Song of Solomon 1:1-17 VOICE

[1] For Solomon. The most sublime song of all. [2] Her (to him): Kiss me with the sweet kisses of your lips, for your love delights me more than wine. [3] The pleasant aroma of your fragrance rises in the air; your name is like precious perfume poured out: This is why young women adore you. [4] Take me away with you; let's run away together! (to the young women) The king has brought me into his bedroom. Young Women of Jerusalem (to him): We will shout for joy and celebrate over you. We will make it known that your love is better than the finest of wines. Her (to him): Everyone loves you, and there is no reason why they shouldn't. [5] (to the young women) Look at me, young women of Jerusalem. I am dark but beautiful. I am dark like the tents of Kedar; I am beautiful like the curtains of Solomon's temple. [6] Don't stare at my dark skin, for the sun looked down on me. My brothers' anger scorched me; they made me work all day long in the vineyards, So I did not have time to care for my own vineyard, to cultivate my own body. [7] (to him) Tell me, my dearest love, where are your sheep grazing today? Where are you resting with your flock at midday? I want to come to you. Why must I go looking for you like the veiled women wandering among the flocks of your friends? [8] Him (to her): If you do not know where I am, most beautiful of women, Follow the tracks of my sheep- they will lead you to me- And graze your flocks of young goats beside the shepherds' tents. [9] You remind me, my dear, of an honored mare among Pharaoh's stallion-driven chariots; [10] The strings of jewels against your cheeks frame your elegance, as also the tender curve of your neck with precious gems. [11] Young Women of Jerusalem (to her): We will make for you golden jewelry to lay against your skin, golden jewelry studded with silver to frame your elegance. [12] Her: When the king was relaxing at his table, the seductive fragrance of my perfume filled the air. [13] My love is close to my heart, like a sachet of myrrh tucked between my breasts. [14] My love is like a fragrant bouquet of henna blossoms from the vineyards of Engedi. [15] Him: How beautiful you are, my dear! How so very beautiful! Your eyes are like doves. [16] Her: You, my love, are so handsome! A pleasure to behold! Our bed is a lush, green field, [17] The beams of our house are majestic cedars, and the rafters are tall pines.