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Abu Ben Adam

ABOU ben ADAM

Abou ben Adam (may his tribe increase!)
awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight of his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,

an angel, writing in a book of of gold.
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adam bold,
And to the Prescence 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 awakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blest,
And lo! Ben adam's name led all the rest.

-- Written by the 19th century poet LEIGH HUNT.

This immortal poem suddenly popped out in my mind last night (3rd Nov) when i was telling stories to my granddaughter Aditi (4 years). I must have read it during my 7th or 8th class (1952-54) 58 years ago ! It has been etched in my mind, of course. But to suddenly remember after 58 years, i was very pleased. Aditi enjoyed the story.

rajappa
10:30 AM
4 Nov 2010
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