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Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome: The River Nile The Pyramids And The Sphinx The Temple of Karnak Abou Ben Adhem The Story of Joseph The Fisherman and the Genie The Sun In Egypt An Oriental Bazaar The Coming Of The Persian Embassy The Statues Of Memnon The House of Rhodopis Antony and Cleopatra The Knowledge of the Ancient Egyptians The Number of the Stars The Return of Ulysses (Greece) Read More Articles |
( Originally Published early 20th century ) 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 cheerly 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 to ! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest. Abou Ben Adhem (a'boo ben a'dem). — may his tribe increase : it is customary in Arabic literature to throw in such a phrase of blessing after mentioning the name of a saint. |