1834 

                                 ABOU BEN ADHEM

                                 by Leigh Hunt








şiElectronically Enhanced Text (c) Copyright 1996, World Library(R)
DAK Upgraded Edition, Copyright 2000, DAK Industries 2000, Inc(R)şI

{ABOU_BEN_ADHEM
                            ABOU BEN ADHEM
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          ABOU BEN ADHEM (may his tribe increase)
          Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
          And saw- within the moonlight in his room,
          Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom-
          An angel, writing in a book of gold.
          Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
          And to the presence in the room he said,
          'What writest thou?'- The vision raised its head,
          And, with a look made of all sweet accord,
          Answered, 'The names of those who love the Lord.'
          'And is mine one?' said Abou. 'Nay, not so,'
          Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
          But cheerly still, and said, 'I pray thee, then,
          Write me as one that loves his fellow men.'
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            The angel wrote, and vanish'd. The next night
          It came again with a great wakening light,
          And show'd the names whom love of God had blessed,
          And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.
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                               THE END