^{12 Ref} He said therefore, `A certain man of birth went on to a far country, to take to himself a kingdom, and to return,

^{13 Ref} and having called ten servants of his own, he gave to them ten pounds, and said unto them, Do business -- till I come;

^{14 Ref} and his citizens were hating him, and did send an embassy after him, saying, We do not wish this one to reign over us.

^{15 Ref} `And it came to pass, on his coming back, having taken the kingdom, that he commanded these servants to be called to him, to whom he gave the money, that he might know what any one had done in business.

^{16 Ref} `And the first came near, saying, Sir, thy pound did gain ten pounds;

^{17 Ref} and he said to him, Well done, good servant, because in a very little thou didst become faithful, be having authority over ten cities.