Moon River

SONNETS OF THE PORTUGUESE
ELIZABETH BARRETT-BROWNING

HOW DO I LOVE THEE....

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways
I love thee to the depth and breadth of 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 thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhoods 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 love thee better after death.