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.