How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. br I love thee to the depth and breadth and height br My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight br For the ends of being and ideal grace. br I love thee to the level of every day's br Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. br I love thee freely, as men strive for right. br I love thee purely, as they turn from praise. br I love thee with the passion put to use br In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. br I love thee with a love I seemed to lose br With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, br Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, br I shall but love thee better after death.