Saturday, July 21, 2007

"Sonnet 43" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

There is also a second website which adds perspective to the times Eizabeth Barrett Browing lived (click here).
It is noted by this website the religion practiced by The Brownings was that of The Church of England which survives today as Evangelical Protestantism (click here.)
No, this is not an attack against the Religious Right in the USA. This is an attempt to reach them.


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.