PART II. _the Story of the Prodigal_

The Story of the Prodigal

4. The Young Son.--His sword by his side, with haughty mien he demands his portion.

5. The Father of the Prodigal.--A grave personage, sad and tearful, in the act of handing over his keys and caskets which are carried by a servant.

6. The Departure of the Prodigal.--A gay young man mounted on a courser and attended by friends also on horseback. One of his companions carries a scroll: "Invenies multos, si res tibi floret, amicos;" another carries another scroll: "Si fortuna perit, nullus amicus erit."

7. The Prodigal far from Home.--He flaunts his rich raiment and carries a lute; one would say he is enjoying life.

8. The Allegory of the False Friends.--They have consumed his wealth and now conspire to abandon him. A man of double aspect, with two faces, carries swallows taking wing: "Ita falsi amici."

9. The Prodigal reduced to poverty--despised and spurned by his friends. A youth in mean attire, compelled by hunger to beg, he shades his eyes with his left hand and in his right carries a scroll: "Confusion hath covered my face. To beg I am ashamed."

10. The Citizen Patron--to whom the unhappy youth offers his services. An austere man, gazing on him with a harsh countenance, gives him a crust of bread and a rod and sends him forth into the country to tend the swine.

11. The Son's Resolution.--In tattered rags, unshod and leaning on a stick, the wretch is saying, "I will arise and go to my father."

12. The Father's Welcome.--Descrying him from afar, he goes with open arms to meet his boy, embraces him, folds him tenderly to his bosom and, exulting with joy, exclaims, "My son was dead and is alive again--was lost and is found." The son is saying, "Father, I have sinned."

13. The Rejoicings at Home.--A group of youths and maidens crowned with flowers and playing upon instruments of music.

14. A Servant presenting the prodigal with sumptuous apparel and a golden ring.

15. The Elder Son.--He has returned from the country, angry and resentful, and is astonished to see the prodigal.

16. The Good Father goes to meet him and, calming his anger with soft words, exhorts him to become reconciled to his brother. He blesses them both and foretells peace, brotherly love and happiness.