Absence, hear thou my protestation Against thy strength, Distance and length:Do what thou canst for alteration; For hearts of truest mettle Absence doth join, and time doth settle.
Who loves a mistress of such quality, He soon hath found Affection's groundBeyond time, place, and all mortality. To hearts that cannot vary Absence is present, time doth tarry.
My senses want their outward motions, Which now within Reason doth winRedoubl'd in her secret notions; Like rich men that take pleasure In hiding, more than handling, treasure.
By absence this good means I gain,That I can catch herWhere none can watch her,In some close corner of my brain.There I embrace and kiss her,And so I both enjoy and miss her.
