(1) I was a young man before I had erred
when I looked for her.
She came to me in her beauty
when finally I sought her out.
Even (as) a blossom drops in the ripening of grapes,
making glad the heart,
(4) (So) my foot trod in uprightness;
for from my young manhood have I known her.
(5) I inclined my ear but a little
and great was the persuasion I found.
(6) And she became for me a nurse;
to my teacher I give my ardor.
(7) I purposed to make sport:
I was zealous for pleasure, without pause.
I kindled my desire for her without distraction.
(9) I bestirred my desire for her,
and on her heights I do not waver.
(10)
I spread my hand(s)...
and perceive her unseen parts.
(11) I cleansed my hand(s)...
column xxii, line I
(23b) . . . your reward in his season.
Parallel: Sirach 51:13-19, 30b
From: The Dead Sea Psalms Scroll / by J. A. Sanders. Ithaca: Cornell, 1967. P.115.