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Abou Ben Adhem
James Henry Leigh Hunt
About James Henry Leigh Hunt
James Henry Leigh Hunt was an English poet, critic, essayist and writer. He wrote many kinds of poetry, including narrative narrative poems, satires, poetic dramas, odes, sonnets and short lyrics. His most famous work is a long narrative poem called The Story of Rimini.
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,
Answer'd, '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 show'd the names whom love of God had blest,
And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.
Available Answers
- 1.
Describe what Abou Ben Adhem saw the first night.
- 2.
What did Ben Adhem ask the 'Vision'? What reply did he receive?
- 3.
What was his request?
- 4.
What did Ben Adhem see the next night?
- 5.
'Write me as one that loves his fellow men.'
- Who said this and to whom?
- Why did the speaker say these words?
- Do you think the speaker was happy?
- 6.
Why do you think the poet says 'may his tribe increase'?
9 more answer(s) available.