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 the 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.