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 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 I love I seemed to lose
I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! and if God choose
I shall but love thee better after death
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 the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith
I love thee with I love I seemed to lose
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, County Durham 1806-1861)
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