_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. _Boy._ It's hanging there now. _Scrooge._ Is it? Go and buy it. _Boy_ (_with finger to his nose_). Walk-er.