EBBA 36839

British Library - C.121.g.9

Ballad XSLT Template

ABSENCE SHALL
NEVER ALTER ME
Or a Young-man regreting the Absence of his
SWEET-HEART
Sung with an Excellent new Air.

WHen Im absent from the Nimph that I love,

I fain would resolve to love no more;

My reason would my flames remove,

but my love sick-heart doth still adore;

My weak endeavours are all in vain,

to Venus as soon as she returns

And with a sigh relapse again

into a raging Fever burns.

To the Rocks and the Hills Ill make my moan;

to whom my passion I do tell,

I fancy that I hear her moan,

her Echo's back I love so well,

Leave off your passion and do not pursue

lest it should end in Misery

For the Woman's in love, but not with you,

why should you then despair and dy?

We may change Countrys and not move.

our constancy and fervent Love:

Tho we see our selves, yet we know not our Mind;

we may be absent and yet kind:

But I vow unto thee and the World shall see,

that absence shall never alter me;

My dearest dear do thou the same.

we're parted, but we'll meet agen.

My Dearest let nothing trouble your heart

for here I am return'd again,

In order to cure that killing Smart,

whereof you often did complain;

It's true I was banish'd from my love

which was great Sorrow and Grief to me,

But now I shall ever Loyal prove

so long as I keep my Libertie.

Thou art my true and entire friend,

my chamber and all I have is thine,

There's no bad thoughts shall me offend,

thy love hath won this heart of mine,

Dry up your sigh and tears for me,

and bid all Sorrows and cares adieu,

Though fortune a while did us divide,

yet I fancy none in the world but you:

FINIS