Absence, hear thou my protestation (Thomas Morley)

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• (Posted 2017-01-21)  CPDL #42737:         

Editor: James Gibb (submitted 2017-01-21).   Score information: A4, 2 pages, 52 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Reformatting of #16208, with corrections to underlay to conform with the quoted text, and adding lyricist.

• (Posted 2008-02-19)  CPDL #16208:         

Editor: Brian Russell (submitted 2008-02-19).   Score information: A4, 2 pages, 22 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: NoteWorthy Composer file may be viewed and printed with NoteWorthy Composer Viewer.

General Information

Title: Absence, hear thou my protestation
Composer: Thomas Morley
Lyricist: John Hoskins

Number of voices: 1v   Voicing: T
Genre: Secular, Lute song

Language: English
Instruments: Lute

First published: 1600 in First Book of Ayres, no. 14
Description: 

Original text and translations

English text

1  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.

2  Who loves a mistress of such quality, He soon hath found Affection's ground Beyond time, place, and all mortality. To hearts that cannot vary Absence is present, time doth tarry.

3  My senses want their outward motions, Which now within Reason doth win Redoubl'd in her secret notions; Like rich men that take pleasure In hiding, more than handling, treasure.

4  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 I both enjoy and miss her.