Poems we all love

Collected by Montrose L. Barnet
Published by Acmegraph Company Chicago

Copyright 1911 The Acmegraph Co.
Contents
Introduction
The poems contained in this volume have been carefully selected from the vast storehouse of poetical works, and comprise only those that I feel will be helpful and pleasure-giving. The poetical gems contained herein are teeming with life and inspiration and will touch a responsive chord in all who may read them. It is hoped that this book may become a ready reference volume that will be found pleasurable in times of joy, and strengthening in the vicissitudes of daily life. Each poem is selected with the idea of lifting us out of the commonplace—up to the plane of higher and better living. This uplifting influence, combined with the inspiration that comes only from such a source, will make us better and happier men and women. Many of these poems have long been the favorites of the lovers of poetry, and it is the hope of the editor that these masterpieces of the poets may be brought within easy reach of all—without necessitating a reference to large and cumbersome volumes.
I hope that this book may be found by many a fountain of inspiration and exalted pleasure—a means of sweetening solitude or animating friendly intercourse. May it be a companion of good and beautiful thoughts that will teach us to love and appreciate with enduring life—these our poets—who have given us their best, that we thereby might be strengthened, encouraged and beautified.
— M.L.B.
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 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.