Hohelied 3 · Der Traum der Braut

1Upon my couch at night I sought the one I love—I sought, but found him not.

2“I must rise and roam the town,Through the streets and through the squares;I must seek the one I love.”I sought but found him not.

3The watchmen came upon meWhile patrolling the town—“Have you seen the one I love?”

4Scarcely had I passed themWhen I found the one I love.I held him fast, I would not let him goTill I brought him to my mother’s house,To the chamber of her who conceived me

5I adjure you, O maidens of Jerusalem,By gazelles or by hinds of the field:Do not wake or rouseLove until it please!

6Who is she that comes up from the desertLike columns of smoke,In clouds of myrrh and frankincense,Of all the powders of the merchant?

7There is Solomon’s couch,Encircled by sixty warriorsOf the warriors of Israel,

8All of them trained “to learn.” in warfare,Skilled in battle,Each with sword on thighBecause of terror by night.

9King Solomon made him a palanquinOf wood from Lebanon.

10He made its posts of silver,Its back of gold,Its seat of purple wool.Within, it was decked with loveBy the maidens of Jerusalem.

11O maidens of Zion, go forthAnd gaze upon King SolomonWearing the crown that his motherGave him on his wedding day,On his day of bliss.