The following is something I just read in my copy of Law of Success by Napolean Hill, the 21st century edition, revised and updated.
“The most inspiring poem in all literature was written by Leigh Hunt (1784-1859 while he was a poverty-stricken inmate in an English prison, where he had been unjustly confined because of his advanced views on politics. This poem is entitled “Abou Ben Adhem,“ and it is here reprinted as a reminder that one of the great things each of us may do, in our own imaginations, is to forgive those who have dealt unjustly with us:”
Abou Ben Adhem (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 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 blessed.
And, lo! Ben Adhem’s name led all the rest!
"Civilization itself owes its existence to such poets as Leigh Hunt, in whose fertile Imaginations have been pictured the higher and nobler standards of human relationship. “Abou Ben Adhem” is a poem that will never die, thanks to this poet who pictured in his Imagination the hope of an ideal that is constructive.”
I quite agree with Mr. Hill.
Had to share.
Christine
Lovely!!!
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