Sonnets from the Portuguese

Sonnets from the Portuguese by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1850)

"How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." Forty-four love sonnets written secretly during Elizabeth Barrett's courtship with Robert Browning — the most famous love poems in the English language.

Historical Significance:
Elizabeth Barrett was a famous poet and semi-invalid when Robert Browning wrote her a fan letter in 1845: "I love your verses with all my heart, dear Miss Barrett." Their courtship, conducted largely through letters, was one of the great love stories of the 19th century. Elizabeth wrote these sonnets during the courtship but showed them to Robert only after their secret marriage and elopement to Italy in 1846. He insisted she publish them, disguised as translations "from the Portuguese." Sonnet 43 ("How Do I Love Thee?") is the most famous love poem in English. The Brownings' love story has been the subject of plays, films, and the musical Robert and Elizabeth.

This public domain classic was originally published in 1850. Free to read and share.