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 a 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.