Sonnets from the Martinese
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
1845-46

How do I love Martin? Let me count the ways.
I love him 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 him to the level of everday's
Most quiet needs, by sun and pink nightlight.
I love him freely, as men strive for Might.
I love him purely, as the Indians loved Maize.
I love him with the passion put to use
In my old briefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love him with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints - I love him with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! - and, if God choose,
I shall but love him better after death.

 

 

Table of Tour Contents

Stop 1: Herrick Stop 2: Smart Stop 3: Blake Stop 4: Coleridge Stop 5: Shelley Stop 6: Poe

Stop 7: EB Browning Stop 8: Tennyson Stop 9: Dickinson Stop 10: WC Williams Stop 11: LFO