Abou Ben Adhem

6Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold;

7And to the presence in the room he said,

8"What writest thou?" The vision raised its head,

9And, with a look made of all sweet accord,

10Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord."

11"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"

12Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,

13But cheerly still; and said, "I pray thee, then,

14Write me as one that loves his fellow-men."

15The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night

16It came again, with a great wakening light,

17And showed the names whom love of God had blessed;

18And, lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.