REFERENCE:
These lines have been taken from Abou Ben Adhem written by Leigh Hunt.
CONTEXT:
In this poem the poet has describe the spiritual experience of Abou who was a pious man. One night Abou awoke from a deep dream of peace. He saw an angel writing something in a golden book. He asked the angel what he wrote. The angel replied that he was writing the names of those who loved God, but Abou's name was not there. Abou requested the angel to write his name in the list of those who loved their fellowmen. The next night the angel come again and showed Abou the names of those whom God had blessed. Abou was surprised to see that his name was written on top.
STANZA NO. 1: "Abou Ben Adhem ---------------------------------------- in a book of gold."
In these lines the poet tells us that one night Abou Ben Adhem awoke from a peaceful dream and saw an angel in his room. The room was bright with moonlight and the angel look like a Lily in full bloom. The room was more brightened by the presence of the angel. The angel was writing something in a book of gold. Abou was much delighted and asked the angel what he wrote.
STANZA NO. 2: "Exceeding peace -------------------------------------------- who loved the Lord."
In these lines the poet tells us how Abou spoke to the angel. As there was too much peace Abou was not afraid. He became bold and asked the angel what he wrote. The angel raised his head and looked at Abou in a friendly way. He replied that he was writing the names of those who loved God.
STANZA NO. 3: "And is mine one --------------------------------------------- His fellowmen."
In these lines the poet tells us that Abou asked the angel if his name was written in the list. The angel replied that his name was not in the list. Abou did not loose heart and asked the angel in a low but cheerful voice to write his name among those who loved His fellowmen.
STANZA NO. 4: "The angel wrote -------------------------------------------- led all the rest."
In these lines the poet tells us that when Abou requested the angel to write his name among those who loved His fellowmen, the angel wrote something in the book and disappeared. The angel came again to Abou's room next night. The angel showed Abou the names of those whom God had blessed. Abou was surprised to see that his name was on the top of the list. It means that Abou was nearer to God because he loved His fellowmen.
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MANSOOR ALI SHAH.