In the case of these short parables the story was not told first, but the parable was read to the children directly from the Bible. There was no discussion as to the truths supposed to be taught, the emphasis being placed entirely upon the story element involved. The customs of the times and the division of the story into scenes were discussed as fully as was done with other stories. Usually one or two meetings were all that were necessary for working one of these parables into dramatic form. When it was completed, the result was not a finished product, as the words and action had been interpreted with slight variations each time. The children learned the story by heart, as it is given in the Bible. This influenced their words when they were dramatizing. Several parables were given together at the meeting when parents and friends were invited. One child recited the Bible version just before the play was given. This feature added interest and dignity to the occasion. The parables were given in the following order: THE WISE AND FOOLISH VIRGINS [_Ten virgins with their lamps are waiting for the bridegroom._] _First Virgin:_ The bridegroom tarries; let us rest here awhile. _Other Virgins:_ Yea, let us rest. [_They all sit down and go to sleep._] _A Cry Without:_ Behold, the bridegroom cometh! Go ye out to meet him! [_All the virgins get up hurriedly. The five wise ones, with oil in their lamps, stand in readiness. The five foolish ones are in great confusion._] _First Foolish Virgin:_ We have no oil! Our lamps are gone out! _Second Foolish Virgin_ [_speaking to the five wise virgins_]: Give us of your oil--we have none. _First Wise Virgin:_ Not so, lest there be not enough for ourselves and for you. But go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. [_The foolish virgins hasten away._] _A Cry Without:_ Behold, the bridegroom cometh! Go ye out to meet him! [_The_ BRIDEGROOM _comes in, followed by a few attendants. He walks by, and the five wise virgins follow him. They go in a door which is closed after them. The foolish virgins come hurriedly back and rush to the door. They beat on it and call out several times._] _Foolish Virgins:_ Lord, Lord, open unto us! [_The door opens and the_ BRIDEGROOM _stands there._] _Bridegroom:_ Depart, I know you not! END During the work on this play the question arose as to the kind of lamps that were used at the time of the story. The children looked up pictures and descriptions, and from these they made themselves lamps out of plasticene or clay. Fig. 8 is a photograph of one of the scenes taken out of doors. The lamps can be seen, also the simple costumes which the children worked out. THE GREAT SUPPER