| 1 | A Wealthy Landowner had several beloved Sons and Daughters whom he raised in privilege and duty. |
| 2 | Yet the eldest of the Sons and Daughters yearned for adventure and to enjoy wealth without work. |
| 3 | He confronted his Father and said: Father, if you truly loved me, you would set me free from my obligations, |
| 4 | That I might choose my own path to use my birthright by my own will, rather than according to your guardianship. |
| 5 | Upon hearing the entreat of his eldest Son, the Father agreed and granted him his fair share. |
| 6 | Soon after the eldest Son departed with his fortune to distant lands, |
| 7 | Whereupon he quickly squandered his wealth with extravagant and immoral living. |
| 8 | After the Son had spent everything, there was a severe famine. |
| 9 | Destitute and in need of food, the Son approached a local publican with whom he had spent much money and said: |
| 10 | Robust friend, in times of merriment you did seek my company. Pray you grant me food and lodging in my hour of need. |
| 11 | Yet the local publican refused, saying: A Fool and his money are soon parted. Farewell thee fool. |
| 12 | The eldest Son then approached a local temple and the head priest and entreated him: |
| 13 | Noble Spirit, while I lived an extravagant and immoral life, I did frequent this fine temple and help in its upkeep. |
| 14 | Surely as a man of benevolence, you could extend the hand of charity and provide me some little food? |
| 15 | Yet the local priest refused, saying: As much as your gifts are a grateful reward, |
| 16 | If I were to show such charity, I fear in these times, we too would be destitute before long. |
| 17 | The eldest Son in great distress wept upon the street before a local merchant, known for his cruelty, did see him and said: |
| 18 | I shall grant you lodging and meal, if you swear on all that is sacred you shall do your duties that I set for you. |
| 19 | The eldest Son in desperation agreed and soon found himself sleeping with the pigs and ensuring their keep. |
| 20 | He longed to fill his stomach with the grains that the pigs did eat, but was only permitted the scraps. |
| 21 | Many days passed until the eldest Son, weak with hunger did cry out: |
| 22 | Alas oh Spirits!, it has come to this. For no good reason do I see that my earthly form should bear witness to another morn. |
| 23 | Suddenly a vision of his previous life and his father appeared, to which the eldest Son did say: |
| 24 | Oh Terrible torments and ghosts of past! I now see the error of my ways. Better to be a servant in the house of my Father, than the slave of a merchant. |
| 25 | So he got up and returned to his homeland and to the House of his Father. |
| 26 | But while he was still a long way off, his Father saw him and then ran to him and then kissed him. |
| 27 | Before the Son could speak, the Father ordered his servants thus: Take him to be bathed and put upon him the finest robes and sandals. |
| 28 | The Father then ordered a fattened calf be slaughtered and a great feast prepared. |
| 29 | Yet the Son returned not in the finest of robes but in the simple cloth of a servant and threw himself down before his Father: |
| 30 | Forgive me Father for I have transgressed against Heaven, against the Gods and against your name. |
| 31 | I am no longer worthy to be called your Son. Instead make be a servant in your home and I will honor my duties. |
| 32 | The Father embraced him and said thus: My Son, I shall never abandon you, nor ever forsake you. Yet Character is nothing if not tested. |
| 33 | For we celebrate then with this feast your death and rebirth, your loss and your return. |
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