Mace(i)
12 a nobleman, said he, was going to travel to a foreign country, in order to have his kingdom confirm'd to him at his return.
13 and he called ten of his servants, to whom he deliver'd ten pounds: improve that, said he, till I return.
14 but he being hated by the citizens, after he was gone, they sent a deputation to court, to make this protest, "we will not have him for our king."
15 upon his return, being confirm'd king, he order'd the servants, he had trusted with the money, to appear, and inform him, what improvement each of them had made.
16 the first came and said, Lord, your one pound has gained ten more.
17 he answer'd, honest servant, that's well: since your industry has made so much of so little, I give you the government of ten cities.
18 then the second came, and said, Lord, your pound has produc'd five more.
19 his master replied, you shall be governor of five cities.
20 but another came and said, Lord, here's your money, which I laid up safe in a napkin.
21 for I was in fear of you, knowing you to be a hard master, who exact what you never gave, and reap where you have never sown.
22 wicked slave, said he, from your own mouth will I convict thee. "you knew I was a hard master, exacting what I never gave, and reaping where I never sowed:
23 " why then did you not lodge my money in the bank, that on my return I might have drawn it out with interest?
24 then he said to his attendants, take the one pound from him, and give it him, that gain'd ten.
25 but they objected, Lord, he has already ten pounds:
26 I tell you, said he, that to every one who improves, more shall be given: and he that makes no improvement, shall be stript of what he has.