How Do I Love Thee?
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breath and Height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the Ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints – I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! And if God choose,
I shall love thee better after death.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
