3 In my bed at night x

I sought the one I love; y

I sought him, but did not find him. z a

2 I will arise now and go about the city,

through the streets and the plazas. b

I will seek the one I love.

I sought him, but did not find him.

3 The guards who go about the city found me. c

I asked them, “Have you seen the one I love?”

4 I had just passed them

when I found the one I love.

I held on to him and would not let him go

until I brought him to my mother’s house d—

to the chamber of the one who conceived me.

5 Young women of Jerusalem, I charge you

by the gazelles and the wild does of the field:

do not stir up or awaken love

until the appropriate time. e f

N 6 What is this g coming up from the wilderness

like columns of smoke,

scented with myrrh and frankincense h

from every fragrant powder of the merchant?

7 It is Solomon’s royal litter i

surrounded by 60 warriors

from the mighty of Israel.

8 All of them are skilled with swords

and trained in warfare.

Each has his sword at his side j

to guard against the terror of the night. k

9 King Solomon made a sedan chair l for himself

with wood from Lebanon.

10 He made its posts of silver,

its back m of gold,

and its seat of purple.

Its interior is inlaid with love n

by the young women of Jerusalem. o

11 Come out, young women of * Zion, p

and gaze at King Solomon,

wearing the crown his mother placed on him

the day of his wedding q—

the day of his heart’s rejoicing.