John Donne — That Time and Absence proves Rather helps than hurts to loves

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