The Song of Songs, which is for Solomon.
1
2
Mutual admiration[Woman]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 about among the flocks of your companions.
8
[Man]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
[Man]Look at you—so beautiful, my dearest! Look at you—so beautiful! Your eyes are doves!
16
[Woman]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.