< Song of Solomon 1 >
1 The song of songs, which is Solomon's.
2 Oh that he might kiss me with the kisses of his mouth; for thy caresses are more pleasant than wine.
3 To the smell are thy fragrant oils pleasant, [like] precious oil poured forth is thy name [famous afar]: therefore do maidens love thee.
4 Oh draw me, after thee will we run: the king hath brought me into his chambers; we will be glad and rejoice in thee; we will recall thy caresses, more [pleasant] than wine; without deceit [all] love thee.—
5 Black am I, yet comely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.
6 Look not so at me, because I am somewhat black, because the sun hath looked fiercely at me: my mother's children were angry with me; they appointed me to be keeper of the vineyards; but my vineyard, which is my own, have I not kept.—
7 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest? where lettest thou thy flock rest at noon? for why should I appear like a veiled mourner by the flocks of thy companions?—
8 If thou knowest this not, O thou fairest of women, go but forth in the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids around the shepherds' dwellings.—
9 Unto the horse in Pharaoh's chariot do I compare thee, my beloved.
10 Comely are thy cheeks between strings [of pearls], thy neck with rows [of jewels].
11 Chains of gold will we make for thee with studs of silver.—
12 While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth its [pleasant] smell.
13 A bundle of myrrh is my friend unto me, that resteth on my bosom.
14 A copher-cluster is my friend unto me in the vineyards of 'En-gedi.—
15 Lo, thou art beautiful, my beloved: lo, thou art beautiful: thy eyes are those of a dove.—
16 Lo, thou art beautiful, my friend, also pleasant: also our couch is [made in the] green [wood].
17 The beams of our houses are cedars and our wainscoting of cypress-trees.
