Blessed with 'Abou Ben Adhem'

One of My Favorite Poems

Famous Poems Published 1958

    One of my favorite poems in grade school was 'Abou Ben Adhem' it was written by James Henry Leigh Hunt b. 1784 -  d. 1859.  I was in the fourth grade and did not remember the author.
    I have been looking for this poem for most of my adult life.  I have looked on the internet countless times and looked in every old poetry book I came across. 
   Yesterday I bought several old books to take to the booth.  I picked this one up today to polish the cover, and the thought came to me to check it for 'Abou Ben Adhem'   I then thought, no way but, I checked the index and it was the first poem listed.  I was so happy, I almost squealled.  My husband was happy too, because he knew I had looked for it a long time.  He said, "God gives us the desires of our hearts."
    He sure does, and I thank Him.
    Since the pictures are not plain enough to read, I am writing the words below:

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 it's 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 cherrly 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!