1. If only you were to me like a brother,who was nursed at my mother’s breasts!Then, if I found you outside,I would kiss you,and no one would despise me.
2. I would lead youand bring you to my mother’s house –she who has taught me.I would give you spiced wine to drink,the nectar of my pomegranates.
3. His left arm is under my headand his right arm embraces me.
4. Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you:do not arouse or awaken loveuntil it so desires.
5. Who is this coming up from the wildernessleaning on her beloved?Under the apple tree I roused you;there your mother conceived you,there she who was in labour gave you birth.
6. Place me like a seal over your heart,like a seal on your arm;for love is as strong as death,its jealousy unyielding as the grave.It burns like blazing fire,like a mighty flame.
7. Many waters cannot quench love;rivers cannot sweep it away.If one were to giveall the wealth of one’s house for love,it would be utterly scorned.
8. We have a little sister,and her breasts are not yet grown.What shall we do for our sisteron the day she is spoken for?
9. If she is a wall,we will build towers of silver on her.If she is a door,we will enclose her with panels of cedar.