1
In the night watches, as I lay abed, I searched for my heart’s love, and searched in vain.
2
Now to stir abroad, and traverse the city, searching every alley-way and street for him I love so tenderly! But for all my search I could not find him.
3
I met the watchmen who go the city rounds, and asked them whether they had seen my love;
4
then, when I had scarce left them, I found him, so tenderly loved; and now that he is mine I will never leave him, never let him go, till I have brought him into my own mother’s house, into the room that saw my birth.
5
An oath, maidens of Jerusalem! By the gazelles and the wild fawns I charge you, wake never from her sleep my heart’s love, till wake she will!
6
Who is this that makes her way up by the desert road, erect as a column of smoke, all myrrh and incense, and those sweet scents the perfumer knows?✻
7
See now the bed whereon king Solomon lies, with sixty warriors to guard him, none braver in Israel;✻
8
swordsmen all, well trained for battle, and each with his sword girt about him, against the perils of the night!
9
A litter king Solomon will have, of Lebanon wood;
10
a golden frame it must have, on silver props, with cushions of purple; within are pictured tales of love, for your pleasure, maidens of Jerusalem.✻
11
Come out, maidens of Sion, and see king Solomon wearing the crown that was his mother’s gift to him on his day of triumph, the day of his betrothal.
