1The song of songs, which is Solomon's.

2Oh that he might kiss me with the kisses of his mouth; for thy caresses are more pleasant than wine.

3To the smell are thy fragrant oils pleasant, [like] precious oil poured forth is thy name [famous afar]: therefore do maidens love thee.

4Oh 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.—

5Black am I, yet comely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.

6Look 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.—

7Tell 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?—

8If 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.—

9Unto the horse in Pharaoh's chariot do I compare thee, my beloved.

10Comely are thy cheeks between strings [of pearls], thy neck with rows [of jewels].

11Chains of gold will we make for thee with studs of silver.—

12While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth its [pleasant] smell.

13A bundle of myrrh is my friend unto me, that resteth on my bosom.

14A copher-cluster is my friend unto me in the vineyards of 'En-gedi.—

15Lo, thou art beautiful, my beloved: lo, thou art beautiful: thy eyes are those of a dove.—

16Lo, thou art beautiful, my friend, also pleasant: also our couch is [made in the] green [wood].

17The beams of our houses are cedars and our wainscoting of cypress-trees.