CHAPTER 2
Like an apricot tree
among the trees
of the forest
is my beloved
among
the young men.
I delight
to sit
in his shade,
and his fruit
is sweet
to my taste.
O daughters
of Jerusalem,
I adjure
you
by the gazelles
and
does
of the field:
Do not
arouse
or
awaken
love
until
the time is right.
Listen!
My beloved approaches.
Look!
Here
he comes,
leaping
across
the mountains,
bounding
over
the hills.
My beloved
is like
a gazelle
or
a young stag.
Look,
he
stands
behind
our wall,
gazing
through
the windows,
peering
through
the lattice.
The flowers
have appeared
in the countryside;
the season
of singing
has come,
and the cooing
of turtledoves
is heard
in our land.
The fig tree
ripens
its figs;
the blossoming
vines
spread
their fragrance.
Arise,
come away,
my darling;
come with me,
my beautiful one.”
O my dove
in the clefts
of the rock,
in the crevices
of the cliff,
let me see
your face,
let me hear
your voice;
for
your voice
is sweet,
and your countenance
is lovely.
Catch
for us
the foxes—
the little
foxes
that ruin
the vineyards—
for our vineyards
are in bloom.
Before
the day
breaks
and shadows
flee,
turn to me,
my beloved,
and be like
a gazelle
or
a young stag
on
the mountains
of Bether.