How Do I Love Thee

By Elizabeth Barrett Browning

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 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 love! -and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.