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 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 grief's, ... 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 but love thee better after death.