SCENE VII.--_A Churchyard. On slab centre, is engraved "EBENEZER

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._)