Sonnet 43 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

This is much older than the previous two love poems. Sonnet 43 was published in 1850 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, It is one of 44 sonnets from a collection called Sonnets from The Portuguese.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning chose this name as her husbands pet name for her was "my little Portuguese" due to her tanned complexion.

Due to her relationship with Robert Browning, Elizabeth lost all contact with her father, as he did not approve.

Here is a link to the collection: Sonnets From The Portuguese

There is some more detailed background information here: Elizabeth BB

Sonnet 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 every day'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 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.

By Elizabeth Barrett Browning

SONNET 43