My 90 year old mother is trying to recall a poem that she learned in grade school. She somewhat remembers the beginning:
Aboubenadam, may his tribe increase
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace
In the moonlight in his room he saw
An angel writing in a book of gold.........
I would appreciate any information that would help us find this poem in its entirety. The spelling of "Aboubenadam" may not be accurate.
Thank you for any help you might provide.
poopsiem@aol.com
Abou Ben Adhem
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 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 shoed the names whom love of God had blessed,
And, lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest!
Leigh Hunt (1784-1859)