The Crafty Harlot

6 For at the window of my house

I looked through my lattice,

7 And saw among the simple,

I perceived among the 1youths,

A young man fdevoid 2of understanding,

8 Passing along the street near her corner;

And he took the path to her house

9 gIn the twilight, in the evening,

In the black and dark night.

10 And there a woman met him,

With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart.

11 hShe was loud and rebellious,

iHer feet would not stay at home.

12 At times she was outside, at times in the open square,

Lurking at every corner.

13 So she caught him and kissed him;

With an 3impudent face she said to him:

14 “I have peace offerings with me;

Today I have paid my vows.

15 So I came out to meet you,

Diligently to seek your face,

And I have found you.

16 I have spread my bed with tapestry,

Colored coverings of jEgyptian linen.

17 I have perfumed my bed

With myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

18 Come, let us take our fill of love until morning;

Let us delight ourselves with love.

19 For 4my husband is not at home;

He has gone on a long journey;

20 He has taken a bag of money 5with him,

And will come home 6on the appointed day.”

21 7With kher enticing speech she caused him to yield,

lWith her flattering lips she 8seduced him.

22 Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter,

Or 9as a fool to the correction of the 1stocks,

23 Till an arrow struck his liver.

mAs a bird hastens to the snare,

He did not know it 2would cost his life.

24 Now therefore, listen to me, my children;

Pay attention to the words of my mouth:

25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways,

Do not stray into her paths;

26 For she has cast down many wounded,

And nall who were slain by her were strong men.

27 oHer house is the way to 3hell,

Descending to the chambers of death.