[1] I am the spring crocus blooming on the Sharon Plain, the lily of the valley.
[2] Like a lily among thistles is my darling among young women.
[3] Like the finest apple tree in the orchard is my lover among other young men. I sit in his delightful shade and taste his delicious fruit.
[4] He escorts me to the banquet hall; it’s obvious how much he loves me.
[5] Strengthen me with raisin cakes, refresh me with apples, for I am weak with love.
[6] His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me.
[7] Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and wild deer, not to awaken love until the time is right.
[8] Ah, I hear my lover coming! He is leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills.
[9] My lover is like a swift gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he is behind the wall, looking through the window, peering into the room.
[10] My lover said to me, “Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one!
[11] Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone.
[12] The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air.
[13] The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming. Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one!”
[14] My dove is hiding behind the rocks, behind an outcrop on the cliff. Let me see your face; let me hear your voice. For your voice is pleasant, and your face is lovely.
[15] Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!
[16] My lover is mine, and I am his. He browses among the lilies.
[17] Before the dawn breezes blow and the night shadows flee, return to me, my love, like a gazelle or a young stag on the rugged mountains.