¹⁶ I have covered my bed
    with colored linens from Egypt.
¹⁷ I have perfumed my bed^(A)
    with myrrh,^(B) aloes and cinnamon.
¹⁸ Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning;
    let’s enjoy ourselves with love!^(C)
19 My husband is not at home;
    he has gone on a long journey.
²⁰ He took his purse filled with money
    and will not be home till full moon.”

²¹ With persuasive words she led him astray;
    she seduced him with her smooth talk.^(D)
22 All at once he followed her
    like an ox going to the slaughter,
like a deer^[a] stepping into a noose^[b](E)
23     till an arrow pierces^(F) his liver,
like a bird darting into a snare,
    little knowing it will cost him his life.^(G)

²⁴ Now then, my sons, listen^(H) to me;
    pay attention to what I say.
²⁵ Do not let your heart turn to her ways
    or stray into her paths.^(I)
26 Many are the victims she has brought down;
    her slain are a mighty throng.
²⁷ Her house is a highway to the grave,
    leading down to the chambers of death.^(J)