A VERSION OF SOLOMON's Song of Songs. Together with The XLV. PSALM. By JOSEPH STENNETT. Isa. 54.5. — Thy Maker is thy Husband, the LORD of Hosts is his Name.— Eph. 5.32. This is a great Mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the Church. LONDON, Printed for Dan. Brown at the Black Swan and Bible without Temple-bar, and Andr. Bell at the Cross-keys and Bible in Cornhill. 1700. THE PREFACE. THO 'tis generally agreed that this Poem was composed by Solomon, yet some have denied that he wrote it by Divine Inspiration; and make his Design to be only that of celebrating his Amours with Pharaoh's Daughter, or some other person. This was formerly the Opinion of Theodorus Mopsuestanus, and was condemned in the 2d Council of Constantinople: and Grotius of late in his Annotations on this Book declares himself to be * [Hoc canticum] est 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 inter Solomonem & filiam regis Aegypti, interloquentibus etiam choris duobus, tum juvenum tum virginum, qui in proximis thalamo locis excubabant, nuptiarum arcana sub honestis verborum involucris hîc latent; quae etiam causa est cur Hebraei veteres hunc librum legi noluerunt nisi a jam conjugio proximis. Creditur autem Solomon, quò magis perennaret hoc scriptum, ea arte id composuisse, ut sine multa distortione 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in eo inveniri possent quae Dei amorem adversùs populum Israeliticum exprimerent, quod & sensit & ostendit Chaldaeus hîc paraphrastes; nec aliter accepit Maimonides. Ille autem amor typus cùm fuerit amoris Christi erga ecclesiam, Christiani ingenia sua ad applicanda ad eam rem hujus carminis verba exercuerunt laudabili study. H. Grot. in Cant. much of the same mind; though to qualify the matter a little he tells us, 'Tis thought that Solomon, the better to eternize this Book, composed it so artificially, that without much straining there might be Allegories enough found in it to express the Love of God to the Israelitish Nation; which the Chaldee Paraphrast perceived and declared, and Maimonides understood it not otherwise. And this Love being a Type of the Love of Christ to his Church, Christians have laudably exercised their minds in applying the words of this Poem to this purpose. But with how little reason any have presumed to deny the Divine Authority and spiritual Design of this Book, will appear when 'tis considered; That it has always been numbered among the Canonical Books of the Old Testament both by Jews and Christians. The Title given it by the Chaldee Paraphrast is, Songs and Hymns, which Solomon the Prophet, the King of Israel, uttered by the Spirit of Prophecy before the Lord, the Lord of all the World. The extreme Reverence the Jews had for it, as containing Divine Mysteries of the highest rank, was the reason of their prohibiting their Children to read it (as well as the first Chapter of Genesis, and both the beginning and end of the Prophecy of Ezekiel) till they arrived at 30 years of Age. They call it The ‖ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Holy of Holies, and say its Divine Authority was never so much as controverted among them by any but the Profane. They say the Name [Solomon] mentioned in this Song is sacred, and to be ascribed to the Messiah, the Prince of Peace. And the most celebrated Christian Writers, both Ancient and Modern, so generally agree in the Divine Original of this Song, that it is as needless as it would be endless to name ' 'em. 'Tis true, this Poem treats of two Lovers, sometimes under the character of a Shepherd and Shepherdess, and sometimes under that of a Prince and Princess. But does it thence follow that it has not a Mystical Sense, designing to set forth the mutual Love of Christ and his Church, when 'tis so usual a thing to find Allegories in the Divine Writings? The 45th Psalm celebrates the same mystical Espousals, and very much in the same strain (a Version of which I therefore added at the end) and John the Baptist gives the Character of Bridegroom to our Blessed Saviour, John 3.29. as well as John the Apostle. Rev. 19.7, 9 The Apostle Paul uses the same kind of Language, Eph. 5. 22-33. 2 Cor. 11.2. when he alludes to Marriage, in speaking of the mystical Union of Christ and the Church. Indeed it may be allowed that here are divers Allusions to Solomon and his Queen, their Court and Gardens, etc. and the rather because Solomon was an eminent Type of Christ; but Longè majora canuntur, and a Greater than Solomon is here, as is evident not only from what has been already said, but from the improbable things that will result from the contrary supposition. For instance, if Solomon were one of the principal Subjects of this Song, is it to be imagined that he would speak so largely in his own praise, and magnify his own Beauty to so high a degree? On the other hand, is it likely he should one while so plainly set forth the defects and imperfections of his Bride, and at another time extol her to the Skies? Is it to be thought he would make her so amorous and importunate in her inquiries after him? or that he would represent his Queen running unattended thro' the streets of Jerusalem in the night to seek him; and so exposing herself to all manner of Affronts and Abuses, contrary to the rules of Decency? This no way agrees with the modesty and reservedness of her Sex (especially in those times, and in that place) nor with the greatness of her Quality: for in this part of the Song she is not considered as a Shepherdess in a Country Cottage, but as a Princess in her City-Palace. Now all this, and much more to the same purpose, which for brevity sake I for bear to mention, will very well bear a mystic Sense, and may easily be accommodated to Christ and the Church. For 'tis no wonder if Solomon speaks highly in the praise of this Heavenly Bridegroom, and represents this Bride sometimes veiled with Blemishes and Infirmities, and sometimes without any Defect, shining with Beauty and Glory; because the various conditions and frames of the Church of Christ make her appear very much to differ from herself, when viewed in different respects and at different times. 'Tis no trespass on her Modesty, but an addition to her Glory, to represent her Love to Christ extremely fervent. Her diligent Inquiry after him in the night, when withdrawn from her, after she refused him admission, her Sorrows and Afflictions in seeking him, her transports of Joy when she finds him, all suit very well with what passes between our Saviour and his Spouse while she continues in this lower World. It is likewise worth observation, that the Tower of Lebanon spoken of in this Book, Chap. 7.4. which in all appearance is the same with the House of the Forest of Lebanon mentioned 1 Kings 7.2. was not built till a considerable time after the Temple was finished, and yet Solomon was married to Pharaoh's Daughter at least some time before the finishing of it, as appears by comparing 1 Kings 3.1. with ch. 6.38. and ch. 7.1, 2. And therefore, if this Song had been a kind of Epithalamium made immediately on their Marriage, this Building in Lebanon would not have been alluded to in it. As to the nature of this Poem, 'tis a kind of Pastoral, though some parts of it contain Descriptions more agreeable to a Prince's Court than to a Shepherd's Cottage. This mixture of City and Country, and sudden passing from simple and rustic to noble and magnificent Descriptions, was no doubt highly esteemed in the Hebrew Poesy (whatever account our Moderns make of it) since we have such instances of it in this Poem, which was composed by the wisest of Men, and the choicest Piece of a thousand and five whereof he was the Author; as appears by the Title given it of The Song of Songs, which signifies the most excellent Song, Rev. 19.16. as The King of Kings and Lord of Lords denotes in Scripture the supreme King and Lord. The Form of it is Dramatic: The persons speaking and spoken to, are the Bridegroom, the Bride, the Friends or Companions of the Bridegroom, and the Companions of the Bride, who are called the Daughters of Jerusalem. As by the Bridegroom Christ is represented, and the Church in general by the Bride; so the Companions of the Bridegroom seem to signify the Prophets, Apostles, and other Ministers of the Word of God; and the Daughters of Jerusalem, young Converts, or such as are enquiring after Christ and his Religion. If any are shocked at the Style and manner of Composure, as thinking the Figures some of them too bold, and not natural, the Transtions too abrupt, etc. let 'em consider that the Gust of all Ages and Nations is not the same, and that that is a very graceful Expression in one Language, which seems very mean in another. They that would judge accurately of the Style of this Poem, should be well acquainted with the Language in which it was originally written, and with the Genius and Customs of the Age and Nation in which it was first published. These none can now pretend to be throughly versed in; therefore 'tis more modest and becoming to lay the fault on our own Ignorance, if we don't see that Beauty and Elegancy, which the ancient Hebrews did, in a piece composed by one who, by the testimony of God himself, had the highest intellectual Accomplishments of any man in the World, and who wrote it by the special Inspiration of the Holy Spirit too: And instead of puzzling ourselves and others by too nicely criticising on its external Form, to seek a more useful and agreeable Entertainment, in getting a solid and experimental knowledge and relish of those Spiritual Mysteries it contains. I have attempted in the ensuing Sheets to give a Version of this Divine Drama; in which I have endeavoured to keep as close as I well could to the Terms, or however to the Sense; to be modest and sparing in paraphrasing; to leave Passages capable of various probable Interpretations in such terms as might be differently applied. I have endeavoured carefully to pursue the Ideas of the Divine Poet; yet not to tie myself only to his Terms so scrupulously as quite to neglect the Air of our English Poetry. No body expects a Translation in Verse from any Language can be performed verbatim, or as strictly as one in Prose. I have consulted the Original Text, and various Commentators on occasion, and taken the liberty to differ from our English Translation in some places where I thought it reasonable. For instance: ch. 1. 17. instead of [Rafters of Fir] I say [Galleries of Brutine-tree.] Chap. 2.7. ch. 3.5. and ch. 8.4. I take to be the words of the Bridegroom, and that he charges the Daughters of Jerusalem not to awake the Bride till she pleases; whereas our Translators supposed the Bride now speaking, and charging them not to awake the Bridegroom till he pleases. And since I am speaking of these Texts, it may not be amiss to advertise by the way that the Adjuration here made by the Roes and Hinds of the Field is not to be understood as if the Party speaking swore by these Creatures: Heb. 6.13. for as God swears only by himself because he can swear by no Greater, Deut. 6.13. so it is unlawful for his Creatures to swear by any thing below him. Matt. 5. 34-36. But these words may either signify, I adjure you who are by [or among] the Roes and Hinds, etc. or else may be taken for a kind of Obtestation, whereby these Creatures are called to witness against the Daughters of Jerusalem, if they should not observe the solemn Charge given 'em; as Heaven and Earth are by a Prosopopoeia called on by Moses to testify against the Israelites, Deut. 30.19. and the Stone that Joshua erected is termed a Witness, Josh. 24.27. and Hearing ascribed to it. Chap. 5. 10. the Bridegroom in our English Translation is said to be the chiefest of ten thousand: This I think might better be rendered * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vexillum gerens, cui subsint decem hominum millia. Ayant une enseigne de dix mille hommes. Mercer in loc. [Carrying the Banner over ten thousand men] I therefore turn it thus: Under his Standard marshaled are Ten thousand Youths, but none so fair. What is called most fine Gold in our Bible, I render [the finest Gold, the Gold of Fez:] for there is † 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 another word just before 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that signifies fine Gold; therefore I take this to be the proper Name of a part of Africa still called the Kingdom of Fez: and perhaps because there was plenty of pure Gold in this Country, the Arabians term fine Gold Fez. (for Mr. Ainsworth in his Annotations on this place, tells us 'tis so called in the Arabic Tongue.) I have throughout noted which Party is speaking, according to the best judgement I could make. How I have succeeded in these matters, must be left to others to judge. I have composed it in such a measure, and divided it into such parts as might render it fit and easy to be sung in the Worship of God. If any should scruple so to use it, because the sense of it is (in many places at least) obscure and difficult; I desire them to consider that many of the Psalms are liable to the same Objection (particularly the 45th, which treats of the same subject of Divine Love) and yet these are not laid aside as useless to this purpose, because dictated by the same Spirit with those that are more plain and easy to be understood. The obscurity that is found in this or other parts of the sacred Writings, should excite us to the greater diligence in searching after the mind of the Holy Spirit, that we may improve both in Grace and Knowledge. And the Providence of God has furnished various helps to this end, and some in our own Language: The Learned and Judicious Mr. Ainsworth's Annotations on this Book very well deserve to be perused by such as aspire after the knowledge of those excellent things of which it treats. What is represented to pass between Christ and the Church in general in this Song, is in a great measure applicable to the Transactions between him and every particular Christian. Here we may discern the pious Soul convinced of Christ's Loveliness and Worth, inflamed with Love towards him, and earnestly desiring and seeking intimate Communion with him, though she meets with many difficulties in her way. We afterwards find her transported with joy upon the reception of many signal favours from him, and very ample demonstrations of his Love, which are attended with the most grateful expressions of Love on her part. After this, through her negligence and the power of Temptation, she grows cool and languid in her Affection to him, upon which he as it were retires and hides himself from her; he withdraws the manifestation of his Kindness, the want of which alarms and awakens her from her slothful Frame, and seems to fill her with almost as much Sorrow as his Smiles gave her Pleasure: her joyful Raptures are now turned into Sighs and Complaints. However, she resolves to seek her absent Lord, till she finds him: her Zeal revives: she makes great protestations of the Sincerity of her Love, and resolutions of her future Constancy: she diligently inquires after him, and at length, after having passed through many Dangers and Difficulties, she meets with him. Their renewed Communion then furnishes 'em both with the sublimest and most endearing Expressions of Joy and Love; and they take the greatest complacency in each other's Society, by turns describing one another's Beauty, till at last she seems impatient of longer delays, and to desire a yet fuller and more perfect enjoyment of her Beloved Lord, by a Translation from the Kingdom of Grace into that of Glory. This seems to be the general Plot and Design of this Divine Poem. And those gracious Souls, who are truly converted to God, and have experienced the renewing Influences of the Divine Spirit to maintain their spiritual Life; who have a spiritual relish, or (to use our Saviour's Phrase) savour the things that be of God (though themselves are accounted the foolish things of this World) will easily find much intelligible and instructive matter in this Holy Song, while the wise men of the World are posed with Mystery, and stumble at it. Not but that the wisest and most learned Christian may find some difficulties in it (as well as in many other parts of the Scripture) capable to exercise his pious Industry. To conclude, 2 Tim. 3.16, 17. If the whole Scripture is given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for Doctrine, for Reproof, for Correction, for Instruction in Righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished to all Good Works: Then this part of it is useful to these purposes: And we shall do well to attend to the Apostle's Exhortation, who says, Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all Wisdom, Col. 3.16. teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and Hymns and spiritual Songs, singing with Grace in your hearts to the Lord. And if this small performance shall by the Divine Blessing any way contribute to the strength of those pious Affections which devout Souls bear to the Blessed Jesus, it will be the satisfaction and joy of him who esteems it the highest Honour in the World to be a Servant and Friend to the Heavenly Bridegroom; and hearty wishes Grace may be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Eph. 6.24. Amen. J. S. To Mr. Joseph Stennett, on his Excellent Version of the Book of Canticles. LET untuned Souls Poetic Flights despise, Who to the Heights of Verse could never rise, Insensible to all the Charms of Wit, And lofty Sense, in flowing Numbers writ; Whilst I (unskilled to imitate) admire The Hebrew Song of Songs tuned to an English Lyre. Sublime the Theme! This Sacred Poem treats Of Love Divine, with all its charming Sweets. Under a King's and Shepherd's Name concealed, The Love of Christ is to his Church revealed: He, though the Sovereign Lord, God over all Blessed for ever, condescends to call His Church, collected from the wretched Race Of sinful Adam (when adorned with Grace) His Royal Bride; and as a Bridegroom loves, With soft Endearments all her Passions moves. Her mighty Joys she does in transport tell, As on the Subject she could ever dwell. But ah! too soon forgetful of her Bliss, She grows secure; and then she grows remiss, Till her provoked yet constant Lord withdraws, And gives her time to mourn her Fault and Loss. Then Cares and Fears possess her troubled Soul, And anxious Doubts within her Bosom roll. No Ease, no Quiet can the Fair One find, Till his Return restores her peaceful Mind. Th' inspired Poet thus in Mystic Lays The Church's Duty sings, her Saviour's Praise. The Prince and Preacher both in one combine, And with strong Reason courtly Language join, To beautify a Subject so Divine. But all these Beauties were to Us obscured By distant Time and Place (yet just secured Of the true Sense in rough unpolished Prose) Till You (Preacher and Poet too) arose To storm the Heights of Sacred Poetry, And boldly set the Smiling Captive free, Tho in an English, yet a charming Dress: Great the Attempt, and equal the Success! Jos. Collet. CHAP. I. Verse 1 SOLOMON'S Song of Songs. PART I. The Bride. Verse 2 O Let him seal his Lips on mine, His Kisses breathe a Love Divine: No Juice the generous Vine can bear, May with thy sweeter Love compare. Verse 3 The precious Ointments on thee shed, Around their liberal Odours spread, And with their Odours spread thy Fame; Sweet as rich Oils diffused thy Name, Thy Name the Virgin's Hearts inspires With sacred Love and pure Desires. Verse 4 Draw me by thy Almighty Charms; We'll run, we'll fly into thy Arms. Me, happy me! the King of Kings Into his Bridal Chambers brings! Joy sits upon our Hearts and Tongues, Joy tunes our Thoughts, and tunes our Songs. We'll think upon this Love of thine More than full Bowls of sparkling Wine: For every Soul that's Good and Just, Loves Thee, my Dear, and love Thee must. PART II. Verse 5 O Daughters of Jerusalem, (Fair Offspring of a noble Stem) Tho, I confess, my Skin is brown, My comely Features you must own: I'm black as Tents of Kedar are; As Solomon's Curtains I am fair. Verse 6 O do not with censorious Eyes Survey my Face, and then despise: The Sun has viewed me many days, And scorched my Beauty with his Rays. My Mother's Sons against me fired With an uncomely rage, conspired To make me keep and dress their Vines, Through Winter Storms and Summer-shines; While that loved Vineyard of my own With Weeds and Thorns is all overgrown. Verse 7 Dear Object of my Soul's Desire! O tell me whither dost retire With thy loved Flock, thy joy and care? Where dost thou feed ' 'em? tell me where? Where giv'st 'em soft repose at noon? For why should I, as some have done, To other Pastures turn aside, Where thy Companions Flocks abide? The Bridegroom. Verse 8 Fair one, who hast more Charms engrossed Than all thy Sex beside can boast? I'll be thy Guide, if thou wouldst know How to my Fields and Folds to go. The Footsteps of my Flock you see, Fellow them, as they follow me: Beside those Shepherd's Tents repair, There feed thy Kids, and fold 'em there. PART III. Verse 9 Thy Steps and Port so graceful are, thou, O my Love, I may compare To a fair set of goodly Steeds Of that famed race which Egypt breeds, To Pharaoh's pompous Chariot tied, When he in solemn State does ride. Verse 10 Thy Cheeks with rows of Jewels shine; (Jewels become such Cheeks as thine) And Chains of Gold fit to be worn On Royal Necks, do thine adorn. Verse 11 We'll golden Borders for thy sake, Powdered with Studs of Silver, make. The Bride. Verse 12 While the glad King at Table sits Among his welcome Favourites, My Spikenard shall the Board perfume, And breathe its Sweets all round the Room. Verse 13 A heap of Myrrh, for Fragrancy, Is my beloved Lord to me: Him in my Arms I will embrace, My Bosom make his resting place. Verse 14 My dearest Love appears to me A cluster from the Camphire-Tree, Whose odorous Gum in drops distilled, Engedi's fertile Vineyards yield. The Bridegroom. Verse 15 How fair, my Love, how wondrous fair Art Thou, beyond what others are! Thy Eyes, that flame with spotless Loves, Are chaste and bright, like those of Doves. The Bride. Verse 16 How fair art Thou! my only Dear, How Aimable dost Thou appear! Come let us here securely rest, Our Bed with pleasant Greene's is dressed; Verse 17 And all we have delightful seems: Our House is built with Cedar Beams; The Galleries, contrived to be For spacious Walks, with Brutine-tree CHAP. II. PART I. The Bridegroom. Verse 1 I Am the Rose of Sharon's Field, The Lily that the Valleys yield; Which paint the Fields with White and Red, And far and near their Odours spread. Verse 2 Just as the Lily, which adorns The Vale beset around with Thorns; So bright my Love appears among The brightest of the Virgin-Throng. The Bride. Verse 3 Just as a Tree with Apples crowned, Amidst wild Shrubs encompassed round; So fair my Dear appears among The fairest of the Youthful Throng. To his cool Shade I did retire, There sat me down, with great desire To pluck his Fruit, which gave delight Both to my Taste, and to my Sight. Verse 4 He led me to the joyful place Which splendid Banquets used to grace: To entertain me there, he spread Love's conquering Banner o'er my head. Verse 5 O cheer this fainting heart of mine With Goblets crowned with generous Wine! Treat me with Apples, these will prove A Cordial now I'm sick of Love. Verse 6 May his Left Hand my Head uphold, May his Right Arm me round enfold. The Bridegroom. Verse 7 O Daughters of Jerusalem, (Fair Offspring of a Noble Stem) Since here my Love now rests secure, I with a solemn Charge adjure You by the nimble Roes and Fawns, That run and skip along the Lawns, Permit her soft repose to take, And no indecent Clamour make, Nor jog her as she slumbering lies, Till she herself is pleased to rise. PART II. The Bride. Verse 8 I hear the Voice of him I love; And now I see him swiftly move: O'er haughty Mountains how he trips! O'er Hills and Rocks how fast he skips! Verse 9 My Love is like a Roe or Fawn, That runs and leaps along the Lawn: Now by the Wall he stands I see, Now through the Window looks at me: His Face now through the Lattice shows, His Beauties all their Charms disclose; Verse 10 Nor stands my dearest silent there, His Voice, his charming Voice I hear: " Rise, rise, my Love, make no delay, " Rise, my Fair one, and come away; Verse 11" For see the frozen Winter's gone, " The Rains abate, the Spring comes on; Verse 12" On the Earth's bosom Flowers arise " To please the Scent, and please the Eyes: " The Birds begin to chirp and sing, " To welcome the returning Spring: " The Turtle in our Plains we hear " Proclaiming the reviving year: Verse 13" The Figtree her green Fruit discloses, " And to the warmer Air exposes: " The fruitful Vine gins to bloom, " Her tender Buds the Air perfume. " Rise, rise, my Love, make no delay, " Rise, my fair one, and come away. PART III. Verse 14" My Dove, who in a Rock dost hid, " And in the secret Cliffs reside, " OH let thy Face to me appear! " Nor let me fail thy Voice to hear! " That melting Voice of thine is sweet; " And in thy Face all Graces meet. Verse 15" The Foxes, those young Foxes take, " Which in our Vineyards ravage make: " Strive to defeat their ill designs; " For tender Grapes adorn our Vines. Verse 16 My Love is mine, and I am his, His Pasture 'mong the Lilies is. Verse 17 Until the welcome dawn of Day, When gloomy Shadows fly away, Turn, my Beloved, turn again, Nor let me call and beg in vain: Be like a Roe or nimble Fawn, That runs and skips along the Lawn; Such as the Hills of Bether breed, Such as the Hills of Bether feed. CHAP III. PART I. Verse 1 'TWAS dark, as on my Bed I lay, My Dreams and Slumbers fled away; Waking I missed my Soul's delight, I missed him in the shades of Night: I called aloud, and called again; I sought him, but I sought in vain. Verse 2 I'll rise, said I, and search the Town, View every corner up and down; Search every Lane, and every Street, Till I my Soul's Delight can meet: For him I asked, and asked again; I sought him, but I sought in vain: I found not him; but I was found By them that walk the City round, The Watch that guard the Walls by night: Saw ye, said I, my Soul's delight? Verse 4 From these not many steps I passed, And found my Soul's Delight at last: Fast in my Arms my Dear I caught, And to my Mother's Lodgings brought, Into the joyful Chamber where I drew at first my vital Air. The Bridegroom. Verse 5 O Daughters of Jerusalem, (Fair Offspring of a Noble Stem) Since here my Love now rests secure, I with a solemn Charge adjure You by the nimble Roes and Fawns, That run and skip along the Lawns, Permit her soft repose to take, And no indecent clamour make, Nor jog her as she slumbering lies, Till she herself is pleased to rise. PART II. The Friends of the Bridegroom. Verse 6 Who's this that from the Desert comes, Expiring Aromatic Gums, Sweet as the Altar's Fumes, that rise In Pillars to propitious Skies? Such sacred Odours flow from her, Perfumed with Frankincense and Myrrh; And all rich Powders of the store The Merchant brings from th' Eastern shore. Verse 7 Behold Great Solomon's Bed of State, Where threescore mighty Champions wait; All other Champions these excel, That head the Tribes of Israel; Verse 8 All versed in Arms, know how to wield The warlike Sword, and warlike Shield: Each on his Thigh his Weapon bears, To guard the Court from nightly fears. Verse 9 The Chariot of King Solomon Was made of Wood from Lebanon; Verse 10 The Pillars Silver finely wrought, The Bottom Gold from Ophir brought, With Tyrian Purple lined above, The Middle paved with mystic Love For th' Daughters of Jerusalem, (The Offspring of a Noble Stem) Verse 11 Come, Sion's Daughters, bright and fair, Like that blessed Stock that did you bear, See how King Solomon appears, How bright's the Diadem he wears! Crowned by his Mother's Royal Hand, This smiling Day the nuptial Band Him to his lovely Bride has joined, And Tides of Joy o'erflow his Mind. CHAP. IU. PART I. The Bridegroom. Verse 1 HOW fair, my Love, how wondrous fair Art thou beyond what others are! Thy Eyes that flame with spotless Loves, Are chaste and bright like those of Doves. They shine beneath thy curling Locks, Which seem like Goats in numerous Flocks, That on Mount ahab's brow appear, Climbing to find sweet Pasture there. Verse 2 Within thy lovely Mouth there grows A set of Teeth in even rows, Like Flocks of Sheep of equal size, Just as they from the Water rise, And to be shorn from washing come, Bearing their snowy Fleeces home; Or like the pretty Twins they bear, When none of 'em abortive are. Verse 3 Thy Lips, that wear a lively Red, Are like a Scarlet-coloured Thread: When with thy sweetest Voice they move, Their Graces still more charming prove. Thy Temples, shaded with thy Hair, And Cheeks, like cut Pomegranates are; As those abound with purple Veins, In these a blushing Tincture reigns. Verse 4 Such Majesty and Beauty shine In that illustrious Neck of thine, Like David's Tower it seems to be, Built for a Royal Armoury: Thy Necklace, strung with glittering Gems, Like thousand shining Bucklers seems, All Shields by mighty Captains born, Which that bright Tower around adorn. Verse 5 Thy Breasts, which equal Beauties share, Are like two Fawns, an equal pair, The lovely Twins o'th' fruitful Roe, Feeding where Snowwhite Lilies grow. Verse 6 Until the welcome dawn of Day, When gloomy Shadows fly away, To th' Mount of Myrrh I'll get me hence, And to the Hill of Frankincense. PART II. Verse 7 All Beauty's reign, my Love, in thee: From every blemish thou art free. Verse 8 From Leb'non come with me, my Bride; From Leb'non come with me, thy Guide. From high Amana take thy view, From Shenir's top, and Hermon's too; From Dens where Lions do reside, From Hills where savage Leopards hid. Verse 9 My Sister and my lovely Bride, (To me by many ties allied) My Heart is ravished with thy Charms; My Heart is conquered by thy Arms. One glance of Love shot from thy Eye Has won the easy Victory: One Chain, wherewith thy Neck's arrayed, Has me a willing Captive made. Verse 10 My Sister and my lovely Bride, (To me by many ties allied) How pleasant is this Love of thine! How much more sweet than generous Wine! How much thy precious Oils in smell The best of Spices all excel! Verse 11 Thy Lips, my Spouse, that move with skill, Drops like the Hony-comb distil. Hony and Milk's beneath thy Tongue, Which feeds the Weak as well as strong. Thy Garments with rich Scents abound, Such as in Lebanon are found. PART III. Verse 12 My Sister and my lovely Bride, (To me by many Ties allied) Is like a Garden round enclosed, Not, as the common Field, exposed: A Spring shut up, a Fountain sealed, And ne'er to vulgar eyes revealed. Verse 13 Thy Plants, all set in decent rows, A fruitful Paradise compose: There Trees, with fair Pomegranates crowned, And all delicious Fruits, abound: There Camphire drops, and Spikenard grows, Verse 14 With Spikenard fragrant Saffron blows: Sweet Cane, and Cinnamon are there, With Aloes, Frankincense, and Myrrh: And all choice Spices there are found, Which fill the Air with Odours round. Verse 15 From Thee the Gardens all derive The Streams, that keep their Plants alive; From Thee their Spring and sacred Well, Whose living Waters all excel: From Lebanon these Waters flow, And bless with Fruit the Vale below. Verse 16 Awake, O Northwind, and at last Give thou, O South, a warmer blast; Upon my Garden kindly blow, That all sweet Spices there may flow. The Bride. To's Garden let my Love repair, Pluck his rare Fruits, and eat 'em there. CHAP. V. PART I. The Bridegroom. Verse 1 MY Sister and my lovely Bride, (To me by many Ties allied) I'm come into my Garden, where I please myself in gathering Myrrh, In gathering every Spice, and Gum: I eat my Honey from the Comb; My Wine and Milk go sweetly down, With plenty these my Table crown. Come eat with me, my welcome Friends, Eat of the Gifts kind Heaven sends; Drink, as our Joys and Wines abound; Drink, dear Companions, freely round. PART II. The Bride. Verse 2 I laid me down my rest to take; I slept, yet was my Heart awake: A Voice salutes my waking Ear, One knocking at the Door I hear: My Love, it seems, was pleased to wait, Calling and knocking at the Gate: " My Sister, loud he cried, my Love, " My Fair, my chaste, my spotless Dove, " Be kind, as I to you have been, " Unlock the Door, and let me in: " With trickling Dew my head is filled, " My Locks with Drops by night distilled. Verse 3 My Garments I have laid aside, How shall I dress me? I replied; I've lately washed my Feet, and how, My Dear, shall I defile 'em now? Verse 4 Unkindly thus I let him stand, Till through the Door he thrust his Hand; At last my Heart began to move With all the tender thoughts of Love. Verse 5 I risen, Ah that I risen so late! I had no sooner touched the Gate, My Hands with Drops of Myrrh were filled, My Finger's sweetest Myrrh distilled; The handles of the Lock I found With dropping Myrrh perfumed around. Verse 6 I opened to my Love the Door, O that I'd opened it before! For now alas! my Love was gone, Was gone! and I left all alone! My Soul was ready to expire With fear, with sorrow, and desire: When his kind Words I called to mind, I thought how I had been unkind! I sought him, but I sought in vain; I called, but could not answer gain: Verse 7 I found not him, but I was found By Guards that walk the City round; These treated me with Wounds and Blows, And aggravated all my Woes: The Watch that guard the Walls by night, Even took away my Veil in spite. Verse 8 O Daughters of Jerusalem, (Fair Offspring of a Noble Stem) You I most solemnly adjure, Whenever you find my Love, be sure With my Complaints his pity move, And tell him I am sick of Love. PART III. The Daughters of Jerusalem. Verse 9 O Thou, who hast more Charms engrossed, Than all our Sex beside can boast! What Charms in thy Beloved dwell, To make him other Loves excel? Describe his Beauties, let us know, Fair One, why thou adjur'st us so. The Bride. Verse 10 In my Love's Cheeks pure White and Red In just degrees their mixture spread: Under his Standard marshaled are Ten thousand Youths, but none so fair. Verse 21 His Head with finest Gold is crowned, The Gold of Fez so much renowned: His Hair in decent Curls appears, Black as the Plumes the Raven wears. Verse 12 His Eyes, that flame with spotless Loves, Are pure and bright like those of Doves, When in clear Streams their Heads they wet, They're washed in Milk, and fitly set. Verse 13 His Cheeks a Bed of Spices are, Or Flowers, as sweet as they are fair. His Lips with balmy Myrrh do flow; Within 'em snowy Lilies grow. Verse 14 His Hands display their lovely White, Decked with Gold Rings and Chrysolite. His Breast of polished Ivory made, And all with Saphires overlaid. Verse 15 His Legs like Marble Pillars show, In Golden Sockets fixed below. His Presence bears a Noble Air, As Leb'non and its Cedars Fair. Verse 16 But O how sweet his Mouth does prove! He's all made up of Charms and Love! O Daughters of Jerusalem, (Fair Offspring of a Noble Stem) This is my Dearest! this is He Who loves, and is beloved of Me! CHAP. VI PART I. The Daughters of Jerusalem. Verse 1 O Thou, who hast more Charms engrossed, Than all our Sex beside can boast! Whither is thy Beloved gone? O whither is thy Love withdrawn? Which way he turned let us but know, We'll all to seek Him with thee go. The Bride. Verse 2 To's Garden he's gone to retire, Where Beds of Spice their Sweets expire. To's Gardens, where he feeds, and where He gathers Lilies sweet and fair. Verse 3 My Love is mine, and I am his; His Pasture 'mong the Lilies is. The Bridegroom. Verse 4 As Tirzah fair, my Love, you seem, And comely as Jerusalem. Among thy milder Graces now An awful Dread reigns on thy Brow; Like Armies that for War prepare, And to the Field their Ensigns bear. Verse 5 O turn from me those conquering Eyes, Whose powerful Charms my Heart surprise! Thy Hair, all curled in curious Locks, Seems like those Goats in numerous Flocks, That on Mount ahab's Brow appear, Climbing to find sweet Pasture there. Verse 6 Within thy lovely Mouth there grows A set of Teeth in even Rows; Like Flocks of Sheep of equal size, Just as they from the Water rise, And to be shorn from washing come, Bearing their snowy Fleeces home; Or like the pretty Twins they bear, When none of them abortive are. Verse 7 Thy Temples shaded with thy Hair, And Cheeks like cut Pomegranates are; As those abound with Purple Veins, In these a blushing Tincture reigns. PART II. Verse 8 Not all the Train of Threescore Queens, And Fourscore beauteous Concubines, Innumerable Virgins too, May e'er compare, my Love, with You. Verse 9 My only Dove, my spotless One Transcends 'em all herself alone; The only One her Mother bare, Her Mother's tender Joy and Care. The Virgins saw her, and confessed None with such Beauty e'er was blest: The Queens and Concubines admired, And in her Praises all conspired. The Daughters of Jerusalem. Verse 10 Who's this so cheerful and so bright, Gay as the rising Morning Light? Ne'er did the Moon so fair appear; Nor is the Sun more bright and clear. Among her milder Graces now An awful Dread reigns o● her Brow; Like Armies that for War prepare, And to the Field their Ensigns bear. PART III. The Bridegroom. Verse 11 To the Nut-garden I went down, To see what Fruits the Valley crown; To see how well the Vines were grown, How the Pomegranate-trees were blown. Verse 12 Surprised I know not how, I find Fervent Desires transport my Mind, And Raptures wing my wondering Soul, That nothing can my Speed control: So Volunteers in Chariots fly, Resolved to overcome or die. Return, return, O Shulamite, Thy Presence will rejoice our sight: Verse 13 Return, return, what shall we see, O Fairest Shulamite, in Thee? In Thee bright Pomp and Terror shine, As when two shouting Armies join. CHAP. VII. PART I. Verse 1 IN Thee, O Prince's Daughter, meet Numberless Charms from Head to Feet! Those Feet become the Shoes they wear, Become the lovely Weight they bear; Two beauteous Pillars they sustain, Whose Joints the finest Work contain; Like precious Gems, more precious still When cut and set with wondrous Skill. Verse 2 Thy Navel's like a Goblet round, Which does with vital Juice abound: Thy Belly promises a Race, Heirs to thy Honour, and thy Grace. 'Tis like a heap of Wheat, when crowned With snowy Lilies all around. Verse 3 Thy Breasts, which equal Beauties share, Are like two Fawns an equal pair, The lovely Twins o' th' fruitful Roe. Verse 4 Above these Hills of driven Snow Stands that fair Neck, which seems to be A Tower of polished Ivory. Those Eyes, those sparkling Eyes of thine, Like the clear Pools in Heshbon, shine Just by Bath-rabbim-gate. Thy Nose Methinks like some fair Turret shows, Like that of Leb'non, which descries The Plain where great Damascus lies. Verse 5 Thy Head's with many Graces blest, (Thy Head, whose Beauty crowns the rest) It looks like Carmel's Fields, and bears A lovely Fleece of purple Hairs. By these dear Chains the King is bound, When in the Galleries he's found. PART II. Verse 6 Thou Loved, and Lovely one, how fair, How charming all thy Features are! How they inspire refined Delight! Verse 7 Thy Stature's like the Palm upright; Thy Breasts like Clusters of the Vine, When ripe, and full of generous Wine. Verse 8 The stately Palm I'll climb, said I, I'll reach its fruitful Boughs on high; Thy Breasts, like Clusters of the Vine, Shall now abound with generous Wine. Thy Nostrils breathe a fragrant Air, Like Apples sweet, as they are fair. Verse 9 Thy Mouth, the Seat of Eloquence, Shows the right Gust of Truth and Sense; Like sparkling Wine, that briskly moves, Such as my dearest Love approves; Which can inspire the Dull, and rouse The silent Lips of them that drouze. The Bride. Verse 10 I am my Love's, I am his own; And his Desire's to me alone. Verse 11 Come, my Beloved, let's repair To th' open Fields, and take the Air; Into the Country we'll retreat, And there a quiet Lodging get; Verse 12 We'll rise up with the dawning Day, And through the smiling Vineyards stray; See if the Vine gins to shoot, And promises good store of Fruit; See if her tender Grapes she shows; See how the fair Pomegranate blows. There will I give my Loves to thee. Verse 13 The Mandrake's breath their Fragrancy: Our Gates with choicest Fruits abound, Fruits new and old with us are found; This Store, my Love, I did provide For Thee, who hast my Heart beside. CHAP. VIII. PART I. Verse 1 O How I wish, my Love, that Thou Were't with me as my Brother now, Fed by those Breasts, born on that Knee, Which suckled and supported me. With how much Joy I should thee meet, Or in the Field, or in the Street! There I'd embrace thee, there I'd kiss, Nor should I be despised for this. Verse 2 How gladly would I lead Thee home! Wither Thou wouldst as gladly come, To my dear Mother's pleasant Seat, Where Thou shouldst many Welcomes meet: Thy kind Instructions all should find A listening Ear, and pliant Mind: Wine mixed with Spices I'd prepare, And Thou shouldst freely drink it there. The Fruit of my Pomegranate-tree Should yield its grateful Juice to Thee. Verse 3 His Left Hand should my Head uphold, His Right Arm should me round enfold. The Bridegroom. Verse 4 O Daughters of Jerusalem, (Fair Offspring of a Noble Stem) Since here my Love now rests secure, You I most solemnly adjure, Permit her soft repose to take, And no indecent clamour make, Nor jog her as she slumbering lies, Till she herself is pleased to rise. PART II. The Daughters of Jerusalem. Verse 5 Who's this that from the Desert moves, Leaning upon the Arm she loves? The Bridegroom. At first, my Love, I raised up Thee Under the fruitful Appletree; There many a Pang, and many a Throw Did thy Fair Mother undergo; But after many Pangs and Throws, Did her blessed Fruit at last disclose. The Bride. Verse 6 O Let my Name be deep impressed, Like a fair Signet, on thy Breast! Ingrave it on thy Arm, and wear The precious Seal for ever there: For there's so great a power in Love, Not Death itself so strong can prove; The King of Terrors in his Pride By fiercer Jealousies outvy'd, Those Darts shine with Celestial Fire, Those Darts a Love Divine inspire, Verse 7 A Love whose Flame can never be Conquered by th' overflowing Sea: The swelling Floods in vain conspire To quench so pure and bright a Fire. He whose large Stores do most abound, Too poor to purchase Love is found; His Offers would successless prove, Should he give all his Wealth for Love; Love at so high a rate is prized, His Treasures would be all despised, PART III. The Bridegroom. Verse 8 A little Sister, fair and young, Does to our Family belong: Her Breasts appear not yet, 'tis true; What shall we for our Sister do, When she gins to get a Name, When growing Beauties spread her Fame? Verse 9 If, by the firmness of her Mind, She seems a Wall, for strength designed; A Palace on that Wall we'll found, Glittering with Silver all around: If like a Gate, built to defend From Foes, and to admit a Friend; With Cedar Board's we'll fence her well, Of lasting Strength and fragrant Smell The Bride. Verse 10 Such is the firmness of my Mind, I am a Wall for Strength designed; My Breasts are grown, and now appear Like two fair Towers built for my Dear. When thus I spoke, his Smiles I gained, With them his very Heart obtained. PART IU. Verse 11 King Solomon a Field possessed, Baal-hamon Field with plenty blest: With Vines of noblest kind 'twas set. This Vineyard he to Keepers let; These for the Fruit agreed to bring A thousand Shekels to the King. Verse 12 That fertile Vineyard I possess, I always keep, and fence, and dress; A thousand Silver Shekels are, O Solomon, thy Rightful share; And those two hundred that remain, To them that keep the Fruit pertain. The Bridegroom. Verse 13 O Thou who dwellest in Gardens fair, And art the fairest Flower there! Thy Voice our glad Companions hear, Which melts the Heart, and charms the Ear. Give me the same delight, my Dear, Thy sweetest Voice O let me hear! The Bride. Verse 14 Haste, my Beloved, haste away, Nor let me vainly beg and pray: Flee like a Roe or nimble Fawn, That runs and skips along the Lawn; Such as the spicy Mountains breed, Such as the spicy Mountains feed. Psalm XLV. To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, for the Sons of Korah, Maschil. A Song of Loves. PART I. Verse] Verse 1 MY Heart a Noble Theme indites, What I compose concerns the King; My Tongue the swiftest Pen that writes Outvies, while I attempt to sing. Verse 2 None among all the Human Race Like Thee for Loveliness appears; Thy Lips, bedewed with Heavenly Grace, Ravish each wondering Soul that hears: For God will ever from on high His constant Blessings Thee afford. Verse 3 O mighty One, upon thy Thigh Make haste to gird thy Conquering Sword: Verse 4 Thy Majesty and Glory show; Along in Prosperous Grandeur ride; Let Meekness, Truth, and Justice go In Solemn Triumph by thy side. Thy Right Hand, versed in Warlike Arts, Thee terrible Exploits shall teach: Verse 5 O King, thy Foes rebellious Hearts Thy keenest Darts shall surely reach; The Nations under Thee shall fall. Verse 6 Thy Throne, O God, shall stand secure; And, as its Power extends o'er all, It shall for evermore endure. The Sceptre of thy Kingdom proves A Sceptre of Impartial Right: Verse 7 Thy Soul unspotted Justice loves, And Sin is odious in thy sight. For God, thy God, in plenteous Showers On thee the Oil of Gladness sheds; More of that Holy Ointment pours On Thine, than thy Companions Heads. Verse 8 Myrrh, Aloes, Cassia, rich Perfumes Thy Robes of Glory more expire, When passing from the Ivory Rooms, Than all thy dearest Friends Attire. Verse 9 Kings Daughters there were waiting seen, And in the Crowd of Virgins pressed; On thy Right Hand the Brighter Queen Stood all in Gold of Ophir dressed. PART II. Verse 10 O Royal Daughter, bow thy Ear, Attend with serious thoughts to me; Forget thy People once so Dear, Nor long thy Father's House to see: Verse 11 So the King's Heart shall be thy own, He shall thy Beauty still admire; For he's thy Lord, thy Lord alone, And does thy Worship all require. Verse 20 Tyre's Stately Daughter shall attend With Costly Presents at thy Gate: The richest of the People bend, And for thy Favour beg and wait. Verse 13 The King's Fair Daughter's pious Heart All Inward Glories does enfold; Her outward Garments wrought with Art, Are made of Threads of purest Gold. Verse 14 She shall be led in Solemn State In Robes of fine Embroidery; Her Virgin-Friends that on her wait, Shall all be introduced to Thee. Verse 15 As to the Palace they resort, Full Joys in every Heart shall reign, Till the bright Gate o'th' Royal Court Receives the welcome Nuptial Train. Verse 16 Instead of Fathers soon there springs A stock of Sons, that own their Birth To Thee; a Noble Race of Kings, Whom Thou shalt place o'er all the Earth. Verse 17 And I, O King, will make thy Name To all successive Times descend; All Nations shall thy Acts proclaim And thy loud Praises ne'er shall end. FINIS.