¹ [For the choirmaster Tune: 'Lilies . . .' Of the sons of Korah Poem Love song] My heart is stirred by a noble theme, I address my poem to the king, my tongue the pen of an expert scribe.

² Of all men you are the most handsome, gracefulness is a dew upon your lips, for God has blessed you for ever.

³ Warrior, strap your sword at your side, in your majesty and splendour advance,

⁴ ride on in the cause of truth, gentleness and uprightness. Stretch the bowstring tight, lending terror to your right hand.

⁵ Your arrows are sharp, nations lie at your mercy, the king's enemies lose heart.

⁶ Your throne is from God, for ever and ever, the sceptre of your kingship a sceptre of justice,

⁷ you love uprightness and detest evil. This is why God, your God, has anointed you with oil of gladness, as none of your rivals,

⁸ your robes all myrrh and aloes. From palaces of ivory, harps bring you joy,

⁹ in your retinue are daughters of kings, the consort at your right hand in gold of Ophir.

¹⁰ Listen, my daughter, attend to my words and hear; forget your own nation and your ancestral home,

¹¹ then the king will fall in love with your beauty; he is your lord, bow down before him.

¹² The daughter of Tyre will court your favour with gifts, and the richest of peoples

¹³ with jewels set in gold. Clothed

¹⁴ in brocade, the king's daughter is led within to the king with the maidens of her retinue; her companions are brought to her,

¹⁵ they enter the king's palace with joy and rejoicing.

¹⁶ Instead of your ancestors you will have sons; you will make them rulers over the whole world.

¹⁷ I will make your name endure from generation to generation, so nations will sing your praise for ever and ever.