The Bride’s Dream

On 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 squares.

I will seek the one I love.

So I sought him but did not find him.

I encountered the watchmen on their rounds of the city:

“Have you seen the one I love?”

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.

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.

Who is this coming up from the wilderness

like a column of smoke,

scented with myrrh and frankincense

from all the spices of the merchant?

Behold, it is Solomon’s carriage,

escorted by sixty of the mightiest men of Israel.

All are skilled with the sword,

experienced in warfare.

Each has his sword at his side

prepared for the terror of the night.

King Solomon has made his carriage

out of the timber of Lebanon.

He has made its posts of silver,

its base of gold, its seat of purple fabric.

Its interior is inlaid with love

by the daughters of Jerusalem.

Come out, O daughters of Zion,

and gaze at King Solomon,

wearing the crown his mother bestowed

on the day of his wedding—

the day of his heart’s rejoicing.