How Do I Love Thee?

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 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 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.