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 pa**ion put to use In my old grief's, ... 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 d**h.