Romola · Chapter
XXXIX: A Supper in the Rucellai Gardens explained
Tito attends a political supper at the Rucellai Gardens, where he is courted by members of the Medicean party.
What happens
Tito attends a political supper at the Rucellai Gardens, where he is courted by members of the Medicean party. The gathering is interrupted by Baldassarre, who publicly accuses Tito of being his adopted son and a traitor. Tito denies the accusation, claiming Baldassarre is a mad servant named Jacopo di Nola. Baldassarre, overwhelmed by rage and the shock of Tito's lie, is unable to defend himself, and the company accepts Tito's version of events. Later, Tornabuoni and Pucci privately flatter Tito, suggesting he could be a valuable agent for the Medici cause, hinting at future rewards.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Deception
Tito's public denial of Baldassarre is a direct act of betrayal, and his smooth lies deceive the entire company.
Political and Religious Corruption
The supper reveals the cynical political maneuvering of the Medicean party, who seek to use Tito for their own ends, even hinting at a cardinal's hat as a reward.
Redemption and Moral Choice
Tito is presented with a choice to align with the Medici, a path that offers power but requires further deception, while Baldassarre's failed accusation highlights the consequences of past sins.
Characters to notice
- Tito Melema
Attends the supper, is courted by the Medicean party, and publicly denies Baldassarre, calling him a mad servant.
- Baldassarre Calvo
Interrupts the supper to accuse Tito of betrayal, but is rendered speechless by rage and shock, failing to provide proof.
- Bernardo Rucellai
Hosts the supper and acts as a cautious mediator, proposing a test for Baldassarre's identity.
- Lorenzo Tornabuoni
A young Medicean who flatters Tito and suggests he could be a useful agent for their political schemes.
- Giannozzo Pucci
Another young Medicean who joins Tornabuoni in courting Tito, praising his talents and discretion.
- Niccolò Ridolfi
A middle-aged man of rank who makes casual remarks about the political situation and Antonio Pollajuolo's work.
Key passages
“Good dishes and good wine were at that time believed to heighten the consciousness of political preferences, and in the inspired ease of after-supper talk it was supposed that people ascertained their own opinions with a clearness quite inaccessible to uninvited stomachs.”
People believed that a good meal and wine helped clarify one's political views, and that after-dinner conversation was more insightful than sober discussion.
Highlights the social and political customs of the time.
“To manage men one ought to have a sharp mind in a velvet sheath.”
To control people, you need intelligence that is hidden behind a smooth and pleasant exterior.
Giannozzo Pucci's advice to Tito, emphasizing the value of subtlety and deception in politics.