Compare and contrast with Song of Solomon 5:15. The rendering in the margin takes “Carmel” as the name of a color, equivalent to “carmine” (rendered “crimson” in 2 Chronicles 2:7, 2 Chronicles 2:14; 2 Chronicles 3:14). This interpretation is favored by the parallelism with “purple,” but removes a beautiful image.
Purple - A deep violet black.
The king ... - Rather, “A king is bound in the tresses or windings of thy hair.” These last words indicate the king’s approach.