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.
25. Let not your heart incline toward her ways, do not stray into her paths.
26. For she has cast down many wounded; indeed, all her slain are a mighty host. [Neh. 13:26.]
27. Her house is the way to Sheol (Hades, the place of the dead), going down to the chambers of death.