How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breath 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 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 thee with the 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 love thee better after death.