Chapter 8
1 Oh that you were like my brother, who nursed from the breasts of my mother! If I found you outside , I would kiss you ; yes , and no one would despise me .
2 I would lead you , bringing you into the house of my mother, who would instruct me . I would have you drink spiced wine , of the juice of my pomegranate .
3 His left hand would be under my head . His right hand would embrace me .
4 I adjure you , daughters of Jerusalem , that you not stir up , nor awaken love , until it so desires . Friends
5 Who is this who comes up from the wilderness , leaning on her beloved ? Beloved Under the apple tree I awakened you . There your mother conceived you . There she was in labor and bore you .
6 Set me as a seal on your heart , as a seal on your arm ; for love is strong as death . Jealousy is as cruel as Sheol . Its flashes are flashes of fire , a very flame of Yah .
7 Many waters can ’t quench love, neither can floods drown it . If a man would give all the wealth of his house for love, he would be utterly scorned. Brothers
8 We have a little sister. She has no breasts . What shall we do for our sister in the day when she is to be spoken for ?
9 If she is a wall , we will build on her a turret of silver . If she is a door , we will enclose her with boards of cedar. Beloved
10 I am a wall , and my breasts like towers , then I was in his eyes like one who found peace .
11 Solomon had a vineyard at Baal Hamon. He leased out the vineyard to keepers . Each was to bring a thousand shekels of silver for its fruit .
12 My own vineyard is before me . The thousand are for you , Solomon , two hundred for those who tend its fruit . Lover
13 You who dwell in the gardens , with friends in attendance, let me hear your voice ! Beloved
14 Come away , my beloved ! Be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices !