Teresa of Ávila (1515 – 1582 CE) was a prominent Spanish mystic and religious reformer. During the time of the counter-reformation she reformed the previously easy-going Carmelite Order, establishing the cloistered and contemplative Discalced Carmelites. She was later helped in this work by the younger friar St. John of the Cross.

Already I gave myself completely,
and have changed in such a way
That my Beloved is for me
and I am for my Beloved.

When the gentle hunter shot me
and left me in all my weakness,
in the arms of love
my soul fell
and being charged with new life
I have changed in such a way
That My Beloved is for me
and I am for my Beloved.

He pierced me with an arrow
laced with the herbs of love
and my soul became one
with her Creator;
I no longer want another love,
since I have given myself to my God,
That My Beloved is for me
and I am for my Beloved.

Translation by Megan Don