8. Where Is He?

Where Is He?

Upon my bed at night I longed for him,

the one with whom the best does not compare.

I went to look outside, while light was dim

and searched out all the streets and every square.

The watchmen met me as they made their rounds.

I asked them if they’d seen my dearest love.

No sooner had I asked them than I found

the one to whom I am a precious dove.

O daughters of Jerusalem, hear well:

Be careful when you rouse love and its fires.

I charge you by the doe and the gazelle:

Stir not up love until it so desires.

I ran to him and held him very close

until I brought him to my mother’s house. 

(Ch. 3:1-5)

The Happy Lovers, Gustave Courbet, 1844

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