16:12

 

James Henry Leigh Hunt  (1784 - 1859) was an English critic, essayist, poet and writer.

 

 

Abou Ben Adhem

 

 

 

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 Abu. 'Nay not so,'

 

Replied the angel. Abu 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 wakening light,

 

And showed the names whom love of God had blest,

 

And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.

 

 

A Night-Rain in Summer

 

Open the window, and let the air

 

Freshly blow upon face and hair,

 

And fill the room, as it fills the night,

 

With the breath of the rain's sweet might.

 

Hark! the burthen, swift and prone!

 

And how the odorous limes are blown!

 

Stormy Love's abroad, and keeps

 

Hopeful coil for gentle sleeps.

 

 

 

Not a blink shall burn to-night

 

In my chamber, of sordid light;

 

Nought will I have, not a window-pane,

 

'Twixt me and the air and the great good rain,

 

Which ever shall sing me sharp lullabies;

 

And God's own darkness shall close mine eyes;

 

And I will sleep, with all things blest,

 

In the pure earth-shadow of natural rest.