Song of Songs 1:5-17

5“I am deeply tanned but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, [I am dark] like the tents of [the Bedouins of] Kedar, Like the [beautiful] curtains of Solomon.

6Do not gaze at me because I am deeply tanned, [I have worked in] the sun; it has left its mark on me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; They made me keeper of the vineyards, But my own vineyard (my complexion) I have not kept.”

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 is veiled Beside the flocks of your companions?”

8“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.

9“To me, my love, you are like My [favorite] mare among the chariots of Pharaoh.

10Your cheeks are lovely with ornaments, Your neck with strings of jewels.”

11“We will make for you chains and ornaments of gold, [Studded] with beads of silver.”

12“While the king was at his table, My perfume (Solomon) sent forth [his] fragrance [surrounding me].

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

14My beloved is to me a cluster of henna flowers In the [fragrant] vineyards of Engedi.”

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

16“Behold, how fair and handsome you are, my beloved; And so delightful! Our arbor is green and luxuriant.

17The beams of our houses are cedars, Our rafters and panels are cypresses.