Hope and fear consumes beautiful Florence
who hoped her famous heroes would provide
liberty and peace, and she calls out repeatedly,
at times gently, and then again wildly:

“O my wise and noble sons, why do you not
follow of those who with iron and boldness
opened for you a real roadway to peace?
You know you admired them so much.

Why are you so late coming to my aid?
I didn’t bear you freely and gladly
so you’d desert me, a grief-striken slave

With what strength you can get together,
with wise counsel and powerful hands,
liberate me, save yourselves and your peace.”

Translation by Ellen Moody