Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I love thee?

let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth

and breadth and height
my soul can reach.

I love thee to the level

of everyday's most quiet need,

by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely,

as men strive for Right.
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.