3 The watchmen stopped me as they made their rounds,and I asked, “Have you seen the one I love?”
4 Then scarcely had I left themwhen I found my love!I caught and held him tightly,then I brought him to my mother’s house,into my mother’s bed, where I had been conceived.
5 Promise me, O women of Jerusalem,by the gazelles and wild deer,not to awaken love until the time is right.
6 Who is this sweeping in from the wildernesslike a cloud of smoke?Who is it, fragrant with myrrh and frankincenseand every kind of spice?
7 Look, it is Solomon’s carriage,surrounded by sixty heroic men,the best of Israel’s soldiers.
8 They are all skilled swordsmen,experienced warriors.Each wears a sword on his thigh,ready to defend the king against an attack in the night.
9 King Solomon’s carriage is builtof wood imported from Lebanon.