The Song of Solomon, 3

¹ “Upon my bed during the nights, I sought the one I love.^*1 I sought him, but I did not find him.

² I will arise and roam the city; In the streets and in the public squares, Let me seek the one I love.^*1 I sought him, but I did not find him.

³ The watchmen making their rounds in the city found me. ‘Have you seen the one I love?’^*1

⁴ Scarcely had I passed by them When I found the one I love.^*1 I held on to him, I would not let him go Until I brought him into my mother’s house, Into the interior room of her who conceived me.

⁵ I put you under oath, O daughters of Jerusalem, By the gazelles and the does of the field: Do not try to awaken or arouse love in me until it feels inclined.”

⁶ “What is this coming up from the wilderness like columns of smoke, Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, With all the fragrant powders of a merchant?”

⁷ “Look! It is the couch belonging to Solʹo·mon. Sixty mighty men surround it, Of the mighty men of Israel,

⁸ All of them armed with a sword, All trained in warfare, Each with his sword at his side To guard against the terrors of the night.”

⁹ “It is the royal litter^*1 of King Solʹo·mon That he made for himself from the trees of Lebʹa·non.

¹⁰ Its pillars he made of silver, Its supports of gold. Its seat is of purple wool; Its interior was lovingly decorated By the daughters of Jerusalem.”

¹¹ “Go out, O daughters of Zion, Gaze at King Solʹo·mon Wearing the wedding crown^*1 his mother made for him On the day of his marriage, On the day of his heart’s rejoicing.”