Sonnet XLIII How Do I Love Thee

How do I love thee?

Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and

My soul can reach, when feeling out of

For the ends of being and ideal grace.

I love thee to the level of every

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

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

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to

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.