How do I love thee? let me count the ways.
I love the thee to the depth and bredth and height
my soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
for the end of being and ideal grace,
I love thee to the level of everyday's
most quiet need, by sun and candel-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
withg 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.

By Elizabeth Barrett Brwowning (1806-1861)