Page:The Song of Songs (1857).djvu/55

 ben Judah Hababli's paraphrase, comprising the first five verses of the Song of Songs.

1 The Light and Saviour of the chosen people Deserving protection, He shall have from His beloved assembly "A song of Songs."

2 The Graceful One, the object of all longing desires. The Reviving Cordial of the fainting heart, The Bountiful Source of abundant supply, "He hath kissed me with kisses."

3 The loved one above all nations, The keeper of the Law Thou hast given, Her didst Thou perfume with Thy spices, "The odour of Thy sweet ointments."

4 The chosen of Thy house and nobles, Lo! we are surrounded with splendour, We press to the house of Thy glory, "Oh draw us after thee."

5 Oh Thou all majestic, yet mild, Thou hast crown'd me with grace above many, Though now with grief I am marred, "I am swarthy, but comely."

It must, however, be borne in mind that the synagogal poetry was not authorized to express the creed of the whole nation; which is evident from the fact that many learned and pious Jews unscrupulously, and without censure, rejected some of its opinions. Some of these poems were composed by prelectors of separate congregations, and for the use of the particular synagogues in which they officiated. The adoption or rejection of any such poem entirely depended upon the influence of the prelector on his congregation, and upon the theme and merit of the composition. The poetical paraphrase of the allegorical interpretation of the Song of Songs was sure to be adopted because of the consolation which it imparts to the