Thursday 6 March 2014

ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING ( born 208 years ago today)

Elizabeth-Barrett-Browning, Poetical Works Volume I, engraving.png


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.
   






1 comment:

  1. Tony, it has been many years since I last read that poem. Thank you!

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