HOW DO I LOVE THEE - H.W.L

How to 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 the 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 griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with the love I seemed to lose
with my lost saints, -I love thee with breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!-and if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.