''How do i love thee"

How do i love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My sould can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I lvoe 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 purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with passion put to use

In my old griefs, and that 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 love thee better after death.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Sonnets from the Portuguese