Expressions of Praise

1How graceful are your feet in sandals,

O queenly maiden!

Your rounded thighs are like jewels,

the work of a master hand.

2Your navel is a rounded bowl

that never lacks mixed wine.

Your belly is a heap of wheat,

encircled with lilies.

3Your two breasts are like two fawns,

twins of a gazelle.

4Your neck is like an ivory tower.

Your eyes are pools in Heshbon,

by the gate of Bath-rabbim.

Your nose is like a tower of Lebanon,

overlooking Damascus.

5Your head crowns you like Carmel,

and your flowing locks are like purple;

a king is held captive in the tresses.7.5 Meaning of Heb uncertain

6How fair and pleasant you are,

O loved one, delectable maiden!7.6 Syr: Heb in delights

7You are stately7.7 Heb This your stature is as a palm tree,

and your breasts are like its clusters.

8I say I will climb the palm tree

and lay hold of its branches.

O may your breasts be like clusters of the vine,

and the scent of your breath like apples,

9and your kisses7.9 Heb palate like the best wine

that goes down7.9 Heb down for my lover smoothly,

gliding over lips and teeth.7.9 Gk Syr Vg: Heb lips of sleepers

10I am my beloved's,

and his desire is for me.

11Come, my beloved,

let us go forth into the fields,

and lodge in the villages;

12let us go out early to the vineyards,

and see whether the vines have budded,

whether the grape blossoms have opened

and the pomegranates are in bloom.

There I will give you my love.

13The mandrakes give forth fragrance,

and over our doors are all choice fruits,

new as well as old,

which I have laid up for you, O my beloved.