[1] I wish you were like my brother who fed at my mother's breasts. If I found you outside, I would kiss you, and no one would look down on me. [2] I would lead you and bring you to my mother's house; she is the one who taught me. I would give you a drink of spiced wine from my pomegranates. [3] My lover's left hand is under my head, and his right arm holds me tight. [4] Women of Jerusalem, promise not to awaken or excite my feelings of love until it is ready. [5] Who is this coming out of the desert, leaning on her lover? I woke you under the apple tree where you were born; there your mother gave birth to you. [6] Put me like a seal on your heart, like a seal on your arm. Love is as strong as death; jealousy is as strong as the grave. Love bursts into flames and burns like a hot fire. [7] Even much water cannot put out the flame of love; floods cannot drown love. If a man offered everything in his house for love, people would totally reject it. [8] We have a little sister, and her breasts are not yet grown. What should we do for our sister on the day she becomes engaged? [9] If she is a wall, we will put silver towers on her. If she is a door, we will protect her with cedar boards. [10] I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. So I was to him, as one who brings happiness. [11] Solomon had a vineyard at Baal Hamon. He rented the vineyards for others to tend, and everyone who rented had to pay twenty-five pounds of silver for the fruit. [12] But my own vineyard is mine to give. Solomon, the twenty-five pounds of silver are for you, and five pounds are for those who tend the fruit. [13] You who live in the gardens, my friends are listening for your voice; let me hear it. [14] Hurry, my lover, be like a gazelle or a young deer on the mountains where spices grow.
