journalist, and poet. His one universally known
poem is "Abou Ben Adhem." The secret of its
appeal is no doubt the emphasis placed on the
idea that a person's attitude toward his
fellows is more important than mere
professions. The line "Write me as one that
loves his fellow men" is on Hunt's tomb in
Kensal Green Cemetery, London.

ABOU BEN ADHEM

LEIGH HUNT

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 rais'd its head,
And with a look made all of sweet accord,
Answer'd, "The names of those that 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.

351

Cincinnatus Heine Miller, generally known as
Joaquin Miller (1841-1912), revealed in his
verse much of the restless energy of Western
America, where most of his life was passed.
"Columbus" is probably his best known poem.
"For Those Who Fail" suggests the important
truth that he who wins popular applause is not
usually the one who most deserves to be
honored.

FOR THOSE WHO FAIL

JOAQUIN MILLER

"All honor to him who shall win the prize,"
The world has cried for a thousand years;
But to him who tries and who fails and dies,
I give great honor and glory and tears.

O great is the hero who wins a name,
But greater many and many a time,
Some pale-faced fellow who dies in shame,
And lets God finish the thought sublime.

And great is the man with a sword undrawn,
And good is the man who refrains from wine;
But the man who fails and yet fights on,
'Lo! he is the twin-born brother