ABSENCE, hear thou my protestation
       &nbsp Against thy strength,
       &nbsp Distance and length:
Do what thou canst for alteration,
       &nbsp For hearts of truest mettle
       &nbsp Absence doth join and Time doth settle.

Who loves a mistress of such quality,
       &nbsp His mind hath found
       &nbsp Affection's ground
Beyond time, place, and all mortality.
       &nbsp To hearts that cannot vary
       &nbsp Absence is present, Time doth tarry.

My senses want their outward motion
       &nbsp Which now within
       &nbsp Reason doth win,
Redoubled by her secret notion:
       &nbsp Like rich men that take pleasure
       &nbsp In hiding more than handling treasure.

By Absence this good means I gain,
       &nbsp That I can catch her
       &nbsp Where none can watch her,
In some close corner of my brain:
       &nbsp There I embrace and kiss her,
       &nbsp And so enjoy her and none miss her