��JOHN DONNE

197.

That Time and Absence proves Rather helps than hurts to loves

A BSENCE, 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, Kedoubled 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.

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