Fig. 8.—The wise and foolish virgins
First Man: Say to thy Master that I have bought a piece of land and must needs go and see it. I pray thee have me excused.
[The servant bows and the man passes on. The servant delivers the message to the second man.]
Second Man: I have bought five yoke of oxen; I must go to prove them. I pray thee have me excused.
Third Man: I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
[The servant goes back to his Master's house; the Master comes out to meet him.]
Servant [falls on his knees before his Master]: O sir, I did as thou commandedst, but one by one they made excuse, and would not come to thy supper. One man had just bought a piece of land and must go to see it; another had bought five yoke of oxen, and was on his way to prove them; and another had just married a wife. All begged that thou excuse them.