Alexander, knowing that Louis XII. would require his investiture for the realisation of his designs regarding the Kingdom of Naples, complained to him that his ally, Giovanni Bentivoglio, had frustrated Caesar’s plans with respect to Faenza, although their failure was due more to Manfredi’s stout resistance and the severity of the winter than to the assistance of the tyrant of Bologna. His Holiness even went so far as to demand possession of the territory of the Bentivoglio. January 28, 1501, the Pope threatened Bologna with the interdict in case lodging and supplies were not ready for Caesar’s troops within six days. The King of France, however, was more diplomatic, for he dispatched a letter from Blois, January 30, 1501, in which he “besought his great and good friend of Bologna to aid our said cousin of Valentinois with men, provisions, and artillery.” Bentivoglio did furnish lodgings, supplies, and men, but absolutely refused to allow the castle of Bologna to be occupied by Caesar’s troops, because, as he said, this would endanger his authority too much. Alexander had demanded possession of the stronghold on the ground that it was required for Caesar’s operations in the Romagna, but Bentivoglio was not to be deceived. Valentino spent the early months of the year 1500 organising the government of the territories bordering on the Adriatic, but he kept a close watch on Faenza, which he again attacked about the middle of April, but without accomplishing anything. The skill and valour of Manfredi and his followers won the admiration of all Italy, and Isabella d’Este, writing to her husband, the Marquis of Mantua, April 20th, said: “The people of Faenza have saved the honour of Italy”; and Caesar is reported to have remarked: “Had I at my command an army like the defenders of Faenza I could confidently undertake the conquest of the entire peninsula.” [Illustration: GIO·II·BENTIVOGLIO SIG·DI BOLOGNA _From an early engraving._ To face p. 172.] Manfredi, however, was finally reduced to the necessity of asking for an armistice to arrange the terms of surrender and the night of April 21st he was received by Caesar at his headquarters with marked courtesy. The terms of the capitulation were drawn up in Caesar’s name by Battista Orfino, and Michelotto Corella was placed in charge of the stronghold. The brave Manfredi was to be allowed to go whithersoever he wished; his officers also were permitted to depart; the people and their property were to be respected; the coins struck by the prince were to remain current in the State; his debts were to be paid by Caesar, and to enable the people to regain their prosperity they were to be granted certain exemptions in the matter of taxes.