8 If only you were to me like a brother,     who was nursed at my mother’s breasts! Then, if I found you outside,     I would kiss you,     and no one would despise me. 2 I would lead you     and bring you to my mother’s house—     she who has taught me. I would give you spiced wine to […]

7 [a]How beautiful your sandaled feet,     O prince’s daughter! Your graceful legs are like jewels,     the work of an artist’s hands. 2 Your navel is a rounded goblet     that never lacks blended wine. Your waist is a mound of wheat     encircled by lilies. 3 Your breasts are like two fawns,     like twin fawns of a gazelle. 4 Your neck is like […]

Friends 6 Where has your beloved gone,     most beautiful of women? Which way did your beloved turn,     that we may look for him with you? She 2 My beloved has gone down to his garden,     to the beds of spices, to browse in the gardens     and to gather lilies. 3 I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine;     he […]

He 5 I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride;     I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey;     I have drunk my wine and my milk. Friends Eat, friends, and drink;     drink your fill of love. She 2 I slept but my heart was awake.     Listen! My beloved […]

He 4 How beautiful you are, my darling!     Oh, how beautiful!     Your eyes behind your veil are doves. Your hair is like a flock of goats     descending from the hills of Gilead. 2 Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn,     coming up from the washing. Each has its twin;     not one of them is alone. […]

3 All night long on my bed     I looked for the one my heart loves;     I looked for him but did not find him. 2 I will get up now and go about the city,     through its streets and squares; I will search for the one my heart loves.     So I looked for him but did not find […]

She[a] 2 I am a rose[b] of Sharon,     a lily of the valleys. He 2 Like a lily among thorns     is my darling among the young women. She 3 Like an apple[c] tree among the trees of the forest     is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade,     and his fruit is sweet to my taste. 4 Let him […]

1 Solomon’s Song of Songs. She 2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—     for your love is more delightful than wine. 3 Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes;     your name is like perfume poured out.     No wonder the young women love you! 4 Take me away with you—let us hurry!     Let the king bring me into his […]