Chapter XVII: Act I: PLACE: In the father's home

CHARACTERS: The Younger Brother, the Father, the Elder
Brother, Servants.

[_The_ FATHER _and_ ELDER SON _come into the room
together. The_ YOUNGER SON _comes in from another door._]

_Younger Son:_ Father, give me the portion of goods that
falleth unto me. I am weary of living at home. I will go
into some far country and make my fortune.

_Father:_ My son, why is it that thou desirest this? Hast
thou not everything at home?

_Younger Son:_ Yea, father, but I beg of thee to divide thy
living between us. I must have my share.

_Father:_ Thou art very foolish; nevertheless I will do as
thou askest. [_To servant_]: Bring my money bags. [_To_
ELDER SON]: And dost thou intend to take thy living also,
and leave thy father?

_Elder Son:_ Nay, father, I am fully content to live with
thee; I do not want my portion.

[_Servant returns with money bags._ FATHER _gives money
to his younger son._]

_Father:_ This is thy share--use it wisely.

_Younger Son:_ I thank thee, father. I shall become a rich
man with this; but now I must leave thee; I can stay here no
longer.

_Father:_ This grieves me, my son, for I know that thou art
foolish--but go and learn thy lesson.

[_He stretches out his hands toward his son as if
blessing him._]