2nd Spirit. Man—if man you be in heart, and not adamant—forbear that wicked cant until you have discovered what the surplus is, and where it is. Will you decide what men shall live—what men shall die? To hear the insect on the leaf pronouncing on the too much life among his hungry brothers in the dust.
Bob. My dear, I'll give you, "Mr. Scrooge, the founder of the feast!"
Mrs. C. The founder of the feast indeed! I wish I had him here—I'd give him a piece of my mind to feast upon!
Bob. My dear—the children—Christmas Day——
Mrs. C. It should be Christmas Day, I'm sure, on which one drinks the health of such an odious, stingy, hard, unfeeling man as Mr. Scrooge. You know what he is, Robert—no one better.
Bob. My dear—Christmas Day——
Mrs. C. I'll drink his health for your sake not for his. Long life to him! A merry Christmas and a happy new year! He'll be very merry and very happy, no doubt! (All drink.)
2nd Spirit. Your name alone has cast a gloom upon them. But they are happy—grateful—pleased with one another.
Scr. And they look happier yet in the bright sprinkling of thy torch, Spirit. (As he speaks the Stage becomes quite dark. A medium descends, which hides the group at table. Scrooge and the Spirit remaining in front.) We have seen much to-night, and visited many homes. Thou hast stood beside sick beds, and they were cheerful—by struggling men, and they were patient in their greater hope—by poverty, and it was rich. In almshouse, hospital and jail—in misery's every refuge, thou hast left thy blessing, and taught me thy precepts.
2nd Spirit. My life upon this globe is very brief—it ends to-night—at midnight—the time draws near.