I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
This is number 43 from Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnets from the Portugese. They were written in her happiest years - married to Robert Browning, with whom she had eloped in her late 30s, and living in Italy where her poor health improved and she had her first and only son, Pen. The first line of this sonnet has been bandied about somewhat, but the rest is probably unknown and quite breathlessly beautiful.
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 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.