Kekasihku,

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and heighth, 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 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.