Sonnet 43

I love thee to the depths and the breath 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 every day'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 passion put to use

In my old griefs, and 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.