How Do I Love Thee?

: How Do I Love Thee?; 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 day'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, of all my life!-and, if God
choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

by... Elizabeth Barrett Browning