Marriage Song

Fair is my dove, my loved one, None can with her compare: Yea, comely as Jerusalem, Like unto Tirzah fair. Shall she in tents unstable A wanderer abide, While in my heart awaits her A dwelling deep and wide? The magic of her beauty Has stolen my heart away: Not Egypt's wise enchanters Held half such wondrous sway. Even as the changing opal In varying luster glows, Her face at every moment New charms and sweetness shows. White lilies and red roses There blossom on one stem: Her lips of crimson berries Tempt mine to gather them. By dusky tresses shaded Her brow gleams fair and pale, Like to the sun at twilight, Behind a cloudy veil. Her beauty shames the day-star, And makes the darkness light: Day in her radiant presence Grows seven times more bright. This is a lonely lover! Come, fair one, to his side, That happy be together The bridegroom and the bride! The hour of love approaches That shall make one of twain: Soon may be thus united All Israel's hosts again!