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 candle-light.

    I love thee freely， as men strive for Right；

    I love thee purely¹， as they turn from Praise.

    I love thee with a 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.