1. Oh, that you were like my brother,Who nursed at my mother’s breasts!If I should find you outside,I would kiss you;I would not be despised.
2. I would lead you and bring youInto the house of my mother,She who used to instruct me.I would cause you to drink of spiced wine,Of the juice of my pomegranate.
3. His left hand is under my head,And his right hand embraces me.
4. I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem,Do not stir up nor awaken loveUntil it pleases.
5. Who is this coming up from the wilderness,Leaning upon her beloved?I awakened you under the apple tree.There your mother brought you forth;There she who bore you brought you forth.
6. Set me as a seal upon your heart,As a seal upon your arm;For love is as strong as death,Jealousy as cruel as the grave;Its flames are flames of fire,A most vehement flame.
7. Many waters cannot quench love,Nor can the floods drown it.If a man would give for loveAll the wealth of his house,It would be utterly despised.