How do I love you? Let me count the ways.
I love you 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 you to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love you freely, as men strive for Right;
I love you purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love you with a passion put to use,
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love you with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,
I love you with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!
and, if God choose,
I shall but love you better after death.