Lily.
Swine! Oh!
Julian.
Yes, swine: 'twas all that he could do;
And he was glad to eat some of their food.
[She stares at him.]
But at the last, hunger and waking love
Made him remember his old happy home.
"How many servants in my father's house
Have plenty, and to spare!" he said. "I'll go
And say, 'I have done very wrong, my father;
I am not worthy to be called your son;
Put me among your servants, father, please.'"
Then he rose up and went; but thought the road
So much, much farther to walk back again,
When he was tired and hungry. But at last
He saw the blue top of the great big hill
That stood beside his father's house; and then
He walked much faster. But a great way off,
His father saw him coming, lame and weary
With his long walk; and very different
From what he had been. All his clothes were hanging
In tatters, and his toes stuck through his shoes—
[She bursts into tears.]
Lily (sobbing). Like that poor beggar I saw yesterday?
Julian.
Yes, my dear child.
Lily.
And was he dirty too?
Julian.
Yes, very dirty; he had been so long
Among the swine.
Lily.
Is it all true though, father?