Study Desk

"Like an apple tree [rare and welcome] among the trees of the forest, So is my beloved among the young men! In his shade I took great delight and sat down, And his fruit was sweet and delicious to my palate.

"He has brought me to his banqueting place, And his banner over me is love [waving overhead to protect and comfort me].

"Let his left hand be under my head And his right hand embrace me."

"My beloved is mine and I am his; He pastures his flock among the lilies.

"All of them handle the sword, All expert in war; Each man has his sword at his thigh, Guarding against the terrors of the night.

"Go forth, O daughters of Zion, And gaze on King Solomon wearing the crown With which his mother [Bathsheba] has crowned him On the day of his wedding, On the day of his gladness of heart."

"Awake, O north wind, And come, south wind [blow softly upon my garden]; Make my garden breathe out fragrance, [for the one in whom my soul delights], Let its spices flow forth. Let my beloved come into his garden And eat its choicest fruits."

"My beloved extended his hand through the opening [of the door], And my feelings were aroused for him.

"His head is like [precious] gold, pure gold; His hair is [curly] like clusters of dates And black as a raven.

"His eyes are like doves Beside streams of water, Bathed in milk And reposed in their setting.

"His cheeks are like a bed of balsam, Banks of sweet, fragrant herbs. His lips are lilies Dripping sweet-scented myrrh.

"His hands are rods of gold Set with beryl; His abdomen is a figure of carved ivory Inlaid with sapphires.

"His legs are [strong and steady] pillars of alabaster Set upon pedestals of fine gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, Stately and choice as the cedars.

"His mouth is full of sweetness; Yes, he is altogether lovely and desirable. This is my beloved and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem."

"My beloved has gone down to his garden, To the beds of balsam, To feed his flock in the gardens And gather lilies.

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine, He who feeds his flock among the lilies."

And your kisses like the best wine!'" (The Shulammite Bride) "It goes down smoothly and sweetly for my beloved, Gliding gently over his lips while he sleeps.

"I am my beloved's, And his desire is for me.

"Let his left hand be under my head And his right hand embrace me."

"Many waters cannot quench love, Nor can rivers drown it. If a man would offer all the riches of his house for love, It would be utterly scorned and despised."