The Song of Solomon
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.*
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?’*
4 Scarcely had I passed by them
When I found the one I love.*
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.”
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.”