Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. In his shade I take delight and sit down, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.

He made its posts of silver, its back of gold. Its seat was purple, and its interior was lovingly inlaid by the young women of Jerusalem.

His hands are rods of gold, set with beryl. His stomach is carved ivory, inlaid with sapphires.

His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice like its cedars.

Set me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, passion as intense as Sheol. The flames of love are flames of fire, a blaze that comes from the LORD.

You who sit in the gardens, companions are listening for your voice, but let me hear it.