1 The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s. a
Woman
2 Oh, that he would kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!
For your caresses A are more delightful than wine. b
3 The fragrance of your perfume is intoxicating; c
your name is perfume poured out. d
No wonder young women B adore you.
4 Take me with you e—let’s hurry.
Oh, that the king would bring C me to his chambers.
Young Women
We will rejoice and be glad in you;
we will celebrate your caresses more than wine.
Woman
It is only right that they adore you.
I am dark like the tents of Kedar, g
yet lovely h like the curtains of Solomon.
6 Do not stare at me because I am dark,
for the sun has gazed on me.
My mother’s sons were angry with me; i
they made me take care of the vineyards. j
I have not taken care of my own vineyard.
7 Tell me, you whom I love: k
Where do you pasture your sheep? l
Where do you let them rest at noon? m
Why should I be like one who veils herself D
beside the flocks of your companions? n
Man E
8 If you do not know,
most beautiful of women, o
follow F the tracks of the flock,
and pasture your young goats
near the shepherds’ tents.
9 I compare you, my darling, p
to a G mare among Pharaoh’s chariots. q
10 Your cheeks are beautiful with jewelry, r
your neck with its necklace.
11 We will make gold jewelry for you,
accented with silver.
Woman
12 While the king is on his couch, H
my perfume I releases its fragrance. s
13 The one I love is a sachet of myrrh to me, t
spending the night between my breasts.
14 The one I love is a cluster of henna blossoms to me, u
in the vineyards of En-gedi. v
Man
15 How beautiful you are, my darling.
How very beautiful!
Your eyes are doves. w
Woman
16 How handsome you are, my love. x
How delightful!
Our bed is verdant;
17 the beams of our house are cedars,
and our rafters are cypresses. J