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