But how could they behold him? Hear that human

cry: “Oh, lend us your oil! our lamps have gone out,—

no light! earth's fables flee, and heaven is afar [20]

off.”

The door is shut. The wise virgins had no oil to spare,

and they said to the foolish, “Go to them that sell, and

buy for yourselves.” Seek Truth, and pursue it. It should

cost you something: you are willing to pay for error [25]

and receive nothing in return; but if you pay the price of

Truth, you shall receive all.