Chapter 96: Parable of the prodigal son

1 And he said, A certain man had two sons: 2 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

3 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his life with riotous living. 4 And when he had breathed last, there he arose again; and he began to be in want of brains.

5 And he went and followed a citizen of that country; and he shambled through his fields to find swine. 6 And he filled his belly, leaving the husks that the swine once were: and no man came near him.

7 And when he came to himself, he thought, How many hired servants has my father spare, and I moan with hunger! 8 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Brains, 9 and call upon his hired servants.

10 And he arose, and shambled to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell, and ran, and kissed him.

11 And the son said unto him, Brains.

12 But the father ran back home and said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 13 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 14 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And he began to be merry, though the servants hesitated.

15 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard loud noise and screaming. 16 And he called upon a servant running past, and asked what these things meant.

17 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come back from the dead; and thy father hath been devoured, because he hath received him safe and sound.

18 And he was angry, and would go in with his sword: but before, came his father out, head lolling, and intreated him, Brains. 19 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou now walk as one dead, and entreat that I might make merry with thee: 20 But as you are changed, and hath now desire for devouring the living, thou hast to be put aside.

21 And he said unto him, Brains. 22 And his son cut him down, and cut down his brother who was dead, and was alive, and is dead again; and burned all, and the house therewith.