CAVARADOSSI prendendo amorosamente fra le sue le mani di Tosca O dolci mani mansuete e pure, o mani elette a bell'opre e pietose, a carezzar fanciulli, a coglier rose, a pregar, giunte, per le sventure, dunque in voi, fatte dall'amor secure, giustizia le sue sacre armi depose? Voi deste morte, o man vittoriose, o dolci mani mansuete e pure!...
English Libretto or Translation:
CAVARADOSSI lovingly taking her hands in his My Saviour! Oh sweet hands pure and gentle, Oh hands meant for the fair works of piety, Caressing children, gathering roses, For prayers when others meet misfortune … Then it was in you, made strong by love, That justice placed her sacred weapons? You dealt out death, victorious hands, Oh sweet hand pure and gentle.