By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loves. I sought him, but I did not find him.

[I said], I will rise now, and go around the city. In the streets and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loves. I sought him, but I did not find him.

The watchmen who go about the city found me. [I said], Did ye see him whom my soul loves?

It was but a little that I passed from them when I found him whom my soul loves. I held him, and would not let him go until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her who conceived me.

Oh that thou were as my brother, who sucked the breasts of my mother! [When] I should find thee outside, I would kiss thee. Yes, and none would despise me.

I am a wall, and my breasts like the towers. Then I was in his eyes as one who found peace.