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 an 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 thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood fruit.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose.
With my lost saints – I love thee with the breath,
Smile, Tears, of all my life! – and if God choose
I shall but love thee better after death.

– Elizabeth Barrett Browning