1
One night as I lay in bed, I yearned for my lover.
I yearned for him, but he did not come.
2
So I said to myself, “I will get up and roam the city,
searching in all its streets and squares.
I will search for the one I love.”
So I searched everywhere but did not find him.
3
The watchmen stopped me as they made their rounds,
and I asked, “Have you seen the one I love?”
4
Then scarcely had I left them
when I found my love!
I caught and held him tightly,
then I brought him to my mother’s house,
into my mother’s bed, where I had been conceived.
5
Promise me, O women of Jerusalem,
by the gazelles and wild deer,
not to awaken love until the time is right. 1
6
Who is this sweeping in from the wilderness
like a cloud of smoke?
Who is it, fragrant with myrrh and frankincense
and every kind of spice?
7
Look, it is Solomon’s carriage,
surrounded by sixty heroic men,
the best of Israel’s soldiers.
8
They are all skilled swordsmen,
experienced warriors.
Each wears a sword on his thigh,
ready to defend the king against an attack in the night.
9
King Solomon’s carriage is built
of wood imported from Lebanon.
10
Its posts are silver,
its canopy gold;
its cushions are purple.
It was decorated with love
by the young women of Jerusalem.
11
Come out to see King Solomon,
young women of Jerusalem. 2
He wears the crown his mother gave him on his wedding day,
his most joyous day.