THE SERAGLIO.
SOLOMON
(_to the_ SHULAMITE.)
Yes, thou art fair, my love, yes, thou art fair. Thou hast dove's
eyes.... Thou art all fair, my love. There is no spot on thee.
THE SHEPHERD
(_without, in the garden, calling to the_ SHULAMITE _and referring in
veiled terms to the seraglio and its dangers._)
Come to me, my betrothed, come to me from Lebanon. Look at me from the
top of Amana, from the summit of Shenir and Hermon, from the lion's den
and the mountain of leopards.
(_The_ SHULAMITE _goes to a window and looks out._)
THE SHEPHERD
You have strengthened my heart, my sister betrothed, you have
strengthened my heart with one of thine eyes, with one of the curls that
float on thy neck. How dear is thy love, my sister betrothed! Thy
caresses are better than wine, and the fragrance of thy garments is
sweeter than spice.
THE SHULAMITE
Let my beloved come into his garden and eat its pleasant fruits.
THE SHEPHERD
I am come into my garden, my sister betrothed, I have gathered my myrrh
with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey. I have drunk my
wine with my milk.
(_To the chorus._)
Eat, comrades, drink abundantly, friends.
(_The_ SHEPHERD _and the chorus withdraw._)