How Do I Love Thee

[nx74defiant]

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 candlelight.
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, all my life!-and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

I wonder how much of Elizabeth's illness is physical and how much is emotional and mental? I wonder if her father unconsciously encouraged her to be an invalid. An invalid daughter would never leave. I found myself getting frustrated with her unwillingness to get out and meet people. I realize if she really was agoraphobic she could not help it, but it was frustrating.

The opium and attitudes of Victorian Dr.s regarding female nerves certainly didn't help.