Elizabeth Barrett Browning | 1808-1861 | English | written about 1845–1846 | first publication: 1850
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 Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of every day'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 with the passion put to use
In my griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to loose
With my lost saint – I love thee with the reath,
Smiles, tears of all my life! – and, if G-d choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
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08-Nov-2011 11:13 PM