1 IN THE night I dreamed that I sought the one whom I love. [She said] I looked for him but could not find him. 2 So I decided to go out into the city, into the streets and broad ways [which are so confusing to a country girl], and seek him whom my soul loves. I sought him, but I could not find him. 3 The watchmen who go about the city found me, to whom I said, Have you seen him whom my soul loves? 4 I had gone but a little way past them when I found him whom my soul loves. I held him and would not let him go until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her who conceived me. 5 I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the hinds of the field that you stir not up nor awaken love until it pleases.