A TOMB AT RAVENNA 



with constant information regarding the progress of 

 the conqueror. In October he wrote from the 

 camp before Faenza, giving the Podesta full particulars 

 of the situation. Duke Valentino's triumphant cam- 

 paign had just received an unexpected check before 

 the walls of this little city, which its young prince, 

 Astorre Manfredi, and his gallant subjects vowed 

 to defend with the last drop of their blood. The 

 eyes of all Italy were upon the brave little town, 

 which alone among the cities of Romagna dared to 

 offer a determined resistance to the arms of the 

 dreaded Borgia. 



" I rejoice," wrote Isabella d'Este to her husband, 

 the Marquis of Mantua, " I rejoice to hear that the 

 citizens of Faenza are so loyal and constant in their 

 lord's cause, and feel that they have saved the honour 

 of Italy. May God give them grace to persevere ! 

 Not that I wish Duke Valentino any ill, but because 

 neither the poor Signor nor his faithful people deserve 

 so hard a fate." 



In his despatches to Ravenna, Guidarello informed 

 Soranzo of the desperate efforts which Duke Valentino 

 was making to obtain possession of Faenza by intrigue 

 or force of arms, and of the steadfast opposition which 

 he had encountered. On November 7 he wrote again 

 from Forli, telling him of the arrival of Caesar and his 



chief captains, the three Orsini brothers, Vitellozzo 



241 Q 



