The Bride Longs for Affection

1 The song of songs, which [is] Solomon's. THE SHULAMITE

2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth -- For your love [is] better than wine.

3 Because of the fragrance of your good ointments, Your name [is] ointment poured forth; Therefore the virgins love you.

4 Draw me away! THE DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM We will run after you. THE SHULAMITE The king has brought me into his chambers. THE DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will remember your love more than wine. THE SHULAMITE Rightly do they love you.

5 I [am] dark, but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, Like the tents of Kedar, Like the curtains of Solomon.

6 Do not look upon me, because I [am] dark, Because the sun has tanned me. My mother's sons were angry with me; They made me the keeper of the vineyards, [But] my own vineyard I have not kept. (TO HER BELOVED)

7 Tell me, O you whom I love, Where you feed [your flock,] Where you make [it] rest at noon. For why should I be as one who veils herself By the flocks of your companions? THE BELOVED

8 If you do not know, O fairest among women, Follow in the footsteps of the flock, And feed your little goats Beside the shepherds' tents.

Expression of Mutual Love

9 I have compared you, my love, To my filly among Pharaoh's chariots.

10 Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, Your neck with chains [of gold.] THE DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM

11 We will make you ornaments of gold With studs of silver. THE SHULAMITE

12 While the king [is] at his table, My spikenard sends forth its fragrance.

13 A bundle of myrrh [is] my beloved to me, That lies all night between my breasts.

14 My beloved [is] to me a cluster of henna [blooms] In the vineyards of En Gedi. THE BELOVED

15 Behold, you [are] fair, my love! Behold, you [are] fair! You [have] dove's eyes. THE SHULAMITE

16 Behold, you [are] handsome, my beloved! Yes, pleasant! Also our bed [is] green.

17 The beams of our houses [are] cedar, [And] our rafters of fir.