Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe
increase!)
This is an uplifting start to the poem and also tells us a great deal about the man who is to be the subject of the narrative. The hope that there will be more men like him suggests that he is someone essentially good, whom we should respect, and also try to emulate. It also explains why an angel might appear to him and that he is a man of humility.
"And is mine one?" said About. "Nay, not
so,"
Replied the Angel. Abou spoke more low
But cheerily still; and said, "I preay thee,
then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow
men."
The most important part of these lines from the poem is the word "cheerily". Abou Ben Adhem is not remotely discouraged when he learns that his name is not on the list of those who love God. He is not concerned that this will anger or upset God, or that he has been misunderstood. His demeanor is the same after hearing that he is not on the list as it was beforehand. He is still cheerful, he is still at peace with himself, which suggests a certain confidence in him that he is still doing as God would wish and demonstrating his love of God in the way he feels is most representative of his creator.
And showed the names whom love of
God had bless,
And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the
rest.
The Angel reveals to Abou Ben Adhem that his name is at the top of the list of those whom God has blessed with his love. This is the climax of the narrative and also shows that God blesses those who love their fellow humans, rather than those who just pay lip service to demonstrating his love.
