How do I love Thee?
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways
I love thee to to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling is 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 greifs, 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 breadth,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!- and, if God choose,
I shall love thee even better after death.
By Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
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