Do not stare at me because I am dark,
    because I am darkened by the sun.
My mother’s sons were angry with me
    and made me take care of the vineyards;(A)
    my own vineyard I had to neglect.
Tell me, you whom I love,
    where you graze your flock
    and where you rest your sheep(B) at midday.
Why should I be like a veiled(C) woman
    beside the flocks of your friends?

Friends

If you do not know, most beautiful of women,(D)
    follow the tracks of the sheep
and graze your young goats
    by the tents of the shepherds.

He

I liken you, my darling, to a mare
    among Pharaoh’s chariot horses.(E)
10 Your cheeks(F) are beautiful with earrings,
    your neck with strings of jewels.(G)
11 We will make you earrings of gold,
    studded with silver.

She

12 While the king was at his table,
    my perfume spread its fragrance.(H)

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends