[1] The Song of Songs, which is Solomon's. [2] Oh, that he would kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your caresses are more delightful than wine. [3] The fragrance of your perfume is intoxicating; your name is perfume poured out. No wonder young women adore you. [4] Take me with you-let's hurry. Oh, that the king would bring me to his chambers. We will rejoice and be glad in you; we will celebrate your caresses more than wine. It is only right that they adore you. [5] Daughters of Jerusalem, I am dark like the tents of Kedar, yet lovely like the curtains of Solomon. [6] Do not stare at me because I am dark, for the sun has gazed on me. My mother's sons were angry with me; they made me take care of the vineyards. I have not taken care of my own vineyard. [7] Tell me, you whom I love: Where do you pasture your sheep? Where do you let them rest at noon? Why should I be like one who veils herself beside the flocks of your companions? [8] If you do not know, most beautiful of women, follow the tracks of the flock, and pasture your young goats near the shepherds' tents. [9] I compare you, my darling, to a mare among Pharaoh's chariots. [10] Your cheeks are beautiful with jewelry, your neck with its necklace. [11] We will make gold jewelry for you, accented with silver. [12] While the king is on his couch, my perfume releases its fragrance. [13] The one I love is a sachet of myrrh to me, spending the night between my breasts. [14] The one I love is a cluster of henna blossoms to me, in the vineyards of En-gedi. [15] How beautiful you are, my darling. How very beautiful! Your eyes are doves. [16] How handsome you are, my love. How delightful! Our bed is verdant; [17] the beams of our house are cedars, and our rafters are cypresses.
