ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING ( born 208 years ago today)

Born: March 6th 1806 - Died: June 29th 1861 

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.                                     by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)

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 candle-light.                                     I love thee freely, as men strive 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 but love thee better after death.