In my bed at night
I sought the one I love;
I sought him, but did not find him.

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.

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.

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.

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My love thrust his hand through the opening,
and my feelings were stirred for him.

I opened to my love,
but my love had turned and gone away.
I was crushed that he had left.
I sought him, but did not find him.
I called him, but he did not answer.

Young women of Jerusalem, I charge you:
if you find my love,
tell him that I am lovesick.

Y What makes the one you love better than another,
most beautiful of women?
What makes him better than another,
that you would give us this charge?

Y Where has your love gone,
most beautiful of women?
Which way has he turned?
We will seek him with you.