ed by their just resentment of his
oppressive misrule. He was in the same case as other Romagna tyrants,
and now that Venice had lifted from him her protecting aegis, he had no
illusions as to the fate in store for him. So when once more the
tramp of Cesare Borgia's advancing legions rang through the Romagna,
Pandolfaccio disposed himself, not for battle, but for surrender on the
best terms that he might succeed in making.

He was married to Violante, the daughter of Giovanni Bentivogli of
Bologna, and in the first week of October he sent her, with their
children, to seek shelter at her father's Court. Himself, he withdrew
into his citadel--the famous fortress of his terrible grandfather
Sigismondo. The move suggested almost that he was preparing to resist
the Duke of Valentinois, and it may have prompted the message sent him
by the Council to inquire what might be his intention.

Honour was a thing unknown to this Pandolfaccio--even so much honour
as may be required for a dignified retreat. Since all was lost it but
remained--by his lights--to make the best bargain that he could and get
the highest possible price in gold for what he was abandoning. So he
replied that the Council must do whatever it considered to its best
advantage, whilst to anticipate its members in any offer of surrender,
and thus seek the favour and deserve good terms at the hands of this
man who came to hurl him from the throne of his family, he dispatched a
confidential servant to Cesare to offer him town and citadel.

In the meantime--as Pandolfo fully expected--the Council also sent
proposals of surrender to Cesare, as well as to his lieutenant-general
of Romagna, Bishop Olivieri, at Cesena. The communications had the
effect of bringing Olivieri immediately to Rimini, and there, on October
10, the articles of capitulation were signed by the bishop, as the
duke's representative, and by Pandolfo Malatesta. It was agreed in these
that Malatesta should have safe-conduct for himself and his familiars,
3,000 ducats and the value--to be estimated--of the artillery which he
left in the citadel. Further, for the price of 5,500 ducats he abandoned
also the strongholds of Sarsina and Medola and the castles of the
Montagna.

His tyranny thus disposed of, Pandolfaccio took ship to Ravenna, where
the price of his dishonour was to be paid him, and in security for
which he took with him Gianbattista Baldassare, the son of the ducal
commissioner.

On the d