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Most beautiful of women,
    where has your lover gone?
Tell us which way your lover went,
    so that we can help you find him.

The Woman

My lover has gone to his garden,
    where the balsam trees grow.
He is feeding his flock in the garden
    and gathering lilies.
My lover is mine, and I am his;
    he feeds his flock among the lilies.

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Where has your beloved gone,
    O fairest among women?
Which way has your beloved turned
    that we may seek him with you?(A)

My beloved has gone down to his garden,
    to the beds of spices,
to pasture his flock in the gardens
    and to gather lilies.(B)
I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine;
    he pastures his flock among the lilies.(C)

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The Chorus

So where has this love of yours gone,
    fair one?
Where on earth can he be?
    Can we help you look for him?

The Woman

2-3 Never mind. My lover is already on his way to his garden,
    to browse among the flowers, touching the colors and forms.
I am my lover’s and my lover is mine.
    He caresses the sweet-smelling flowers.

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Friends

Where has your beloved(A) gone,
    most beautiful of women?(B)
Which way did your beloved turn,
    that we may look for him with you?

She

My beloved has gone(C) down to his garden,(D)
    to the beds of spices,(E)
to browse in the gardens
    and to gather lilies.
I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine;(F)
    he browses among the lilies.(G)

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