Margaret Jamieson

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 everyday'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 greifs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemd 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.
E. B. Browning