Cantique des cantiques (Song of Songs)

The Cantique des cantiques (Song of Songs) is a favourite subject of erotic artists, probably because it is the most erotic section of one of the world’s best-known books, the Bible. In particular it is Chapter 7, with its overtly sexual invitation, and the positive response of the beloved, which provides ample opportunity for artistic interpretation.* * * * How beautiful thou art, how agreeable, * O my love, in the midst of delights! * Your body is like a palm tree, * And your breasts cluster upon it. * I say to myself: I will climb the palm tree, * I will climb its branches! * May your breasts be like the grapes of the vine, * The scent of your breath like that of apples, * And your mouth like an excellent wine * Which flows easily from my beloved, * And moistens the lips of those who fall asleep! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I am here for my beloved, * And his desires are turned towards me. * Come, my beloved, let us go out into the fields, * Or let us remain in the villages! * In the morning we will go to the vineyards, * We will see if the vine grows, if the flower opens, * If the pomegranates bloom. * There I will give you my love. * Mandrakes spread their scent, * And we have at our door all the sweetest of fruit, * New and old. * My beloved, I have kept them all for you.