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

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


Elizabeth Barrett Browning

May 20, 1845: Poets Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning finally met, after a long correspondence, and began one of the most storied (and successful!) literary love affairs in history, 168 years ago today.

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 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.