My extensive studies amidst ancient tomes have led me to discover some personalities involved in the Italian wars that are likely of a lesser known stature to our readers. In the interests of discovery and enlightenment, might I offer that we all enjoin in a moment to learn of these great men.
Cardinal Donatello ‘Il Moro’ de Tunis, Capitano Generale de Roma
Il Cardinal is much celebrated in Rome, both for his missionary work in Tunis and for the subdued spectacles of piety for which he has been known to arrange. For example? Yes, well, there was the time when the Popes Elephant, Hanno, was fitted with a small stage and sent down the Appian while two dwarfs did mock battle upon it kitted as Thracian and Retiarii. All the while Hanno was guided by a Franciscan friar mounted as the mahout, who was reading of sonnets much celebrated both for their seraphic morality and poor quality. And to be fair, had Hanno not been so disconcerted by the strong fragrances adorning those working women watching the procession, it is unlikely he would have trampled the street urchins, of which we of course still suffer no shortage. On balance, the damage from the riots that followed was as nothing compared to the lessons procured by the pilgrims.
Suffice to say, such humble showings of devotion make him a popular man in a sober city such as Roma. Despite investing his days with such veneration’s, he still finds the time to drill and inspect the papal army in accordance with the modern style. He is truly a great servant of the see.
Marquis Armand Cheveux Parfait, Maréchal de France
It is said of him that the only thing that moves with greater discipline and spirit than his army on the march is his glorious hair in the wind! Qui, Armand is a soldier in the mold of Du Guesclin, not prone to the overzealous teethings of those haughty chargers still too prevalent in the command of French forces. While some of his hot blooded, impatient subordinates may claim him to be slow upon the scent during a great hunt, it is only Cheveux Parfait’s attention to detail and elusive, incalculable maneuvering that draws the ire of these buffoons.
Indeed, the delicacies of campaign are as old friends to le Maréchal, for he has been a student of war under the Fleur for a great many years. Now, poised to hold le grande baton himself, Armand is ready to prove that his tactical savvy matches that of his grand stratagems.
Here Martine is seen celebrating at the news of his his martial appointment!
Comté Martine de Arles
While Martine does not have a great deal of experience in theoretical military matters, he has played jeux de tables on several occasions, the most recent match of which he concluded with a thorough thrashing of his cook. And further, though Martine has not yet had the honor of serving France directly in the field by bearing splendid arms, he has spent a great bit of time wrestling with the course wilds, as a gentleman should.
Most of this has been on the confines of his estate, which posses a glorious and deep game park. However, his exploits, though many, have not been so much within that great park, for the prudent Comte has spurned it due to the presence of both spiders and mosquitoes. Rather, most of this training has taken place within the intimate courtyard at his château. This generally after the servants have ferreted about the crevices for spiders. And likely provided him with some meat pies as well. It can be sure that any fighting that were to take place there would be decidedly to the Comtés advantage as he knows its many peculiarities!
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