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The family of Castracani was formerly numbered among the noble

families of Lucca, but in the days of which I speak it had

somewhat fallen in estate, as so often happens in this world. To

this family was born a son Antonio, who became a priest of the

order of San Michele of Lucca, and for this reason was honoured

with the title of Messer Antonio. He had an only sister, who had

been married to Buonaccorso Cenami, but Buonaccorso dying she

became a widow, and not wishing to marry again went to live with

her brother. Messer Antonio had a vineyard behind the house where

he resided, and as it was bounded on all sides by gardens, any

person could have access to it without difficulty.