[1] Her (to him): If only you were like my brother, my love, nursed at my mother's breast! Then we could show our affection in public. I would kiss you, and no one would think anything of it. Nobody would look down on me. [2] I would take you by the hand and bring you to my mother's house- she has taught me to be a woman. I would give you spiced wine to drink, and you could enjoy the juice of my pomegranates. [3] His left hand cradles my head, and his right hand reaches out to embrace me. [4] (to the young women of Jerusalem) Heed my warning: I charge you not to excite your love until it is ready. Don't stir a fire in your heart too soon, until it is ready to be satisfied. [5] Young Women of Jerusalem: Who is this woman coming up from the desert, leaning on her love? Her: Under the apple tree I roused your love for me, in the place where your mother conceived you, in the place where she gave birth to you. [6] Set me as a seal over your heart; wear me as an emblem on your arm For love is as strong as death, and jealousy is as relentless as the grave. Love flares up like a blazing fire, a very ardent flame. [7] No amount of water can quench love; a raging flood cannot drown it out. If a person tried to exchange all of his wealth for love, then he would be surely rejected. [8] Young Women of Jerusalem: We have a little sister whose breasts have not yet developed. How shall we protect her until the time when she is spoken for? [9] If she is a wall, we will build silver towers of protection; If she is a door, we will barricade the door with the strongest cedar. [10] Her: I was a wall, and now my breasts are like towers; At that time I found completeness and satisfaction in his eyes. [11] Solomon had a vineyard in Baal-hamon; he let farmers tend it and charged each a ransom for its produce-1,000 pieces of silver. [12] My vineyard is my own-mine to lend or mine to lease. Solomon, you may have your 1,000; Those who tend the fruit, your 200. [13] Him: You who dwell in the gardens, whose friends are always attentive to your voice, Let me hear it. [14] Her: Come quickly, my love. Be like a gazelle or young stag on the mountains of spices.
