Solomon, the Lover, Speaks

(The Bridegroom)

“If you do not know [where your lover is], O you fairest among women, Run along, follow the tracks of the flock, And pasture your young goats By the tents of the shepherds.

(The Bridegroom)

“Behold, how beautiful you are, my darling, Behold, how beautiful you are! Your eyes are dove’s eyes.”

(The Bridegroom)

“Like the lily among the thorns, So are you, my darling, among the maidens.”

(The Bridegroom)

“I command that you take an oath, O daughters of Jerusalem, By the gazelles or by the does of the field [which run free], That you do not rouse nor awaken my love Until she pleases.”

(The Bridegroom)

“O my dove, [here] in the clefts in the rock, In the sheltered and secret place of the steep pathway, Let me see your face, Let me hear your voice; For your voice is sweet, And your face is lovely.”

(The Bridegroom)

“I command that you take an oath, O daughters of Jerusalem, By the gazelles or by the does of the field, That you do not rouse nor awaken my love Until she pleases.”

Solomon’s Love Expressed

(The Bridegroom)

“How fair and beautiful you are, my darling, How very beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are like those of a dove; Your hair is like [the shimmering black fleece of] a flock of [Arabian] goats That have descended from Mount Gilead [beyond the Jordan].

The Torment of Separation

(The Bridegroom)

“I have come into my garden, my sister, my [promised] bride; I have gathered my myrrh along with my balsam and spice [from your sweet words]. I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, friends; Drink and drink deeply, O lovers.”

(The Bridegroom)

“You are as beautiful as Tirzah, my darling, As lovely as Jerusalem, As majestic as an army with banners!

(The Bridegroom)

“Why should you gaze at the Shulammite, As at the dance of the two armies?

Admiration by the Bridegroom

“How beautiful are your feet in sandals, O prince’s daughter! The curves of your hips are like jewels, The work of the hands of an artist.

(The Bridegroom)

“I command you to take an oath, O daughters of Jerusalem, That you do not rouse nor awaken my love Until she pleases.”

(The Bridegroom)

“O you who sit in the gardens, My companions are listening for your voice— Let me hear it.”