The Voice of the Bridegroom

The night was dark

and all was still

Ten vir­gins slum­bered on

When sud­den­ly each heart was thrilled

To hear the start­ling song.

Hark! ’tis the voice of the Bride­groom

Calling His loved ones away;

Be rea­dy with your lamps bright­ly burn­ing

To wel­come the Mas­ter on that day.

Those vir­gins rose and trimmed their lamps

For they had wait­ed long

In hope to see their ab­sent Lord

And greet Him with their song.

Five of them stood in sore dis­may

For out their lamps had gone;

They tried in vain

it was too late

To join the brid­al throng.

Give of your oil

the fool­ish cried

That we our lamps may trim;

’Tis dark

the way we ca­nnot see

We have no light with­in.

There’s not enough for us and you

The oth­ers did re­ply;

But go at once to those who sell;

Make haste of them to buy.

And while with emp­ty lamps they went

For oil at yon­der store

The Bride­groom came

and took the wise

And shut sal­va­tion’s door.