Spir. Your welfare.
Scro. I am much obliged, but I think a night of unbroken rest would be more conducive to that end.
Spir. Your reclamation, then. Take heed! observe the shadows of the past, and profit by the recollection of them.
Scro. What would you have me do?
Spir. Remain where you are, while memory recalls the past.
SCENE II.—The spirit waves a wand, the scene opens and displays a dilapidated school-room. Young Scrooge discovered seated at a window, reading.
Scro. (Trembling) Good heavens! I was a boy! It's the old school; and its the Christmas I was left alone.
Spir. You remember it?
Scro. Yes, yes; I know! I was reading all about Ali Baba. Dear old honest Ali Baba. And Valentine and his wild brother, Orson; and the Sultan's groom turned upside down by the Geni. Served him right, I'm glad of it; what business had he to be married to the Princess! [In an earnest and excited manner, and voice between, laughing and crying.] There's the parrot: green body and yellow tail, with a thing like a lettuce growing out of the top of his head; there he is! Poor Robin Crusoe, where have you been, Robin Crusoe? There goes Friday, running for his life to the little Creek. Halloo! Hoop! Halloo! [Changing to a pitiful tone, in allusion to his former self.] Poor boy.
Spir. Strange to have forgotten this for so many years.