_Ghinotto di Tacco_, for his insolent and stout robberies, became a man very farre famed, who being banished from _Sienna_, and an enemy to the Countes _Disanta Fiore_: prevailed so by his bold and headstrong perswasions, that the Towne of _Raticonfani_ rebelled against the Church of Rome, wherein he remaining; all passengers whatsoever, travelling any way thereabout, were robde and rifled by his theeving Companions. At the time whereof now I speake, _Boniface_ the eight, governed as Pope at Rome, and the Lord Abbot of _Clugni_ (accounted to be one of the richest Prelates in the world) came to Rome, and there either by some surfeit, excesse of feeding, or otherwise, his stomacke being grievously offended and pained; the Phisitians advised him, to travell to the Bathes at _Sienna_, where he should receive immediate cure. In which respect, his departure being licenced by the Pope, to set onward thither, with great and pompous Cariages, of Horses, Mules, and a goodly traine, without hearing any rumour of the theevish Consorts. _Ghinotto di Tacco_, being advertised of his comming, spred about his scouts and nettes, and without missing so much as one Page, shut up the Abbot, with all his traine and baggage, in a place of narrow restraint, out of which he could by no meanes escape. When this was done, he sent one of his most sufficient attendants, (well accompanyed) to the Lord Abbot, who said to him in his Masters name, that if his Lordship were so pleased, hee might come and visite _Ghinotto_ at his Castle. Which the Abbot hearing, answered chollerickly, that he would not come thither, because hee had nothing to say to _Ghinotto_: but meant to proceed on in his journy, and would faine see, who durst presume to hinder his passe. To which rough words, the messenger thus mildely answered. My Lord (quoth he) you are arrived in such a place, where we feare no other force, but the all-controlling power of heaven, clearely exempted from the Popes thunder-cracks, of maledictions, interdictions, excommunications, or whatsoever else: and therefore it would bee much better for you, if you pleased to do as _Ghinotto_ adviseth you.