1. In 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 the plazas. 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. "Have you seen the one I love?" [I asked them].

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-- 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.

6. What is this coming up from the wilderness like columns of smoke, scented with myrrh and frankincense from every fragrant powder of the merchant?

7. It is Solomon's royal litter 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 [to guard] against the terror of the night.

9. King Solomon made a sedan chair for himself with wood from Lebanon.

10. He made its posts of silver, its back of gold, and its seat of purple. Its interior is inlaid with love by the young women of Jerusalem.

11. Come out, young women of Zion, and gaze at King Solomon, wearing the crown his mother placed on him the day of his wedding-- the day of his heart's rejoicing.