How Do I Love Thee?

 

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depths and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight.

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

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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, all of my life-and, if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

"How Do I Love Thee?
Sonnets From The Portuguese (43)
(1845)
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
(1806-1861)
English poetess of the Victorian Era and
 beloved wife of English poet Robert Browning