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 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 oId 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.