The Song of Solomon : and the Lamentations of Jeremiah

THE
CHAPTER II
TRUE LOVE TESTED
Chapter i.—v. i
poem opens with a scene in Solomon's palace.
A country maiden has just been introduced to
the royal harem. The situation is painful enough in
itself, for the poor, shy girl is experiencing the miserable
loneliness of finding herself in an unsympathetic crowd.
But that is not all. She is at once the object of
general observation ; every eye is turned towards her
and curiosity is only succeeded by ill-concealed disgust.
Still the slavish women, presumably acting on command,
set themselves to excite the new comer's admiration for
their lord and master. First one speaks some bold
amorous words,^ and then the whole chorus follows.^
All this is distressing and alarming to the captive,
who calls on her absent lover to fetch her away from
such an uncongenial scene ; she longs to run after him ;
for it is the king who has brought her into his chambers,
not her own will.^ The women of the harem take no
notice of this interruption, but finish their ode on the
charms of Solomon. All the while they are staring at
the rustic maiden, and she now becomes conscious of
a growing contempt in their looks. What is she that
the attractions of the king before which the dainty
•i. 2. M.3. M.4.
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