The Bride’s Dream

On my bed at night

I sought the one I love;

I sought him,

but did not find him.

2 

I will arise now and go about the city,

through the streets and squares.

I will seek the one I love.

So I sought him but did not find him.

3 

I encountered the watchmen on their rounds of the city:

“Have you seen [the one] I love?”

4 

I had just passed them when I found the one I love.

I held him and would not let go

until I had brought him to my mother’s house,

to the chamber of the one who conceived me.

5 

O daughters of Jerusalem, I adjure you

by the gazelles and does of the field:

Do not arouse or awaken love

until the time is right.

6