[1] She Speaks: I am merely a rose from the land of Sharon, a lily from the valley. [2] He Speaks: My darling, when compared with other young women, you are a lily among thorns. [3] She Speaks: And you, my love, are an apple tree among trees of the forest. Your shade brought me pleasure; your fruit was sweet. [4] You led me to your banquet room and showered me with love. [5] Refresh and strengthen me with raisins and apples. I am hungry for love! [6] Put your left hand under my head and embrace me with your right arm. [7] Young women of Jerusalem, promise me by the power of deer and gazelles never to awaken love before it is ready. [8] She Speaks: I hear the voice of the one I love, as he comes leaping over mountains and hills [9] like a deer or a gazelle. Now he stands outside our wall, looking through the window [10] and speaking to me. He Speaks: My darling, I love you! Let's go away together. [11] Winter is past, the rain has stopped; [12] flowers cover the earth, it's time to sing. The cooing of doves is heard in our land. [13] Fig trees are bearing fruit, while blossoms on grapevines fill the air with perfume. My darling, I love you! Let's go away together. [14] You are my dove hiding among the rocks on the side of a cliff. Let me see how lovely you are! Let me hear the sound of your melodious voice. [15] Our vineyards are in blossom; we must catch the little foxes that destroy the vineyards. [16] She Speaks: My darling, I am yours, and you are mine, as you feed your sheep among the lilies. [17] Pretend to be a young deer dancing on mountain slopes until daylight comes and shadows fade away.
