The Poet's Introduction
A good matter moves my heart;
I recite my works for the king.
My tongue is a skillful pen of a scribe.
The Poet Speaks to the King
You are the most handsome of human beings,
Grace has been poured on your lips;
Therefore God has blessed you forever.
Gird your sword on your thigh, o warrior,
together with honor and majesty;
Conquer, succeed,
Ride out on behalf of truth, humility, and righteousness.
May your right hand teach you awe-inspiring deeds.
May your arrows be sharp,
May peoples fall beneath you,
in the midst of the enemies of the king.
Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;[1]
Your royal scepter is an upright scepter.
You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
Therefore God your God has anointed you with oil that brings joy more than your colleagues.
Myrrh, aloes, and cassia [cling] to all your garments;
From your ivory-furnished palace stringed instruments bring you joy.
A royal daughter stands among your noblest ladies,
A consort at your right hand, decked in the gold of Ophir.
The Poet Speaks to the Queen
Listen, daughter, look, and bend your ear;
Forget your people and your parental home.
The king yearns for your beauty;
Aye, he is your lord;
Submit yourself to him.
The princess of Tyre will entreat the favor of your face with a gift,
The richest men as well.
A king's daughter is totally honorable within;
Her clothing is plaited works of gold.
With embroidered garments she is brought to the king;
Her maidens behind her, her companions, are brought to her.
They are brought with joy and rejoicing;
They come to the palace of the king.
The Poet Speaks to the King
Your sons will take the place of your fathers;
You will establish princes throughout the whole land.
I will make mention of your name throughout all generations;
Therefore peoples will praise you forever and ever.
**FOOTNOTES**
[1]:. Craigie: The eternal and everlasting God has enthroned you. NEB: Your throne is like God's throne, eternal. RSV: Your divine throne endures for ever and ever.
© 2000 Ralph W. Klein