1. By night on my bed I sought the one I love;I sought him, but I did not find him.
2. “I will rise now,” I said,“And go about the city;In the streets and in the squaresI will seek the one I love.”I sought him, but I did not find him.
3. The watchmen who go about the city found me;I said,“Have you seen the one I love?”
4. Scarcely had I passed by them,When I found the one I love.I held him and would not let him go,Until I had brought him to the house of my mother,And into the chamber of her who conceived me.
5. I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem,By the gazelles or by the does of the field,Do not stir up nor awaken loveUntil it pleases.
6. Who is this coming out of the wildernessLike pillars of smoke,Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense,With all the merchant’s fragrant powders?