how do i love thee?

.alex.

　　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 candlelight.

　　I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

　　I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

　　I love 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.