Browning, Elizabeth Barrett; Leeson, Adelaide H. [Ill.]: Sonnets from the Portuguese (London, [circa 1916])

XLIII

OW 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 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

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.