After the death of his wife Ersilia, his behavior grew more irregular.

Three times between 1591 and 1594 he was sued for violent attacks on servants; and in February of the latter year he remained six months in prison on multiplied charges of unnatural vice.

There was nothing even here to single Francesco Cenci out from other nobles of his age.[198] Scarcely a week passed in Rome without some affair of the sort involving outrage, being brought before the judges.

Cardinals, prelates, princes, professional men and people of the lowest rank were alike implicated.

The only difference between the culprits was that the rich bought themselves off, while the destitute were burned.