Sonnets From The Portuguese XLIII
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
How do I love thee ? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height to
my soul can reach , when felling 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 a love I seemed to lose
with my lost saints --- I love with the breath ,
smiles , tears, of all my life ! ---and. If God choose ,
I shall but love thee better after death !
