14 For the Ymgdom qf^ Jieaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and de- livered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five tal- ents, to another two, and to another one ; to every man according to his several ability ; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five tal- ents.
17 And likewise he that hid receiv- ed two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one ■went and digged in the earth, and liid his lord's money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh,andreckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thoudeliveredst unto me live talents : behold, I have gained beside them five talents naore.
21 His lord said unto him. Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things : enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents : be- hold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him. Well done, good and faithful servant ; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things : enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed ;
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth : lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 Ilis lord answered and said unto him. Thou wicked and slothful ser- vant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed :
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and the/i at my coming 1 should have re- ceived mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.