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English text
1 Who is it that this dark night,
Under my window plaineth?
It is one that from thy sight
Being, ah, exil'd, disdaineth
Ev'ry other vulgar light.
2 Why, alas, and are you he?
Be not those fond fancies changed?
Dear, when you find change in me
Though from me you be estranged
Let my change to ruin be.
3 Well, in absence this will die;
Leave to see, and leave to wonder.
Absence sure will help, if I
Can learn now myself to sunder
From what in my heart doth lie.
4 But time will these thoughts remove;
Time doth work what no man knoweth.
Time doth as the subject prove;
With time still th'affection groweth
In the faithful turtledove.
5 What if you new beauties see?
Will not they stir new affection?
I will think they pictures be,
Image like of Saint's perfection
Poorly counterfeiting thee.
6 But the 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.
7 But the wrongs love bears will make,
Love at length leave undertaking.
No, the more fools it doth shake
In a ground of so firm making
Deeper still they drive the stake.
8 Peace! I think that some give ear,
Come no more lest I get anger.
Bliss! I will my bliss forbear
Fearing, sweet, you to endanger;
But my soul shall harbour there.
9 Well, be gone, be gone, I say,
Lest that Argus' eyes perceive you.
O unjustest Fortune's sway,
Which can make me thus to leave you
And from louts to run away.