the world there is shown the purity and constancy of a woman's love
and devotion to her ideals. It furnishes ideal which, if properly held
up, would cast out of human society all those monstrous practices that
come from unworthy ideals.

The Style. It is part dialogue and part monologue. Their love on both
sides is expressed in that sensuous way common among the oriental
peoples. Many of the allusions give rise to the belief that it was
written to celebrate the nuptials of Solomon and the daughter of
Pharaoh.

Analysis.

I. The King's first attempt to win the Virgin's love. 1:1-2:7.

1. She converses with the ladies of the court, 1:1-8.

2. The King's first attempt fails to win her, 1:9-2:7.

II. The King's second effort to win her love, 2:8-5:8.

1. The virgin recalls her former happiness when with her lover at
home, 2:8-17.

2. In a dream she goes in search of him, 3:1-5.

3. The King shows her his glory and greatness, 3:6-11.

4. She again rejects his love in spite of his praise of her beauty,
4:1-7.