Illustrations from Sefer minhagim (Book of Customs)

The girl’s eyes are the heavens of love, a robe of light and splendour in which she clothes herself. Even when they are hidden by clouds of tears, lovers, do not be afraid to come near. Do not fear…

O you paragon of glory and grace, listen to the call of Papos and his cry! He is bellowing like a bull, braying at you like a donkey, for you are his cow and his she-ass. His heart is already parched…

Where are the merchants who used to chase after me to purchase my favours? O malevolent Time! Nowadays, they abhor my company; when I call for them, there is no answer. How has my merchandise been…

Only three exits are becoming to every woman, big or small. The first is when she exits from the womb, dirtied, as if from a deep swamp. The second is when she exits from her woman’s tent and enters…

I hope in the Lord at all times, And to the fearsome, awful One, I cry: Grant redemption, Thou Who dost not slumber, dost not sleep. My soul, all weary and exhausted, Longs and yearns, For it…

As on this month’s last day, the moon is waning, make my sins wane, O Lord, my merits flourish. I know my heart is hard— a wicked web whose threads are sin— and I deserve the fire for weaving wrong…