Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Sonnets from the Portuguese, 43

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.

Love, romance and relationship quotes for your soul

• 'Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit.'
  ~ Peter Ustinov
• 'A fastidious person in the throes of love is a rich source of mirth.'
  ~ Martha Duffy
• 'Love is not weakness. It is strong. Only the sacrament of marriage can contain it.'
  ~ Boris Pasternak