Piyyut for Pesach: Ahuveykha Ahevukha by Shimon HaGadol

1. They whom thou lovest, do also love thee uprightly; they sing and chant thy praise; after them the angels sing "The song of songs."

2. The faithful statutes intended for all times were delivered by the mouth of God; their words are sweet to the palate, "He kissed me," etc.

3.When thou, O God, didst perform tremendous wonders for thy people, the mighty waters fled from thy presence, and those who sang thy praise glorified thee in the valleys; "To the smell are thy fragrant oils pleasant."

4. Those who seek thee and were "blessed from the womb," assembled to follow thy leader (Moses). Affectionately he conducted me to thy chambers. "Oh draw me after thee."

5. He aggrandised and exalted me, beyond my desire. I was amiable in his sight when I observed his precepts, but I broke down the fence, and perverted my way; though then I became "black, yet am I comely."

6. Though I was brought down from the high places (of Jerusalem), and degraded from bearing rule, yet am I mindful that my Redeemer liveth, therefore "look not contemptuously upon me because I am somewhat black."

7. My mouth spoke to him, and besought him to instruct me where he abideth during the noonday heat. My Friend, Saviour, and Redeemer, "O tell me!"

8. Study (he said) the ways of the Patriarchs, diligently study the law which is "the vine of my planting." Observe the habitations of thy sages "if thou knowest not."

9. I manifested miracles when I went forth for the salvation of my beloved; and led Egypt's multitude astray, also "The horses in Pharaoh's chariot."

10. I adorned thee with beautiful crowns, with the desirable treasures of "emptied Egypt," and thus observed the covenant made, "between the parts," for then "comely were thy cheeks," etc.

11. And brought thee near to me in love, and with affection made thee hear my voice, in fiery flames. I then adorned thee with golden ornaments; and "collars of gold."

12. But the nation I had chosen lost all wisdom and bartered (for nought) the glory of the most exalted God "while yet the king was at his table."

13. Compassionating you, I restrained my anger and pardoned your rebellion, but did not quite obliterate the stain your transgression had left; Thus I cut off your foolish imaginations, said "the bundle of myrrh" (Moses),

14. like a swift fawn hastened to intercede for me and to avert God's indignation from me: he made atonement for my shame and degradation, which was recorded in "the book" of "the cluster of Copher."

15. God then soon bound up and healed the wound of Israel, the "dove whose wings are covered with silver." Restored his grace and favor unto her and said "Thou art fair."

16. Thou who art most gracious instructed (Moses) and shewed him that "in anger thou rememberest mercy," and thou everliving God, who viewest every secret, didst then say, "Behold thou art fair."

17. The tabernacle erected by "the strong pillars" of the earth was similar to the Temple built in the month Ethanim; These were unto me like golden bracelets; "The beams of our house are cedar."

18. Israel bore resignedly the yoke of the Egyptian bondage, nor did they hope in vain, but when they brought away the Egyptians' secreted treasures they were "like the rose of Sharon."

19. Precious and acceptable as the savour of sacrifices, was the supplication of those that sighed, therefore he disinguished them in the valley of Casluchim (Egyptians) "like the lily among thorns."

20. Israel who possessed the holy mountain but for a short time were acknowledged and loved by God from their earliest youth, both the young and old of them have proclaimed his unity and distinguished him, "like the apple tree among the forest trees."

21. He fed me in the desert which surrounded me, till the debt incurred by the sin of the spies had been exacted from me. Then he brought me to the inhabited land, "to the banqueting house."

22. He crowned me with the mighty instruction of the law which is explained in seventy ways, and which will adorn wih glory those who unceasingly study her; Thus "he strengthened me with flagons."

23. He did not forsake me to cast me off; he is "my shield and he exaltation of my head," and when the Egyptians embittered my life with hard labor "his left hand was under my head."

24. Do not hasten the period of your salvation by prematurely breaking your bonds, but wait the coming at the appointed time "I adjure you."

25. From the burden of the Egyptian yoke, God hastened to redeem and save me, then resounded unto me "the voice of my friend."

26. He shortened the period predicted to my ancestor (Abraham) and applied balm to my wound; he hastened swiftly to manifest his love towards me, for "my friend is like a roe."

27. The measure of those who oppressed me was filled, and the appointed time of my deliverance had arrived, "Come forth now and be honored," "said my beloved."

28. Removed and broken was then the yoke; none of the good promises failed; Moses the faithful shepherd triumphed, "for lo, the winter was past."

29. Moses and Aaron, the princes who wrought miracles, were born; they, who were called the upright advocates. The rebellious Egyptians became amazed when they beheld their wonders, when these "flowers appeared."

30. Surround (said God) the heifer and her slain, cut her cables and anchors adrift, that this scum may all perish in the Red Sea, when "the fig tree perfumeth its green figs."

31. At the revelation on Sinai, Israel were forbidden to ascend that Mount, and were limited to stand around it in the plain, lest they would be stoned, then "My dove was in the clefts of the rocks."

32. The foolish (Amalekites) were slain and laid prostrate, that weak scorpion brood endeavoured to cut off and smite the hindmost of Israel who were tired and feeble, but "taken were these foxes."

33. God spread a cloud over me at night (in the desert), and fed me with various delicacies, for "my friend is mine,"

34. But I forfeited the reward of my merit, and worshipped an idol, vain, like a bladder filled with wind; I was seized with horror and feared being struck with leprosy, "until (God's) ire was cooled."

35. I perceived that God was angry, and that the All-just had removed from the midst of me, then, to seek my friend, I rose "on my couch."

36. The messenger (Moses) went up to make supplication and to entreat pardon for my innumerable host, when he cried and supplicated "I beseech thee," I said, "I will rise now."

37. The Levites were adorned with the Urim and Thumim, because hey had risen to smite the brutish idolaters, thus "the watchmen found me."

38. The Most High accepted my prayer, he pardoned my sin and transgression, and caused his presence to abide among my congregation, or "I had nearly passed away."

39. Behold, God said, I have made choice of you, force not your redemption, do not hasten your march, abide in this desert till your time has arrived, "I adjure you."

40. The horn of the chosen nation was exalted, they marched through the wilderness with their banners; rulers took counsel together and said, "Who is this that cometh up (from the wilderness)."

41. He caused his divine presence to reside among men; he perfected Zion with splendour, and there laid his foundation stone, "Behold his couch."

42. There to offer peace-offerings and burnt-offerings; and for the order of the morning and evening sacrifice, he appointed the priests, "all of them were girded with the sword."

43. He established the glorious ark, under whose cover the tablets were deposited; and over which the cherubim formed a tent: "He made himself a canopy."

44. The testimony of the law was publicly revealed when he multitude of people were assembled; God adorned its code and "The pillars thereof he made of silver."