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May his tribe increase!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 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 blest, And lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest.
And saw, in the moonlight in his room, Making it beautiful, like a blooming lily, An angel writing in a golden book— His great peace had made Ben Adhem brave, And to the presence in the room he said, "What are you writing?"—The vision lifted its head, And with a look full of sweet agreement, Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord." "And is my name one?" said Abou. "No, not yours," Replied the angel. Abou spoke more softly, But still cheerfully; and said, "Then I ask you, Write me down as one who loves his fellow men." The angel wrote, and disappeared. The next night It returned with a great awakening light, And showed the names whom God's love had blessed, And look! Ben Adhem's name was at the top.