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.