The Heiress

The Wedding

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

I love thee to the depth and breadth of 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 stive 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 love thee better after death.

(Thank you -Elizabeth Barret Browning)

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