BIBLE The parable of the ten virgins from the Gospel according to Matthew. 'The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise the foolish took their lamps; they took no oil with them; but the wise with their lamps; took oil in their vessels. While the bridegroom tarried; they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry made; Behold; the bridegroom! Then all those virgins arose; and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise; Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out. But the wise answered; that may not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy oil; the bridegroom came; and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Later came also the other virgins; and began to say; Lord; Lord; open to us! But he said; Verily I say to you do not know you. Watch therefore; for ye know neither the day nor the hour. ' Illustration from a popular edition of the Bible printed in Italy about 1900