Love makes everything beautiful

She speaks:

1I am merely a rose2.1 rose: The traditional translation. The exact variety of the flower is not known, though it may have been a crocus.

from the land of Sharon,

a lily from the valley.

He speaks:

2My darling, when compared

with other young women,

you are a lily among thorns.

She speaks:

3And you, my love,

are an apple tree

among trees of the forest.

Your shade brought me pleasure;

your fruit was sweet.

4You led me to your banquet room

and showered me with love.

5Refresh and strengthen me

with raisins and apples.

I am hungry for love!

6Put your left hand under my head

and embrace me

with your right arm.

7Young women of Jerusalem,

promise me by the power

of deer and gazelles2.7 deer and gazelles: Deer and gazelles were sacred animals in some religions of Old Testament times, and they were thought to have special powers.

never to awaken love

before it is ready.

Winter is past

She speaks:

8I hear the voice

of the one I love,

as he comes leaping

over mountains and hills

9like a deer or a gazelle.

Now he stands outside our wall,

looking through the window

10and speaking to me.

He speaks:

My darling, I love you!

Let's go away together.

11Winter is past,

the rain has stopped;

12flowers cover the earth,

it's time to sing.2.12 sing: Or “trim the vines”.

The cooing of doves

is heard in our land.

13Fig trees are bearing fruit,

while blossoms on grapevines

fill the air with perfume.

My darling, I love you!

Let's go away together.

14You are my dove

hiding among the rocks

on the side of a cliff.

Let me see how lovely you are!

Let me hear the sound

of your melodious voice.

15Our vineyards are in blossom;

we must catch the little foxes

that destroy the vineyards.2.15 vineyards: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 15.

She speaks:

16My darling, I am yours,

and you are mine,

as you feed your sheep

among the lilies.

17Pretend to be a young deer

dancing on mountain slopes2.17 mountain slopes: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

until daylight comes

and shadows fade away.