The Vatican Observer
October 1515

Debates

My dear and most esteemed readers, when last this humble scribe came to you with news of the notable debates and discussions of this most noble and holy of cities it was with account of no less than four debates. As feast follows famine so did our cup run over with witty discourse and learned soliloquy. Our highest hopes were merely that such richness would continue and that we could together, recounter and reader both, continue to bask in such a veritable cornucopia of conversation.

Gentle readers, our hopes have been most amply surpassed, for this month we see no fewer than seven debates. Seven, never can I recall so many men of letters and scholarship meeting to such great effect in so short a time. Truly, we live in blessed times.

At the beginning of the month came the meeting between Bishop de Gregori of the Farnese and Deacon Clementi of the Borgia, cause had arisen due to the young deacon's perhaps unwise pursuit of the erudite Francesca, then companion to the Bishop. The chosen topic was the sin of pride, with the Bishop as the senior and offended party commencing with a rather witty bon mot to the effect that truly it was said that pride went before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall, as Deacon Clementi had proudly tried to take that belonging to his betters but had fallen instead before the withering scorn of the woman he had sought to turn. Those present were most amused, and Deacon Clementi's sudden blush showed that the barb had struck home. The Deacon responded by proposing that the true home of pride was in the man who thought himself superior to his brothers and held himself high and them low, a fine point but one lost on this occasion as the Deacon delivered it poorly, still clearly discomfited by the Bishop's gibe. The Bishop sought then to press his advantage, correcting Deacon Clementi by stating that the prideful act on this occasion was for a deacon to seek to correct a bishop. This sally proved unpopular with those attending, most of whom it must be said were of the lesser clerical ranks and so perhaps unlikely to be impressed by an argument which by its nature placed them alongside he it was aimed at.

Seeing that the Bishop had momentarily lost the advantage, Deacon Clementi gathered his wits and responded with clever humility, saying that he had erred in seeking to ascribe to others the sin of pride as what was truly prideful was to presume one could recognise sin in others when one had not recognised it first in oneself. Unsure how to respond, Bishop de Gregori was forced to agree and so concede the point. Both men paused to gather their thoughts, it was evident to those attending that the two men had gained some caution, as neither now had the advantage and the debate could easily turn to either man.

Bishop de Gregori proposed a new tack, stating that an excess of humility was itself a sin of pride as to boast of one's humility was to hold oneself ahead of others in virtue. Deacon Clementi responded by jesting that this was true, and that since he had admitted his own pride while the Bishop had not the Bishop clearly was referring to himself and admitting now his own faults. Many laughed at this sally, but others thought it a mere play on words and felt the Bishop had made a fine and important point. The audience therefore split, it was impossible to award either man a victory at this stage. Seeing this, and perhaps fearing what Bishop de Gregori would next advance by way of argument, Deacon Clementi swiftly chose to further interject stating that his more serious point was that it was prideful too to criticise the humble as to do so was to suggest that by failing to show humility one was more holy than those who were less quick to speak their own praise. Many agreed with this, and although the Bishop strove mightily to respond it was agreed by those present that Deacon Clementi had made his case and that the argument was his. Seeing it was so, the Bishop conceded and, perhaps ironically, said that clearly the Deacon was the more humble man and should deservedly be lauded by all as the humblest of the Lord's creations.

Turning from this defeat, the Bishop next was engaged in debate with Deacon Penaccini, affiliated with the Sforza who of course are factional rivals to the Bishop's own Farnese. The theme here was the reward of merit, the contest brief. Deacon Penaccini opened by jesting that merit was its own reward as all too often it produced no other, connections and family ruling the day in the affairs of men instead. Though many laughed, the sally did not find its mark as the Bishop was wise enough to join in the general merriment so making it seem not a criticism but merely a commentary upon the world. By reply, Bishop de Gregori commented dryly that if merit was its own reward it was curious how many of the Sforza pursued wealth and influence, presumably he concluded lacking merit they must make do with such lesser rewards as were open to them. All found this most amusing and Deacon Penaccini was forced to concede the day.

Following a short break for all present to refresh their cups and attend to their various needs Deacon Penaccini returned to the floor, facing Padre dei Gambetti, also of the Farnese. Padre Gambetti opened by proposing that the truly meritorious had no need of reward for true merit lay in true humility. Perhaps stung by his recent defeat, Deacon Penaccini responded briskly, sneering that Padre Gambetti knew well what it was to labour without reward as his own showing in recent missions had displayed. Before any had the chance to reflect on the truth or otherwise of this rebuttal, Deacon Penaccini continued by proposing that humility was one form of merit but that equally there were many other forms and to focus simply on humility was to ignore the many ways in which even the proudest men could still do the Lord's work. Those assembled, not all of whom were noted for their humility, loudly applauded this sentiment and so Deacon Penaccini here was declared the winner.

Next came forth Canon Gagliardi of the Borgia and his opponent and factional rival Canon Blatti of the Ludovisi. Their chosen topic was a departure from what had heretofore been the topic of the day, being instead the thoughts of David as he was given to the lions in the Coliseum. Canon Gagliardi opened by saying that he knew not what David had thought, but being himself fond of his table he was sure that the lions had thought themselves most cruelly cheated as they had but one young man to share between them and little by way of appetizer first or wine to accompany. The Canon continued by stating that in his view most likely David had been spared as the lions were waiting in the hope of an accompanying sauce before starting. Canon Blatti responded by saying that he by contrast knew well how David had felt, David had felt as Canon Blatti himself felt each time he had to face a congregation the morning after one of Bishop de Gregori's famous parties, sick of stomach and with the feeling that he might perhaps have done things the night before that in the morning did not seem so wise. Both men laughed heartily with the other, and indeed as one laughed the other laughed harder and each seemed to find more merriment in the indisposition of his foe as time went on. At the last, each man grew breathless with hilarity and so their match was declared a draw as plainly neither was capable of continuing.

While these gentlemen recovered, Deacon Penaccini returned to the fore, the chosen topic being sobriety. Perhaps fittingly, Deacon Penaccini had it seemed been imbibing some wine prior to the bout perhaps celebrating his earlier victory and seemed somewhat unsteady as the two commenced. Taking the floor, the Deacon raised his cup and then seemed quite lost for words, taking advantage his opponent and factional rival, Deacon Tarantella of the Gonzaga, wryly commented that though truth was found in wine sound argument was found in sobriety and that therefore while truth might be on Deacon Penaccini's side sound argument clearly was not. All were most amused and Deacon Tarantella acclaimed by all as victor.

His breath recovered, Canon Blatti once more stepped forth, meeting with Deacon Clementi of the Borgia. Continuing in the vein of the nature of the sober man Deacon Clementi proposed that sobriety was as humility, praiseworthy but often more notable by its absence than by its presence. This point proved over subtle for the by now boisterous assembly, Canon Blatti responded by saying that it did not surprise him that a Borgia could not understand the nature of sobriety for nor could a fish understand the nature of the desert. Deacon Clementi sought to continue, but the crowd would not hear him further and it was plain that Canon Blatti's sally had found its mark as well as favour with the audience.

Canon Blatti toasted all present, and smiled as Padre di Scotti of the Borgia now presented himself. Padre di Scotti said that just as the thief cannot understand the honest man so the Canon could not understand the sober one, Canon Blatti corrected this assertion by saying that he understood both the sober man and the drunkard and that since he had already demonstrated his powers while sober it was his right to show them undiminished now he was with drink. The Canon continued to note that the Lord himself when come to man in the form of his Son had not abstained from alcohol and so that neither sobriety nor drunkenness alone was worthy of praise but rather moderation in both, in this as in all things. All cheered, though by now it appeared not all had moderation as their foremost guide, and the good Canon was roundly declared the champion of the hour.

And so the day concluded, Major Gabbiadini it is said has returned to Venice and so could not take part Major d'Alba is currently believed to be outside of Rome on Papal business. Though both men were of course missed, seldom has our beloved city seen such riches of discussion and amusement and were I never to witness another I could count myself as among the most fortunate of men for having been present for so marvellous a day of debates.

Court Companionship

It was a rather mixed month, with some confusion about propriety. Still, at least one member of society showed a fine sense of form.

If Father Vincente di Scotti was one whose sense of what is appropriate behavior needs some work. During the first week, he attended a salon to pick up the latest, perhaps not the wisest of actions, but we can overlook that. However, he was possessed by the Devil whilst there and proceeded to get drunk and then tried his hand with the knucklebones. He appears to have had the luck of the Devil as well as he left somewhat richer than he’d arrived.

On the other hand, the Most Reverend Rinaldo Leonardo Amadeo de Gregori, Bishop of the Farnese faction, displayed the fine sense of tact and ability that has resulted in his rise to his current position of eminence. Upon the recommendation of his then advisor Francesca, he sought out the better connected Maria. He presented her with a most elegant set of jeweled earrings appropriate for Court gatherings. She was quite flattered by both the Bishop’s attention and the recommendation and quite happily accepted. The true display of his sensitivity, however, was the fine dress and accessories he gifted Francesca with in thanks for her suggestions.

Young deacon Marco Vicenzo Penaccini, of the Sforza, however, is another of those confused souls. In the second week, he attempted to enter a salon with his court companion, who was unaware of their destination until their arrival. Completely flabbergasted by this faux pas on his part, she was speechless and it was left to the management of the salon to quietly, but forcefully, point him in the direction of The Esquiline. I heard no further news about how the week went, so I suppose that he was forgiven for his lack of social manners.

Things were quiet until the fourth week when Lorenzo Valetti purchased a rare book on early church debates and presented it to Elena. She considered the young man and his gift carefully before deciding that he was worthy of her attentions. I’m told that the interview was rather grueling on the young man, but that he was most relieved when she finally started giving him the latest Court news.

It appears that some other young men still have not realized that their futures may depend upon such knowledge. Canon Bartolomeo Gagliardi of the Borgia should know better – he has been an upstanding member of the Church for a long time. Perhaps young deacons Valentino Clementi and Cesare Salieri were simply following the lead of their superior in the Borgia, and so may be forgiven. I shall hope that they shall read this and see the error of this. Those without knowledge of the inner workings of the Court may find themselves on the outside looking in.

Court and Social

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

Upcoming Debates

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

Applications

Last month Captain del Carnevale, despite having become a very popular host and friend to many in Rome, found himself passed over for the position of Captain of the Papal Escort largely down to, if rumour is to be believed, the malignant influence of others. However as befits a man in military command the Captain did not spend this month sitting and pondering what could have been but looked instead to the future. It had become know to the Captain that Major Liu of the Guard has suffered a great loss recently with the death of his father. Captain del Carnevale understood how devastating such a loss could be and spent some time with the Major offering council, his advice being that the Major should return home to his grieving mother to give what comfort he could at this difficult time. This was also apparently a view shared by Canon Gagliardi, the Papal Translator, who took time out of his busy schedule to write to the troubled Major with sage words that carried an almost identical message. Unable to deny the truth in such council the Major resigned his commission, and shortly after the Major's departure del Carnevale was installed as his replacement.

Elsewhere Canon Blatti also sought a position where his talents could be put to better use and was seen dining with the Director of the Martial School of Eloquence, their topic of conversation being the position of the Elementary Instructor. Perhaps Canon Blatti’s became tongue tied at these meetings, perhaps the Director had another in mind or perhaps the Canon could not call on sufficient influential friends to speak on his behalf. Whatever the reason the Director later informed Canon Blatti that he was not the man for the position, though I am sure he expressed this view rather more eloquently.

The final tale of note this month had a happier ending, though it’s journey was not without incident. Lorenzo Valetti, a relative newcomer to Rome, had previously been heard to proclaim that he would be seeking to align himself with the Farnese. Indeed barely a day would pass without Valetti mentioning such an ambition and extolling the virtues of his chosen companions. It was therefore a little odd that the young man should choose to deliver a letter in which these desires were put into prose to the secretary of the Borgia. After a short delay Padre Vincente di Scotti of the Borgia delivered the letter by hand to Bishop de Gregori of the Farnese informing him that “One of your sheep appears to have wandered far and what kind of shepherd would I be if I did not see him safely returned to the fold.”

By the end of the month Valetti was accepted into the Farnese as a Deacon, no doubt the fact that he at least managed to deliver his missive to the correct coalition counted for something.

Men of the Cloth / Men of Steel

With all of Bologna’s attention directed towards the actions of the French army there seemed little time this month for ecclesiastic debate or matters of ceremony. However Cardinal N. Quintus, all too aware of the duty placed upon him by His Holiness, ensured that whatever time was permitted to them was used positively and productively. By the end of the month it was generally accepted that despite the secular taking the greater share of Cardinal de Medici’s time this month, the delegation had managed to accomplish all it had set out to do. Modest as ever Cardinal N. Quintus laid most of the acclaim at the feet of his Assistant Patriarch N. Sextus who was too polite to turn down such praise or the estate it is most likely to bring with it.

Padre Zamboni continued where he left off last month in praising His Eminence and the Cardinal was heard to comment that his former Secretary was wasted as a Priest and that Zamboni should be a Canon at least. The Barberini already have a Canon however, one who did not seem to view such a comment as a cue to step aside, and so Padre Zamboni had to settle for a passing mention and a healthy purse as Cardinal de Medici continued to lavish him with gifts “as beautiful as your words, and hopefully as pleasing to the recipient.”

The Missionary Faction fared better than last month in that all present managed to avoid scandal and the Bishop carried out all the duties assigned to him in an exemplary manner. The Bishop of the Basilica of San Petronio was in fact most vocal at court in his praising of the faction’s devotion and Cardinal N. Quintus seemed to indicate that an estate to reward the inspirational leadership the faction had received.

The Papal Scholars, also seeking to distance themselves from the embarrassments and disgraces of last month, threw themselves into assisting the Bologna clergy catalogue the various church libraries. The Scholars helped identify those works in need of care or repair and to find those valuable or irreplaceable works which, in the current climate of uncertainty, might be in need of more secure storage. Bishop N. Seis and his assistants kept a close eye on all within the Scholars to make sure that none this month strayed off the path of righteousness but it is a lesson to all that even under the closest scrutiny one can never be completely safe from temptation. While collating a small collection of pamphlets and treatises the lay cleric Stefano Zanetti discovered a sheaf of papers that turned out to consist of the clerical traditions of the Nestorian Heresy. Such teachings were first proposed by the Patriarch of Constantinople in the fifth century and were quickly condemned by Pope Celestine I, yet these papers seemed to be no more than a century old. Zanetti thankfully brought these papers to the attention of Bishop Seis rather than just moving on to the next alcove and the Scholars, in truth pleased to be presented with such a puzzle to provide them with some respite from their menial labours, debated the existence of such writings for some time. Their eventual belief, which they soon presented to Cardinal Medici along with the papers, was that these in fact originated from an offshoot of the original heresy, believed to have continued thriving in Asia until the majority of its’ Churches were destroyed by Timur the Lame at the turn of the last century. No doubt these papers were carried by some refugee of that time and had found their way, through some circular route, to Bologna where they had lain unknown to all. Cardinal de Medici was intrigued and delighted by such a mystery and praised the actions of the Scholars for removing such poison from his city. Bishop N. Seis was glad to accept such praise, but charitable enough to reward Zanetti with a small payment of ducats and the promise of a tin medal struck in his honour.

A Plethora

Miei amici, with the cooling of the air increasing, and the observation of the Feast of All Saints just past, it seems as though all of Roma has thrown itself into glad visitations, supper debates, artistic revels and all manner of social events.

While some of our notables maintained their schedules of steady work interrupted occasionally by explosions of food, wine and gaiety, others seemed almost relentless in their attendance at events. This is a fine thing to see, after the occasional doldrums that we have had, in the last few months.

Borgia Canon Bartolomeo Gagliardi was seen about Roma in all weeks, hosting in one of them. Deacon Jerome Ficolo of the Gonzaga, a relative newcomer upon the scene, was also out every week: a wise decision, sir, and one that cannot fail to advance your cause. Lorenzo Valetti, another recent arrival, not only attended two events, but has already hosted one: precocious! Deacon Valentino Clementi of the Borgia ventured forth for three gatherings. Many more of the illuminati of Roma were also in attendance at dinners, parties and festivals, and so, to specifics.

In the first week of the month, Captain Andrea del Carnevale of the Barberini and his companion Maddalena offered a party at The Capitoline, and it was very well attended. Those arriving included Bartolomeo Gagliardi, solo, Jerome Ficolo and Sophia, Lorenzo Valetti, also solo, Ugo Blatti and Valentina, Umberto Tarentella and Chiara, Valentino Clementi, another by himself, and Vincenzo dei Gambetti with Antonia. All were the guests of the host, who lavished them with food (of an interesting nature, as will be seen) and drink. Members of the Chigi faction were informed in advance that they might seek company elsewhere.

The theme of the gathering was the landing of Christofero Columbo in the New World. An former member of the crew was invited to tell the true story about that first voyage, wherein they reached San Salvador, Cuba and Hispaniola. So rapt were the listeners, an so many were the questions and discourses upon all the marvels described, that people merely sipped at the fine vintages and no one showed the slightest signs of succumbing to Bacchus. Some of the odd and little-known plants brought back were served, as well as warmed drinks brewed from various beans, including the cacao bean. These were enjoyed perhaps in the spirit of scientific inquiry, in advance of the Collegio's meeting of next week. Raw and cooked plants included a spiky, tart fruit served in rings and wedges, some steamed, whitish-yellow, fleshy beads that resembled corn, a rather grub-like, squat tuber called patata by the natives of that land, and, after certain preliminary debates and indulgences by the clerics present, samples of the red-skinned, seed-filled Devil's Fruit, which has been known to engender insatiable lust in the consumer. Fortunately, either the prayers worked, or the attendees were made of sterner stuff, or perhaps people were simply able to hold off until the evening came to its delightful conclusion, for no shameful assaults were made upon the femininity present.

Bartolomeo Gagliardi and Valentino Clementi will be wanting to continue their conversations of the evening with factional rival Ugo Blatti, next month.

The second week of the month featured two gatherings. The Collegio Romano once again held its Annual Grand Dinner. I addition to various luminaries from the Palace, the attendees were a veritable Greek Forum of the Arts and Sciences: Papal Translator Canon Bartolomeo Gagliardi, Maestro Domenico Facente, Instructor of Administration and Papal Commissioner for Archaeology and Lucio Malvezzo, Papal Mathematician and renowned Artist.

The deliberations of the Collegio were not made known to your correspondent, but it is a certainty that the conversations were abstruse yet piercing, the provender austere yet sumptuous, and the wine ancient and enticing, yet moderately indulged.

For those not qualified to sup the rarefied meats of the empyrean, newcomer Lorenzo Valetti offered a party at The Celian. Quite deservedly, it was well-attended for a first offering. Eating and drinking at their host's gracious invitation were Jerome Ficolo and Sophia, Umberto Tarentella and Chiara and Valentino Clementi. Conversation was, if not as labyrinthine as that at the Collegio, lively and jovial, and all left well pleased.

In the third week, Canon Bartolomeo Gagliardi held court in a much-anticipated party at The Capitoline, providing all food and drink for quite an assemblage of guests. These included Andrea del Carnevale and Maddalena, Domenico Facente and Claudia, Jerome Ficolo and Sophia, Lorenzo Valetti, Rinaldo Leonardo Amadeo de Gregori and his new companion of the court, Maria, Ugo Blatti and Valentina, Valentino Clementi, and Vincenzo dei Gambetti and Antonia.

Although the food and drink measured up to the standards one has come to expect of Canon Gagliardi, certainly the highlight of the evening's entertainment would have been Maestro Domenico Facente, who enthralled the assembled company by playing the lute and guitar. Among the pieces was his personal favourite for such instruments, the Fantasia.

All imbibed in moderation-- heavens, a new fashion? -- and since it is the custom that persons having cause for debate do so only once regardless of the number of meetings in a month, the host and Valentino Clementi still have only one debate apiece scheduled with Ugo Blatti.

To end the month's gatherings, a Festival of Art was held at the Palazzo di Venezia. Once more, that musical luminary, Maestro Domenico Facente, was invited to entertain, and came in Claudia's company once more. It is rumoured that the host was neither parsimonious nor princely, in his pecuniary approbation of the composer and musician.

Seen at this prestigious event were Bartolomeo Gagliardi, Jerome Ficolo and Sophia, Lucio Malvezzo and Anna, and Ugo Blatti and Valentina.

The viands were as one would expect in such an august venue, and Maestro Facente was, of course, not the only entertainer invited. His performances were the ones to linger most forcefully in the memory, however, and all were happy that they had attended.

And so, until next month, finito.

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