text from the Song of Songs; first performed by Tonus Peregrinus in 1998 (Song of Songs 3:4; 6:9); duration: c.7'

This piece was finished in December 1997 and is dedicated to Stephen and Kate Maddock. The season of Advent looks forward both to the celebration of Christ's first coming as a baby boy in Bethlehem, and to His second coming at the end of the age. This text from the Song of Solomon explores the desire which finds its earthly consummation in marriage and heavenly fulfilment in the return of the Bridegroom for His Bride, the Church.

I held him and would not let him go until I had brought him into my mother's house.

My dove, my undefiled is but one, she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her and blessed her.