How Do I Love Thee 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. Elizabeth Barrett Browning: 1806-1861 MY TRUE-LOVE HATH MY HEART My true-love hath my heart, and I have his, By just exchange one for another given: I hold his dear and mine he cannot miss, There never was a better bargain driven: My true-love hath my heart, and I have his. His heart in me keeps him and me in one, My heart in him his thoughts and senses guides: He loves my heart, for once it was his own, I cherish his because in me it bides: My true-love hath my heart, and I have his. Sir Philip Sidney: 1554-1586 There is a Lady sweet and kind He made you gifts to pleasure you, There is a Lady sweet and kind, Was never face so pleased my mind, I did but see her passing by And yet I love her till I die. Her gesture, motion and her smiles, Her wit, her voice my heart beguiles, Beguiles my heart I know not why, And yet I love her till I die. Cupid is wing�and doth range, Her country so my love doth change, But change she earth, or change she sky, Yet will I love her till I die. ~Author Unknown~ c1607     © Tina's Prayer Gate 02/12/06