STAVE THREE.
Scrooge's office, as before. Back curtains drawn. The Ghost of Christmas Future standing, R., pointing down; Scrooge beside him, L. Mournful music.
Scrooge. Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, Ghost of the Future, I fear you more than any spectre I have seen; but as I know your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to live to be another man from what I was, I have borne you company, and did it with a thankful heart. Spectre, something informs me that our parting moment is at hand. I know it, but I know not how. Tell me who that man was with the covered face, whom we saw lying dead, of whom the merchants in the street spoke so carelessly, at whom the vultures of the dead sneered and jested. (The Spirit raises his hand, then points behind him.) Before I draw near to that stone to which you point, answer me one question. Are these the shadows of the things that will be? or are they shadows of things that may be, only? (The Spirit points as before.) 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 it is thus with what you show me. (The Spirit moves to R., turns, and points to back, where a gravestone leans against the wall, lettered "Ebenezer Scrooge." The position of the Spirit should hide it till this. Scrooge staggers back till he reaches chair, L.) Am I that man who lay upon the bed? No, Spirit! Oh, no, no! Spirit, 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? Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me, by an altered life. (The Spirit slowly lets his hand drop by his side.) I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the past, the present, and the future. The spirits of all these 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! (Sinks into chair. The curtains slowly close. Bells outside ringing a merry peal. Music lively. Scrooge starts from his chair.) What's this, my own office! (Runs across stage.) Hallo! what's to-day? Boy (outside, R.). Eh? Scrooge. What's to-day, my fine fellow? Boy (outside, R.). To-day? Why, Christmas Day. Scrooge (dancing about). It's Christmas Day. I haven't missed it. Hallo, my fine fellow! Boy (entering, R.). Hallo! Scrooge. Do you know the poulterer's, in the next street but one, at the corner? Boy. I should hope I did. Scrooge. An intelligent boy; a remarkable boy! Do you know whether they've sold the prize turkey that was hanging up there? Not the little prize turkey, the big one. Boy. What! the one as big as me? Scrooge (rubbing his hands). Ha, ha, ha! What a delightful boy! It's a pleasure to talk to him. Yes, my buck.
| Fred | (sink to their knees). God bless us all! |
| Bob |
(Music: curtains at back are drawn, disclosing "A Christmas Picture." In the centre, the Ghost of Christmas Present, seated as before, with his torch raised, red fire blazing in it. At his L., the blindfolded gentleman, in the same position as before, with the lady getting away from him; on his L., the lady with the fan; R. of Christmas Present, Mrs. Cratchit, with the pudding in her hands; Martha at her R., with Tiny Tim in her arms. Two of the children opposite them, looking at the pudding. Tiny Tim speaks, when curtain is fairly drawn, "God bless us every one!" "The Christmas Carol" [see p. [64]] is then sung by an invisible chorus; and the front curtain falls upon the whole picture.)