To My Beloved Husband


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

Elizabeth

(Elizabeth Barrett Browning - Sonnets from the Portuguese,
XLIII)