Caterina, after seeing what has happened in…

Caterina, after seeing what has happened in Imola, asks the people of Forlì if they also want to capitulate to Borgia, or if they want to be defended and endure the resulting siege.

Because the people hesitate in answering, Caterina absolves the citizens of Forlì of their oath of fealty, and seals herself in Ravaldino.

On 19 December, the Duke of Valentinois also takes possession of Forlì and begins the siege of the fortress.

Caterina repeatedly refuses all offers of peace, from Cesare and from Cardinal Riario.

In response, Cesare offers ten thousand ducats for her, dead or alive.

Caterina tries to capture Cesare when he come near the fortress to talk to her, but the attempt fails.

For several days the artillery of both factions engage in a mutual bombardment: Caterina's cannon inflict heavy losses on the French army, but the French artillery damages the defenses of the main fortress.

What is destroyed during the day is rebuilt during the night.

The besieged also find the time to play and dance.

Caterina's solitary resistance is admired throughout all Italy; Niccolò Machiavelli reports that many songs and epigrams were composed in her honor.

All are lost except that of Marsilio Compagnon.