by James Henry Leigh Hunt

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace

And saw, within the moonlight of the 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: "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 God had blessed,
And, lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.