The Vatican Observer
September 1514

Social Gatherings in Rome

Miei amici, in the month past there were two gatherings of note at which the illuminati, intelligentsia and the merely amusing of Roma's nonprime movers conversed and celebrated.

Though it is tempting to rush to the end of the month and the glories of the Vatican Palace, we must not do disservice to Deacon Bartolomeo Gagliardi's party, hosted by that worthy and his companion of the court, Elena, at The Esquiline, at the outset of the month. In attendance were Alessandro Benedetto Ciampi, Cesare Salieri (a Subdeacon of the Borgia faction), Guido d'Aosta, Guido Vitale (the well-known and much-respected Barberini Captain of the Swiss Guards), Orlando Orsini (a recently-made Lieutenant of the Guards), Pieroanton Prinzivall, Stefano Zanetti, and Valentino Clementi. Interestingly, despite this large guest list, there were no rivals present.

The menu was varied, but no particular dish stood out. However, there were two notable occurrences which shone forth in the evening. Relative newcomer Valentino Clementi found himself in conversation with one of the senior Secretaries of the Papal Court, who had looked in, and apparently so amused or impressed the man that he was told to send word if he ever needed a reference. The prize for "entertainment on the order of that afforded by a Barbary Ape" must, however, go to Orlando Orsini of the Swiss Guards, who became so inebriated that he exchanged words, then oaths, then blows, with another frequenter of the Esquiline that looked in. Whilst Signor Orsini may have had the best of the fisticuffs, he had the worst of the city guards, and cooled his temper for the following week in gaol. Still, the brief flurry provided definite punctuation to the evening, and there were several supportive comments and fluttered fans in the assemblage.

Ah, but now we come to the diadem of the month's social activities: the Grand Dinner and Poetry Competition at the Vatican Palace. Amongst the many there were seen the rapidly-prospering Deacons Iacopo di Rossi of the Albani and Arturo Negri of the Chigi, the latter with his companion Ginevra, Domenico Facente, the noteworthy musician, with Claudia, Subdeacon Vittorio Gregorio Magliano of the Aldobrandini, Alessandro Benedetto Ciampi with Nanna, Borgia Deacon Bartolomeo Gagliardi with Elena, Lucio Malvezzo with Anna, Father Rinaldo Leonardo Amadeo de' Gregori and Deacon Enzo di Vitelli, both of the Farnese, the former with Francesca and the latter with Fiammetta, and Guido d'Aosta.

Of note, though not perhaps a notice that he might have wanted was that Deacon Bartolomeo Gagliardi arrived accompanied by a choirboy, whom he claimed was to recite Gagliardi's verse. There was some tittering and conversation unbefitting the decorum of the Palace, at that point. The stewards, unimpressed, turned the boy away and informed Deacon Gagliardi that if he were entering the competition, he would have to recite the poetry himself. It is rumoured that the boy was allowed to refresh himself in the kitchens and was then seen home by a guard. One might be forgiven for thinking that this presaged a poor evening's showing for Gagliardi, but not so: so adept and adroit was his wit and his speech that he much impressed all present with his knowledge of courtly manner. Considering the portent of his later verse, it is likely a far better thing that he delivered it himself, or all the etiquette in the world might not have saved such a lampoon of the clergy, considering the diatribes which issue monthly from some of the cities of the Empire.

Deacon Arturo Negri was no less sparkling in his conversation and tact, offering many a witty comment, alternating with fine compliments and observations. No less a personage than the elegant, beautiful and influential Lucrezia de' Medici herself was taken with this man's elegant manners. It is said that she was in great part responsible for organising the evening's entertainments, and Deacon Negri found in her a sympathetic ear, so much so that he can count on an instance of strong support at some future time.

Sadly, for them, it was deemed that Deacons Enzo di Vitelli and Iacopo di Rossi could have benefited with a bit of polishing by either their companions of the court or at one of Roma's many schools, for they could have done much better in their courtly manner.

The Master of Ceremonies was de Grassi, who showed each guest to his place at the table in the Sala di Constantine. He ensured that each guest was surrounded by others of diverse backgrounds and status. Once more, this evening, there was no thought of factional rivalry being worn on the sleeve, as this was hardly the venue for such obstreperousness.

The Banquet was carried out along the lines of a "Stravaganza dei Medici", with a series of removes, between which were interspersed the various entertainments of the evening. The unofficial "Maitre de Plaisir" was Cardinal Bibbiena, as always. The removes were organised as a series of courses, each with four removes, a remove consisting of a small sampling of a dish, enough to please the palate without requiring that, by the end of the evening, any of the guests would have to resort to the practices of the ancients to relieve gastronomic distress.

Between each of the removes, a guest would be invited to recite for the assemblage, followed by music. The next remove would then ensue. Between each of the courses, there would be a staged piece, involving mime, tableaux, music or sung sonnets.

The menu consisted of many alternating hot and cold dishes. The cold dishes included salads, capons, and small savoury pastries. Among the many hot ones were saltwater fish in the skin, a peacock served in its feathers, and roasted hare. The final course, that of dessert, comprised a selection of almond milk, various sugar confections reproducing mythological scenes and vermicelli made of ricotta. The sugar and almond paste subtleties were much commented upon, and the banquet itself was a great success.

Pope Leo, himself, was in fine form and high good spirits throughout and I am pleased to report that none of the poems presented met with displeasure. The attendees and His Sublime Holiness were all much moved by the various pieces: to applause, to laughter, or to thought, as appropriate.

There were three categories in which His Holiness decided to award prizes: the Finest Poem, the most Topical, and the most Humorous. To this, as it happened, his Holiness added an Honourable mention, for the sheer pleasure that he took from the technique and subject matter of one particular poem.

After all of the recitations, there was consultation with the "Maitre de Plaisir" and then the Master of Ceremonies, de Grassi, made the announcements of the preferments.

But let me subject you to the torments of Tantalus for but a moment longer, and announce the titles of all the poems. While I cannot present them all here in their entireties, they will be published shortly for the gratification of the public. Where untitled, the poems will be referred to by their first lines.

Alessandro Benedetto Ciampi presented "And if I did, what then?", a witty piece regarding the bitterness of one marred by love, and the likely comeuppance for such.

Arturo Negri provided "Verses on the Vision of Saint Emilia of Arbes", a brief but very nicely-worded discourse on devotion and epiphany.

Bartolomeo Gagliardi presented his own poem, "A Novice's lament on attending his lessons", much to the amusement of many of the banqueters. It was noted that one or two of the Cardinals pursed their lips in what might have been mistaken for displeasure, but seeing the smile on His Holiness' face, their expressions became quite serene and appreciative.

Two cardinals to my regret arrived,
Intent each one on that for which he strived;
The one with ardour burning in his heart,
Or if not there, at least some other part;
The other preached that duty did reside,
In obedience and not resistant pride;
And I, with such stern masters did espy,
From their demands I could not lightly fly.

That man of immense talents, Domenico Facente, produced a veritable libretto of works, no less than 7 poems, all of which would be most suitable for songs of one sort or another: "Lament for a Lute", "When David heard that Absalom was slain", "The moonlight reflected", "The Arno", "The Raven", "For Claudia", and one final piece that he did indeed sing, and very well, "This is not the Carnevale".

Perhaps a tale of terror and fright?
But that may provoke a sleepless night.
What of the myths of Rome and Greece,
Or a plaintive song of Peace?
A lament of Cupid's darts,
wounding foolish lover' hearts?
If my offers you disdain,
this is now the last refrain.

This is not the Carnevale,
I will not sing "Palle, Palle".
In God's good Grace I leave you all.
to another I cede the hall.

Enzo di Vitelli recited his "Regrets", a very short, but haunting piece, in an unknown form.

Guido d'Aosta could not fail to please the patriotic with "Great are the lands of Italia", with no little classical allusion. Of course, Italia was not considered Roman in the time of the Republic, though it had all been enfranchised by the Imperial years. Now, we are all one big, happy family. Ahem. One Cardinal, who shall remain nameless, was heard whispering to his neighbour that it might have been more diplomatic for d'Aosta to have granted Florence higher honours in his poem. Nonetheless, it was a very catalogue of Italy's pre-eminences, and who could but agree with:

But above all, standing proud,
standing tall among much lesser mortals,
stands Leo Decimo, who was born Giovanni,
the jewel and crown on Italia's head!

In a similar vein, Iacopo di Rossi extolled His Holiness as "the brother of the people" in his "Among the discord, God holds the enemies at bay". Again, the metre and rhythm was of an unknown form, but interesting.

Lucio Malvezzo provided a pleasant love poem in his "My true love, I yearn", a plaintive passage from an unknown admirer to one above his station, perhaps, or one deemed possibly beyond his reach.

Rinaldo Leonardo Amadeo de' Gregori's list of entries was longer than his name, no less than five poems, all in classical styles. "The Gauntlet Cast Down", wherein he mock-challenged the other competitors in rhyme, "On a Seed", a cleverly anti-rhymed sonnet, then "A Sonnet upon the Luminosity of our Papal Court And the Pope's Gracious Patronage of the Arts". To demonstrate technical competence, he followed with the overly-titled "A Reflection on Patriotism and the Swiss Guards, And an Allegory About Oratorical Truths. An Octavo-Sestet, in Trochaic Tetrametre, in the style of Petrarch." His final piece was the aptly-named "Reflecting on the Summer Past", containing several lampoons of the Summer Mission's opponents.

Finally, Vittorio Gregorio Magliano contributed the spiritual and inspiring "My life is pledged to another".

The Awards:

The special Honourable mention went to Domenico Facente, for his lovely "This is not the Carnevale". Presented before His Holiness, The Pope himself indicated that he would provide a commission expected to take not less than eight weeks to compose! Truly Signor Facente has finally attracted the attention of the most sought-after patron in the civilised world. We will all hope to see a true triumph from him when it is unveiled.

The Most Humorous Poem was "A Novice's lament on attending his lessons", by Deacon Bartolomeo Gagliardi, who was Deacon not a minute longer. Yes! His Holiness himself recommended to the Borgia that one who seemed so intimately aware of the protocol of the orders should not languish a moment longer, and the seniors of that Faction who were present heartily agreed, no doubt pleased by the accolades that would accrue to that eminent family. And so, Father Bartolomeo Gagliardi, priest of the Borgia faction, it was.

Rinaldo Leonardo Amadeo de' Gregori's "Sonnet upon the Luminosity of our Papal Court" was adjudged Most Topical, as it referred to His Holiness' patronage of the Arts and Sciences in a clever way.

And a double victory for the lucky, and, one must admit, quite competent, dei Gregori: for his "On a Seed" was deemed by His Holiness to be the finest poem presented. As it is short, it is reproduced in this newsletter in its entirety, and you may judge for yourselves.

For his combined victories, Father dei Gregori was invited to the next Grand Court, and also assured that His Holiness would speak favourably of him, upon his next petition.

Men of the Cloth

Reports of the Papal Mission to Hungary have arrived and the initial reception of the Delegation has been exceptionally cordial. The Court of King Ulaszlo II was most receptive to the Pontiff's support and guidance, as it also enjoyed the diplomatic support of Emperor Maximilian I of Austria, and King Sigismund of Poland. The Delegation was warned not to mention the recent peasant's revolt lead by George Dozsa, as this was determined to be an entirely internal matter.

Cardinal N. Quintus, the Delegation Leader, and Patriarch En Sextus made very good impressions upon the King's representatives, as did the Fourth Coalition Leader Archbishop N. Tres. The discussions began in earnest in the week following the initial ceremonies of reception and a High Mass observing the Birth of the Virgin.

The discussions and debate regarding the best methods for uniting the Holy Church more closely to the Court of Hungary began with the Sforza Faction's Bishop EnCinco making a brilliant presentation of the common good to be derived from a strengthening of ties to Rome. Canon En Due and Priest EnSeis could not match the vigour of their superior, but did perform well enough. Priest EnCinq regained some of the lost momentum of the proposal with a very good grasp of the proposition, and an equally good presentation. Deacon Pennaccini concluded the Sforza presentation in a very similar vein of thoughtful and persuasive argument, and was rewarded with some handsome silver goblets for his efforts.

The following day the Ludovisi Faction continued the debate in much the same manner and with much the same result. Bishop EnTrois and Canon EnPhive both presented excellent reasons, uncontested, to the court. But this very promising beginning was marred by Priest EnUno and Priest N. Drei, both of whom upset the Hungarian representatives by mentioning the threat posed by Selim of the Turks. Both were shouted down, and only the intervention of Major di Miteli, and his men prevented an escalation of the rhetoric. For his expedient action in removing the two humiliated Priests the good Major was well rewarded, and most favourably mentioned in dispatches by the Cardinal.

Deacon EnSix stepped into this difficult situation and performed with the greatest calm and excellence. He was immediately elevated to the priesthood for his actions. While many would agree that the unfortunate Priests did present a compelling case for a renewal of action against the Turks, as the Sultan is involved with Persia, the Hungarians were not to be coerced into taking up the sword.

After a brief hiatus the Missionary Faction continued the discussion. Bishop N. Quarto merely restated the position of the former factions. Canon En Five, however, was most eloquent in his presentation. At this juncture the debate should have proceeded without great incident. But, the subject of the recent revolts was raised by both Priests EnTre and Entoo. Again each man was shouted down and humiliated. The task of repairing the damage was left to Deacons N. Quinque and Ensix who were both promoted for their remarkable performances. Additionally, Seminarian Malatesta of the Doria-Pamfili and lay cleric dei Gambetti, both volunteers with the mission, were very favourably mentioned.

The Papal Scholars, who labour continuously, suffered no lasting repercussions from the failures of the errant speakers. Indeed, lay cleric Finelli was even mentioned favourably by the Bishop in his report.

Meanwhile, in Rome the following young men have taken vows and aligned themselves with Factions: Deacon di Rossi (Albani); Seminarian Malatesta (Doria-Pamfili); Deacon Negri (Chigi); Deacon Magliano (Aldobrandini); Deacon di Vitelli (Farnese); Sub-Deacon Saleri (Borgia); and Seminarian della Croce (Farnese).

Men of Steel

The Colonel of the Swiss Guards was pleased by the applications of two gentlemen of suitable background and character to join the ranks of the Pontiff's most trusted protectors.

We are pleased to report that Signor O. Orsini has been accepted as a Lieutenant, although he has yet to affiliate himself with a faction. Unfortunately for Signor G. d'Aosta, who arrived subsequently, he was not permitted to enlist.

Captain G. di Vitale remains in Rome, providing security for the Pope and the Prussian Envoy. The Barberini are no doubt delighted with the performance of their associate, and the proximity to the Papal ear.

The vaunted, and one may say tireless, Major A. di Miteli is presently accompanying the Ludovisi Faction on the Papal Mission to Hungary.

Companionship and Conversation

My friends, it is a heartening thing to see that as great a value as Friendship is as highly prized in Roma in today's world. We must remember, friends, that Friendship, the ideal, is quite different from the worldly notion of friend-that clinging, cloying, self-interested companionship which gains naught and ruins much. No, friends, the kind of dear companionship sought in the Vatican Court is for the edification of all, even if occasionally marred by politics or other such things, as it is the pursuit of the higher Friendship that is the shadow of the perfect Friendship of the Eternal Word.

So eager, friends, was pursuit of the higher this month that one might say that many of the brightest of the Court were left quite tired by the flurry of activity. Let us begin with Costanza, a woman of some influence and pedigree, who experienced a small rush of visits this month. In the first week, she was pleased to receive one Iacopo di Rossi, a well-spoken and pious fellow who was seen bringing a small, tasteful gift into her reception room, where they conversed pleasantly. However, not twenty minutes later, one Vittorio Gregorio Magliano also graced Costanza's door, bearing a quite beautiful painting. Costanza, quite amazed at this display of good taste, invited him in as well. The conversation cooled a bit, however, as it was clear that both men had some intent to monopolize Costanza's conversation; thus, the conversation ended prematurely and without conclusion. Signor Magliano, seizing the moment, actually brought the artist himself with him two weeks later, and was seen laughing with Costanza over sketches made by the fellow on the spot. One suspects that the thoughtful Magliano will be seen with Costanza in the near future, even as Signor di Rossi may wish to debate the value of fine art with Signor Magliano in similar short order.

Now, one must point out that it is an acceptable practice to share the better things of this world with another for the benefit of their edification. This is, of course, in contrast with the regrettable experiments of Marco Armani, who departed Rome this month, doubtless to ponder the many errors he made in Rome. Restraint or topicality are the keys to a tasteful gift, versus sheer bribery; learning the difference is, in fact, the heart of the matter at Court.

Another good example of restraint and patience was found in the orbit of dear Ginevra. Ginevra comes from the Medici family, well-bred and well thought-of at court, and has been in conversation with very few men at court to date, having but the highest of standards. Indeed, two men endured something of a test of their mettle this month while attending to her: one Arturo Negri and one Ugo Blatti met at her reception almost simultaneously in the first week of the month. The two could not have appeared more differently: Negri appeared as if cloaked in flowers, which Ginevra is known to appreciate, while Blatti came bearing a rare rose from the Alps, also much to her liking. She regaled the men with many stories about flora and the Alps, and then shooed them away so she might attend to business. Not to be discouraged, both men returned the following week-Blatti, once again, bearing a small but very interesting sculpture from a gentleman artist who was born on the Alps, only to be followed by Negri, bearing a large painting of the Alps themselves. Ginevra was pleased at the gentlemen's company, but tired of their quiet disposition in each other's company and dismissed them early. It was Negri, however, who endured these storms and finally, in the next week, arrived at Ginevra's door singing songs from Alpine villages on a new harp, which he made a present to Ginevra. This, more than anything, sealed the matter, and assured that Ginevra will introduce Negri to many at court in short order. He would also do well to practice a bit of oratory, however, as Blatti will doubtless have words to direct at him.

The heart of the previous tale, friend, is the relentless, patient pursuit of that core commonality or love that friends find for a goal, a pursuit, or a thought. Such things do not always take so much time, however; take, for example, the case of Fiammetta. I would call Fiammetta lovely, if it were not insufficient; she is an adornment to the court as well as an integral part of its workings. It is well known that she is quite fond of the study of the Orient, a topic on which she has spent much time deliberating with Cardinals and friends. It would just happen, then, that one Enzo di Vitelli happened to hear of this and, inflamed with love of the same topic, beat his way to Fiammetta's door with an authentic manuscript written in the language of the Chinese. While neither could read this, they had many hours of wonderful conversation over its mere mystery, and have struck a fast friendship as a result after their meeting in week the first.

Much more typical of the process of discerning the common pursuit, though, is the case of one Alessandro Benedetto Ciampi to Nanna, another dear friend and Medici daughter. Her particular passion, it would seem, revolves around butterflies. Ciampi, being an industrious fellow, sought to engage her in conversation over the matter, and brought her-a worm. Well, not a worm-a larval butterfly, it seems. But Nanna, knowledgeable as she was, was not pleased by this presentation and sent the poor fellow away. Recognizing his error, however, the man spent a week tending to the creature, and then brought Nanna the fully transformed butterfly a week later, much to her delight. Patience, timing, and good thought are critical to these endeavours, even more so than the alleged emotions or other ephemeral, transient sentiments that many call upon to gauge such things.

The summary, friends, is that flesh will fail, paintings will tarnish, and all creatures fade-but the pursuit of the thought behind things, the thought of things, the pursuit of the Thought that made them all-such is the way to peace and true Friendship.

May your thoughts be edifying, friends. Until later.

On a Seed

Drifting, blowing, whither going?
"Dande de lion", whitely showing
All the method of his journey.
Knowing not which way to turn, he.

Fate his steersman, winds his pilot:
Could a man's life be thus? My lot
Like the seed's, to wander, wond'ring
In the darkness blindly blund'ring?

Yet the seed of love grows swiftly
And the light of God shall gift thee:
With its rays benignly beaming,
Heaven's glories sweetly streaming.

Ev'ry seed shall find its place of
Growth, and rest, in our God's love.

By Rinaldo Amadeo de Gregori

Court and Social

The Pope will host the following events at the Vatican Palace
In the first week of October: Grand Court
In the second week of October: Conclave
In the third week of October: Conclave

The Director of the Collegio Romano will host the Annual Dinner of the Collegio Romano at the Palatine in the second week of October.

Positions Vacant

Director of the Collegio Romano
Eloquence Instructors

Upcoming Debates

AN v UB (over Ginevra)
IdR v VGM (over Costanza)