How do I love the 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 candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith
love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saint- I love thee with the breadth
Smiles, tears, of all my life!- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death
