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 
