The night was dark, and all was still,
Ten vir­gins slum­bered on,
When sud­den­ly each heart was thrilled
To hear the start­ling song.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

And while with emp­ty lamps they went
For oil at yon­der store,
The Bride­groom came, and took the wise
And shut sal­va­tion’s door.

Refrain