ducats!

In the same week, at the prestigious Aventine, a relative newcomer to the Roman scene offered entertainment. Damiano Octavio Nero d'Alba excited some comment by his avowed intent to stir up trouble amongst Roma's notables, but thus far he has seemed a convivial person. Joining him were Andrea del Carnevale with Lusanna, Orlando Orsini, and Stefano Zanetti. The evening passed without harsh words, drunkenness or a gambling spate, but not without considerable gaiety and learned disputations.

One week later, to end the months revelries, Canon Rinaldo Leonardo Amadeo de' Gregori's and Francesca also hosted a gathering at the Aventine. Attending were Andrea del Carnevale and Lusanna, Arturo Negri with Ginevra, Damiano Octavio Nero d'Alba, Iacopo di Rossi and Chiara, Lucio Malvezzo with Anna, Orlando Orsini, Stefano Zanetti with Margherita, and, no doubt starry-eyed to be admitted to such a fine establishment, newcomer Vito Erasmo Guilgliondo, who was freely admitted as Canon de' Gregori had left instructions that no-one of decent dress and manners should be excluded.

Indeed, though Signor Guilgliondo seemed mightily fond of sampling the excellent vintages produced with the removes, he proved an even more amiable and likeable fellow when in his cups, and entertained the company with many a witty tale.

De' Gregori is known for painstaking attention to his menu and his guests, and this evening was no exception. The pinnacle, however, had to be the main dishes, this time. Taking a maritime theme, two of the centrepieces were seafood: Scampi with Gorgonzola, and Eel Florentine. The recipes for these two are reproduced here, for the edification of the cooks of the enlightened. For those who were not enamoured of such fare, the host had also provided Poached Bone Chicken, a recipe said to require no less than twenty-five ingredients to properly prepare it.

Scampi with Gorgonzola
Ingredients: 12 medium scampi, half a pound of rice, the same of Gorgonzola, and again of cream, 1 tablespoon of mustard, salt and pepper, 1 onion, 1 clove of garlic
Imprimis, heat the seafood stock.
Secundus, chop the onion and put in pan. Add the rice and cover it with the stock. Boil in a serving dish; as soon as the stock boils, cover the serving dish and put into oven.
Tertius, cook until the stock has been absorbed.
Quartus, clean the scampi, removing heads and shells.
Quintus, fry them with garlic.
Sextus, add the cream, the gorgonzola, mustard, salt & pepper.
Septus, mix carefully under low heat. Take the rice out of the oven and put into serving dish. Pour the sauce and the scampi in the middle. Serve very hot with a separate tomato sauce.
This provides enough for removes for four persons.

Eel Florentine
Ingredients: 2 pounds of eel, cleaned, skinned, and cut into 2 inch pieces. 2/3 cup of olive oil, 2 garlic cloves--crushed, 1 tsp. of sage, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper
The method is simple: place the eel in a bowl, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Let it stand in a very cool cellar for 2 hours. Coat the eel with bread crumbs; heat the oil in a baking-crock, lightly fry the garlic and sage; add the eel in a single layer. Thereafter, bake in a stone oven, very hot, for two-thirds of an hour. This should be enough for eight as a course, or for sixteen as a remove.
And so, gentle readers, if you could not attend the host's feast, at least now you may ensample two of the recipes. It is likely needless to say that a good time was had by all present.

Finito.

Sage Conduct

My dear friends, I apologize for my absence last month; many things of import pulled at my mind, but not the least of these the importance of the ancient philosophers in our thought. Friends, we must remember that, first and foremost, there is only one Idea of which all other ideas are shadows or simulacra. This has been brought home to me by my recent study of the ancient thinkers, especially happy Plato, who we can hope to greet us in purgatory, in anticipation of the sight of Truth unblemished and bright. All truth and worthy thought has been expressed and will be expressed again, ignorant of each other perhaps, but never far from thought of that One Source to whom we owe all.

This comes to mind, dear friend because of the good taste exhibited by Signor Andrea del Carnevale, a hopeful young man, when he brought to the home of that court luminary Lusanna a copy of the great Greek poetic work entitled "the Odyssey." This work, which has stirred the mind of many a scholar and the heart of many a dreamer, and it certainly captured Lusanna's. The two were seen speaking of many erudite things for the remainder of the week.

A similar situation occurred the same week. A young fellow named Stefano Zanetti noticed that Margherita, another notable and studied member of the court's life, was taking a liking to certain works of sculpture being displayed at court. Wasting no time, he ran out and commissioned a reduced-scale piece of like construct, and presented it at the end of the week to Margherita for her review. She was understandably impressed, both with the art of the artist hired by Stefano as with the young man and his love of beauty. I trust they will share many pleasant, chaste moments gazing at it together in upcoming weeks!

Lastly, however, we must remember that pride can overtake our senses and cut off our real connection to Veritas and Lux that grace provides. Signor Ugo Blatti, doubtless while indulging in wine at the Quirinal, sought to emulate the great verse of Livy, that poet of Rome, in a poem designed for the ears of dear Valentina, that light in the court. One of Valentina's virtues is her ear for quality and authenticity, and it was this that was the undoing of Blatti: she listened patiently to his poem but declined to discuss it further with him, or entertain him much longer. Perhaps if he had followed Signor del Carnevale's example and brought the work of the master, or worked for years to perfect his art before presenting his own piece, that story might end differently.

I will leave you, friends, to contemplation of that which is good, beautiful, and just. Until then!

Court and Social

The Pope will host the following events at the Medici Palace, Florence
In the first week: Grand Dinner
In the second week: Grand Ball
In the fourth week: Grand Ball

Positions Vacant

Adviser to Delegation Leader
Adviser to Assistant Delegation Leader
Adviser to Coalition Leader
Adviser to Faction Leader

Upcoming Debates

AN v. BZ (faction rivals)
AN v. GV (faction rivals)
IdR v. VGM (faction rivals)

Men of the Cloth / Men of Steel

Cardinal N. Tertius arrived in Budapest to conduct the final month of the Papal Mission to the Court of King Ulaszlo II with directions from His Holiness to take a conservative and measured approach. The gains made by the Missionary Faction last month were not to be jeopardized by overbearing proclamations and debating subtleties of theology. The events of last month had made it clear that the King of Hungary had a greater concern for temporal affairs. His Holiness, recognizing that the assistance of the Holy Church would be beneficial to the stability of Hungary, and thus strengthen the East against the encroachment of the Turk, and their heretical religion, desired a most cordial conclusion.

Before relating the events of the discussions it is most proper to praise the most energetic and laudable efforts of Acting Bishop En Phive of the Ludovisi Faction. During the brief interval between the talks he dispatched messengers to Bologna requesting from the Diocese such learned men as were available to replace those previously dismissed. Such initiative is not often seen in a man so young, and merits great praise./P>

The Ludovisi responded with alacrity and dispatched two Acting Padres who joined those journeying from the Vatican. The entire entourage was met by Major di Miteli and his detachment of Swiss Guards at the western edge of Lake Balaton and conducted safely to Budapest. The redoubtable Major was amply rewarded, in coin, by the Ludovisi.

In order for all to arrive Assistant Delegation Leader Patriarch En Sextus held observances for All Saints Day, All Souls Day, and convinced King Ulaszlo that His subjects would find it most fitting, and comforting, to observe the nine days of All Souls Novenas. The Patriarch, being a man of no little diplomatic ability, gently persuaded the King that these observances would go far in pacifying the King's subjects. The peasants would take it as a sign that King Ulaszlo was concerned for the souls of his subjects, even those that had revolted. His Majesty found great wisdom in this council as it addressed an issue that had caused Him much distress.

The discussions began on the tenth of the month without great fanfare, but also, with more comity. The leadership of the Delegation, an Archbishop N. Tres, carried out the instructs as given by His Holiness: Ask for nothing more. Be courteous, but not servile.

The members of the Sforza Faction; Bishop En Cinco, Acting Canon En Seis, Padre N. Funf, and Deacon Pennacini followed this course as given to them. The exceptions to this rather formal presentation was the eloquence of Deacon Odetti, who was favourably mentioned in reports. And, the unfortunate Deacon En Duae, whose comments strayed from the intended course and was summarily dismissed by Bishop En Cinco.

The Ludovisi Faction, having made so great an effort, was most willing to conform to the Pope's direction. All of the Faction members restrained themselves because none was confirmed in their positions. The bitter taste of the word "Acting" which preceded Bishop En Phive, Canon En Six, and Padres N. Cinque and En Seeks moderated the tone of the usually impassioned Ludovisi.

The Missionary Faction under the direction of Bishop N. Quarto was again much favoured in the proceedings. The objective of the Faction being the cultivation of a most harmonious relationship with Hungary in order for their associated junior members to preach, establish monasteries, hospitals, and reinvigorate the Faith much praise was given to King Ulaszlo. Canon En Five, Padre N. Quintari, and Padre N. Sexta each spoke with great eloquence. Deacon Salieri of the Borgia, a man of great charm, spoke upon the rightness of reconciliation so well that he was mentioned in reports, and Bishop N. Quarto also wrote to the Deacon's faction praising him. Sub-Deacon N. Zwei was not so wise. taking up the case of the peasants he was stopped by the Bishop and told to retire before he damaged the cause.

Seminarian D. Maletesta of the Doria-Pamfili may have been reminded that he was not in that Faction's company and so must obey the instruction of the Missionary Faction. The young man must have understood that a vow of obedience is in itself a sacred obligation for he spoke extremely well, although some thought his speech more an exercise in rhetoric he was mentioned in reports.

The last to speak was the lay cleric V. dei Gambetti, a man of very humble origins who understood the great good that would come to the common people with the success of the Missionary Faction. Speaking in a mild voice he gave an instruction in Oratory that was contrary to the usual declamation and bravura. Unencumbered by vanity he spoke as the man he is; one that has struggled to educate himself and make a better life. It is only just to report the simple eloquence of the end of his speech, as he describes the Church: "Peace is there, and deep-felt Love. Goodness, light, virtue, honour, all joys and all happiness we find. Sweetness and Life eternal, Glory, praise, rest, and love there are, and sweet oneness of hearts." This so moved those assembled that the King and Nobles gave the man a horse, new garments, a robe, gold and silver.

Behind all these proceedings the Papal Scholars toiled as they have always done. Directed by Bishop En Sixieme the dedication of all was only rivalled by the excellence of their work. Canon N. Sex, Padres IN. Sesto and En Quinque produced entirely new material for the Delegation. In this enterprise they were admirably assisted by the lay cleric J. Finelli, who was favourably mentioned and V. Clementi who was given a reward in coin.

Several young men in the City presented themselves for service this month, and two others rose within their Factions. Notably all the applications for service were with the Swiss Guards. A situation that may increase the security, and add to the grandeur of His Holiness and the Papal See, but does not bode well for the Clergy.

After several attempts G. d'Aosta was granted the rank of captain. The perseverance of this man is now well rewarded. Signor d'Alba was also admitted as a captain, and found the Farnese most welcoming. Unfortunately, A. del Carnevale was not admitted into the illustrious ranks of the Swiss Guards.

Deacon di Vitelli was elevated to Padre, and the Seminarian G. della Croce rose to Sub Deacon by purchase, both of whom are in the Farnese Faction.

Debates

Gentle readers, this month finds a veritable flowering of learned debate and scholarly dispute across our fair city. Rome's bars and cafes were replete with those who sought to prove their wit and knowledge for the greater glory of their factions and the diminution of those factions which opposed their own.

The first engagement of the month just past fell between Sig. Alessandro Benedetto Ciampi and his erstwhile host Deacon Baldessare Zamboni of the Barberini, who chose to meet at Pascucci's, a bar famous for its concoctions made from fresh fruit, milk and crushed ice. The choice of location was perhaps fitting, for apparently while influenced by an excess of wine the good Sig. Ciampi had most unwisely insulted Deacon Zamboni at a party hosted by that good cleric himself! The two gentlemen decided to meet and consider the purpose of the Lord's demonstration of his glory at the feast of Cana (a popular topic for Rome's clergy as longtime readers will recall). Deacon Zamboni chose to argue that the meaning of the Lord's work on that day was in part to demonstrate the importance of hospitality and the guest's debt of obligation to his host. As Jesus honoured the wedding feast, so the lesser guest must honour his own host at less divinely honoured functions. Before Sig. Ciampi could intervene, Deacon Zamboni continued noting that in addition the good Lord had waited until the end of the feast for his work and yet had in no way allowed himself to fall below the highest standards of a guest in so doing. Further, added the loquacious Deacon, the wine was symbolic in nature and where the Lord made base water into fine wine he did so in part to represent in material form for his followers the ultimate transformation which he has promised of our base flesh to immortal raiment.

Again, Sig. Ciampi seemed about to speak, but it was clear as he cast about his notes that he had not prepared for the occasion as men are wont to do and in fact had little by way of counter. As Sig. Ciampi plainly wracked his thoughts for some rebuttal or riposte, Deacon Zamboni chose to close the debate (if it can truly be called such) by noting that in permitting himself to become drunken and insulting toward his host the Sig. Ciampi had debased the wine put on Earth to reflect our ultimate immortality and fallen short of the standards incumbent on any guest. Doubly at fault and doubly in need of a properly humble repentance. Those present at the encounter, sober men all (as Pascucci's prefers natural flavour to harmful intoxicant), agreed unanimously that the day belonged to the Deacon. Indeed, the only matter remaining at dispute was whether Sig. Ciampi's evident lack of preparation reflected yet further lax conduct on his part or simply a creditable desire to accept his own wrongdoing without fuss or attempt at unreasonable self-justification. Only Sig. Ciampi and the Lord himself know the true answer to that question.

As Deacon Zamboni excused himself, his place was taken by Deacon Cesare Salieri of the Borgia. It seems that Deacon Salieri had taken offence at finding his attempts to gain the ear of the influential and well liked Nanna rebuffed. Nanna, it seems, already favoured Sig. Ciampi for courtly advancement and saw no reason to transfer her allegiance to the Borgia Deacon. Sig. Ciampi was evidently unprepared for this encounter also, for as he greeted Deacon Salieri politely and without evident rancour the Deacon replied in quite different manner, commenting coldly that though Nanna might prefer Ciampi this itself only added to Ciampi's dishonour as he was not only a poor guest but also a man so lacking in judgement that he did not know when to retire in favour of his betters. Unprepared as he was Sig. Ciampi was left gazing at the Deacon in astonishment, quite unable to answer. To those present it was felt that this most likely evidenced his acceptance of the Deacon's argument, though whether Sig. Ciampi was so compliant or was merely stunned by the sudden aggression with which he was faced this correspondent is unsure.

Meanwhile, it transpired that Deacon Zamboni had not in fact left the premises, but was engaged in further debate with faction rival Deacon Arturo Negri, who champions the Chigi cause. Awaiting the outcome was fellow Barberini advocate, Captain Guido Vitale of the Swiss Guard. It seems that in the past month, again in most Christlike hospitality, both Deacon Zamboni and Deacon Negri had hosted functions at which they had allowed factional rivals to attend. The current contests were the natural consequence of that generous impulse.

Flush from his victory of just moments before, Deacon Zamboni opened by proposing to Deacon Negri that it is said that the patient man will finally win as soft words break hard bones. Deacon Negri, uncertain where this argument was headed, replied by noting that the Lord himself had said that whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one. Deacon Zamboni smiled at this rejoinder, and simply queried "have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a robber?" Realising that his initial response had been precisely that sought by Deacon Zamboni who had already prepared his reply, Deacon Negri laughed openly and admitted himself bested. The two men were later seen cheerfully discussing their debate and it seems that despite any rancour between their factions there is none between these two good-hearted gentlemen.

Finally, Deacon Negri turned to Captain Vitale, who did not look over amused at his fellow faction member's evident friendship with the Chigi deacon. The Captain opened proceedings by saying to Deacon Negri "what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?" Visibly stung by this barbed remark, Deacon Negri riposted by stating that it is said that one should "answer not the fool his folly lest you become like him". Those present were taken aback by the ill-feeling so plain in this exchange, the accusations of hypocrisy and foolishness being quite different in tone than the words exchanged in the previous engagement. Captain Vitale paused a moment, gazed at his foe and responded by noting that he would answer but he feared that in doing so he would be ignoring the advice Deacon Negri had just so kindly offered. Deacon Negri, plainly furious, became red of face and quite unable to speak. Accordingly, those present held that Captain Vitale had won the engagement, though perhaps in a fashion which could lead to further rancour in future encounters.