1 Often I seek my Lord by night, Jesus, my love, my soul's delight; With warm desire and restless thought I seek him oft, but find him not.
2 Then I arise, and search the street Till I my Lord, my Saviour meet; I ask the watchmen of the night, "Where did you see my soul's delight?"
3 Sometimes I find him in the way, Directed by a heavenly ray; I leap for joy to see his face, And hold him fast in mine embrace.
4 [I bring him to my mother's home, Nor does my Lord refuse to come, To Sion's sacred chambers, where My soul first drew the vital air.
5 He gives me there his bleeding heart, Pierc'd for my sake with deadly smart; I give my soul to him, and there Our loves their mutual tokens share.]
6 I charge you all, ye earthly toys, Approach not to disturb my joys; Nor sin, nor hell come near my heart, Nor cause my Saviour to depart.