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
of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day'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 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 but love thee
better after death.
Sonnets from the Portuguese Elizabeth Barrett Browning 43
Image: Marc Chagall
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