Love Makes Everything Beautiful

She Speaks:

1I am merely a rose+

from the land of Sharon,

a lily from the valley.

He Speaks:

2My darling, when compared

with other young women,

you are a lily among thorns.

She Speaks:

3And you, my love,

are an apple tree

among trees of the forest.

Your shade brought me pleasure;

your fruit was sweet.

4You led me to your banquet room

and showered me with love.

5Refresh and strengthen me

with raisins and apples.

I am hungry for love!

6Put your left hand under my head

and embrace me

with your right arm.

7Young women of Jerusalem,

promise me by the power

of deer and gazelles+

never to awaken love

before it is ready.

Winter Is Past

She Speaks:

8I hear the voice

of the one I love,

as he comes leaping

over mountains and hills

9like a deer or a gazelle.

Now he stands outside our wall,

looking through the window

10and speaking to me.

He Speaks:

My darling, I love you!

Let's go away together.

11Winter is past,

the rain has stopped;

12flowers cover the earth,

it's time to sing.+

The cooing of doves

is heard in our land.

13Fig trees are bearing fruit,

while blossoms on grapevines

fill the air with perfume.

My darling, I love you!

Let's go away together.

14You are my dove

hiding among the rocks

on the side of a cliff.

Let me see how lovely you are!

Let me hear the sound

of your melodious voice.

15Our vineyards are in blossom;

we must catch the little foxes

that destroy the vineyards.+

She Speaks:

16My darling, I am yours,

and you are mine,

as you feed your sheep

among the lilies.

17Pretend to be a young deer

dancing on mountain slopes+

until daylight comes

and shadows fade away.