ng can be amiss
When simpleness and duty tender it.

Moreover, the little book was not intended to be the exact description of
something the writer had seen; it was written to ensure that the people
should miss nothing they had come to see, and I believe I can best convey
an idea of what this procession appeared to them by translating from the
book. In the group No. 6--the Prodigal departing with his friends--the
figures were on horseback; but all the other personages went on foot,
following each other at distances of about ten yards, and walking slowly
through the middle of the streets between wondering rows of solemn and
delighted people.

THE PRODIGAL SON
PART I
_Introduction_

I. _Divine Mercy_.--A majestic matron robed as a sovereign, resplendent
with jewels and sheltering sinners under the voluminous folds of her
mantle.

2. _The Blind Design of the Prodigal_.--His departure from his father's
house. A resolute youth in the garb of nudity, with a bandage over his
eyes; his right hand is tied behind him and in his left is a bunch of
flowers; he turns and gives ear to the Evil Spirit.

3. _The Evil Spirit_.--Clothed in skins like a faun, he is lying in wait
for the preceding figure.

PART II
_The Story of the Prodigal_

4. _The Young Son_.--His sword by his side, with haughty mien he demands
his portion.

5. _The Father of the Prodigal_.--A grave personage, sad and tearful, in
the act of handing over his keys and caskets which are carried by a
servant.

6. _The Departure of the Prodigal_.--A gay young man mounted on a
courser and attended by friends also on horseback. One of his companions
carries a scroll: "Invenies multos, si res tibi floret, amicos;" another
carries another scroll: "Si fortuna perit, nullus amicus erit."

7. _The Prodigal far from Home_.--He flaunts his rich raiment and
carries a lute; one would say he is enjoying life.

8. _The Allegory of the False Friends_.--They have consumed his wealth
and now conspire to abandon him. A man of double aspect, with two faces,
carries swallows taking wing: "Ita falsi amici."

9. _The Prodigal reduced to poverty_--despised and spurned by his
friends. A youth in mean attire, compelled by hunger to beg, he shades
his eyes with his left hand and in his right carries a scroll: "Confusion
hath covered my face. To beg I am ashamed."

10. _The Citizen Patron_--to whom the unhappy youth offers his services.
An austere man,