Song of Solomon 1

The book begins with a passionate dialogue between the Shulammite woman and her beloved (the King or Shepherd). The woman expresses her longing for her beloved, requesting to be taken away from the royal court to his intimate presence, where she finds comfort. The beloved praises her beauty, comparing her to a mare among Pharaoh's chariots. The woman explains that her dark complexion is due to working in her brothers' vineyards. They exchange pledges of love and plan their meeting place.