Eleven poor Spaniards and Portuguese were sent to the stake in 1578 for an offence which Francesco Cenci compounded in 1594 by the payment of 100,000 crowns.

After this warning and the loss of so much money, he grew more circumspect, married his second wife Lucrezia, and settled down to rule his family.

His sons caused him considerable anxiety.

Giacomo, the eldest, married against his father's will, and supported himself by forging obligations and raising money.

Francesco's displeasure showed itself in several lawsuits, one of which accused Giacomo of having plotted against his life.