Nigra sum, sed formosa, filiae Jerusalem.

Ideo dilexit me rex et introduxit me in cubiculum suum et dixit mihi:

Surge, amica mea, et veni.

Jam hiems transiit, imber abiit, et recessit.

Flores apparuerunt in terra nostra,

Tempus putationis advenit

Vox turturis audita est in terra nostra.

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I am black and beautiful, o daughters of Jerusalem.

The king has brought me into his chambers.

We will exult and rejoice in you;

We will extol your love more than wine;

Rightly do they love you.

My beloved speaks and says to me:

“Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away;

For now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.

The flowers appear on earth;

The time of singing has come,

And the voice of the turtledove is heart in our land.”

Alleluia.

(Song of Solomon)