Song of Songs 2
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.
Contemporary English Version (Anglicised) 2012 © British and Foreign Bible Society 2012
Audio text: © 1991 American Bible Society
Audio: ℗ 1995 Hosanna
℗ Voices 1997 ABS, Music 1997 Hosanna