Chapter XIX: Act III: Scene I

PLACE: In front of the father's home.

CHARACTERS: The Father, the Prodigal Son, the Servants.

[_The_ FATHER _stands looking for his son._]

_Father:_ It seemeth to me that I see my son coming home! I
knew that he would come! I will go to meet him! [_He meets
him._] It is my son! [_The_ FATHER _shows great joy. The_
SON _falls on his knees before his father._]

_Prodigal Son:_ Father, I have sinned against heaven and
before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

_Father:_ Bring forth the best robe and put it on him; and
put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring
hither the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat and be
merry, for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was
lost and is found!

SCENE II

PLACE: In the field, near the father's house.

CHARACTERS: Elder Son, Servant, the Father.

[_The_ ELDER SON _is hoeing in the field. A servant
comes out. The_ ELDER SON _calls to him._]

_Elder Son:_ I hear music and dancing in the house; what do
these things mean?

_Servant:_ Thy brother is come; thy father hath killed the
fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
Thy father sendeth for thee to come in. [_The_ ELDER BROTHER
_shows anger._]

_Elder Brother:_ I will not go in. Why should he make merry
over my brother who has wasted his living?

[_The_ FATHER _comes out._]

_Father:_ My son, wilt thou come unto the feast? Thy lost
brother hath returned!

_Elder Son:_ Lo, these many years do I serve thee; neither
have I at any time disobeyed thee, yet thou never gavest me
a kid that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon
as thy son was come, which hath wasted thy living, thou hast
killed for him the fatted calf.

_Father:_ Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is
thine. It was meet that we should make merry and be glad,
for this thy brother was dead and is alive again; he was
lost and is found. Come thou in to greet thy brother!

[_They both go in._]

END