Of armoured strength her maiden heart,
So that with them she might depart
To shameful death in Rimini.
Bianca, in the vault below,
Crouched at her prayers and did not know
This death, and of her father's shame;
But heard their shouts and heard her name.
Oh, little hands," she softly sighed,
Wherefore should ye be crucified,
What have ye done that men should see