Of The Beloved

(Based on the Song of Songs Chapter 8, vv 5 – 7)

Of the beloved, friends did ask
Who, from the desert, is coming
Upon her lover, leaning?

Under the apple tree was borne
Much fruit, for he was conceived
In its shade, in his mother's womb.

Under that tree, from her womb
Did his mother, in labour pains
Bring him forth into the world.

The beloved roused her lover
To be sealed upon his heart
Like a seal upon his arm,

That their love would be a match
To the strength that lies within death
Its jealousy, strong as the grave.

Unquenchable love licks up
Many waters that pass over it
Rivers can never disperse it.

If the wealth within his house
Was offered in exchange for love,
It would be utterly scorned.