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
Her love is modest, humble, not the product of narcissism or vanity (therefore ‘pure’). She doesn’t need praise for loving so purely; she needs no extrinsic recognition. Her love exists on its own merit.