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 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 thee with the breath,

smiles, tears, of all my life!—and, if god choose,

i shall but love thee better after death.