unlike to thee in nobility,
who hath offered me better adornments,
and hath granted me for a pledge the ring of His faith,
and hath adorned me with unimaginable honour.
He hath encircled my right hand and also my neck
with precious stones, and with shining gems.
He hath set His token upon my face
that I should love none other beside Him.
He hath decked me with a robe woven of gold,
and hath adorned me with exceeding [rich] jewels;
He hath shewed me also His incomparable treasures,
which He hath promised me if I follow Him.
I may not to His dishonour choose another
and forsake Him who hath espoused me by His love.
His countenance is fairer and His love winsomer [than thine],
His bridal-bed hath been now of a long time prepared for me with joys,
His maidens sing to me with melodious voices.
From his mouth I have received milk and honey;
now already I am embraced with His pure arms;
His fair body is united to mine,
and His blood hath adorned my eyebrows {lit. eye-rings).
His mother is a Virgin, and His mighty Father
knew not woman, and to Him the angels ever bow.
The winsome stars glorify His beauty,
and the sun and moon also, which enlighten the earth.
By His word even the dead are quickened,
and by His touch the infirm sick are strengthened.
His abundance never faileth, nor His wealth waneth.
To Him alone I ever keep my troth,
to whom I commit myself with all devotion.
When I love Him, I am wholly pure;
when I touch Him, I am unstained,
when I receive Him, I am still a virgin,
and there, in the bridal, no child lacketh.
There is conception without sorrow, and perpetual fruitfulness.'
