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