Who is it that, this dark night,   Underneath my window plaineth? It is one who from thy sight   Being, ah, exiled, disdaineth Every other vulgar light.

Why, alas, and are you he?   Be not yet those fancies changeed? Dear, when you find change in me,   Though from me you be estranged, Let my change to ruin be.

Well, in absence this will die:   Leave to see, and leave to wonder. Absence sure will help, if I   Can learn how myself to sunder From what in my heart doth lie.

But time will these thoughts remove;   Time doth work what no man knoweth. Time doth as the subject prove:   With time still the affection groweth In the faithful turtle-dove.

What if you new beauties see?   Will not they stir new affection? I will think they pictures be   (Image-like, of saints' perfection) Poorly counterfeiting thee.

But your reason's purest light   Bids you leave such minds to nourish. Dear, do reason no such spite!   Never doth thy beauty flourish More than in my reason's sight.

leave] cease.