Absence, hear thou my protestation

Lyrics

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 ground Beyond 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 win Redoubl'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 her Where 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