The Vatican Observer
August 1516

Advancements, temporal and spiritual

August brought to Rome the Feast of the Assumption, a celebration of the Blessed Virgin's happy departure from this life and the assumption of her body into heaven.

Making a less happy departure however was Bishop Razetti of the Aldobrandini, who has apparently found life in Rome a little too rich for his tastes. Before his departure for Buda, in Hungary, the Bishop was often seen in the company of Archbishop de Gregori who no doubt was able to offer much comfort to the Bishop as he struggled with this most difficult decision. Perhaps the letter which it is said couriers carried from Canon Magliano to his Bishop also contained wise council?

Along with his letter to the Bishop, the Aldobrandini Canon also found time to correspond with the Secretarius Intimus in order to place himself forward for the position of Councillor to His Holiness. It appears that Canon Magliano scripts a most persuasive argument for his appointment was soon confirmed and I am sure that the Cicero School will regret the loss of such a talented instructor.

In closing it is worth commenting that it is rare that a man receives the calling to join the church, rarer still that a man should hear the call twice. Deacon Tarantella had previously found his place within the Gonzaga, but now has left his brethren to take up a place within the ranks of the Chigi. His dining companions may have changed but his role remains the same as Tarantella maintains his position as a Deacon.

Around the markets

How the merchants and vendors long for the return of the Farnese and Borgia! Few men have decided to part with more Ducats than necessary. Only Diacono Camineti provided an astounding amount of business for the tailors of the strada de' Giubbonari, hatters of the vicolo de' Cappellari, and the cobblers of the strada de' Colzolai. The Diacono, who last month frequented the piazza del Paradisio, decided he and his companion Donna Bianca needed new wardrobes. While rumours can never really be relied upon, many believe Diacono Caminetti spent as much as a wealthy gentleman earns during a good month on this extravagance.

Between the extremes of frugality and extravagance there is Maestro Facente who likes to keep a good house. There is always food and drink, he pays his servants well, his animals are well fed and groomed, and for those with whom he does business, he is loyal. Although the acquavitari seldom see him, his purchases of tea from Signor Gomes are not uncommon.

Yet, the absence of men of some largess has consequences for Roma, and the city coffers.

An August Rush To The Clubs By The August

It is usual that most of those who can afford it, in Roma, flee the city until the Fall, to their country homes and estates. This Summer has been much the same, but certain members of the clergy and the guards at least strove to keep the social order active. In fact, it might be said that Albani Deacon Roberto Caminetti made socialising his goal with dogged, unrelenting determination, hosting one gathering and attending clubs for the rest of the entire month! Captain Andrea Poliponi nearly emulated him for persistent pleasantry.

Gatherings

At the outset of August, Deacon Caminetti, with his Court companion Bianca, hosted a party at the Quirinal. Attending were Ludovisi Bishop Ugo Blatti and Valentina, Captain Andrea Poliponi and Luisa, Bernabo Amendola, and Marcello Adalfieri Novelli. While no details of the menu or the entertainments escaped the gathering, it may be assumed that all were pleased with the company and the fare. Moreover, one notes the gracious attendance of the Bishop, sure to add lustres to the Deacon's name.

Clubs and Masses

Interestingly, Barberini Deacon Dante di Gregori and Adrianna also found themselves at the Quirinal, in a different salon. Deacon di Gregori exercised his vinific expertise upon several vintages of the Quirinal's cellars, then appeared to wish to comment upon them all! To the delight of the proprietors, he spent very heavily before finally being overcome by his researches.

The Palatine saw Archbishop and Councillor Rinaldo Leonardo Amadeo dei Gregori, with Maria. These two were noted to be quite complacent in each other's company, sharing a good meal and a pair of vintages, while engaging in a conversation that wound its way through several hours! Perhaps this may account for the Archbishop's better-than-usual preparation for the Conclave, later in the month.

Noted at Mass this week were the company of Maestro Domenico Facente and Claudia and Barberini Subdeacon Edward L'Inglese and Anna. Attending separately was Ludovisi Deacon Niccolo della Zucca. More regarding this gentleman, later. Ai, ai, ai!

The second and fourth weeks of August found Captain Andrea Poliponi and Luisa at the Viminal, bringing their monthly outings up to three. Ah, the fervour of youth in Roma!

As was mentioned above, Deacon Roberto Caminetti and Bianca virtually set up house at the Quirinal for August. Perhaps having received a report of Dante di Gregori's researches of the first week, Bianca eagerly sought to emulate him, though owing to her slighter frame and stature, she spread her inebriation over the second and fourth weeks. Deacon Caminetti seemed not to mind the extra expense to render his companion a polite and pleasant, pulchritudinous pickle.

Finally, Ludovisi Bishop Ugo Blatti attended mass, at the end of the month, a fitting and appropriate end to his sojourns, and a time for reflection. It may even be that he was reflecting upon one of his deacons...

On the Menial Streets

If, as I mentioned at the outset, most of the clergy were trying to keep the social order active, one seemed intent on turning it topsy-turvy! After searching his soul at Mass in the first week of the month, word has it that Ludovisi Deacon Niccolo della Zucca spent the rest of the month working-- for pay-- as a common labourer might! Now, while it is likely that he employed his literacy and quills, and did not truly soil his hands in the fields and ditches, this is still considered quite inappropriate for a man of the cloth: good works for charitable reasons, maybe, but to have to supplement his stipends with labour? One may at least recommend him, that he does not suffer from the sin of pride. Doubtless, the Ludovisi will see to it that their brother member need not so demean himself, and his Faction, in the future. Nonetheless, it may be noted that the Deacon did attend Mass and provide his tithe. If he is truly in such extremities, how much more worthy that he gave his mite at Mass!

At the Papal Palace

In these trying times, His Holiness is apt to seek counsel on matters politic and economic. Accordingly, yet another Conclave was held at the Papal Palace, in the third week. Archbishop de' Gregori dutifully attended, and proved that if one does anything long enough, one is bound to improve: it was noted that, while his contributions were more or less what one would expect from any councillor, he yet did seem to produce one or two pearls of insight.

A minor oddity did occur, and so provides us with matter for conjecture: two of the Swiss Guards were politely informed that this was a Conclave, not a Court, and that therefore neither their gorgeous panoply, nor their pikes, were required to attend. One wonders if this was merely a confusion, or if the guards had received information of something that prompted them to seek admittance to the governmental deliberations. In any event, nothing occasioned to disrupt the chambers.

Ineamus Ad Discendum Exeamus Ad Merendum

Even in the heat of this month men are studying. It is true that weather seldom deters those who wish to learn from improving themselves. A man may be considered quite extraordinary in his village, the vicinato of his town, or city but find they are less than proficient in certain areas when compared to others, and deficient when compared to the demands of the Papal Court and service to the Holy Church. Therefore, the Collegio de Scuola exists, and sets about to improve men to the best standard attainable.

At the Scuola Cicero Diacono Novelli and Subdiacono L'Inglese each spent a week under the tutelage of Cardinale Bibbiena, who has taken the position at the request of His Holiness until a replacement of sufficient quality may be found. Oratory is a subject important to any man who is in public life, but is vital to a man of the Church.

Diacono D. de Gregori had the good fortune to study etiquette with Arcivescovo dei Gregori at the Scuola Horace. One may say 'good fortune' because Arcivescovo dei Gregori had to attend a Conclave during the middle of the month, and a substitute was required.

The same good fortune did not fall to Maestro Facente, who had hoped to study with Vescovo Blatti, but instead found himself with Signor Trissino. It is well known that Signor Trissino has no tolerance for a Tuscan dialect, he appears to have even less for those who stutter and stammer, as does Maestro Facente, It was not a good week for either man. Vescovo Blatti did teach early in the month, and his class was well attended as usual at the Scuola Martial.

The Vescovo also studied at the Scuola Juvenal with Vescovo Vida seeking to improve his wit should any offer him an insult, and a debate be demanded. There is a civility to settling affairs of honour with words, rather than swords; it is in keeping with the teaching of Our Saviour and most appropriate for the Holy See.

The Collegio Romano has welcomed a new member; Subdiacono L'Inglese had his first composition accepted. We congratulate him, and hope for his continued success.

Papal Calendar

The Pope will host the following events at the Medici Palace, Florence
In the first week: Grand Dinner
In the second week: None
In the third week: None
In the fourth week: None

Upcoming Debates

UT with RC over Bianca
BG with UT over Francesca

Positions Vacant

Delegation Leader
Assistant Delegation Leader
Coalition Leader
Delegation Bursar

Men of the Cloth / Men of Steel

In Istanbul the talks continued over the release of the thousands of Christians currently enslaved by the vile Turk. Doing his best to plead the delegation in the void left by his superior, Patriach Vijf managed at least to avoid enraging the Sultan or his advisors. His leadership could not be described as exemplary but it was at least enduring.

The main talks were conducted by the third delegation, under the guidance of Archbishop di Vitelli. His experience as Papal Legate served him well and his leadership was at least a little more assured than that of the Patriach and he will no doubt take from Istanbul the thanks of His Holiness and a number of expensive gifts from the Sultans court.

The Borgia took the lead in the discussions, as is perhaps their due, and built upon the opening articulacy of the Patriach and Archbishop to great effect. Bishop Gagliardi kept a close eye on his flock and ensured that none of the Borgia drew the displeasure of the court. In fact the Sultan's advisors were full of praise for the wisdom and eloquence of the faction and there was not a Canon, Padre, Deacon or even Subdeacon amongst the Borgia who was not paid tribute to. With such acclaim the Borgia will certainly be a faction to watch upon their return to Rome, should they ever choose to cease their travels and return. The merchants of Rome will certainly look forward to that day, for as well as praise the Sultan heaped gift after gift upon the faction members. The fact that some of these gifts amounted to the very Christian slaves they were seeking to release caused a little embarrassment, but as with all this month the Borgia handled such trials with consummate ease and the reward for their tireless work, and generous offers of trade with Rome, was that many a Christian slaves gained their freedom and were returned to the Church.

The Farnese, alas, did not receive such good fortune. The faction were tasked with talking to the Sultan and his advisors in an effort to gauge whether Selim intended to move his forces west into Christian Europe, or remain in Asia to deal with threats closer to home. At first all seemed well and a number of Farnese received fair reward. Those who have heard Padre Valetti speak publicly during his time in Istanbul may be surprised to learn that the young man was singled out for promotion to Canon and presented with a sizable bequest for his contribution. Perhaps when not in the public gaze the young man has talent as a scribe? Taking up the senior priestly robes laid aside by Valetti, merely figuratively of course, will be Padre Condottiero who performed his role well enough for his superiors to consider him worthy of commendation to Rome.

After such a favourable beginning to their discussions, it seemed as if the Farnese would shine alongside their coalition cousins, but a shocking event would show just how large a chasm separated the Christian from the Turk, and how the followers of Islam do not need to be assembled in so large a body as an army to pose a threat. Whilst travelling to a private meeting with a gathering of ambassadors from other Christian nations, Canon dei Gambetti and his small entourage, were presented with a tableau of barbarity to which he was little accustomed. A local man and his family were being set upon by a rabid mob intent on lapidation, and unable to stand by and do nothing the Canon ordered the guard who accompanied him to drive the crowd back. The Canon then attempted to calm the crowd with soothing words and enter into discourse with them as the accused an, a rich merchant by his own account, begged for salvation for himself and his family. Canon dei Gambetti learned from the mob that the family had left the Islamic faith and turned to Christianity and as such deserved death as is the law. As the mob bayed for blood, and the accused offered riches beyond measure, the nervous Swiss Guardsmen advised that to interfere with such a scene would bring not only immediate danger but the possibility of enraging Selim if he were to hear of it. Canon dei Gambetti seemed to struggle with the decision for some time as tension grew, but just as he looked ready to allow his Guard to escort him away his conviction would not allow him to walk by on the other side. He stepped forward to help the merchant to his feet and ordered the crowd to disperse, but alas whilst his words were delivered firmly and carried great authority their effect upon the Turks was not as he had hoped. The baying rabble surged forward, intent of carrying through their vile act, and the papal party found itself under a barrage of stones. At this point in the proceedings the recollections of the papal party become rather confused and fragmentary, but when the remnants reached the safety of the Topkapi Palace there was no sign of Swiss Guardsman Niemand, Subdeacon Nessuno or Canon dei Gambetti. As yet the Sultan's men have not been able to ascertain the final fate of these three men, something I am sure the Farnese would like to know.

Safely away from this scene, for he was not required for the meeting with the ambassadors, Deacon Colonna continued his foray into the religious art of Istanbul. After his disappointment with seeking out frescoes and artworks in situ he turned his attention to the icon painters, but this line was to prove just as testing. The Turks strongly enforce their doctrine against images of the human form and the icon painters cannot ply their trade openly, if at all. Despite such censure it is believed that he was able to send a number of interesting pieces back to Rome, which should ensure that the young man is much sought after by patrons of the art upon his return to Rome who will seek to talk to him of his researches or perhaps even acquire one of the pieces for their own chapels or collections.

With the missionary faction suffering greatly in recent months, their remaining members were absorbed into the Papal Scholars. Unfortunately their lot was not to improve and the Scholars' Bishop found himself struck down with an unfortunate ailment which caused him to leave the city and return to the care of Rome's finest physicians. Bereft of the Bishop's leadership the Scholars and Missionaries were left to their own devices but their disparate actions gained little glory. Canon Magliano did not need the Bishops' guidance to fill his days with devout activity and performed far in excess of the remaining volunteers. The Canon introduced himself to a number of prominent figures in the city establishing contacts which will no doubt serve the Canon, and His Holiness, well in years to come. For such a service Magliano was promoted to Bishop, both within the Scholars and within the Aldobrandini faction given the vacating of the position by Razetti.

Padre Ficolo is also to be praised, as the young priest took it upon himself to keep the mission well supplied with stores, and whilst the costs seemed far higher than they had in previous months there were no cause for complaint by any present.

On the role of music in worship

Edward, son of Arthur, grandson of Edward, of England; Artium Baccalaureus et Magister Artium, Conlegium Regina, Cantabrigia

Unto the Collegio Romano

Greetings!

May it please the esteemed College, I humbly seek admission to your noble fellowship for the purposes of finishing my Philosophić Doctor amongst the luminaries present in God’s Eternal City. To that end I propose to study the role of music, most particularly hymns and chants, as an appropriate expression of our praise for God and his Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ

It is pleasing to God that we should worship him in song and voice. It is written in the 33rd Psalm (2-3) that, “Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.” Moreover the beginning lines of the 66th Psalm instructs us to “Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.”

No less a theologian than the great Saint Thomas Aquinas put the matter thus, "Hymnus est laus Dei cum cantico; canticum autem exultatio mentis de aeternis habita, prorumpens in vocem." ("A hymn is the praise of God with song; a song is the exultation of the mind dwelling on eternal things, bursting forth in the voice.")

Rome is filled with musicians and theologians of all comportment. It is my fervent hope that here, directly under the gaze of the successor to Saint Peter, I can explore the vast possibilities of the intersection of music and worship to the greater glory God, amongst and with the aid of the members of the esteemed College. I pray that this application meets with enthusiastic acceptance. Gratias tibi ago!

Debates

Famine continues, debates there are none, August lies heavy on the heart of the lover of learned dispute.

Glad tidings for the Autumn, however. It is said that Deacon Tarentella, not content having cause with Deacon Caminetti alone, has given cause to Bishop Gagliardi also.

Well done dear Deacon, well done. Let us hope that other men of Rome do as you have done, and that scholarly argument rings once more about the piazzas and cafes of Rome.

Court Companionship

With Roma stifling, as Summer ends in heat, and before the storms, Umberto Tarentella was the only notable of Roma to be active in the seeking of Court Companions. Having switched from the Gonzaga to the Chigi, and still a Deacon, he sought out the brilliant and influential Francesca. His actions, quite likely were borne of his old rivalry with the Borgia Bishop, and Papal Mathematician, Bartolomeo Gagliardi, who has been so successful on mission in Constantinople. Umberto spent heavily in his venture, which was successful. Umberto and Bartolomeo have cause for a debate in September over this.

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; the Barberini Deacon, and Adviser to Faction Leader, Stefano Piero Mazzetti, and the Ludovisi Deacons Marcello Adalfieri Novelli and Niccolo della Zucca Hopefully they will correct this oversight before they become more and more out of touch with court gossip.