5:12 His eyes are like doves. The compliment of 1:15 and 4:1 is returned (1:15 note). The contrast with “locks . . . black as a raven” in the previous line is striking. Her description suggests that her beloved displays both strength and gentleness.

bathed in milk. This image probably refers to the whites of the eyes. The description of the eyes in this verse is an example of mixed metaphor.