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 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.