how do i love thee

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 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 a 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.