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.