8
If you don’t know, O most beautiful woman,
follow the trail of my flock,
and graze your young goats by the shepherds’ tents.
9
You are as exciting, my darling,
as a mare among Pharaoh’s stallions.
10
How lovely are your cheeks;
your earrings set them afire!
How lovely is your neck,
enhanced by a string of jewels.
11
We will make for you earrings of gold
and beads of silver.
12
The king is lying on his couch,
enchanted by the fragrance of my perfume.
13
My lover is like a sachet of myrrh
lying between my breasts.
14
He is like a bouquet of sweet henna blossoms
from the vineyards of En-gedi.
15
How beautiful you are, my darling,
how beautiful!
Your eyes are like doves.
16
You are so handsome, my love,
pleasing beyond words!
The soft grass is our bed;
17
fragrant cedar branches are the beams of our house,
and pleasant smelling firs are the rafters.
1
I am the spring crocus blooming on the Sharon Plain, 1
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. 2