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.
1845年，诗人伊丽莎白与小她6岁的罗伯特相见，那时她39岁，下肢瘫痪已24年。在罗伯特爱的鼓励下，伊丽莎白重新站了起来。情投意合的两人想牵手度过一生。然而，伊丽莎白的父亲不同意这桩婚事。两人于是私奔到意大利并在那里生活下去。有一天，伊丽莎白送给丈夫一件礼物——44首为他而写的诗。《我如何爱你》便是其中一首，这首饱含深情的诗被称为整个维多利亚时代最美的十四行情诗。
