[_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._] ACT II SCENE I PLACE: Along the roadside in a distant country. CHARACTERS: The Prodigal Son, a Farmer. [_The_ PRODIGAL SON _comes down the road, tired and hungry. He sits on a rock and talks._] _Prodigal Son:_ Would that I had something to eat! My money is all spent, and there is famine in the land. What shall I do? I am sick, and feel that I may soon die. If I could but find something to do that I might get a little food. [_A man comes along. The_ PRODIGAL SON _goes toward him and falls down before him._] _Prodigal Son:_ O sir, I am starving unto death. Wilt thou give me any task to do that I may make enough to keep me alive? _Man:_ I have no work to be done--unless it be to take care of my swine. Thou wilt find them in yon field; they need a keeper. _Prodigal Son:_ I will gladly do this. [_He goes off joyfully._] SCENE II PLACE: In the field with the swine. CHARACTER: The Prodigal Son. [_The_ PRODIGAL SON _comes in driving the pigs. He sits down._] _Prodigal Son:_ How horrible is this life; I am dying of hunger. No man will give me anything--all I get to eat is the food that I give the pigs. Oh, I wish that I had never left home! How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son; make me as one of thy hired servants." [_He rises and goes away hurriedly._] 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.