How fare the shoulders of my bullocks now? Are they left hungry, or are they fed at night?

These lines are spoken by someone imprisoned, deeply concerned about their beloved ox. They ask, 'How is my ox's shoulder now? Is it staying hungry, or does it get enough to eat at night?' This isn't just about an animal; for a farmer, the ox is family, the very backbone of their livelihood. The speaker, perhaps unable to farm while in jail, is consumed by worry. They fear for their ox's health and strength, wondering if it's bearing its load properly and, more importantly, if it's getting fed. It's a poignant expression of the pain of separation and the anxiety for those left behind, struggling to survive.