15. So I came forth to meet you [that you might share with me the feast from my offering]; diligently I sought your face, and I have found you.
16. I have spread my couch with rugs and cushions of tapestry, with striped sheets of fine linen of Egypt.
17. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18. Come, let us take our fill of love until morning; let us console and delight ourselves with love.
19. For the man is not at home; he is gone on a long journey;
20. He has taken a bag of money with him and will come home at the day appointed [at the full moon].
21. With much justifying and enticing argument she persuades him, with the allurements of her lips she leads him [to overcome his conscience and his fears] and forces him along.
22. Suddenly he [yields and] follows her reluctantly like an ox moving to the slaughter, like one in fetters going to the correction [to be given] to a fool or like a dog enticed by food to the muzzle
23. Till a dart [of passion] pierces and inflames his vitals; then like a bird fluttering straight into the net [he hastens], not knowing that it will cost him his life.
24. Listen to me now therefore, O you sons, and be attentive to the words of my mouth.