Song of Solomon 3:5-7

The Voice

⁵     (to the young women of Jerusalem) Heed my warning:
        By the gazelles and deer of the field,
    I charge you not to excite your love until it is ready.
        Don’t stir a fire in your heart too soon, until it is ready to be satisfied.

⁶ Young Women of Jerusalem: Who is this coming up from the desert,
        with billowing clouds of dust and smoke,
        with a sweet aroma of burning myrrh and frankincense,
        with fragrant spices fresh from the merchant?

⁷     Look, it is Solomon’s litter,
        surrounded by 60 strong men,
        some of the very best soldiers in Israel,