Absence

That time and absence proves
Rather helps than hurts to loves.

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,

His mind hath found

Affection’s ground

Beyond time, place; and all mortality;

To hearts that cannot vary

Absence is present, Time doth tarry.

My senses want their outward motion,

Which now within

Reason doth win,

Redoubled by her secret notion;

Like rich men that take pleasure

In hiding more than handling treasure.

By absence this good means I gain,

That I can catch her,

Where none can watch her,

In some close corner of my brain;

There I embrace and kiss her,

And so enjoy her, and none miss her.