1 Oh, that you were like a brother to me,who nursed at my mother’s breasts!If I found you outside,I would kiss you,and no one would despise me.
2 I would lead you and bring youinto the house of my mother,she who used to instruct me.I would give you spiced wine to drink,the juice of my pomegranates.
3 His left hand is under my head,and his right arm embraces me!
4 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem,do not stir up or awaken loveuntil it pleases.
5 Who is that coming up from the wilderness,leaning upon her beloved? Under the apple tree I awakened you.There your mother was in labor with you;there she who bore you was in labor.
6 Set me as a seal upon your heart,as a seal upon your arm;for love is strong as death,passion fierce as the grave.Its fires of desire are as ardent flames,a most intense flame.
7 Many waters cannot quench love,neither can floods drown it.If a man offered for loveall the wealth of his house,it would be utterly condemned.