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 feeling out of sight
For the ends of 1)Being and 2)ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men 3)strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from 4)Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old 5)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.