"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 candle-light.
     I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
     I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
     I love thee with a 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."

     -Elizabeth Barrett Browning