at last resolved to exercise strict justice on the Cenci.

He was brought to this decision by a matricide perpetrated in cold blood at Subiaco, on September 5, 1599.

Paolo di S.Croce, a relative of the Cenci, murdered his mother Costanza in her bed, with the view of obtaining property over which she had control.

The sentence issued a few days after this event.

Giacomo was condemned to be torn to pieces by red hot pincers, and finished with a _coup de grace_ from the hangman's hammer.