How do I love thee?
Let me count the ways
I love thee to the depth and breadth 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 every days
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight
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 childhoods faith
I love thee with a love I seemed to loose
With my lost saints.
I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life! - and
if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.