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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.”
The angel wrote and vanished. The next night
It came again, with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blessed,
And, lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest!
( Leigh Hunt )
Leigh Hunt (1784-1859) was an English poet. He was born near London and attended Christ’s Hospital, a famous school in London. He wrote both prose and poetry. A monument was erected to his memory in the Kensal Green Cemetery on which is the inscription: “Write me as one that loves his fellow men.”
thrift : saving money
exceeding : more than
Answer the following questions.
1) What did Abou see when he awoke for the first time
2) What does the poet call the angel?
3) How did he wish to have himself recorded?
4) What is the theme or subject of this story?
5) How did he show his love for his fellow men?