The Vatican Observer
November 1515

Applications

Deacon Umberto Tarentella is obviously a man who aspires to a higher calling, and yet finds himself restrained within the Gonzaga who have no need of Priests at this time. Unwilling to merely bide his time and wait for an opportunity to present itself Tarantella was seen to approach his superior and express concern that he was getting too old to meet the rigorous demands that such a post demanded. Such an approach however seemed to have quite the opposite effect and many within the clergy reported that Padre Quintus showed renewed vigour in the days to come. Shortly thereafter the noted courtier Chiara, often seen in the company of Tarentella, was also received by the Priest but stayed only a short time before leaving with a somewhat over-cast expression upon her face. Whatever her offer or suggestion was it seems that it could not overcome Padre Quintus' devotion to God.

Federico Capellini is new to the classical halls of Rome but proved not to be a man easily distracted by it's many splendours. Early in the month he presented himself to the Sforza and when next seen out and about wore the vestments of a Deacon.

The final tale of interest this month is that Canon Blatti was once again seen in the company of the Director of the Martial School of Eloquence. Readers will recall that last month the two were seen in conversation over dinner, a conversation that ended with the Director turning down the Canon's application to teach the elementary class at the school. This month Canon Blatti sought out the Director at the school itself and after some debate was granted the opportunity to lecture to a small class on the correct terms of address when meeting clergy of other denominations. Perhaps Canon Blatti speaks better to a larger audience than he does in intimate dining situations or perhaps the Director had found no better alternative since last month. Whatever the reason Canon Blatti's name was soon entered on to the schools teaching roster.

Debates

Dear readers, once again I am delighted to spread before you the most sumptuous dishes of that ever abundant banquet of witticisms and wordplay that Rome is host to. There were but two debates this month, but those partaking were experienced fellows of good humour and much ability and it was as always a pleasure to see them perform.

Meeting at a small piazza in front of the Pantheon were Canon Gagliardi and Deacon Clementi of the Borgia and Canon Blatti of the Ludovisi, the cause again factional rivalries as Canon Gagliardi continues to invite Canon Blatti to each of his most entertaining functions. The topic, proposed by Canon Blatti, was as to the words that were used to bring Saint Anthony from his life of solitude.

Canon Gagliardi commenced, opening with a remark that had the Saint known that in days to come his doings would be viewed as a suitable subject for factional gossip he likely would not have bothered. Canon Blatti riposted that this remark showed how little Canon Gagliardi knew of the Saint's life, as had he actual knowledge he would not have to rely on rhetorical legerdemain. Both men smiled and acknowledged the other's skill as a counterpart, but clearly as yet neither had the advantage.

Continuing, Canon Blatti jested that in his view Saint Anthony had been tempted from solitude by the news that all his followers were planning to join him in solitude, all of them being solitary together in the same small room. Canon Gagliardi responded that his understanding was that the Saint had just heard that taxes had been raised on homesteads and so needed to find company to share the cost with. The two men gazed at each other, each struggling to maintain an impassive demeanour, but then each cracked at the same time and the two men fell about laughing at their own or each other's jests. A draw was thus declared.

And so, Canon Gagliardi retired to the audience and his place was taken by Deacon Clementi. The Deacon opened, commenting that in his view the Saint had ended his solitude as he knew that the world would come to be so full of fools that his wise counsel would be needed. Canon Blatti responded by stating that the Saint left solitude because he knew that there were so many who could not speak without uttering inanities that he needs must speak himself to redress the balance. Deacon Clementi restated the proposition, noting that the question was not truly why the Saint broke solitude but why he maintained it so long, but those attending were unsympathetic to this gambit and it was not successful.

Canon Blatti then paused, drank a little wine and said nothing. Confused, Deacon Clementi began to speak further, but as he did so Canon Blatti immediately interrupted saying that in his view what the Saint's example showed was that the wise man could bear a little silence while the fool attempted to swiftly fill it. This sally left Deacon Clementi most disadvantaged and it was agreed by all that Canon Blatti had won this debate. Truly a most auspicious outing for the Ludovisi, with one draw and one victory. Word has it that Canon Blatti was invited this month also to Canon Gagliardi's latest gathering, so perhaps next month the Borgia will claim their revenge. If so, gentle readers, rest assured I shall be present so as to tell you of all that transpires.

Court Companionship

It seems that some people simply cannot learn the proper etiquette when it comes to companionship. We direct your attention to the Sforza Deacon, Marco Vicenzo Penaccini. Last month, he made the incredible mistake of taking his companion to a salon. The embarrassment that this caused should have straightened him out, but, no, this month he repeats the error not once, but two more times. In both the first and last weeks of the month, he attempted to take Lusanna to a salon, only to be redirected to The Esquiline on both occasions. One must wonder how long this relationship will last as the humiliation that the young lady has no doubt suffered from these events cannot bode well for the future.

Perhaps Signore Penaccini will learn the proper time to enter a salon from his fellow Deacon of the Sforza, newcomer Federico Capellini. In the second week, the up and coming young Deacon visited a salon sans companion as is proper. We can only hope that his example will serve as a beacon on the path towards enlightenment for his fellow.

Another confused soul is young Cesare Salieri, who last month followed the example of his superior, Canon Bartolomeo Gagliardi of the Borgia, and failed to get any companionship for the month. Despite my pointing out that that was a mistake, it appears that the young man wishes to remain ignorant of the happenings of the Court. For the second month in a row, he did not even seek out a companion at a salon, let alone set his sights on a knowledgeable and connected lady of the Court.

The Canon, however, rectified his mistake of last month. Seeking out Francesca, he explained to her the benefits of being associated with one of his exalted status. She was quite impressed and agreed to provide him with all of the latest news in exchange for his giving her access to the better circles. I do believe that the results will be mutually beneficial. The two were seen together in the early stages of the month.

Valentino Clementi, unlike his fellow, young Salieri, is believed to have spent considerable time this past month contemplating from whom he should seek counsel. However, at the present time, it would appear that he has yet to make a suitable alliance.

Court and Social

The Pope will be in residence at the Medici Palace, Florence. There are no published events.

Upcoming Debates

BG/UB (faction rivalries)
VC/UB (faction rivalries)

Men of the Cloth / Men of Steel

Long time observers of Papal missions abroad will be all too aware of the strange phenomenon whereas the official number of visitors in the last month of a mission is almost always greater than it is for the first two months. So it was in Bologna as the Farnese faction swept into the proceedings with all the pomp and circumstances it could muster, and it could muster a great deal.

Some less than charitable individuals put this down to the lavishness of the final feasts, often greater than the welcoming banquet and intended to show the departing guests than despite the hosts generosity during the stay their stores, and by implication their wealth and power, had not been overly diminished. Those who give time to darker thoughts that Gluttony however claim that it is an attempt by others to claim a part in the success of the mission that is all but over before they arrive. Such an unkind judgement is said to have issued forth from the mouth of Cardinal N Quintus who certainly seemed a little distracted this month as he carried out his duties in an acceptable manner but far from the quality of service he has shown in earlier months.

Bishop de Gregori was, of course, dismissive of any such claims and informed His Eminence that the Farnese had been too involved with matters in Rome to remove themselves for an entire season but had always intended to visit the Bologna court to convey the Pope's continued friendship. After all such an important, and much loved, ally as Cardinal de Medici deserved more attention than mere Scholars and Missionaries. Such a claim rang true with all present as from the moment they arrived the Farnese seemed fully conversant with what had transpired during the visit so far and assimilated themselves with the delegation seamlessly. Every member of the faction carried out their duties to the letter and almost to a man were flawless in their dealings with the de Medici court. Like a cool breeze at the end of a long day's work the Farnese swept through the halls and seemed to renew and refresh all present with their fine words and deeds. Cardinal de Medici expressed his delight with his new visitors and was most generous with his gifts, Deacon Valetti, Padre dei Gambetti, Canon di Vitelli and Bishop de Gregori would all leave Bologna wealthier than they arrived. Furthermore di Vitelli was promised a tin medal struck in his honour and Cardinal de Medici informed Bishop de Gregori that he would personally write to the Pope and demand that he present the Bishop with an estate.

With the star of the Farnese blazing so brightly the third chapter of the Barberini found itself in shadow. Padre Zamboni suffered greatly from the Farnese's arrival as despite sending much of last month in the close company of Cardinal de Medici, who liberally anointed him with praise, Zamboni now found himself pushed to the periphery and into the company of minor courtiers. Unable to accept that the Farnese should be placed above the Barberini in importance, and no doubt stung by Bishop de Gregori's failure to mention the presence of the Barberini, Padre Zamboni expressed his views to Cardinal de Medici rather publicly in words that could only be viewed by those present as a rebuke. Perhaps such a display was not down to temptation by inner demons but rather that Zamboni thought his previous relationship with His Eminence permitted such familiarity. If so then the comments expressed by the Cardinal in response would no doubt have come as quite a shock to him. Publicly belittled, Padre Zamboni removed himself from the Cardinal's presence and he was not permitted to re-enter it for the remainder of the month. For his own part Cardinal de Medici seemed to consider the incident to be water under the bridge and pursued it no further, a fact that will I am sure allow Zamboni to recover from it in time. Having just travelled to Bologna with the Farnese delegation Major del Carnevale of the Swiss Guard kept his distance from Zamboni during this exchange, despite their shared allegiance to the Barberini. A truly wise decision the Cardinals displeasure did not extend to the Major and he was still able to carry out his duties in the month to come and gain praise from Patriarch N Sextus who was as busy keeping his own head down.

The Scholars and Missionaries had performed last month and concerns raised at the start of the mission has receded from the minds of most, but towards the end of the month a heavy price was paid for this lack of watchfulness. Both of these factions were rocked by disquieting discoveries and whilst the exact nature of what occurred was not made public the terms "depraved", "ungodly", "disgraceful" and "frankly incompetent" were often to be heard. The Papal scholars saw a Canon and a Priest removed from office whilst within the missionaries a Priest and three Deacons were defrocked, and hastily replaced from within the ranks. It is suspected by some that these events may be connected to the Nestorian Heresy scrolls found last month and that perhaps not all the scrolls were handed over to Cardinal de Medici, but the full tale may never be known. Once again proving that diligence and devotion are the key to success Stefano Zanetti, a lay member of the Scholars, missed much of the excitement as he was involved in a detailed cataloguing of Cardinal de Medici's collection of religious art. Zanetti therefore emerged from the ordeal untouched by scandal and with a small mention from Cardinal N. Quintus and a prize of a small bag of denarii, no doubt a thank you for being one of the few scholars to have emerged unscathed.

As the final feast, as luxurious as it should be, Cardinal Quintus and Bishop de Gregori were to be found in polite discussion appraising the past months. Both agreed that there had been some shining displays of eloquence and devotion and that Cardinal de Medici had certainly seemed very pleased with how it had all gone, but the events amongst the Scholars and Missionaries was seen as very troubling. The ranks of the two factions had been devastated by events and this could not help to reflect badly upon Rome.

A Plethora

Somewhat of a dearth of functions, but a certain Signor Bibulous Garrulousness was the life of both parties, as will be seen.

In the second week of the month the Medici Palace hosted a Grand Ball. Many of Roma's cognoscenti and illuminati were absent this past month, but two of the most noteworthy were in attendance.

Canon Bartolomeo Gagliardi came to the ball solo, causing a bit of comment, but Maestro Domenico Facente was seen with his advisor and companion of the Court, Claudia. It was noted that both the Canon and the composer displayed a current knowledge of the etiquette of the court: while neither could be said to have been luminous, many have fared far, far worse.

After the many removes and during the entertainment before the passes of the ball proper, Canon Gagliardi provided a little entertainment of his own. He had been expounding with great sagacity upon the long list of vintages provided at the table and sideboards, and of course one cannot expound without sampling, so that by the end of the evening he was visited by the spirit of spirits and was found to be speaking in tongues-- or, at least, completely incomprehensibly. After he resorted to sign language to convey certain meanings to certain ladies present, it is feared that his reputation may have suffered slightly, but someone with such joy of living is certain to recover quickly. Indeed, he may have done so by the end of the month.

Said end rounded out the month at The Capitoline, with a gathering hosted by the Canon himself. Attending were several well-known couples: Alberto di Miteli and Sandra, Jerome Ficolo and Sophia, Ugo Blatti and Valentina. Also attending was newly appointed Deacon Federico Capellini of the Sforza. Having heard that his host might become both loquacious and amusing if asked to reprise his expertise regarding wine, Signor Ficolo spent a number of ducats to add to the vintages already provided. Canon Gagliardi did not disappoint, bravely matching his guests sip for sip, and by the end of the evening was once more declaiming. However, this time he was quite clearly understood by his guests, who were merrily and loudly enjoying the conversation and the viands.

As usual, Ugo Blatti and his host will continue their perennial debating. Signor Blatti certainly did not scruple to accept the invitation, even though he had been bested earlier in the month-- bravo! Thus, the two will continue their orations next month.

E finito.

Positions Vacant

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