1:1  The Song of Songs, which is Solomon's.

1:2  "May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine.

1:3  "Your oils have a pleasing fragrance, Your name is {like} purified oil; Therefore the maidens love you.

1:4  "Draw me after you {and} let us run {together!} The king has brought me into his chambers. "We will rejoice in you and be glad; We will extol your love more than wine. Rightly do they love you.""

1:5  "I am black but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, Like the tents of Kedar, Like the curtains of Solomon.

1:6  "Do not stare at me because I am swarthy, For the sun has burned me. My mother's sons were angry with me; They made me caretaker of the vineyards, {But} I have not taken care of my own vineyard.

1:7  "Tell me, O you whom my soul loves, Where do you pasture {your flock,} Where do you make {it} lie down at noon? For why should I be like one who veils herself Beside the flocks of your companions?"

1:8  "If you yourself do not know, Most beautiful among women, Go forth on the trail of the flock And pasture your young goats By the tents of the shepherds.

1:9  "To me, my darling, you are like My mare among the chariots of Pharaoh.

1:10  "Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, Your neck with strings of beads."

1:11  "We will make for you ornaments of gold With beads of silver."

1:12  "While the king was at his table, My perfume gave forth its fragrance.

1:13  "My beloved is to me a pouch of myrrh Which lies all night between my breasts.

1:14  "My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms In the vineyards of Engedi."

1:15  "How beautiful you are, my darling, How beautiful you are! Your eyes are {like} doves."

1:16  "How handsome you are, my beloved, {And} so pleasant! Indeed, our couch is luxuriant!

1:17  "The beams of our houses are cedars, Our rafters, cypresses.