James Henry Leigh Hunt aka "Leigh Hunt" (Oct 1784–Aug 1859) | English | Published: 1909–14
from "English Poetry II: Collins to Fitzgerald" Vol 41 of 51
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 though? "
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 cheerily still; and said, "I pray thee, then,
Write me as one who loves his fellow men."
The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night,
It came again with a great wakening light.
And showed the names whom love of G-d had best,
And lo! Ben Adhem's name led the rest