Songs of the Soul by St. John of the Cross

Songs of the Soul
  by St. John of the Cross

1. On a dark night,
kindled in love with yearnings
 -- oh, happy chance! --
I went forth without being observed,
my house being now at rest.

2. In darkness and secure,
by the secret ladder, disguised
 -- oh, happy chance! --
in darkness and in concealment,
my house being now at rest.

3. In the happy night,
in secret, when none saw me,
nor I beheld aught,
without light or guide,
save that which burned in my heart.

4. This light guided me
more surely than the light of noonday
to the place where he was awaiting me
 -- well I knew who! --
a place where none appeared.

5. Oh, night that guided me,
oh, night more lovely than the dawn,
oh, night that joined
beloved with lover,
lover transformed in the Beloved!

6. Upon my flowery breast,
kept wholly for himself alone,
there he stayed sleeping,
and I caressed him,
and the fanning of the cedars made a breeze.

7. The breeze blew from the turret
as I parted his locks;
with his gentle hand
he wounded my neck
and caused all my senses to be suspended.

8. I remained, lost in oblivion;
my face I reclined on the Beloved.
All ceased and I abandoned myself,
leaving my cares
forgotten among the lilies.