The Man

If you can’t find me, loveliest of all women,
    it’s all right. Stay with your flocks.
Lead your lambs to good pasture.
    Stay with your shepherd neighbors.

9-11 You remind me of Pharaoh’s
    well-groomed and satiny mares.
Pendant earrings line the elegance of your cheeks;
    strands of jewels illumine the curve of your throat.
I’m making jewelry for you, gold and silver jewelry
    that will mark and accent your beauty.

Read full chapter

Friends

If you do not know, most beautiful of women,(A)
    follow the tracks of the sheep
and graze your young goats
    by the tents of the shepherds.

He

I liken you, my darling, to a mare
    among Pharaoh’s chariot horses.(B)
10 Your cheeks(C) are beautiful with earrings,
    your neck with strings of jewels.(D)

Read full chapter