Do not stare at me because I am dark,
for the sun has gazed on me.
My mother’s sons were angry with me;
they made me a keeper of the vineyards.
I have not kept my own vineyard.

For now the winter is past;
the rain has ended and gone away.

The blossoms appear in the countryside.
The time of singing has come,
and the turtledove’s cooing is heard in our land.

All of them are skilled with swords
and trained in warfare.
Each has his sword at his side
to guard against the terror of the night.

Y Where has your love gone,
most beautiful of women?
Which way has he turned?
We will seek him with you.

W My love has gone down to his garden,
to beds of spice,
to feed in the gardens
and gather lilies.

Let’s go early to the vineyards;
let’s see if the vine has budded,
if the blossom has opened,
if the pomegranates are in bloom.
There I will give you my love.

B Our sister is young;
she has no breasts.
What will we do for our sister
on the day she is spoken for?