1 On my bed at night I sought the beloved of my being; I sought him, but I did not find him.
2 “Come, let me arise, and go about the city, In the streets and in the broad places I seek the beloved of my being.” I sought him, but I did not find him.
3 The watchmen who go about the city found me, to whom I said, “Have you seen the beloved of my being?”
4 Scarcely had I passed by them, When I found the beloved of my being. I held him and would not let him go, Until I had brought him to the house of my mother, And into the room of her who conceived me.
5 I have put you under oath, O daughters of Yerushalayim, By the gazelles or by the does of the field, Do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases.