[1] I am the spring crocus blooming on the Sharon Plain, the lily of the valley. [2] Like a lily among thistles is my darling among young women. [3] Like the finest apple tree in the orchard is my lover among other young men. I sit in his delightful shade and taste his delicious fruit. [4] He escorts me to the banquet hall; it's obvious how much he loves me. [5] Strengthen me with raisin cakes, refresh me with apples, for I am weak with love. [6] His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me. [7] Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and wild deer, not to awaken love until the time is right. [8] Ah, I hear my lover coming! He is leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills. [9] My lover is like a swift gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he is behind the wall, looking through the window, peering into the room. [10] My lover said to me, "Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one! [11] Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. [12] The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. [13] The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming. Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one!" [14] My dove is hiding behind the rocks, behind an outcrop on the cliff. Let me see your face; let me hear your voice. For your voice is pleasant, and your face is lovely. [15] Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming! [16] My lover is mine, and I am his. He browses among the lilies. [17] Before the dawn breezes blow and the night shadows flee, return to me, my love, like a gazelle or a young stag on the rugged mountains.
