HOW many times do I love thee, dear?   Tell me how many thoughts there be           In the atmosphere           Of a new-fall'n year, Whose white and sable hours appear   The latest flake of Eternity: So many times do I love thee, dear.

How many times do I love again?   Tell me how many beads there are           In a silver chain           Of evening rain, Unravell'd from the tumbling main,   And threading the eye of a yellow star: So many times do I love again.