St. John of the Cross

“My beloved is the mountains, and lonely wooded valleys.”

“Strange islands, and resounding rivers, the whistling of love-stirring breezes.”

“The tranquil night at the time of the rising dawn, silent music, sounding solitude.”

“The supper that refreshes, and deepens love.”

“Catch us the foxes, for our vineyard is now in flower.”

“While we make a posy of roses, no one shall appear on the hill.”

“O cooling breezes, you breath as if blown from the woods of love.”

“You are the fragrance, the air, that revives.”

“O nymphs of Judah, in the flowery and sweet-smelling fields.”

“Dwell in the suburbs, and seek not after us.”

“Hide thyself, my beloved, and look upon the mountains, and tell no one of it.”

“Look upon the companions of one who travels through strange islands.”

“O living flame of love that tenderly woundest my soul in its deepest center!”

“Since now thou art not oppressive, perfect me now if it be thy will.”

“Break the web of this sweet encounter.”

“O sweet cautery! O delicious wound!”

“O soft hand! O delicate touch!”

“That savorest of eternal life, and pays every debt!”

“In killing thou hast changed death into life.”