Meditation Corner

From Monsignor Ryan

Elizabeth Barrett was in ill health and depressed after the death by drowning of one of her brothers. Robert Browning had read some of her poems and wrote to her expressing appreciation.

​The rest is history. Their relationship blossomed and they were married. Marriage brought deliverance from her oppressive and tyrannical father.
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​Elizabeth wrote Sonnet 43 for Robert in gratitude for his love and care for.

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How Do I Love Thee? (Sonnet 43)

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