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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 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 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.
 
Elizabeth Barrett Browning [1770 - 1850]
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