Pomponazzi

We had instructions to prepare a dinner for a philosopher from the University of Padua, one Professor Pietro Pomponazzi, who had gained a controversial reputation with his essay “On the Immortality of the Soul.”

The Book of Unholy Mischief Elle Newmark 2008

Pomponazzi and the doge weeping into their custards.

The Book of Unholy Mischief Elle Newmark 2008

The doge wept with his head resting on his arms while Pomponazzi patted his shoulder, saying, I know.

The Book of Unholy Mischief Elle Newmark 2008

Tasting his first mouthful of capon, Pomponazzi appeared to be gripped by a culinary orgasm.

The Book of Unholy Mischief Elle Newmark 2008

After swallowing his last bite, Pomponazzi sat back with one hand on his belly.

The Book of Unholy Mischief Elle Newmark 2008

But Pomponazzi was a fast eater as well as a fast talker.

The Book of Unholy Mischief Elle Newmark 2008

Pomponazzi speared a little squid ring and chewed.

The Book of Unholy Mischief Elle Newmark 2008

Pietro Pomponazzi wrote his famous treatise, On the Immortality of the Soul Tractatus de immortalitate animae, in 1516.

The Book of Unholy Mischief Elle Newmark 2008

In it, Pomponazzi proposed the idea that after death a soul lingered in some ambiguous state, waiting to take possession of a new body.

The Book of Unholy Mischief Elle Newmark 2008

The chef wanted Pomponazzi to go on promoting his wild ideas, but on another occasion, after the doge had sent a notorious forger to the dungeon, the chef mumbled, “Good riddance.”

The Book of Unholy Mischief Elle Newmark 2008