12 Before he went he called ten trusted servants and to each he gave a pound and said,
13 Go forth and use these pounds as you have opportunity, that you may gain for me more wealth. And then he went his way.
14 And after many days he came again, and called the ten, demanding a report.
15 The first one came and said, Lord, I have gained for you nine pounds; you gave me one and here are ten.
16 The king replied, Well done, you faithful man; because you have been faithful in a little thing I judge that you will be a faithful servant in a greater thing;
17 Behold, I make you ruler over nine important cities of my realm.
18 The second came and said, Lord, I have gained for you four pounds; you gave me one, and here are five.
19 The king replied, and you have proven up your faithfulness. Behold, I make you ruler over four important cities of my realm.
20 Another came and said, Lord, I have doubled what you gave to me. You gave one pound to me and here are two.
21 The ruler said, And you have proved your faithfulness; Behold, I make you ruler over one important city of my realm.