Song of Solomon 5:2–8

The Woman

²I was sound asleep, but in my dreams I was wide awake.

Oh, listen! It’s the sound of my lover knocking, calling!

The Man

“Let me in, dear companion, dearest friend,

my dove, consummate lover!

I’m soaked with the dampness of the night,

drenched with dew, shivering and cold.”

The Woman

³“But I’m in my nightgown—do you expect me to get dressed?

I’m bathed and in bed—do you want me to get dirty?”

^4–7But my lover wouldn’t take no for an answer,

and the longer he knocked, the more excited I became.

I got up to open the door to my lover,

sweetly ready to receive him,

Desiring and expectant

as I turned the door handle.

But when I opened the door he was gone.

My loved one had tired of waiting and left.

And I died inside—oh, I felt so bad!

I ran out looking for him

But he was nowhere to be found.

I called into the darkness—but no answer.

The night watchmen found me

as they patrolled the streets of the city.

They slapped and beat and bruised me,

ripping off my clothes,

These watchmen,

who were supposed to be guarding the city.

⁸I beg you, sisters in Jerusalem—

if you find my lover,

Please tell him I want him,

that I’m heartsick with love for him.