[1] The Song of Songs [the best of songs], which is Solomon’s. [2] “May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!” [Solomon arrives, she turns to him, saying,] “For your love is better than wine. [3] The aroma of your oils is fragrant and pleasing; Your name is perfume poured out; Therefore the maidens love you. [4] Draw me away with you and let us run together! Let the king bring me into his chambers.” “We will rejoice and be glad in you; We will remember and extol your love more [sweet and fragrant] than wine. Rightly do they love you.” [5] “I am deeply tanned but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, [I am dark] like the tents of [the Bedouins of] Kedar, Like the [beautiful] curtains of Solomon. [6] Do not gaze at me because I am deeply tanned, [I have worked in] the sun; it has left its mark on me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; They made me keeper of the vineyards, But my own vineyard (my complexion) I have not kept.” [7] “Tell me, O you whom my soul loves, Where do you pasture your flock, Where do you make it lie down at noon? For why should I be like one who is veiled Beside the flocks of your companions?” [8] “If you do not know [where your lover is], O you fairest among women, Run along, follow the tracks of the flock, And pasture your young goats By the tents of the shepherds. [9] “To me, my love, you are like My [favorite] mare among the chariots of Pharaoh. [10] Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, Your neck with strings of jewels.” [11] “We will make for you chains and ornaments of gold, [Studded] with beads of silver.” [12] “While the king was at his table, My perfume (Solomon) sent forth [his] fragrance [surrounding me]. [13] My beloved is to me like a pouch of myrrh Which lies all night between my breasts. [14] My beloved is to me a cluster of henna flowers In the [fragrant] vineyards of Engedi.” [15] “Behold, how beautiful you are, my darling, Behold, how beautiful you are! Your eyes are dove’s eyes.” [16] “Behold, how fair and handsome you are, my beloved; And so delightful! Our arbor is green and luxuriant. [17] The beams of our houses are cedars, Our rafters and panels are cypresses.
