How Do I love Thee? (Sonnet 43)

I love thee with the passion put to use

I love thee with the passion put to use

I shall but love thee better after death.

I shall but love thee better after death.

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,

Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,

With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,

With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,

For the ends of being and ideal grace.

For the ends of being and ideal grace.

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

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

I love thee freely, as men strive for right.

I love thee freely, as men strive for right.

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

I love thee to the level of every day's

I love thee to the level of every day's

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose