6
But at midnight there is a loud cry, "`The bridegroom! Go out and meet him!'
7
"Then all those bridesmaids roused themselves and trimmed their torches.
8
"`Give us some of your oil,' said the foolish ones to the wise, `for our torches are going out.'
9
"`But perhaps,' replied the wise, `there will not be enough for all of us. Go to the shops rather, and buy some for yourselves.'
10
"So they went to buy. But meanwhile the bridegroom came; those bridesmaids who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet; and the door was shut.
11
"Afterwards the other bridesmaids came and cried, "`Sir, Sir, open the door to us.'
12
"`In solemn truth I tell you,' he replied, `I do not know you.'
13
"Keep awake therefore; for you know neither the day nor the hour.
14
"Why, it is like a man who, when going on his travels, called his bondservants and entrusted his property to their care.
15
To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one--to each according to his individual capacity; and then started from home.
16
Without delay the one who had received the five talents went and employed them in business, and gained five more.