Song of Solomon 1:3-12 in English

³ Thine oils have a goodly fragrance; Thy name is as oil poured forth; Therefore do the virgins love thee.

⁴ Draw me; we will run after thee: The king hath brought me into his chambers; We will be glad and rejoice in thee; We will make mention of thy love more than of wine: Rightly do they love thee.

⁵ I am black, but comely, Oh ye daughters of Jerusalem, As the tents of Kedar, As the curtains of Solomon.

⁶ Look not upon me, because I am swarthy, Because the sun hath scorched me. My mother’s sons were incensed against me; They made me keeper of the vineyards; But mine own vineyard have I not kept.

⁷ Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, Where thou feedest thy flock, Where thou makest it to rest at noon: For why should I be as one that is veiled Beside the flocks of thy companions?

⁸ If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, Go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, And feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.

⁹ I have compared thee, O my love, To a steed in Pharaoh’s chariots.

¹⁰ Thy cheeks are comely with plaits of hair, Thy neck with strings of jewels.

¹¹ We will make thee plaits of gold With studs of silver.

¹² While the king sat at his table, My spikenard sent forth its fragrance.

³ And the smell of thine ointments is better than all spices: thy name is ointment poured forth; therefore do the young maidens love thee.

⁴ They have drawn thee: we will run after thee, for the smell of thine ointments: the king has brought me into his closet: let us rejoice and be glad in thee; we will love thy breasts more than wine: righteousness loves thee.

⁵ I am black, but beautiful, ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

⁶ Look not upon me, because I am dark, because the sun has looked unfavourably upon me: my mother's sons strove with me; they made me keeper in the vineyards; I have not kept my own vineyard.

⁷ Tell me, thou whom my soul loves, where thou tendest thy flock, where thou causest them to rest at noon, lest I become as one that is veiled by the flocks of thy companions.

⁸ If thou know not thyself, thou fair one among women, go thou forth by the footsteps of the flocks, and feed thy kids by the shepherds' tents.

⁹ I have likened thee, my companion, to my horses in the chariots of Pharao.

¹⁰ How are thy cheeks beautiful as those of a dove, thy neck as chains!

¹¹ We will make thee figures of gold with studs of silver.

¹² So long as the king was at table, my spikenard gave forth its smell.

³ Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.

⁴ Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.

⁵ I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

⁶ Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother’s children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.

⁷ Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?

⁸ If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.

⁹ I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots.

¹⁰ Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.

¹¹ We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver.

¹² While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.

³ Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.

⁴ Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.

⁵ I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

⁶ Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother’s children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.

⁷ Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?

⁸ If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.

⁹ I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots.

¹⁰ Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.

¹¹ We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver.

¹² While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.

³ And the smell of your ointments is better than all spices: your name is ointment poured forth; therefore do the young maidens love you.

⁴ They have drawn you: we will run after you, for the smell of your ointments: the king has brought me into closet: let us rejoice and be glad in you; we will love your breasts more than wine: righteousness loves you.

⁵ I am black, but beautiful, you° daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

⁶ Look not upon me, because I am dark, because the sun has looked unfavourably upon me: my mother's sons strove with me; they made me keeper in the vineyards; I have not kept my own vineyard.

⁷ Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you tend your flock, where you cause them to rest at noon, lest I become as one that is veiled by the flocks of your companions.

⁸ If you know not yourself, you fair one among women, go you forth by the footsteps of the flocks, and feed your kids by the shepherd's tents.

⁹ I have likened you, my companion, to my horses in the chariots of Pharao.

¹⁰ How are your cheeks beautiful as those of a dove, your neck as chains!

¹¹ We will make you figures of gold with studs of silver.

¹² So long as the king was at table, my spikenard gave forth its smell.

³ Thine ointments have a goodly fragrance; thy name is as ointment poured forth; therefore do the virgins love thee.

⁴ Draw me; we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will make mention of thy love more than of wine: rightly do they love thee.

⁵ I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

⁶ Look not upon me, because I am swarthy, because the sun hath scorched me. My mother’s sons were incensed against me, they made me keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.

⁷ Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest thy flock, where thou makest it to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that is veiled beside the flocks of thy companions?

⁸ If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.

⁹ I have compared thee, O my love, to a steed in Pharaoh’s chariots.

¹⁰ Thy cheeks are comely with plaits of hair, thy neck with strings of jewels

¹¹ We will make thee plaits of gold with studs of silver.

¹² While the king sat at his table, my spikenard sent forth its fragrance.

³ The fragrance of the cologne on your skin is very sweet/pleasing CHI. And your reputation is very good and spreads, like SIM the fragrance of the special oil spread on your skin. That is why the other young women are attracted to you.

⁴ Take me quickly; take me to your home. It is as though you are my king; take me into your room. We are very happy DOU about you; we say that your love for each other is better than wine. It is not surprising that the other young women adore you.

⁵ You women of Jerusalem, I am dark but beautiful; my dark skin is like SIM the tents in Kedar, or like the beautiful curtains in Solomon's palace.

⁶ But do not stare at me because of the sun having caused my skin to become dark; my brothers were angry with me, so they forced me to work out in the sunshine in the vineyards, so I was not able to take good care of my body/skin CHI, MET.

⁷ You whom I SYN love, where will you take your flock of sheep today? Where will you allow them to rest at noontime? I want to know because it is not right RHQ for me to wander around like a prostitute looking for you among the flocks that belong to your friends.

⁸ You who are the most beautiful of all the women, if you search for me and do not know where I will take my sheep, follow the tracks/footprints of the sheep. Then allow your young goats to ◄graze/eat grass► near the shepherds' tents.

⁹ You are beautiful, my darling, like the young female horse that pulls the chariot of the king of Egypt.

¹⁰ Your cheeks are decorated with jewelry, and there are strings of beads/pearls around your neck.

¹¹ We will make for you some gold earrings that are decorated/inlaid with silver.

¹² While the king was on his couch, the smell of my perfume spread around the room.

³ And the smell of your ointments is better than all spices: your name is ointment poured forth; therefore do the young maidens love you.

⁴ They have drawn you: we will run after you, for the smell of your ointments: the king has brought me into closet: let us rejoice and be glad in you; we will love your breasts more than wine: righteousness loves you.

⁵ I am black, but beautiful, you° daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

⁶ Look not upon me, because I am dark, because the sun has looked unfavourably upon me: my mother's sons strove with me; they made me keeper in the vineyards; I have not kept my own vineyard.

⁷ Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you tend your flock, where you cause them to rest at noon, lest I become as one that is veiled by the flocks of your companions.

⁸ If you know not yourself, you fair one amongst women, go you forth by the footsteps of the flocks, and feed your kids by the shepherd's tents.

⁹ I have likened you, my companion, to my horses in the chariots of Pharao.

¹⁰ How are your cheeks beautiful as those of a dove, your neck as chains!

¹¹ We will make you figures of gold with studs of silver.

¹² So long as the king was at table, my spikenard gave forth its smell.

³ Your oils have a pleasing fragrance. Your name is oil poured out, therefore the virgins love you.

⁴ Take me away with you. Let’s hurry. The king has brought me into his rooms. Friends We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will praise your love more than wine! Beloved They are right to love you.

⁵ I am dark, but lovely, you daughters of Jerusalem, like Kedar’s tents, like Solomon’s curtains.

⁶ Don’t stare at me because I am dark, because the sun has scorched me. My mother’s sons were angry with me. They made me keeper of the vineyards. I haven’t kept my own vineyard.

⁷ Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you graze your flock, where you rest them at noon; for why should I be as one who is veiled beside the flocks of your companions?

⁸ If you don’t know, most beautiful among women, follow the tracks of the sheep. Graze your young goats beside the shepherds’ tents.

⁹ I have compared you, my love, to a steed in Pharaoh’s chariots.

¹⁰ Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels.

¹¹ We will make you earrings of gold, with studs of silver.

¹² While the king sat at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance.

³ Your oils have a pleasing fragrance. Your name is oil poured out, therefore the virgins love you.

⁴ Take me away with you. Let’s hurry. The king has brought me into his rooms. Friends We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will praise your love more than wine! Beloved They are right to love you.

⁵ I am dark, but lovely, you daughters of Jerusalem, like Kedar’s tents, like Solomon’s curtains.

⁶ Don’t stare at me because I am dark, because the sun has scorched me. My mother’s sons were angry with me. They made me keeper of the vineyards. I haven’t kept my own vineyard.

⁷ Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you graze your flock, where you rest them at noon; for why should I be as one who is veiled beside the flocks of your companions?

⁸ If you don’t know, most beautiful among women, follow the tracks of the sheep. Graze your young goats beside the shepherds’ tents.

⁹ I have compared you, my love, to a steed in Pharaoh’s chariots.

¹⁰ Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels.

¹¹ We will make you earrings of gold, with studs of silver.

¹² While the king sat at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance.

³ Your oils have a pleasing fragrance. Your name is oil poured out, therefore the virgins love you.

⁴ Take me away with you. Let’s hurry. The king has brought me into his rooms. Friends We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will praise your love more than wine! Beloved They are right to love you.

⁵ I am dark, but lovely, you daughters of Jerusalem, like Kedar’s tents, like Solomon’s curtains.

⁶ Don’t stare at me because I am dark, because the sun has scorched me. My mother’s sons were angry with me. They made me keeper of the vineyards. I haven’t kept my own vineyard.

⁷ Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you graze your flock, where you rest them at noon; for why should I be as one who is veiled beside the flocks of your companions?

⁸ If you don’t know, most beautiful amongst women, follow the tracks of the sheep. Graze your young goats beside the shepherds’ tents.

⁹ I have compared you, my love, to a steed in Pharaoh’s chariots.

¹⁰ Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels.

¹¹ We will make you earrings of gold, with studs of silver.

¹² While the king sat at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance.

³ Sweet is the smell of your perfumes; your name is as perfume running out; so the young girls give you their love.

⁴ Take me to you, and we will go after you: the king has taken me into his house. We will be glad and full of joy in you, we will give more thought to your love than to wine: rightly are they your lovers.

⁵ I am dark, but fair of form, O daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

⁶ Let not your eyes be turned on me, because I am dark, because I was looked on by the sun; my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vine-gardens; but my vine-garden I have not kept.

⁷ Say, O love of my soul, where you give food to your flock, and where you make them take their rest in the heat of the day; why have I to be as one wandering by the flocks of your friends?

⁸ If you have not knowledge, O most beautiful among women, go on your way in the footsteps of the flock, and give your young goats food by the tents of the keepers.

⁹ I have made a comparison of you, O my love, to a horse in Pharaoh's carriages.

¹⁰ Your face is a delight with rings of hair, your neck with chains of jewels.

¹¹ We will make you chains of gold with ornaments of silver.

¹² While the king is seated at his table, my spices send out their perfume.

³ Thine ointments savour sweetly; Thy name is an ointment poured forth: Therefore do the virgins love thee.

⁴ Draw me, we will run after thee! — The king hath brought me into his chambers — We will be glad and rejoice in thee, We will remember thy love more than wine. They love thee uprightly.

⁵ I am black, but comely, daughters of Jerusalem, As the tents of Kedar, As the curtains of Solomon.

⁶ Look not upon me, because I am black; Because the sun hath looked upon me. My mother's children were angry with me: They made me keeper of the vineyards; Mine own vineyard have I not kept.

⁷ Tell me, thou whom my soul loveth, Where thou feedest thy flock, Where thou makest it to rest at noon; For why should I be as one veiled Beside the flocks of thy companions?

⁸ If thou know not, thou fairest among women, Go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, And feed thy kids beside the shepherds' booths.

⁹ I compare thee, my love, To a steed in Pharaoh's chariots.

¹⁰ Thy cheeks are comely with bead-rows, Thy neck with ornamental chains.

¹¹ We will make thee bead-rows of gold With studs of silver.

¹² While the king is at his table, My spikenard sendeth forth its fragrance.

³ Draw me: we will run after thee to the odour of thy ointments. The king hath brought me into his storerooms: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, remembering thy breasts more than wine: the righteous love thee.

⁴ I am black but beautiful, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Cedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

⁵ Do not consider me that I am brown, because the sun hath altered my colour: the sons of my mother have fought against me, they have made me the keeper in the vineyards: my vineyard I have not kept.

⁶ Shew me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou liest in the midday, lest I begin to wander after the flocks of thy companions.

⁷ If thou know not thyself, O fairest among women, go forth, and follow after the steps of the flocks, and feed thy kids beside the tents of the shepherds.

⁸ To my company of horsemen, in Pharao’s chariots, have I likened thee, O my love.

⁹ Thy cheeks are beautiful as the turtledove’s, thy neck as jewels.

¹⁰ We will make thee chains of gold, inlaid with silver.

¹¹ While the king was at his repose, my spikenard sent forth the odour thereof.

¹² A bundle of myrrh is my beloved to me, he shall abide between my breasts.

³ I love the way you smell from the perfumed oils you use. You have quite a reputation—it spreads like spilled perfumed oil. It's not surprising that all the young women adore you!

⁴ Take me by the hand—let's run! (The king has brought me to his bedroom.) Let's be happy together and find pleasure in your love. Your love is far better than wine! Women are right to adore you so!

⁵ I'm black, but I'm beautiful, women of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.

⁶ Don't look down on me because I'm black, because the sun has burned me. My brothers were angry with me and made me look after the vineyards, so I couldn't look after my own vineyard.

⁷ My love, please tell me where you're taking your flock. Where will you rest them at noon? For why should I have to wear a veil while looking for you among the flocks of your companions?

⁸ If you really don't know, you who are more beautiful than any other woman, then follow the tracks of my flock, and let your goats graze near the shepherd's tents.

⁹ My darling, to me you're like a mare among Pharaoh's horses that pull his chariots,

¹⁰ Your beautiful cheeks adorned with ornaments, your neck with strings of jewels.

¹¹ Let's make you some gold ornaments inlaid with silver.

¹² As the king lay on his couch, my nard perfume gave off its fragrance.

³ Drawe me: we will runne after thee: the King hath brought me into his chabers: we will reioyce and be glad in thee: we will remember thy loue more then wine: the righteous do loue thee.

⁴ I am blacke, O daughters of Ierusalem, but comely, as the tentes of Kedar, and as the curtaines of Salomon.

⁵ Regard ye me not because I am blacke: for the sunne hath looked vpon mee. The sonnes of my mother were angry against mee: they made me the keeper of ye vines: but I kept not mine owne vine.

⁶ Shewe me, O thou, whome my soule loueth, where thou feedest, where thou liest at noone: for why should I be as she that turneth aside to the flockes of thy companions?

⁷ If thou knowe not, O thou the fairest among women, get thee foorth by the steps of the flocke, and feede thy kiddes by the tents of the shepheards.

⁸ I haue compared thee, O my loue, to the troupe of horses in the charets of Pharaoh.

⁹ Thy cheekes are comely with rowes of stones, and thy necke with chaines.

¹⁰ We will make thee borders of golde with studdes of siluer.

¹¹ Whiles the King was at his repast, my spikenard gaue the smelll thereof.

¹² My welbeloued is as a bundle of myrrhe vnto me: he shall lie betweene my breasts.

³ Thine ointments have a goodly fragrance; thy name is as ointment poured forth; therefore do the maidens love thee.

⁴ Draw me, we will run after thee; the king hath brought me into his chambers; we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will find thy love more fragrant than wine! sincerely do they love thee.

⁵ 'I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

⁶ Look not upon me, that I am swarthy, that the sun hath tanned me; my mother's sons were incensed against me, they made me keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.'

⁷ Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon; for why should I be as one that veileth herself beside the flocks of thy companions?

⁸ If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock and feed thy kids, beside the shepherds' tents.

⁹ I have compared thee, O my love, to a steed in Pharaoh's chariots.

¹⁰ Thy cheeks are comely with circlets, thy neck with beads.

¹¹ We will make thee circlets of gold with studs of silver.

¹² While the king sat at his table, my spikenard sent forth its fragrance.

³ Because of the savour of thy good ointments Thy name is as ointment poured forth, Therefore do the virgins love thee.

⁴ Draw me, we will run after thee: The king hath brought me into his chambers: We will be glad and rejoice in thee, We will remember thy love more than wine: The upright love thee.

⁵ I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, As the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

⁶ Look not upon me, because I am black, Because the sun hath looked upon me: My mother’s children were angry with me; They made me the keeper of the vineyards; But mine own vineyard have I not kept.

⁷ Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, Where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: For why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?

⁸ If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, Go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, And feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.

⁹ I have compared thee, O my love, To a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots.

¹⁰ Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, Thy neck with chains of gold.

¹¹ We will make thee borders of gold With studs of silver.

¹² While the king sitteth at his table, My spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.

³ To the smell are thy fragrant oils pleasant, like precious oil poured forth is thy name famous afar: therefore do maidens love thee.

⁴ Oh draw me, after thee will we run: the king hath brought me into his chambers; we will be glad and rejoice in thee; we will recall thy caresses, more pleasant than wine; without deceit all love thee.—

⁵ Black am I, yet comely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon.

⁶ Look not so at me, because I am somewhat black, because the sun hath looked fiercely at me: my mother's children were angry with me; they appointed me to be keeper of the vineyards; but my vineyard, which is my own, have I not kept.—

⁷ Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest? where lettest thou thy flock rest at noon? for why should I appear like a veiled mourner by the flocks of thy companions?—

⁸ If thou knowest this not, O thou fairest of women, go but forth in the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids around the shepherds' dwellings.—

⁹ Unto the horse in Pharaoh's chariot do I compare thee, my beloved.

¹⁰ Comely are thy cheeks between strings of pearls, thy neck with rows of jewels.

¹¹ Chains of gold will we make for thee with studs of silver.—

¹² While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth its pleasant smell.

³ And the smell of thine ointments is better than all spices: Thy name is ointment poured forth; Therefore do the young maidens love thee.

⁴ They have drawn thee: We will run after thee, for the smell of thine ointments: The king has brought me into his closet: Let us rejoice and be glad in thee; We will love thy breasts more than wine: Righteousness loves thee.

⁵ I am black, but beautiful, Ye daughters of Jerusalem, As the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

⁶ Look not upon me, because I am dark, Because the sun has looked unfavorably upon me: My mother’s sons strove with me; They made me keeper in the vineyards; I have not kept my own vineyard.

⁷ Tell me, thou whom my soul loves, Where thou tendest thy flock, where thou causest them to rest at noon, Lest I become as one that is veiled by the flocks of thy companions.

⁸ If thou know not thyself, thou fair one among women, Go thou forth by the footsteps of the flocks, And feed thy kids by the shepherds’ tents.

⁹ I have likened thee, my companion, To my horses in the chariots of Pharaoh.

¹⁰ How are thy cheeks beautiful as those of a dove, Thy neck as chains!

¹¹ We will make thee figures of gold With studs of silver.

¹² So long as the king was at table, My spikenard gave forth its smell.

³ Because of the savor of thy precious perfumes, (Thy name is like fragrant oil poured forth,) Therefore do the virgins love thee.

⁴ Draw me after thee; let us run! The king hath led me to his chambers! We will be glad and rejoice in thee; We will praise thy love more than wine. Justly do they love thee!

⁵ I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, As the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

⁶ Gaze not upon me because I am black, Because the sun hath looked upon me! My mother's sons were angry with me; They made me keeper of the vineyards; My vineyard, my own, have I not kept.

⁷ Tell me, thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest thy flock, Where thou leadest it to rest at noon; For why should I be like a veiled one by the flocks of thy companions?

⁸ Lad. If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, Trace thou thy way by the tracks of the flock, And feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents!

⁹ Lov. To the horses in the chariots of Pharaoh Do I compare thee, my love!

¹⁰ Comely are thy cheeks with rows of jewels, Thy neck with strings of pearls.

¹¹ Golden chains will we make for thee, With studs of silver.

¹² M. While the king reclineth at his table, My spikenard sendeth forth its fragrance.

³ Your anointing oils have a delightful fragrance; your name is like flowing perfume, so the young women love you.

⁴ Take me with you, and we will run. The woman speaking to herself The king has brought me into his rooms. The woman speaking to the man We are glad; We rejoice about you; let us celebrate your love; it is better than wine. It is natural for the other women to adore you.

⁵ I am dark but lovely, you daughters of Jerusalem— dark like the tents of Kedar, lovely like the curtains of Solomon.

⁶ Do not stare at me because I am dark, because the sun has scorched me. My mother's sons were angry with me; they made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept.

⁷ Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where do you feed your flock? Where do you rest your flock at noontime? Why should I be like someone who wanders beside the flocks of your companions?

⁸ If you do not know, most beautiful among women, follow the tracks of my flock, and pasture your young goats near the shepherds' tents.

⁹ I compare you, my love, to a mare among Pharaoh's chariot horses.

¹⁰ Your cheeks are beautiful with ornaments, your neck with strings of jewels.

¹¹ We will make for you gold ornaments with silver studs.

¹² While the king lay on his couch, my nard emitted its fragrance.

³ Your oils have a pleasing fragrance. Your name is oil poured out, therefore the virgins love you.

⁴ Take me away with you. Let’s hurry. The king has brought me into his rooms. Friends We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will praise your love more than wine! Beloved They are right to love you.

⁵ I am dark, but lovely, you daughters of Jerusalem, like Kedar’s tents, like Solomon’s curtains.

⁶ Don’t stare at me because I am dark, because the sun has scorched me. My mother’s sons were angry with me. They made me keeper of the vineyards. I haven’t kept my own vineyard.

⁷ Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you graze your flock, where you rest them at noon; for why should I be as one who is veiled beside the flocks of your companions?

⁸ If you don’t know, most beautiful among women, follow the tracks of the sheep. Graze your young goats beside the shepherds’ tents.

⁹ I have compared you, my love, to a steed in Pharaoh’s chariots.

¹⁰ Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels.

¹¹ We will make you earrings of gold, with studs of silver.

¹² While the king sat at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance.

³ Your oils have a pleasing fragrance. Your name is oil poured out, therefore the virgins love you.

⁴ Take me away with you. Let’s hurry. The king has brought me into his rooms. Friends We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will praise your love more than wine! Beloved They are right to love you.

⁵ I am dark, but lovely, you daughters of Jerusalem, like Kedar’s tents, like Solomon’s curtains.

⁶ Don’t stare at me because I am dark, because the sun has scorched me. My mother’s sons were angry with me. They made me keeper of the vineyards. I haven’t kept my own vineyard.

⁷ Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you graze your flock, where you rest them at noon; for why should I be as one who is veiled beside the flocks of your companions?

⁸ If you don’t know, most beautiful amongst women, follow the tracks of the sheep. Graze your young goats beside the shepherds’ tents.

⁹ I have compared you, my love, to a steed in Pharaoh’s chariots.

¹⁰ Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels.

¹¹ We will make you earrings of gold, with studs of silver.

¹² While the king sat at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance.

³ Because of the savor of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.

⁴ Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers; we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.

⁵ I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

⁶ Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but my own vineyard have I not kept.

⁷ Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?

⁸ If thou knowest not, O thou fairest among women, go forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds tents.

⁹ I have compared thee, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots.

¹⁰ Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels , thy neck with chains of gold .

¹¹ We will make for thee borders of gold with studs of silver.

¹² While the king sitteth at his table, my spikenard sendeth forth its smell.

³ Your oils have a pleasing fragrance. Your name is oil poured out, therefore the virgins love you.

⁴ Take me away with you. Let’s hurry. The king has brought me into his rooms. Friends We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will praise your love more than wine! Beloved They are right to love you.

⁵ I am dark, but lovely, you daughters of Jerusalem, like Kedar’s tents, like Solomon’s curtains.

⁶ Don’t stare at me because I am dark, because the sun has scorched me. My mother’s sons were angry with me. They made me keeper of the vineyards. I haven’t kept my own vineyard.

⁷ Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you graze your flock, where you rest them at noon; for why should I be as one who is veiled beside the flocks of your companions?

⁸ If you don’t know, most beautiful among women, follow the tracks of the sheep. Graze your young goats beside the shepherds’ tents.

⁹ I have compared you, my love, to a steed in Pharaoh’s chariots.

¹⁰ Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels.

¹¹ We will make you earrings of gold, with studs of silver.

¹² While the king sat at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance.

³ Your oils have a pleasing fragrance. Your name is oil poured out, therefore the virgins love you.

⁴ Take me away with you. Let’s hurry. The king has brought me into his rooms. Friends We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will praise your love more than wine! Beloved They are right to love you.

⁵ I am dark, but lovely, you daughters of Jerusalem, like Kedar’s tents, like Solomon’s curtains.

⁶ Don’t stare at me because I am dark, because the sun has scorched me. My mother’s sons were angry with me. They made me keeper of the vineyards. I haven’t kept my own vineyard.

⁷ Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you graze your flock, where you rest them at noon; for why should I be as one who is veiled beside the flocks of your companions?

⁸ If you don’t know, most beautiful amongst women, follow the tracks of the sheep. Graze your young goats beside the shepherds’ tents.

⁹ I have compared you, my love, to a steed in Pharaoh’s chariots.

¹⁰ Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels.

¹¹ We will make you earrings of gold, with studs of silver.

¹² While the king sat at his table, my perfume spread its fragrance.

³ and give odour with best oint-ments. Thy name is like oil shed or poured out; therefore the young damsels loved thee.

⁴ Draw thou me after thee; we shall run. The king led me into his cellars; we mindful of thy loves above wine, shall make full out joy, and we shall be glad in thee; rightful men love thee.

⁵ Ye daughters of Jerusalem, I am black, but fair, as the tabernacles of Kedar, as the skins of Solomon.

⁶ Do not ye behold me, that I am black, for the sun hath discoloured me; the sons of my mother fought against me, they set me a keeper in vineries; I kept not my vinery.

⁷ Thou spouse, whom my soul loveth, show to me, where thou pasturest, where thou restest in mid-day; lest I begin to wander, after the flocks of thy fellows.

⁸ A! thou fairest among women, if thou knowest not thyself, go thou out, and go forth after the steps of thy flocks; and feed thy kids, beside the tabernacles of shepherds.

⁹ My love, I likened thee to mine host of knights in the chariots of Pharaoh.

¹⁰ Thy cheeks be fair, as of a turtle; thy neck is as brooches.

¹¹ We shall make to thee golden ornaments, parted and made diverse with silver.

¹² When the king was in his resting place, my nard gave his odour.

³ and give odour with best ointments. Thy name is (like) oil shed out; therefore young damsels loved thee. (and thy aroma is equal to the best perfumes. Thy name is like oil poured out; and so the young women, or the maidens, loved thee.)

⁴ Draw thou me after thee; we shall run. The king led me into his cellars; we mindful of thy loves above wine, shall make full out joy, and we shall be glad in thee; rightful men love thee. (Draw thou me after thee; and we shall run away or and we shall run together. The king led me into his chamber; and we thinking more about thy love than about wine, shall rejoice, and we shall be glad for thee; yea, all the upright people love thee.)

⁵ Ye daughters of Jerusalem, I am black, but fair, as the tabernacles of Kedar, as the skins of Solomon. (Ye daughters of Jerusalem, I am black, and beautiful, like the tents of Kedar, and like Solomon’s curtains.)

⁶ Do not ye behold me, that I am black, for the sun hath discoloured me; the sons of my mother fought against me, they set me a keeper in vineries; I kept not my vinery. (Do not ye look down upon me, because I am black, for the sun hath coloured me, that is, it hath tanned me; the sons of my mother fought against me, and they made me the guardian of the vineyards; and so I could not look after my own vineyard.)

⁷ Thou spouse, whom my soul loveth, show to me, where thou pasturest, (yea), where thou restest in midday; lest I begin to wander, after the flocks of thy fellows.

⁸ A! thou fairest among women, if thou knowest not thyself, go thou out, and go forth after the steps of thy flocks; and feed thy kids, beside the tabernacles of shepherds. (O thou most beautiful among women! if thou thyself knowest not, go thou out, and go forth after the steps of thy flocks; and feed thy goat kids, beside the shepherds’ tents.)

⁹ My love, I likened thee to mine host of knights in the chariots of Pharaoh. (My love, I would liken thee to Pharaoh’s army of chariot drivers.)

¹⁰ Thy cheeks be fair, as of a turtle; thy neck is as brooches. (Thy cheeks be beautiful, like a turtledove; thy neck is adorned with jewels.)

¹¹ We shall make to thee golden ornaments, parted and made diverse with silver. (We shall make golden ornaments for thee, set with silver beads.)

¹² When the king was in his resting place, my nard gave his odour. (While the king lieth on his couch, my spikenard gave forth its aroma.)

³ For fragrance are thy perfumes good. Perfume emptied out — thy name, Therefore have virgins loved thee!

⁴ Draw me: after thee we run, The king hath brought me into his inner chambers, We do joy and rejoice in thee, We mention thy loves more than wine, Uprightly they have loved thee!

⁵ Dark am I, and comely, daughters of Jerusalem, As tents of Kedar, as curtains of Solomon.

⁶ Fear me not, because I am very dark, Because the sun hath scorched me, The sons of my mother were angry with me, They made me keeper of the vineyards, My vineyard — my own — I have not kept.

⁷ Declare to me, thou whom my soul hath loved, Where thou delightest, Where thou liest down at noon, For why am I as one veiled, By the ranks of thy companions?

⁸ If thou knowest not, O fair among women, Get thee forth by the traces of the flock, And feed thy kids by the shepherds' dwellings!

⁹ To my joyous one in chariots of Pharaoh, I have compared thee, my friend,

¹⁰ Comely have been thy cheeks with garlands, Thy neck with chains.

¹¹ Garlands of gold we do make for thee, With studs of silver!

¹² While the king is in his circle, My spikenard hath given its fragrance.