SCROOGE."_
SCR. A churchyard! Here, then, the wretched man who's name I have now to
learn, lays underneath the ground! (_The SPIRIT points to centre slab.
SCROOGE advances, trembling, towards it._) Before I draw nearer to the
stone to which you point, answer me one question. Are these the things
of the shadows that will be, or are they the shadows of the things that
may be only? (_The SPIRIT still points downward to the grave._) Men's
courses will foreshadow certain ends, to which, if persevered in they
must lead--but if the courses be departed from the ends will change--say
is it thus with what you show me? Still as immovable as ever! (_Draws
nearer to grave._) "Ebenezer Scrooge!" My own name! (_Sinks on his
knees._) Am I that man who lay upon the bed? (_The SPIRIT points from
the grave to him, and back again._) No, Spirit! Oh, no, no! (_See PLATE,
page 150. The FIGURE remains immovable._) Spirit! (_Clutching its
robe._) Hear me! I am not the man I was--I will not be the man I must
have been but for this intercourse! why show me this if I am past all
hope? (_The hand trembles. SCROOGE sinks on his knees._) Good Spirit,
your nature intercedes for me--assure me that I yet may change these
shadows you have shown me, by an altered life! (_The hand trembles
still._) I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the
year--I will live the past, the present, and the future--the spirits of
all three shall strive within me--I will not shut out the lessons that
they teach--oh tell me I may sponge away the writing on this stone! (_In
his agony he catches the SPECTRE'S hand--it seeks to free itself--his
struggles become stronger in his despair--the SPIRIT repulses him--he
sinks prostrate to the earth--the SPIRIT disappears, as the medium is
worked on. Clouds roll over the stage--they are worked off, and
discovers._)