Song of Songs 5

The Lover Responds

1 I came into my garden, my sister, my bride; I gathered my myrrh and spice, drank my wine and milk. Friends say: “Eat, friends; drink deeply, lovers.”

The Bride’s Dream

2 I slept, but my heart awake. I heard my love knocking: “Open up, my sister, my darling, my flawless one.”

3 I said, “I already took off my robe, should I get dressed again?”

4 My man reached for the latch, and my heart raced for him.

5 I got up to open the door, hands dripping with myrrh.

6 But he was gone. My heart sank; I called out, no answer.

7 The watchmen found me, beat me, stripped me of my cloak.

8 I charge you, daughters of Jerusalem, if you find my love, tell him I am faint with love.

The Daughters Praise the Lover

9 They ask, “What is so special about your man, most beautiful of women?”

10 She says, “My man radiant and strong, outstanding among ten thousand.”

11 His head pure gold, hair wavy, black as a raven.

12 Eyes like doves by streams of water, washed in milk.

13 Cheeks like gardens of spice; lips lilies dripping myrrh.

14 Arms gold rods; body polished ivory decorated with jewels.

15 Legs marble pillars on golden bases; appearance like Lebanon.

16 Mouth sweet, everything about him desirable. This my man, my love.