The Song of Songs 8:1-4

The Beloved’s Wish Song

The Beloved to Her Lover:

8:1 Oh, how I wish you were my little brother,

nursing at my mother’s breasts;

if I saw you outside, I could kiss you –

surely no one would despise me!

8:2 I would lead you and bring you to my mother’s house,

the one who taught me.

I would give you spiced wine to drink,

the nectar of my pomegranates.

Double Refrain: Embracing and Adjuration

The Beloved about Her Lover:

8:3 His left hand caresses my head,

and his right hand stimulates me.

The Beloved to the Maidens:

8:4 I admonish you, O maidens of Jerusalem:

“Do not arouse or awaken love until it pleases!”