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.
PART III
The Allegorical Sense of the Parable
17. The Wicked Man in Prosperity contented with his state and persisting in evil, a fit subject for reproof. A voluptuary and a miser, magnificently attired, is clasping to his heart a purse full of money and a bunch of flowers and corn.