[1] The Song of Songs, which is for Solomon. [2] If only he would give me some of his kisses … Oh, your loving is sweeter than wine! [3] Your fragrance is sweet; your very name is perfume. That’s why the young women love you. [4] Take me along with you; let’s run! My king has brought me into his chambers, saying, “Let’s exult and rejoice in you. Let’s savor your loving more than wine. No wonder they all love you!” [5] Dark am I, and lovely, daughters of Jerusalem—like the black tents of the Kedar nomads, like the curtains of Solomon’s palace. [6] Don’t stare at me because I’m darkened by the sun’s gaze. My own brothers were angry with me. They made me a caretaker of the vineyards—but I couldn’t care for my own vineyard. [7] Tell me, you whom I love with all my heart—where do you pasture your flock, where do you rest them at noon?—so I don’t wander around with the flocks of your companions. [8] If you don’t know your way, most beautiful of women, then follow the tracks of the herds and graze your little goats by the tents of the shepherds. [9] I picture you, my dearest, as a mare among Pharaoh’s chariots! [10] Lovely are your cheeks, adorned with ear hoops; your neck, with beads. [11] Let’s make hoops of gold beaded with silver for you! [12] With my king close by, my perfume filled the air. [13] A sachet of myrrh is my love to me, lying all night between my breasts. [14] A cluster of henna flowers is my love to me in the desert gardens of En-gedi. [15] Look at you—so beautiful, my dearest! Look at you—so beautiful! Your eyes are doves! [16] Look at you—so beautiful, my love! Yes, delightful! Yes, our bed is lush and green! [17] The ceilings of our chambers are cedars; our rafters, cypresses.
