I love you to the depth and breadth and height to

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 you freely, as men strive for Right;

I love you purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love you with the passion put to use

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

I love you with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints, -I love you with the breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life! - and, if God choose,

I shall but love you better after death.