The Project Gutenberg EBook of Old Scrooge: A Christmas Carol in Five
Staves., by Charles A. Scott
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
Title: Old Scrooge: A Christmas Carol in Five Staves.
Dramatized from Charles Dickens' Celebrated Christmas Story.
Author: Charles A. Scott
Release Date: September 11, 2012 [EBook #40729]
Language: English
*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD SCROOGE: A CHRISTMAS CAROL ***
Produced by Charlene Taylor, Emmy and the Online Distributed
Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
produced from images generously made available by The
Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
[Illustration: Cover: OLD SCROOGE]
"OLD SCROOGE:"
A Christmas Carol in Five Staves.
DRAMATIZED FROM
Charles Dickens' Celebrated Christmas Story,
By CHARLES A. SCOTT.
NEWARK, N. J.:
NEW JERSEY SOLDIERS' HOME PRINT.
1877.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1877,
BY CHARLES A. SCOTT,
in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.
All Rights Reserved.
_This edition is limited, and is printed for the
convenience of to enable the owner to make such
alterations as may seem judicious._
_CHARACTERS._
Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly broker
Frederick Merry, a nephew to Scrooge
Bob Cratchit, clerk to Scrooge
Ghost of Jacob Marley, dead seven years
Spirit of Christmas Past
Spirit of Christmas Present
Mr. Thomas Topper
Mr. Henry Snapper
Mr. Mumford | philanthropic citizens
Mr. Barnes |
Peter Cratchit
Little Cratchit
Tiny Tim
Scrooge's former self
Mr. Stevens |
Mr. Jones |
Mr. Fatchin | Scrooge's business friends
Mr. Snuffer |
Mr. Redface |
Mr. Kemper
Mr. Fezziwig, Scrooge's former master
Mr. James Badger
Dick Wilkins, Fezziwig's apprentice
Old Joe, a pawnbroker
Mr. Shroud, an undertaker
Old Baldhead, the fiddler
The Lamp Lighter
First Man
Second Man
Ignorance
The boy with the turkey
Thomas, a servant
Mrs. Belle Kemper, Scrooge's first and last love
Mrs. Frederick Merry |
Miss Julia Kemper | her daughters
Miss Sarah Kemper |
Mrs. Cratchit, a devoted wife
Belinda Cratchit | her daughters
Martha Cratchit |
Mrs. Caroline Badger
Mrs. Mangle, a laundress
Mrs. Dilber, a char-woman
Mrs. Fezziwig, a worthy matron
Clara Fezziwig | her daughters
Emma Fezziwig |
Little Fanny Scrooge
Want
Six or eight children for tableaux.
[Illustration: hand with pointing finger] By a distribution of two or
three character to one person, the piece can be performed by fifteen
males and nine females.
_COSTUMES._
_Scrooge._ First dress: Brown Quaker-cut coat,
waistcoat and pants. Dark overcoat. Low-crowned,
broad-brimmed hat. Black silk stock and standing
collar. Bald wig with tufts of white hair on each
side. Smooth face. Second dress: Dressing gown, cotton
night-cap and slippers.
_Fred. Merry._ First dress: Walking suit, overcoat,
black silk hat. Black silk stock and standing collar.
Side whiskers. Second dress: Dress suit.
_Bob Cratchit._ Long-tailed business coat of common
material, much worn, and buttoned up to the neck.
Woolen pants and waistcoat of check pattern. Colored
scarf and standing collar. Large white comforter.
Narrow-rimmed silk hat, old style and the worse for
wear. Smooth face.
_Ghost of Marley._ Drab cut-away coat and breeches.
Low-cut single-breasted vest. Ruffled shirt. White
neckcloth. Drab leggings. Gray, long-haired wig, with
queue. Shaggy eyebrows.
_Spirit of Christmas Past._ White tunic trimmed with
flowers. Fleshings. Jeweled belt around waist. Long
white hair hanging loose down neck and back. Jeweled
star for forehead. White conical hat, very high,
carried under the arm. Smooth, pale face--no wrinkles.
Wand of holly.
_Spirit of Christmas Present._ Green robe bordered
with white fur. Fleshings. Trunks. Brown hose.
Dark-brown curls. Holly wreath for the head.
_Mumford._ Overcoat. Under suit of the period--1840.
Black silk hat. White neckcloth and standing collar.
Gray, long-haired wig. Smooth face. Spectacles.
_Barnes._ Blue cloth over and under coats. Black silk
hat. Black silk stock and standing collar. Iron-gray
short-haired wig. Mutton-chop whiskers. Walking
stick.
_Topper and Snapper._ Dress suits of the period--1840.
_Peter Cratchit._ Jacket or short coat. Very large
standing collar and neckerchief.
_Little Cratchit._ Calico shirt. Short trousers. Shoes
and stockings. Apron.
_Tiny Tim._ Same as Little Cratchit, with the addition
of a jacket.
_Scrooge's former self._ First dress: Cutaway coat.
Knee breeches. Second dress: Cape coat. Hessians.
_Ignorance and Want._ Clad in rags. Fleshings.
_Old Joe._ Gabardine or long-skirted coat. Shaggy wig
and beard. Old smoking cap.
_Mrs. Cratchit._ Plain black or brown dress. Cap and
apron.
_Mrs. Merry, Kemper and Misses Kemper._ Handsome house
dresses of the period.
_Misses Fezziwig._ Low-necked dresses with short
sleeves.
_Mrs. Badger._ Plain walking dress. Bonnet and shawl.
_SCENERY, FURNITURE and PROPERTIES._
ACT I.
SCENE I.--Scrooge & Marley's Counting House, 1st G.
backed by an interior 2d G. Set fire-place--painted
grate fire L. Window in flat L. C. Double doors in
flat, thrown open, R. C. Scrooge's desk and chair near
window--ruler, pens, ink and paper on desk. Bob
Cratchit's Desk in inner room in sight of audience.
Lighted candles on both desks. Scuttle of coal near
fire place. Clothes hooks on flat for Scrooge's hat
and great coat. Coal shovel for Bob to enter with.
Subscription list for Mumford to enter with.
[Illustration: Hand]Clear stage of desk, chair and
scuttle.
SCENE II.--Scrooge's apartments 3d or 4th G. Door L.
C. and window R. C. in flat, backed by a street scene.
Small grate fire and mantel L. 2. Old-fashioned clock
and two plaster casts on mantel. Door R. 2. Table L.
C. Lighted candle, spoon, basin and writing materials
on table. Saucepan of gruel on hob. Two easy chairs
near fire place. Lights down. Fender at fire. Ringing
bells of place. Scrooge's hat and coat hung on the
wall. Chain made of cash boxes, keys, padlocks,
ledgers, deeds, purses, etc., for ghost to enter with.
Toothpick for Scrooge to show. Trap ready for ghost to
disappear.
ACT II.
SCENE I.--Scrooge's bed room 1st G. Chimney C., with
painted coal fire. Door L. C., window R. C. Trap near
hearth for Spirit of Christmas Past to enter. Small
four-post bedstead with curtains L. Bureau or
washstand R.
SCENE II.--An old school room 3d G. Door L. C., and
window R. C. in flat. Chair at window. A stuffed
parrot on stand near R. 3. Two or three school desks,
a platform and desk for the master; books for young
Scrooge.
SCENE III.--A wareroom, full depth of stage. An
elevated platform, centre of flat, for the fiddler.
Old-fashioned arm chair at L. 2, for Mrs Fezziwig.
SCENE IV.--Plain room, 2d G. No properties.
SCENE V.--Drawing room, 5th G., trimmed with
evergreens. A Christmas tree, trimmed and lighted, R.
U. E. Ornaments on mantel. Fireplace L. Suite of
parlor furniture. Centre table C. Toys for
children--doll and doll's dress for Belle. Trap ready
for spirit to disappear.
ACT III.
SCENE I.--A room in Scrooge's house, 1st G. Flat
painted to show game, poultry, meats, etc. Torch,
shaped like a cornucopia for Spirit of Christmas
Present.
SCENE II.--Bob Cratchit's home--Plain room 4th G. Door
R. and L. C., backed by kitchen flat. Dresser and
crockery C. of flat. Fireplace L. U. E. Saucepan of
potatoes on fire; six wooden or cane-seat chairs; a
high chair for Tiny Tim. Large table C.; white
table-cloth; large bowl on side table R.; three
tumblers and a custard cup without a handle. Nuts,
apples and oranges on dresser. Small crutch for Tiny
Tim to enter with. Goose on dish for Peter to enter
with.
SCENE III.--A street mansion with lighted windows
showing shadow of a group inside, 1st G. Snow. Torch
and ladder for lamp lighter.
SCENE IV.--Drawing room 4th G. Arch 3d G. Handsome
suite of furniture. Large table R. Sideboard with wine
and glasses at flat C. Piano L. 2d E. Coffee-urn and
cups on small table R. 3d E. Piano-stool, music stand.
Sheet music on piano. Salver for waiter.
ACT IV.
SCENE I.--Scrooge's bed room 2d G. as in scene 1, act
2.
SCENE II.--Street 1st G. Snuff-box for Snuffer to
enter with.
SCENE III.--Pawn shop 3d G. Doors R. and L. C. in
flat--Table C., four common chairs; a smoky oil
lamp--lighted, and a piece of white chalk on table.
Bundle of bed curtains--same as on Scrooge's
bedstead--blankets and shirts for Mrs. Mangle to enter
with. Bundle of under-clothing, towels, sheets,
sugar-tongs, tea-spoons and old boots for Mrs. Dilber
to enter with. A package containing a seal,
pencil-case, pair of sleeve-buttons and scarf pin, for
Shroud to enter with. Purse of coins for Old Joe.
SCENE IV.--Street--exterior of Scrooge and Marley's
1st G. Window L. C. No properties.
SCENE V.--Bob Cratchit's home--same as scene 2, act,
3. Table C., candles and work-basket on table. Book
for Peter on table; calico or muslin for Mrs. Cratchit
and Belinda to sew.
ACT V.
SCENE I.--Scrooge's apartment, as in scene 2d act 1st.
No additional properties.
SCENE II.--Street--exterior of Scrooge's house 1st G.
Brass knocker on the door. Turkey for boy to enter
with.
SCENE III.--Drawing room same as scene 4, act 3.
Handkerchief for Fred to blindfold.
OLD SCROOGE.
STAVE ONE.
SCENE I.--_Christmas Eve. Counting house of Scrooge &
Marley. Set fireplace with small grate fire_ L.
_Centre door in flat, thrown open, showing a small
inner chamber and desk, at which Bob Cratchit is
discovered seated, endeavoring to warm his hands over
the candle. Small desk,_ L. C., _at which Scrooge is
discovered busy at figures_.
_Enter Bob Cratchit, from inner room, with coal
shovel, going toward fireplace._
_Scrooge._ And six makes twenty-eight pounds, four shill----What do you
want in here?
_Bob._ My fire is nearly out, sir, and I thought I would take one or two
lumps of coal, and--
_Scro._ You think more of your personal comforts than you do of your
business and my interest.
_Bob._ The room, sir, is very cold, and I--
_Scro._ Work sir, work! and I'll warrant that you'll keep warm. If you
persist, in this wanton waste of coals, you and I will have to part.
(_Bob retires to his desk, puts on his white comforter, and again tries
to warm his hands. Scrooge resuming_). Four shillings and ninepence--
_Enter Fred'k Merry_, C. D., _saluting Bob as he passes him_.
_Fred._ A Merry Christmas, uncle. God save you.
_Scro._ Bah; humbug.
_Fred._ Christmas a humbug, uncle! You don't mean that, I'm sure?
_Scro._ I do. Merry Christmas! What right have you to be merry? What
reason have you to be merry? You're poor enough.
_Fred._ Come then. What right have you to be dismal? What reason have
you to be morose? You're rich enough.
_Scro._ Bah; humbug.
_Fred._ Don't be cross, uncle.
_Scro._ What else can I be when I live in such a world of fools as this?
Merry Christmas! Out upon Merry Christmas! What's Christmas-time to you
but a time for paying bills without money; a time for finding yourself a
year older, but not an hour richer; a time for balancing your books and
having every item in 'em through a round dozen of months presented dead
against you? If I could work my will, every idiot who goes about with
"Merry Christmas" on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding, and
buried with a stake of holly through his heart. He should.
_Fred._ Uncle!
_Scro._ (_sternly_). Nephew, keep Christmas in your own way, and let me
keep it in mine.
_Fred._ Keep it! But you don't keep it.
_Scro._ Let me leave it alone, then. Much good may it do you. Much good
it has ever done you.
_Fred._ There are many things from which I might have derived good, by
which I have not profited, I dare say, Christmas among the rest. But I
am sure I have always thought of Christmas-time, when it came
round--apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if
anything belonging to it can be apart from that--as a good time; a kind,
forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the
long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to
open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as
if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race
of creatures bound on other journeys. And, therefore, uncle, though it
has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it
_has_ done me good, and _will_ do me good; and I say, God bless it.
(_Cratchit applauds, but observing Scrooge, endeavors to be intent on
something else._)
_Scro._ (_to Bob_). Let me hear another sound from _you_, and you'll
keep your Christmas by losing your situation! (_To Fred_). You're quite
a powerful speaker, sir, I wonder you don't go into Parliament.
_Fred._ Don't be angry, uncle. Come, dine with us to-morrow?
_Scro._ I'd see you in blazes first.
_Fred._ But why? Why?
_Scro._ Why did you get married?
_Fred._ Because I fell in love.
_Scro._ Because you fell in love! The only one thing in the world more
ridiculous than a merry Christmas. Good afternoon.
_Fred._ Nay, uncle, but you never came to see me before that happened.
Why give it as a reason for not coming now?
_Scro._ Good afternoon.
_Fred._ I want nothing from you; I ask nothing of you; why cannot we be
friends?
_Scro._ Good afternoon!
_Fred._ I am sorry, with all my heart, to find you so resolute. We have
never had any quarrel, to which I have been a party. But I have made the
trial in homage to Christmas, and I'll keep my Christmas humor to the
last. So a Merry Christmas, uncle.
_Scro._ Good afternoon!
(_As Fred goes out he exchanges greetings with Bob._)
_Fred._ A merry Christmas.
_Bob._ The same to you, and many of them.
_Scro._ There's another fellow, my clerk, with fifteen shillings a week,
and a wife and family, talking about a Merry Christmas. I'll retire to
the lunatic asylum.
_Enter Mr. Mumford and Mr. Barnes with subscription
book and paper, ushered in by Bob._
_Mr. Mumford._ Scrooge & Marley's. I believe (_referring to paper_).
Have I the pleasure of addressing Mr. Scrooge, or Mr. Marley?
_Scro._ Mr. Marley his been dead these seven years. He died seven years
ago this very night.
_Mr. M._ We have no doubt his liberality is well represented by his
surviving partner. (_Presents list. Scrooge frowns, shakes his head,
and returns it._) At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge, it is
more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision
for the poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time. Many
thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are
in want of common comforts, sir.
_Scro._ Are there no prisons?
_Mr. M._ Plenty of prisons.
_Scro._ And the union work-houses--are they still in operation?
_Mr. M._ They are. I wish I could say they were not.
_Scro._ The tread-mill and the poor law are in full vigor, then?
_Mr. M._ Both very busy, sir.
_Scro._. Oh! I was afraid from what you said at first that something had
occurred to stop them in their useful course. I'm very glad to hear it.
_Mr. M._ Under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer
of mind or body to the multitude, a few of us are endeavoring to raise a
fund to buy the poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth. We chose
this time because it is a time, of all others, when want is keenly felt,
and abundance rejoices. What shall I put you down for?
_Scro._ Nothing.
_Mr. M._ You wish to be anonymous?
_Scro._ I wish to be left alone. Since you ask me what I wish,
gentlemen, that is my answer. I don't make merry myself at Christmas,
and I can't afford to make idle people merry. I help to support the
establishments I have mentioned; they cost enough, and those who are
badly off must go there.
_Mr. B._ Many can't go there; and many would rather die.
_Scro._ If they had rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the
surplus population. Besides, excuse me, I don't know that.
_Mr. B._ But you might know it.
_Scro._ It's not my business. It's enough for a man to understand his
own business, and not interfere with other people's. Mine occupies me
constantly. Good afternoon, gentlemen.
_Mr. M._ It is useless, we may as well withdraw. [_Exeunt. As they go
out Bob is seen to hand them money._]
(_Voice at door_ R. _singing_.)
God bless you, merry gentlemen.
May nothing you dismay--
_Scro._ (_Seizes ruler and makes a dash at the door._) Begone! I'll have
none of your carols here. (_Makes sign to Bob, who extinguishes his
candle and puts on his hat and enters._) You'll want all day to morrow,
I suppose?
_Bob._ If quite convenient, sir.
_Scro._ It's not convenient, and its not fair. If I was to stop
half-a-crown for it you'd think yourself ill-used, I'll be bound? (_Bob
smiles faintly._) And yet you don't think _me_ ill-used when I pay a
day's wages for no work.
_Bob._ It's only once a year, sir.
_Scro._ A poor excuse for picking a man's pocket every twenty-fifth of
December. (_Buttoning up his great coat to the chin._) But I suppose you
must have the whole day. Be here all the earlier next morning. (_Exit_
C.)
_Bob._ I will, sir. You old skinflint. If I had my way, I'd give you
Christmas. I'd give it to you this way (_Dumb show of pummelling
Scrooge._) Now for a slide on Cornhill, at the end of a lane of boys,
twenty times, in honor of Christmas Eve, and then for Camden Town as
hard as I can pelt. (_Exit_ C., _with sliding motions, closing doors
after him_.)
SCENE II.--_Scrooge's apartments._ _Grate fire_, L.
_2, Window_, R. C. _Door_, L. C. _in flat_. _Table_,
L. _4. Spoon and basin on table. Saucepan on hob. Two
easy chairs near fire. Lights down._
[_Scrooge in dressing gown and night-cap, discovered, with candle,
searching the room._]
_Scro._ Pooh! pooh! Marley's dead seven years to night. Impossible.
Nobody under the table, nobody under the couch, nobody in the closet,
nobody nowhere (_Yawns_). Bah, humbug! (_Locks door_ R. _and seats
himself in easy chair; dips gruel from saucepan into basin, and takes
two or three spoonsful. Yawns and composes himself for rest._)
[_One or two stanzas of a Christmas carol may be sung outside, at the
close of which a general ringing of bells ensues, succeeded by a
clanking noise of chain._]
_Enter Jacob Marley's ghost._ R., _with chain made of
cash-boxes, keys, padlocks, ledgers, deeds, purposes,
etc. Hair twisted upright on each side to represent
horns. White bandage around jaws._
_Scro._ It's humbug still! I won't believe it. [_Pause, during which
Ghost approaches the opposite side of the mantel._] How now. What do you
want with me?
_Ghost._ Much.
_Scro._ Who are you?
_Gho._ Ask me who I _was_.
_Scro._ Who _were_ you then? You're particular, for a shade.
_Gho._ In life I was your partner, Jacob Marley.
_Scro._ Can you--can you sit down?
_Gho._ I can.
_Scro._ Do it, then.
_Gho._ You don't believe in me?
_Scro._ I don't.
_Gho._ What evidence do you require of my reality beyond that of your
senses?
_Scro._ I don't know.
_Gho._ Why do you doubt your senses?
_Scro._ Because a little thing affects them. A slight disorder of the
stomach makes them cheats. You may be an undigested bit of beef, a blot
of mustard, a crumb of cheese, a fragment of an under-done potato.
There's more of gravy than of grave about you, whatever you are. You see
this tooth-pick?
_Gho._ I do.
_Scro._ You are not looking at it.
_Gho._ But I see it, notwithstanding.
_Scro._ Well! I have but to swallow this, and be for the rest of my days
persecuted by a legion of gobblins, all of my own creation. Humbug, I
tell you; humbug. (_Ghost rattles chain, takes bandage off jaws, and
drops lower jaw as far as possible._)
_Scro._ (_Betrays signs of fright._) Mercy! dreadful apparition, why do
you trouble me?
_Gho._ Man of the worldly mind, do you believe in me, or not?
_Scro._ I do. I must. But why do spirits walk the earth, and why do they
come to me?
_Gho._ It is required of every man that the spirit within him should
walk abroad among his fellow men and travel far and wide, and if that
spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned to do so after death. It
is doomed to wander through the world--oh, woe is me--and witness what
it can not share, but might have shared on earth, turned to happiness.
[_Shakes chain and wrings his hands._]
_Scro._ You are fettered; tell me why?
_Gho._ I wear the chain I forged in life; I made it link by link and
yard by yard. I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free
will I wore it. Is its pattern strange to _you_? Or would you know the
weight and length of the strong coil you bear yourself. It was full as
heavy and as long as this seven Christmas-eves ago. You have labored on
it since. It is a pondrous chain!
_Scro._ Jacob, old Jacob Marley, tell me more. Speak comfort to me,
Jacob.
_Gho._ I have none to give. It comes from other regions, Ebenezer
Scrooge, and is conveyed by other ministers to other lands of men. Nor
can I tell you what I would. A very little more is all that is permitted
to me. I can not rest, I can not stay, I can not linger anywhere. My
spirit never walked beyond our counting house, mark me!--in life my
spirit never roved beyond the narrow limits of our money changing hole;
and weary journeys lie before me.
_Scro._ You must have been very slow about it, Jacob.
_Gho._ Slow?
_Scro._ Seven years dead. And traveling all the time.
_Gho._ The old time. No rest, no peace. Incessant tortures of remorse.
_Scro._ You travel fast?
_Gho._ On the wings of the wind.
_Scro._ You might have got over a great quantity of ground in seven
years, Jacob.
_Gho._ (_Clinking his chain._) Oh! captive, bound and double-ironed, not
to know that ages of incessant labor by immortal creatures; for this
earth must pass into eternity before the good of which it is susceptible
is all developed. Not to know that any Christian spirit working kindly
in its little sphere, whatever it may be, will find its mortal life too
short for its vast means of usefulness. Not to know that no space of
regret can make amends for one life's opportunity misused. Yet, such was
I. Oh, such was I!
_Scro._ But you were always a good man of business Jacob.
_Gho._ Business! [_wringing his hands and shaking chain._] Mankind was
my business. The common welfare was my business. Charity, mercy,
forbearance and benevolence were all my business. The dealings of my
trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my
business. [_Holds up chain at arm's length, and drops it._] At this time
of the rolling year I suffer most. Why did I walk through crowds of
fellow beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them, to that
blessed Star which led the wise men to a poor abode? Were there no poor
houses to which its light would have conducted _me_? Hear me! my time is
nearly gone.
_Scro._ I will; but don't be hard upon me. Don't be flowery, Jacob,
pray.
_Gho._ How it is that I appear before you in a shape that you can see, I
may not tell. I have sat invisible beside you many and many a day. That
is no light part of my penance. I am here to-night to warn you that you
have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate. A chance and hope of my
procuring, Ebenezer.
_Scro._ You were always a good friend to me. Thank 'er.
_Gho._ You will be haunted by three spirits.
_Scro._ Is that the chance and hope you mentioned, Jacob?
_Gho._ It is.
_Scro._ I--I think I'd rather not.
_Gho._ Without their visits you can not hope to shun the path I tread.
Expect the first to-morrow, when the bell tolls one.
_Scro._ Couldn't I take'em all at once, and have it over, Jacob?
_Gho._ Expect the second on the next night at the same hour. The third
on the night following, when the last stroke of twelve has ceased to
vibrate. Look to see me no more; and look that, for your own sake, you
remember what has passed between us. [_Ghost replaces bandage around
jaws, rises, winds chain about his arm, walks backward to window,
beckoning Scrooge, who rises and follows. As soon as Ghost walks through
window, which opens for him, he motions for Scrooge to stop, and
disappears through trap. Window closes as before._]
CURTAIN.
STAVE TWO.
SCENE I.--_Scrooge's bed room. A small, four-post
bedstead with curtains at_ L. E., _bureau_ R. E. _Bell
tolls twelve. Scrooge pulls curtains aside and sits on
side of bed. Touches spring of his repeater, which
also strikes twelve._
_Scro._ Way, it isn't possible that I can have slept through a whole
day, and far into another night. It isn't possible that anything has
happened to the sun, and this is twelve o'clock at noon.
(_The Spirit of Christmas Past rises from the hearth as Scrooge finishes
his Speech._)
_Scro._ Are you the Spirit, sir, whose coming was foretold to me?
_Spirit._ I am.
_Scro._ Who, and what are you?
_Spir._ I am the ghost of Christmas Past.
_Scro._ Long past?
_Spir._ No; your past.
_Scro._ I beg you will be covered.
_Spir._ What! would you so soon put out, with worldly hands, the light I
give? Is it not enough that you are one of those whose passions made
this cap, and force me through whole trains of years to wear it low upon
my brow?
_Scro._ I have no intention of offending you. May I make bold to enquire
what business has brought you here?
_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.
_Scro._ (_Putting his hand in his pocket and drying his eyes on his
cuff_) I wish--but it's too late now.
_Spir._ What is the matter?
_Scro._ Nothing; nothing. There was a boy singing a Christmas carol at
my door, last night, I should like to have given him something, that's
all.
[_Young Scrooge rises and walks up and down. Door opens and Fanny
Scrooge darts in and puts her arms about his neck and kisses him._]
_Fanny._ Dear, dear brother! I have come to bring you home, dear
brother. (_Clapping her hands and laughing gleefully._) To bring you
home, home, home!
_Young S._ Home, little Fan?
_Fan._ Yes! Home for good, and all. Home for ever and ever. Father is
so much kinder than he used to be, that home is like Heaven. He spoke so
gently to me one dear night when I was going to bed, that I was not
afraid to ask him once more if you might come home; and he said yes, you
should; and sent me in a coach to bring you. And you're to be a man, and
never to come back here; but first we're to be together all the
Christmas long, and have the merriest time in all the world.
_Young S._ You're quite a woman, little Fan! [_She claps her hands and
laughs, tries to touch his head, but being too little, laughs again.
Stands on tip-toe to embrace him, and in childish eagerness and glee,
drags him willingly towards the door. Exeunt._]
_Voice_ [_outside_]. Bring down Master Scrooge's box, there.
[_Scene Closes_]
_Spir._ Always a delicate creature, whom a breath might have withered.
But she had a large heart.
_Scro._ So she had. You're right. I will not gainsay it, Spirit. Lord
forbid.
_Spir._ She died a woman, and had, as I think, children.
_Scro._ One child.
_Spir._ True; your nephew.
_Scro._ [_uneasily_] Yes.
_Spir._ Let us see another Christmas. (_Waves wand._)
SCENE III.--_Fezziwig's Ball, full depth of stage,
representing a wareroom. Fezziwig and Mrs. Fezziwig
L., the former standing and clapping his hands, and
the latter seated in an arm-chair, manifesting
delight. Old bald-headed fiddler, on an elevated seat,
at the back. Dick Wilkins, with two Miss Fezziwigs,
forward to right and back. Scrooge's former self
advances and retires to the partners, with fancy
steps: hands around; right and left; ladies change;
balance; promenade. Other characters to fill up the
picture. Laughter and merriment to follow Scrooge's
speech._
_Spir._ Do you know it?
_Scro._ Know it! I was apprenticed here. Why, its old Fezziwig. Bless
his heart; its Fezziwig alive again, and Mrs Fezziwig, too. Dick
Wilkins, to be sure, with Fezziwig's two daughters. Bless me, yes. There
he is. He was very much attached to me, was Dick. Poor Dick. And see me,
cutting the pigeon-wing. Dear, dear, dear!
(_Dance comes to an end amid general hilarity and merriment, and the
scene closes in._)
_Spir._ A small matter to make these silly folks so full of gratitude.
_Scro._ Small! Why, old Fezziwig was one of the best men that ever
lived. He never missed giving his employees a Christmas ball.
_Spir._ Why, is it not! He spent but a few pounds of money--three or
four pounds, perhaps--. Is that so much that he deserves your praise?
_Scro._ It isn't that, Spirit. He had the power to render us happy or
unhappy; to make our services light or burdensome; a pleasure or a toil.
Say that his power lives in words and looks; in things so light and
unsignificant that it is impossible to add and count 'em up; what then?
The happiness he gives is quite as great if it cost a fortune--oh, dear.
_Spir._ What is the matter?
_Scro._ Nothing, particular.
_Spir._ Something, I think.
_Scro._ No, no. I should like to be able to say a word or two to my
clerk, just now, that's all.
_Spir._ My time grows short, let us hurry on. Do you remember this?
(_Waves wand._)
SCENE IV.--_A room. Enter Belle and Scrooge's former
self, at twenty-five years of age._
_Scro._ It is Belle, as sure as I am a living sinner.
_Belle._ It matters little to you. To you very little. Another idol has
displaced me; and if it can cheer and comfort you in time to come, as I
would have tried to do, I have no just cause to grieve.
_Young S._ What idol has displaced you?
_Belle._ A golden one.
_Young S._ This is the even-handed dealing of the world. There is
nothing on which it is so hard as poverty; and there is nothing it
professes to condemn with such severity, as the pursuit of wealth.
_Belle._ You fear the world too much. All your other hopes have merged
into the hope of being beyond the chance of its sordid reproach. I have
seen your nobler aspirations fall off one by one, until the master
passion _gain_, engrosses you. Have I not?
_Young S._ What then? Even if I have grown so much wiser, what then? I
am not changed toward you, (_She shakes her head._) Am I?
_Belle._ Our contract is an old one. It was made when we were both poor
and content to be so, until in good season, we could improve our worldly
fortune by our patient industry. You _are_ changed. When it was made you
were another man.
_Young S._ I was a boy.
_Belle._ Your own feeling tells you that you were not what you are. I
am. That which promised happiness when we were one in heart is fraught
with misery now that we are two. How often and how keenly I have thought
of this, I will not say. It is enough that I _have_ thought of it, and
can release you.
_Young S._ Have I ever sought release?
_Belle._ In words; no, never.
_Young S._ In what, then?
_Belle._ In a changed nature; in an altered spirit; in another
atmosphere of life; another hope as to its great end. In everything that
made my love of any worth or value in your sight. If this had never been
between us, tell me, would you seek me out and try to win me now? Ah,
no!
_Young S._ You think not?
_Belle._ I would gladly think otherwise, if I could; Heaven knows. When
I have learned a truth like this, I know how strong and irresistible it
must be. But if you were free to-day, to-morrow, yesterday, can even I
believe that you would choose a dowerless girl--you, who, in your very
confidence with her, weigh everything by gain; or choosing her, if for a
moment you were false enough to your one guiding principle to do so, do
I not know that your repentance and regret would surely follow? I do;
and I release you, with a full heart, for the love of him you once were.
(_He is about to speak, but with her head turned from him she resumes._)
You may--the memory of what is past half makes me hope you will--have
pain in this. A very, very brief time, and you will dismiss the
recollection of it, gladly, as an unprofitable dream, from which it
happened well that you awoke. May you be happy in the life you have
chosen. Fare well. [_Exit._]
_Young S._ (_Following_) Belle, Belle! Hear me. Let me explain.
[_Exit._]
[_Scene Closes._]
_Scro._ Spirit, show me no more! Conduct me home. Why do you delight to
torture me?
_Spir._ O, mortal, what a treasure didst thou cast away. She, whom you
resigned for paltry gold, became the happy wife of your former
schoolmate, Kemper. One shadow more. Behold now the tender mother of
smiling children, in their joyous home--a home that might have been your
own.
_Scro._ No more! no more! I don't wish to see it.
_Spir._ Behold. (_Waves Wand._)
SCENE V.--_Drawing room. Six or eight children, of
various sizes, in groups, playing with toys. A
Christmas tree, trimmed and lighted. Mr. and Mrs.
Kemper seated at table; their daughter Belle seated at
fire, dressing a doll for one of the girls._
_Mr. K._ Belle, I saw an old friend of yours this afternoon.
_Mrs. K._ Who was it?
_Mr. K._ Guess?
_Mrs. K._ How can I? Tut, don't I know (_laughingly_), Mr. Scrooge?
_Mr. K._ Mr. Scrooge it was--your old sweetheart (_laughing_). I passed
his office window, and as it was not shut up, and he had a candle
inside, I could scarcely help seeing him. His partner, old Jacob Marley,
lies upon the point of death, I hear. And there he sat, alone. Quite
alone in the world, I do believe.
_Mrs. K._ Poor old man.
[_Scene Closes._]
_Scro._ Spirit (_in a broken voice_), remove me from this place.
_Spir._ I told you these were shadows of the things that have been.
That they are what they are, do not blame me.
_Scro._ I am to blame for what they are, and now that I see what they
might have been, I am more wretched than ever. Remove me! I can not bear
it. (_Turns upon the spirit, and struggles with it._) Leave me! Take me
back! Haunt me no longer! (_Seizes the extinguisher-cap, presses it
down, while spirit sinks through trap, and disappears. When trap is
replaced, Scrooge reels to the bedstead, apparently exhausted, and with
the cap grasped in his hand, falls asleep._)
CURTAIN.
STAVE THREE.
SCENE I.--_Adjoining room in Scrooge's house. Flat to
represent piles of turkeys, geese, game, poultry,
joints of meat, sucking-pigs, strings of sausages,
oysters, mince pies, plum-puddings, pears, apples,
oranges, cakes and bowls of punch; also holly,
mistletoe and ivy._
_The Spirit of Christmas Present_ R. [_a giant_], _discovered holding a
glowing torch--shaped like a cornucopia, to shed its light on Scrooge's
entrance._
_Spir._ Come in!
_Enter Scrooge, timidly_, L.
_Spir._ Come in, and know me better, man. You have never seen the like
of me before.
_Scro._ Never.
_Spir._ Have never walked forthwith the younger members of my family,
meaning--for I am very young--my elder brothers, born in these later
years?
_Scro._ I don't think I have. I am afraid I have not. Have you had many
brothers, Spirit?
_Spir._ More than eighteen hundred.
_Scro._ A tremendous family to provide for. Spirit, conduct me where you
will. I went forth last night on compulsion, and I learned a lesson
which is working now. To-night, if you have aught to teach me, let me
profit by it.
_Spir._ Touch my robe, and remember that we are invisible, and unable to
manifest our presence to those with whom we come in contact. Loose not
your hold, lest you should lose yourself. [_Exeunt_ L.]
SCENE II.--_Bob Cratchit's home. Mrs. Cratchit
discovered laying cloth. Belinda assisting her. Master
Peter Cratchit blowing the fire._
_Mrs. C._ What has ever got your precious father, then? And your
brother, Tiny Tim! And Martha warn't as late last Christmas Day by half
an hour?
_Enter Little Cratchit and Martha. Door in flat._
_Little C._ Here's Martha, mother! Here's Martha Hurrah! Oh, Martha,
there's such a big goose at the bakers, next door. I smelt it cooking.
_Mrs. C._ Why, bless your heart alive, my dear, how late you are!
(_Kissing her and taking off her bonnet and shawl._)
_Martha._ We'd a deal of work to finish up last night, and had to clear
away this morning, mother.
_Mrs. C._ Well, never mind, so long as you are come. Sit ye down before
the fire, my dear, and have a warm, Lord bless ye.
_Little C._ No, no! There's father coming. Hide, Martha, hide. (_Martha
gets behind the door._)
_Enter Bob Cratchit with Tiny Tim on his shoulder and
little crutch in his hand. Spirit and Scrooge
following, coming down front, and observing with
interest all that passes._
_Bob._ Why, where's our Martha? (_Looking around and putting Tiny Tim
down._)
_Little C._ Come, Tiny Tim, and see the pudding boil.
[_Exeunt children._]
_Mrs. C._ Not coming.
_Bob._ Not coming! not coming, on Christmas Day?
_Mar._ (_Running into his arms._) Dear father! I could not see you
disappointed, if it were only in joke.
_Bob._ (_Embraces her._) You're a good girl, Martha, and a great
comfort to us all. (_Commences to mix a bowl of punch._)
_Mrs. C._ And how did little Tim behave?
_Bob._ As good as gold, and better. Somehow he gets thoughtful, sitting
by himself so much, and thinks the strangest things you ever heard. He
told me, coming home, that he hoped the people saw him in church,
because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember
upon Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk and blind men see. Tiny
Tim is growing strong and hearty.
_Enter Little Cratchit and Peter Cratchit with the goose, followed by
Tiny Tim._
_Little C._ Hurrah! Hurrah! Here's Peter with the big goose.
_Tiny Tim._ Hurrah!
(_Children place chairs around the table; Bob puts Tiny Tim in a high
chair beside him, and Peter on his left, facing front, Belinda and
Little Cratchit opposite. Mrs. C. and Martha at the end of the table.
Bob carves and serves the goose, Mrs. C. the gravy and mashed potatoes,
and Martha the apple-sauce._)
_Little C._ Oh! oh! Look at the stuffing.
_Tiny T._ Hurrah!
_Bob._ I don't believe there ever was such a goose as this cooked. It's
more tender than a woman's love, and only cost two and sixpence. A Merry
Christmas to us all, my dears. God bless us.
_All._ God bless us.
_Tiny T._ God bless us every one.
_Scro._ Spirit, tell me if Tiny Tim will live?
_Spir._ I see a vacant seat in the poor chimney-corner and a crutch
without an owner carefully preserved. If these shadows remain unaltered
by the future, none other of my race will find him here. What then? If
he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease the surplus
population.
_Scro._ (_Hangs his head._) My very words.
_Spir._ Man--if man you be in heart, 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. It may be, in
the sight of Heaven, you are more worthless and less fit to live than
millions like this poor man's child. Oh, Heaven! to hear the insect on
the leaf pronouncing on the too much life among his hungry brothers of
the dust!
_Mrs. C._ Now, Martha and Belinda, change the plates, while I bring the
nuts, apples and oranges.
_Bob._ (_Rising and placing the punch-bowl on the table._) Here is what
will remind us it is Christmas. (_Fills three tumblers and custard-cup
without a handle, and passes them to Mrs. C., Peter and Martha._) 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, and I hope he'd have a good
appetite for it.
_Bob._ My dear, the children! Christmas Day.
_Mrs. C._ It should be Christmas Day, I am sure, on which one drinks the
health of such an odious, stingy, hard, unfeeling man as Mr. Scrooge.
You know he is, Robert. Nobody knows it better than you, poor fellow.
_Bob._ My dear. Christmas Day.
_Mrs. C._ I'll drink his health for your sake and the day's, not for
his. Long life to him. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! He'll be
very merry and very happy, I have no doubt.
_All._ A Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
_Scro._ Spirit, take me away. I see the very mention of my name casts a
gloom on what, were it not for me, would be a very happy party.
_Spir._ Wait; they will soon put the memory of you aside, and will be
ten times merrier than before, and Tiny Tim will sing.
_Scro._ No, no; take me hence.
(_As they retire toward the door, the spirit shakes his torch toward the
party, which restores good humor._)
_Little C._ Oh! we forgot the pudding!
_All._ The pudding! the pudding! (_Laughter and confusion._)
SCENE III.--_A street. Mansion with lighted window,
showing shadow of a group. Sounds of music inside._
_Enter Spirit and Scrooge_ L. _A lamp-lighter with
torch and ladder_ R; _as he passes them, the spirit
waves his torch, and the lamp-lighter exits singing a
carol. Enter two men, quarreling._
_First Man._ But, I know better, it is not so.
_Second Man._ It is so, and I will not submit to contradiction.
(_Spirit waves his torch over them._)
_First Man._ Well, I declare, here we are, old friends, quarreling on
Christmas Day. It is a shame to quarrel on Christmas Day.
_Second Man._ So it is a shame to quarrel on this day. God love it, so
it is; come, and if we are not merry for the rest of it, it shall not be
my fault. [_Exeunt._]
_Scro._ Spirit, is there a peculiar flavor in what you sprinkle from
your torch?
_Spir._ There is. My own.
_Scro._ I notice that you sprinkle it to restore good humor, and over
dinners. Would it apply to any kind of dinner on this day?
_Spir._ To any kindly given. To a poor one most.
_Scro._ Why to a poor one most?
_Spir._ Because it needs it most.
_Enter Ignorance and Want; approaching the Spirit, they kneel at his
feet. Scrooge starts back appalled._
_Spir._ Look here! oh, man, look here! Look! look down here. Behold,
where graceful youth should have filled their features out and touched
them with its freshest tints; a stale and shriveled hand, like that of
age, has pinched and twisted them and pulled them into shreds. Where
angels might have sat enthroned, devils lurk and glare out, menacing. No
change, no degradation, no perversion of humanity, in any grade, through
all the mysteries of wonderful creation, has monsters half so horrible
and dread.
_Scro._ They are fine-looking children. Spirit, are they yours?
_Spir._ They are man's. And they cling to me, appealing from their
fathers. This boy is Ignorance, this girl is Want. Beware them both, and
all of their degree; but most of all, beware this boy, for on his brow I
see that written which is _doom_, unless the writing be erased. Deny
it, great city. Slander those who tell it ye. Admit it for your factious
purposes, make it worse, and abide the end.
_Scro._ Have they no refuge or resource?
_Spir._ Are there no prisons? Are there no work-houses?
_Scro._ My very words, again.
_Spir._ Begone! hideous, wretched creatures, your habitation should not
be in a Christian land. (_Ignorance and Want slouch off._) Let us
proceed, time is passing, and my life is hastening to an end.
_Scro._ Are spirit's lives so short?
_Spir._ My life on this globe is very brief. It ends to-night.
_Scro._ To-night?
_Spir._ To-night, at midnight. (_Exeunt._)
SCENE IV--_Drawing room. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Merry, Miss
Julia Kemper, Miss Sarah Kemper, Mr. Thomas Topper,
Mr. Henry Snapper, discovered seated around the
dessert table. Servant serving coffee._
_All._ (_Laughing_) Ha, ha! ha, ha, ha, ha!
_Enter Spirit and Scrooge_, L.
_Fred._ He said Christmas was a humbug, as I live.
_All._ Ha, ha! Ha, ha, ha, ha!
_Fred._ He believed it, too.
_Mrs. M._ More shame for him, Fred!
_Fred._ He's a comical old fellow, that's the truth; and not so pleasant
as he might be; however, his offenses carry their own punishment, and I
have nothing to say against him.
_Mrs. M._ I'm sure he's very rich, Fred. At least you always tell _me_
so.
_Fred._ What of that, my dear. His wealth is of no use to him. He don't
do any good with it. He don't make himself comfortable with it. He
hasn't the satisfaction of thinking--ha, ha, ha, ha!--that he is ever
going to benefit us with it.
_Mrs. M._ I have no patience with him.
_Julia._ Neither have I for such a stingy old wretch!
_Fred._ Oh, I have. I am sorry for him; I couldn't be angry with him if
I tried. Who suffers by his ill whims? Himself, always. Here he takes it
into his head to dislike us, and he won't come and dine with us. What's
the consequence? He don't lose much of a dinner.
_Mrs. M._ Indeed, I think he loses a very good dinner.
_Sarah._ A much better one than he could have served up in his old dingy
chambers.
_Fred._ Well, I'm very glad to hear it, because I haven't great faith in
these young housekeepers. What do _you_ say, Topper?
_Topper._ A bachelor like myself is a wretched outcast, and has no right
to express an opinion on such an important subject.
_Mrs. M._ Do go on, Fred. He never finishes what he begins to say. He is
such a ridiculous fellow.
_Fred._ I was only going to say, that the consequence of our uncle
taking a dislike to us, and not making merry with us, _is_, as I think,
that he loses some pleasant moments, which could do him no harm. I am
sure he loses pleasanter companions than he finds in his own thoughts,
either in his moldy old office or his dusty chambers. I mean to give him
the same chance every year, whether he likes it or not, for I pity him.
He may rail at Christmas till he dies, but he can't help thinking better
of it--I defy him--if he finds me going there, in good temper, year
after year, and saying, Uncle Scrooge, I wish you A Merry Christmas and
A Happy New Year! If it only puts him in the vein to leave his poor
clerk fifty pounds, _that's_ something; and I think I shook him
yesterday.--Come, let us have some music. Here, Thomas, clear away.
[_All rise and go to the piano. Waiter clears table during the singing
of a Christmas carol or any selected piece._]
_Fred._ We must not devote the whole evening to music. Suppose we have a
game?
_All._ Agreed.
_Spir._ Time flies; I have grown old. We must hasten on.
_Scro._ No, no! One half hour, Spirit, only one.
_Fred._ I have a new game to propose.
_Sarah._ What is it?
_Fred._ It is a game called Yes and No. I am to think of something and
you are all to guess what it is. I am thinking of an animal, a live
animal, rather a disagreeable animal, a savage animal that growls and
grunts sometimes, and talks sometimes, and lives in London, and walks
about the streets, and is not made a show of, and is not led by anybody
and don't live in a menagerie, and is not a horse, a cow or a donkey or
a bull. There, now guess?
_Mrs. M._ Is it a pig?
_Fred._ No.
_Julia._ Is it a tiger?
_Fred._ No.
_Topper._ Is it a dog?
_Fred._ No.
_Sarah._ Is it a cat?
_Snapper._ It's a monkey.
_Fred._ No.
_Mrs. M._ Is it a bear?
_Fred._ No.
_Julia._ I have found it out! I know what it is, Fred! I know what it
is!
_Fred._ What is it?
_Julia._ It's your uncle Scro-o-o-oge!
_Fred._ Yes.
_All._ Ha, ha, ha! ha, ha, ha!
_Mrs. M._ It is hardly fair, you ought to have said yes, when I said,
it's a bear.
_Fred._ He has given us plenty of merriment, I'm sure, and it would be
ungrateful not to drink his health. Here is some mulled wine ready to
our hand at the moment; and when you are ready I say uncle Scrooge!
(_Servant brings wine forward._)
_All._ Well! Uncle Scrooge!
_Fred._ A Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to the old man. He
wouldn't take it from me, but may he have it, nevertheless. Uncle
Scrooge!
_All._ Uncle Scrooge, uncle Scrooge!
(_Scrooge seems to make efforts to reply to the toast, while spirit
drags him away._)
CURTAIN.
STAVE FOUR.
SCENE I.--_Scrooge's chambers._
_Scrooge discovered upon his knees._
_Scro._ Can this be the Spirit of Christmas Future that I see
approaching? shrouded in a black garment, which conceals its head, its
form, its face, and leaves nothing visible save one outstretched hand. I
am in the presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. It points
onward with its hand. You are about to show me the shadows of things
that have not happened, but will happen in the time before us. Is that
so, Spirit? (_Rises and stands trembling._) 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
am prepared to bear you company, and do it with a thankful heart. Will
you not speak to me? It will not speak. The hand points straight before
us. Lead on! Lead on! The night is waning fast, and it is precious time
to me, I know. Lead on, Spirit.
(_Scrooge crosses stage, as if following Spirit to tormentor entrance,
and remains while the scene changes._)
SCENE II.--_A Street._
_Scro._ Ah, here comes Stevens and there Jones. I have always made it a
point to stand well in their esteem--that is in a business point of
view.
_Enter Mr. Stevens_ R. _and Mr. Jones_ L., _meeting_.
_Stevens._ How are you?
_Jones._ Pretty well. So Old Scratch has got his own, at last, hey?
_Stev._ So I am told. Cold, isn't it?
_Jones._ Seasonable for Christmas-time. You're not a skater, I suppose?
_Stev._ No, no. Something else to think of. Good morning. [_Exeunt in
opposite directions._]
_Scro._ Ah, here are more of my old business friends; the Spirit directs
me to hear what they say.
_Enter Mr. Fatchin, Mr. Snuffer and Mr. Redface._
_Mr. F._ No; I don't know much about it, either way; I only know he's
dead.
_Mr. R._ When did he die?
_Mr. F._ Last night, I believe.
_Mr. S._ Why, what was the matter with him? (_Takes snuff out of a large
snuff-box._) I thought he would never die.
_Mr. F._ I did not take the trouble to inquire.
_Mr. R._ What has he done with his money?
_Mr. F._ I haven't heard (_yawning_); left it to his company, perhaps.
He hasn't left it to _me_. That's all I know. (_All laugh._) It's likely
to be a very cheap funeral, for upon my life I don't know of any body to
go to it. Suppose we make up a party and volunteer?
_Mr. R._ I don't mind going if a lunch is provided. I must be fed if I
make one. (_All laugh._)
_Mr. F._ Well, I am the most disinterested, after all, for I never wear
black gloves and I never eat lunch. But I'll offer to go, if any body
else will. When I come to think of it, I am not at all sure that I
wasn't his most particular friend; for we used to stop and speak
whenever we met.
_Mr. S._ I would volunteer, but that I have another little matter to
attend to that will prevent me. However, I have no objections to joining
you in a drink to his memory.
_Mr. R._ I am with you. Let us adjourn to the punch bowl. [_Exeunt._]
_Scro._ To whom can these allusions refer; Jacob Marley has been dead
these seven years, and surely those whom I have considered my best
friends would not speak of my death so unfeelingly. I suppose, however,
that these conversations have some latent moral for my own improvement,
and as I have now resolved upon a change of life, I shall treasure up
all I see and hear. Lead on, Shadow, I follow! (_Crosses to the opposite
entrance and remains._)
SCENE III.--_Interior of a junk or pawn-shop._
_Enter Old Joe, ushering in Mrs. Mangle, Mrs. Dilber
and Mr. Shroud, door in flat._
_Old Joe._ You couldn't have met in a better place; come in. You were
made free here long ago, you know, and the other two ain't strangers.
Stop till I shut the door of the shop. Ah! how it shrieks! There isn't
such a rusty bit of metal in the place as its own hinges, I believe, and
I'm sure there's no such old bones here as mine. Ha, ha! We're all
suitable to our calling, we're well matched. Come, come! we are at home
here. (_Trims smoky lamp at table._)
_Mrs. M._ What odds, then! What odds, Mrs. Dilber? (_Throws her bundle
on the floor and sits on a stool, resting her elbows on her knees._)
Every person has a right to take care of themselves. _He_ always did.
_Mrs. D._ That's true, indeed! No man cared for himself more than he
did.
_Mrs. M._ Why, then, don't stand staring as if you was afraid, woman;
who's the wiser? We're not going to pick holes in each other's coats, I
suppose?
_Mr. Shroud._ No, indeed! We should hope not.
_Mrs. M._ Very well, then: that's enough. Who's the worse for the loss
of a few things like these? Not a dead man, I suppose.
_Mr. S._ (_Laughing._) No, indeed.
_Mrs. M._ If he wanted to keep 'em after he was dead, the wicked old
Screw, why wasn't he natural in his life time? If he had been, he'd have
had somebody to look after him when he was struck with death, instead of
lying gasping out his last there, alone by himself.
_Mrs. D._ It's the truest word ever was spoke. It's a judgment on him.
_Mrs. M._ I wish it was a little heavier judgment, and it should have
been, you may depend upon it, if I could have laid my hands on anything
else. Open that bundle, Old Joe, and let me know the value of it. Speak
out plain. I'm not afraid to be the first, nor afraid to let them see
it. We knew pretty well that we were helping ourselves, before we met
here, I believe. It's no sin. Open the bundle, Joe.
_Mr. S._ Oh, no; we don't mind showing what we have. Here, Joe, value
these. (_Mrs. D. and Mr. S. lay their packages on the table and Joe
proceeds to examine them._)
_Joe._ (_Chalking the figures on the wall as he names them._) A seal,
eight shillings; pencil-case, three and six pence; pair of
sleeve-buttons, five and four-pence; scarf-pin, ninepence. Nine and
four, thirteen, and six, is nineteen--seven. One and five's six, and
thirteen is nine, and eight makes seventeen. That's your account, and I
wouldn't give another sixpence if I was to be boiled for it. Who's next?
_Mrs. D._ I hope you'll be more liberal with me, Mr. Joe. I'm a poor,
lone widow, and it's hard for me to make a living.
_Joe._ I always give too much to the ladies. It's a weakness of mine,
and that's the way I ruin myself. Under-clothing, sheets, towels,
sugar-tongs; these tea-spoons are old-fashioned, and the boots won't
bear mending. One pound six, that's your account. If you asked me
another penny, and made it an open question I'd repent of being liberal,
and knock off half a crown.
_Mrs. M._ Now, undo _my_ bundle, Joe.
_Joe._ (_Opening bundle._) What do you call this? Bed curtains?
_Mrs. M._ Ah! (_Laughing._) Bed curtains.
_Joe._ You don't mean to say you took 'em down, rings and all, with Old
Scrooge lying there?
_Mrs. M._ Yes I do. Why not?
_Joe._ You were born to make your fortune, and you'll certainly do it.
_Mrs. M._ I certainly shan't hold my hand, when I can get anything in it
by reaching it out, for the sake of such a man as _he_ was, I promise
you, Joe. Don't drop that oil upon the blanket, now.
_Joe._ His blankets?
_Mrs. M._ Whose else's do you think? He isn't likely to take cold
without 'em, I dare say.
Joe. I hope he didn't die of anything catching. Eh? (_Stopping his work
and looking up._)
_Mrs. M._ Don't you be afraid of that: I ain't so fond of his company
that I'd loiter about him for such things if he did. Ah, you may look
through that shirt till your eyes ache, but you won't find a hole in it
nor a thread-bare place. It's the best he had, and a fine one, too.
They'd have wasted it if it hadn't been for me.
_Joe._ What do you call wasting of it?
_Mrs. M._ (_laughing._) Putting it on him to be buried in, to be sure.
Somebody was fool enough to do it, but I took it off again. If calico
ain't good enough for such a purpose, it isn't good enough for anything.
It's as becoming to the body. He can't look uglier than he did in that
one.
_Joe._ Well, well! I'll ruin myself again. I'll give you two guineas for
the lot, and go to the bankrupt court. (_Takes bag of coin and counts
out their amounts._)
_Mrs. M._ Ha, ha! This is the end of it, you see. He frightened every
one away from him when he was alive, to profit us when he was dead.
_All._ Ha, ha, ha! [_Exeunt door in flat, old Joe lighting them out._]
_Scro._ Spirit! I see, I see. This is my own case, if nothing happens to
change it. My life tends this way. Spirit, in leaving this. I shall not
leave its lesson; trust me. If there is any person in the city who feels
the least emotion for the death here announced, show that person to me.
[_Crosses to_ L., _while scene closes in_.]
SCENE IV.--_Street. Exterior of Scrooge & Marley's
Counting House._
_Scro._ Why, here is my place of business, and has been occupied by
Scrooge & Marley for many years. I see the house, let me behold what I
shall be in the days to come. Why, Spirit, the house is yonder. Why do
you point away? (_Goes to the window and looks in._) It is the old
office still; the same furniture; but no one occupies my chair. Ah! some
one comes.
_Enter James Badger from Counting House, going off
right, meets Mrs. Badger at right entrance._
_Mrs. B._ Ah! James. I have waited for you so long. What news? Is it
good or bad?
_James._ Bad.
_Mrs B._ We are quite ruined?
_James._ No. There is hope yet, Caroline.
_Mrs. B._ If _he_ relents, there is. Nothing is past hope, if such a
miracle has happened.
_James._ He is past relenting. He is dead.
_Mrs. B._ Dead! Thank Heaven; we are saved. (_Pause._) I pray
forgiveness, I am sorry that I gave expression to the emotions of my
heart.
_James._ What the half drunken woman, whom I told you of last night,
said to me when I tried to see him and obtain a week's delay, and what I
thought was a mere excuse to avoid me, turns out to have been quite
true. He was not only very ill, but dying then.
_Mrs. B._ To whom will our debt be transferred?
_James._ I don't know, and I have been unable to ascertain. At all
events, before that time we shall be ready with the money; and even
though we were not, it would be a bad fortune indeed to find so
merciless a creditor in his successor. We may sleep to-night with light
hearts, Caroline!
_Mrs. B._ Yes; and our dear children will be brighter when they find the
gloom dispelled from the minds of their parents. We cannot deny that
this man's death has occasioned some happiness.
_James._ Come, let us hurry home [_Exeunt_, R.]
_Scro._ Spirit, it is evident that the only emotion you can show me,
caused by the event foreshadowed, is one of pleasure. Let me see some
tenderness connected with the death of another, or what has just been
shown me will be forever present in my mind.
SCENE V.--_Bob Cratchit's home. Mrs. Cratchit,
Belinda, Little Cratchit and Peter Cratchit discovered
at table, the two former sewing and the latter reading
a book._
_Peter._ (_Reading._) And he took a child and set him in the midst of
them.
_Scro._ Where have I heard those words? I have not dreamed them. Why
does he not go on?
_Mrs C._ (_Betrays emotions; lays her work upon the table, and puts her
hand to her face._) The color hurts my eyes.
_Bel._ Yes, poor Tiny Tim!
_Mrs. C._ They're better now. It makes them weak by candle-light; and I
wouldn't show weak eyes to your father when he comes home, for the
world. It must be near his time. (_Resumes her work._)
_Peter._ Past it, rather (_shutting up book_), but I think he has
walked a little slower than he used, these last few evenings, mother.
_Mrs. C._ (_In a faltering voice._) I have known him walk with--I have
known him walk with Tiny Tim upon his shoulder very fast indeed.
_Peter._ And so have I, often.
_Bel._ And so have I.
_Mrs. C._ But he was very light to carry, and his father loved him so,
that it was no trouble; no trouble. And there is your father at the
door.
_Enter Bob Cratchit. Belinda and Little Cratchit meet
him; Peter places a chair for him, and Mrs. C. averts
her head to conceal her emotion. Bob kisses Belinda,
and takes Little C. on his knees, who lays his little
cheek against his face._
_Bob._ Hard at work, my dears; hard at work. Why, how industrious you
are, and what progress you are making. You will be done long before
Sunday.
_Mrs. C._ Sunday! You went to-day, then, Robert?
_Bob._ Yes, my dear; I wish you could have gone, it would have done you
good to see how green a place it is. But you'll see it often. I promised
him that I would walk there on a Sunday. My little, little child! my
little child! (_Rises and retires up stage to compose himself; returns
and resumes his place at the table._) Oh, I must tell you of the
extraordinary kindness of Mr Scrooge's nephew, whom I have scarcely seen
but once, and who, meeting me in the street, and seeing that I looked a
little--just a little--down, you know, inquired what had happened to
distress me. On which, for he is the pleasantest-spoken gentleman you
ever heard, I told him. I am heartily sorry for it, Mr. Cratchit, he
said, and heartily sorry for your good wife. By-the-bye, how he ever
knew _that_, I don't know.
_Mrs. C._ Knew what, my dear?
_Bob._ Why, that you were a good wife.
_Peter._ Everybody knows that!
_Bob._ Very well observed, my boy. I hope they do. Heartily sorry, he
said, for your good wife. If I can be of service to you in any way, he
said, giving me his card, that's where I live; pray come to me. Now, it
wasn't for the sake of anything he might be able to do for us, so much
as for his kind way, that this was quite delightful. It really seemed as
if he had known our Tiny Tim, and felt with us.
_Mrs. C._ I'm sure he's a good soul.
_Bob._ You would be sure of it, my dear, if you saw and spoke to him. I
shouldn't be at all surprised--mark my words--if he got Peter a better
situation.
_Mrs. C._ Only hear that, Peter.
_Bel._ And then Peter will be keeping company with some one, and setting
up for himself.
_Peter._ (_Grinning_.) Get along with you!
_Bob._ It's just as likely as not, one of these days; though there's
plenty of time for that, my dear. But, however and whenever we part from
one another, I am sure we shall none of us forget poor Tiny Tim, shall
we?
_All._ Never, father.
_Bob._ And I know, I know, my dears, that when we recollect how patient
and how mild he was--although he was a little child--we shall not
quarrel easily among ourselves, and forget poor Tiny Tim in doing it.
_All._ No, never, father. (_All rise._)
_Bob._ I am very happy. I am very happy! (_Kisses Mrs C., Belinda, Young
C. and shakes hands with Peter._) Spirit of Tiny Tim, thy childish
essence is from above.
CURTAIN.
STAVE FIVE.
SCENE I.--_Scrooge's chamber. Scrooge discovered on
his knees at the easy chair._
_Scro._ 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 have shown me all that you
have, if I am past all hope? Good Spirit, your nature intercedes for me,
and pities me. Assure me that I yet may change the shadows you have
shown me, by an altered life. Your hand trembles. 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 three shall
strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. Oh!
tell me I may sponge away the shadows of the future. (_Grasps the easy
chair in his agony, as if struggling to detain it._) Do not go, I
entreat you. It shrinks, it has collapsed, it has dwindled down into an
easy chair. Yes! my own chair, my own room and best--and happiest of
all--my own time before me to make amends in. Oh, Jacob Marley, Heaven
and the Christmas time be praised for this! I say it on my knees, old
Jacob; on my knees! (_Rises and goes and opens door_ R., 2d E.) They are
not torn down--the bed curtains are not torn down, rings and all. They
are there--I am here--the shadows of the things that would have been,
may be dispelled. They will be; I know they will! (_Commences to dress
himself, putting everything on wrong, etc._) I don't know what to do!
(_Laughing and crying._) I am as light as a feather; I am as happy as an
angel; I am as merry as a school boy; I am as giddy as a drunken man. A
Merry Christmas to every body! A Happy New year to all the world! Halloo
here! Waoop! Halloo! (_Dancing and capering around the room._) There's
the saucepan that the gruel was in; there's the door by which the Ghost
of Jacob Marley entered; there's the corner (_pointing into adjoining
room_) where the Ghost of Christmas Past sat. It's all right; it's all
true; it all happened. Ha, ha, ha! (_Laughing heartily._) I don't know
what day of the month it is. I don't know how long I've been among the
Spirits. I don't know any thing. I'm quite a baby. Never mind; I don't
care. I'd rather be a baby. Haloo! whoop! Halloo here! (_Bells or chimes
commences to ring. Goes to window and opens it._) No fog, no mist;
clear, bright, jovial, cold; cold, piping for the blood to dance to;
golden sunlight, heavenly sky; sweet, fresh air; merry bells. Oh,
glorious! glorious! (_Looking out of window_) Hey! you boy in your
Sunday clothes, what's to-day?
_Voice outside._ Eh?
_Scro._ What's to day my fine fellow?
_Voice outside._ To-day! why. Christmas Day.
_Scro._ It's Christmas Day; I haven't missed it. The Spirits have done
it all in one night. They can do any thing they like. Of course they
can. Of course they can. (_Returns to window._) Halloo, my fine fellow!
_Voice outside._ Halloo!
_Scro._ Do you know the poulterers in the next street but one, at the
corner?
_Voice outside._ I should hope I did.
_Scro._ 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?
_Voice outside._ What the one as big as me?
_Scro._ What a delightful boy. It's a pleasure to talk to him. Yes, my
buck.
_Voice outside._ It's hanging there now.
_Scro._ Is it? Go and buy it.
_Voice outside._ What do you take me for?
_Scro._ No, no. I am in earnest. Go and buy it, and tell 'em to bring it
here, that I may give them the directions where to take it. Come back
with the man, and I'll give you a shilling. Come back with him in less
than five minutes, and I'll gave you half a crown. That boy's off like a
shot. I'll send it to Bob Cratchit's. (_Rubbing his hands and
chuckling._) He shan't know who sent it. It's twice the size of Tiny
Tim. Joe Miller never made such a joke as sending it to Bob's will be. I
must write the directions for that turkey. (_Sits at table to write._)
SCENE II--_A street. Exterior of Scrooge's Chambers._
_Enter Scrooge from the house._
_Scro._ (_Addressing the knocker on the door._) I shall love it as long
as I live. (_Patting the knocker._) I scarcely ever looked at it before.
What an honest expression it has in its face. It's a wonderful
knocker.--Here's the turkey.
_Enter boy with large turkey._
_Scro._ Halloo! Whoop! How are you! Merry Christmas! There's a turkey
for you! This bird never could have stood upon his legs, he would have
snapped 'em short off in a minute, like sticks of sealing-wax. Here's
your half-crown, boy. Now take the monster to Bob Cratchit,
Camden-town; and tell him it's a present from his grandmother, who
wishes him A Merry Christmas, and A Happy New Year. Hold, that, turkey
is too large for you to carry; take a cab, here's the money to pay for
it.
_Enter Mr. and Mrs. Badger_, R.
_Scro._ Why, here comes James Badger and wife, as sure as I live. Good
morning!
_James._ Good morning, sir! A Merry Christmas to you!
_Scro._ The same to you both, and many of them.
_Mrs. B._ He seems in a good humor, speak to him about it.
_Scro._ Going to church, eh?
_James._ We were going, sir, to hear the Christmas Carols, but mindful
of the obligation resting upon us, which falls due to-morrow, and of our
inability to meet the payment, we have called to beg your indulgence,
and ask for a further extension of time.
_Scro._ Why, James, how much do you owe me?
_James._ Twenty pounds, sir.
_Scro._ How long since you contracted the debt?
_James._ Ten years to morrow, sir.
_Scro._ Then you have already paid me over half the amount in interest,
which interest has been compounded, and I have, in fact, received more
than the principal. My dear fellow, you owe me nothing, just consider
the debt cancelled.
_James._ Surely, sir, you cannot mean it.
_Scro._ But I do.
_Mrs. B._ Oh, sir, how can we ever sufficiently manifest our gratitude
for such unexpected generosity?
_Scro._ By saying nothing about it. Remember, James and wife, this is
Christmas day, and on this day, of all others, we should do unto others
as we would have them do unto us.
_James._ May Heaven reward you, sir. You have lightened our hearts of a
heavy burden.
_Scro._ There, there! go to church.
_James._ We shall, sir, and remember our benefactor in our devotions.
(_Shaking hands._) I can say heartily a Merry Christmas.
_Mrs. B._ And A Happy New Year. [_Exeunt_ L.]
_Scro._ I guess they are glad, now, that I am alive, and will be really
sorry when I die. Halloo! Whoop!
_Enter Mr. Barnes_, L., _passes across stage; Scrooge follows and stops
him._
_Scro._ My dear sir (_taking both, his hands_), how do you do? I hope
you succeeded yesterday. It was very kind of you. A Merry Christmas to
you, sir.
_Mr. B._ Mr. Scrooge?
_Scro._ Yes. That is my name, and I fear it may not be pleasant to you.
Allow me to ask your pardon. And will you have the goodness--(_Scrooge
whispers in his ear._)
_Mr. B._ Lord bless me--you take my breath away. My dear Mr. Scrooge,
are you really serious?
_Scro._ If you please. Not a farthing less. A great many back payments
are included in it, I assure you. Will you do me the favor?
_Mr. B._ My dear sir (_shaking hands with him_), I don't know what to
say to such munifi--
_Scro._ Don't say any thing, please. Come and see me. Will you come and
see me?
_Mr. B._ I will--with great pleasure. [_Exit_, R.]
_Scro._ Thank'er. I am much obliged to you. I thank you fifty times.
Bless you!
_Enter Bob Cratchit_, R., _with Tiny Tim on his shoulder_.
_Scro._ Halloo, Bob Cratchit! What do you mean by coming here?
_Bob._ I am very sorry, sir; I was not coming, I was only passing, sir,
on my way to hear the Christmas carols.
_Scro._ What right have you to be passing here to remind me that it is
Christmas?
_Bob._ It's only once a year, sir; it shall not be repeated.
_Scro._ Now, I'll tell you what, my friend. I am not going to stand this
any longer: and therefore I give you permission to pass my house fifty
times a day, if you want to. I give you a week's vacation, without any
deduction for lost time. I am about to raise your salary. (_Giving him a
dig in the waistcoat; Bob staggers back, and Scrooge follows him up._) A
Merry Christmas, Bob! (_Slapping him on the back._) A Merrier Christmas,
Bob, my good fellow, than I have ever given you for many a year! I'll
raise your salary, and endeavor to assist your struggling family, and
I'll be Tiny Tim's Godfather. Come along, my good fellow, we'll go to
church together, and discuss your affairs on the way. Tiny Tim, what do
you say to that?
_Tiny Tim._ I say God bless us, every one.
_Bob._ I would like to say something, sir, but you have deprived me of
the power of speech.
_Scro._ Come on, then, we'll talk it over as we go. Come Tiny Tim, and
go with your Godfather. (_Takes Tim on his shoulder. Exeunt_, L.)
SCENE III.--_Drawing Room in Fred Merry's house. Fred,
Mrs. Fred and Mrs. Kemper discovered seated at table,
conversing._
_Fred._ Is it possible! You surprise me. I never had the least idea that
you had ever met Uncle Scrooge, much less that he was an old admirer of
yours.
_Mrs. M._ Oh! do tell us all about it, dear mother; I'm dying to hear
it.
_Mrs. K._ Well, you must know, my dear children, that Fanny Scrooge--our
mother, Fred--was my earliest friend and schoolmate, and through her I
became acquainted with her brother--your uncle; at that time a noble
spirited boy, fresh from his studies. Our friendship soon ripened into
love, and a betrothal. I cannot describe to you how happy and light
hearted I was, and how true and devoted your uncle continued. Our
marriage was deferred until such time as he should be in a position to
provide us a suitable home. After he left Mr. Fezziwig's, where he had
served his time, he entered the service of Jacob Marley, and
subsequently became his partner. It was at this time I observed a change
in him; he was not less ardent than before, but I soon discovered that
avarice had become the guiding passion of his nature, and that our love
was subservient to its influence. Foreseeing that only misery could
ensue from our union, I released him from the engagement. And now after
the lapse of many years, with the exception of the day, five years ago,
when he attended your father's funeral, we have not met or exchanged a
word with each other.
_Mrs M._ But, mother, did you really love him?
_Mrs. K._ I did, my dear--previous to the discovery of the change in
him.
_Mrs. M._ And did you not sacrifice your love in releasing him?
_Mrs. K._ I merely sacrificed my desires to common sense. Love, to be
lasting, must be mutual, and if it is not paramount to all other
passions, it ends in misery or hate. Hence, being guided by judgment, I
soon found by experience that true love can again exist if worthily
bestowed.
_Fred._ Well, dear mother, I agree with your estimate of Uncle Scrooge.
This is the sixth Christmas Day of our married life, and each Christmas
Eve I have invited him to come and dine with us, but he has never yet
honored us with his presence, and I suppose he never will.
_Scro._ (_Gently opening the door and putting in his head._) Fred! may I
come in? (_All start and rise, and Fred rushes toward the door with both
hands extended._)
_Fred._ Why, bless my soul! who's that?
_Scro._ It's I, your Uncle Scrooge. I have accepted your invitation.
Will you let me in?
_Fred._ Let you in! (_Shaking him heartily by both hands._) Dear heart
alive! Why not! Welcome! welcome! My wife, your niece--Yes, you may.
(_Scrooge kisses her._) Our mother.
_Scro._ Belle! Heavens! What shall I do? (_Aside._)
_Mrs. K._ I fear that our meeting will be painful. I beg your
permission, my son, to retire.
_Fred._ No, no, no. This is Christmas Day. Everybody can be happy on
this day that desires to be, and I know that your meeting can be made a
pleasant and agreeable one if you both so will it. "Peace on earth and
good will to man," is the day's golden maxim.
_Scro._ Although somewhat embarrassed, I concur most heartily in the
wise and good-natured counsel of my dear nephew. Never before have I
experienced the joys common to this day, and never hereafter, while I am
permitted to live, shall I miss them. In the past twenty-four hours I
have undergone a complete revolution of ideas and desires, and have
awakened unto a new life. Instead of a sordid, avaricious old man, I
trust you will find a cheerful, liberal Christian, ever ready to extend
to his fellow creatures a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
_Fred._ Why! uncle, I wonder _you_ don't go into Parliament. I could
dance for joy. (_Embracing him._) You dear old man! You shall ever find
a hearty welcome here.
_Mrs. M._ I join with my husband in his earnest congratulations.
_Mrs. K._ I confess, Mr. Scrooge, that I am rejoiced to find your
nephew's assertions so quickly verified, and that an opportunity is
offered to renew an acquaintance which I hope will end in uninterrupted
friendship. (_They shake hands._)
_Fred._ Ah, here comes Topper and the girls.
_Enter Topper and Julia Kemper, Snapper and Sarah Kemper._
_Fred._ Come, girls, hug and kiss your Uncle Scrooge, he has come to
make merry with us. (_Takes the girls to Scrooge, and endeavors to make
them hug, doing most of the hugging himself._) Hug him hard! This is
Topper, and this is Snapper, they are both sweet on the girls. (_All
laugh._)
_Julia and Sarah._ Oh, you bad man.
_Fred._ Come, let us lose no time. What do you say to a game? Shall it
be blind man's buff?
_All._ Agreed.
_Fred._ Come, Uncle Scrooge, the oldest, first.
_Scro._ Do with me as you please; it is Christmas Day.
(_They play a lively game, falling over chairs, etc. Scrooge catches
each lady, and guesses wrong, until he gets Mrs. Merry, who, in turn,
catches Topper, who pulls the bandage down and goes for Julia, and
pretends that he tells who she is by the way the hair is fixed, etc.
Scrooge and Mrs. Kemper retire up stage, and converse._)
_Julia._ Ah, that's not fair, you peeped. I won't play any more. (_Goes
up stage with Topper._)
_Fred._ Well, I could have guessed that catch, and it's nothing more
than fair that he should peep before making it. It seems, my dear, that
our company have divided into couples. Ought we not demand an
explanation?
_Mrs. M._ As master of the house, it is your duty.
_Fred._ Mr. Thomas Topper and others, we have long suspected you of some
horrible design against the peace and happiness of this family. What
say you to the charge?
_Julia._ On behalf our clients, we plead guilty.
_Sarah._ And urge extenuating circumstances.
_Fred._ Then nothing more remains, but for the Court to pronounce
sentence, which is, that you be placed under the bonds of matrimony, at
such time and place as may suit your convenience. But, Madam Belle
Kemper and Ebenezer Scrooge, what have you to say in your defense.
_Mrs. K._ Only this, that Christmas works wonders.
_Scro._ In other words, Mrs. Kemper finds that Christmas has restored me
to a primitive condition, and leaves it to time to test the merits of
the happy change. (_To audience._) We all have cause to bless Christmas,
and it shall always be my delight to wish you A Merry Christmas, and A
Happy New Year, with Tiny Tim's addition of "God bless us every one."
_CURTAIN._
* * * * *
Transcriber's Notes:
Obvious punctuation errors repaired. Corrections were made in the text
where part of a phrase or name was only partially italic. For example,
on page 34, the "F." of _Mr. F._ on one part of dialogue had been
printed as "_Mr._ F." These things were repaired.
Page iii, "peice" changed to "piece" (piece can be performed)
Page vi, "past" changed to "Past" (hearth for the Spirit of Christmas
Past)
Page vii, "Suit" changed to "Suite" (Fireplace L. Suite of)
Page vii, "dressar" changed to "dresser" (oranges on dresser)
Page viii, "Windew" changed to "Window" (G. Window L. C.)
Page viii, "Cratchet's" changed to "Cratchit's" (SCENE V.--Bob
Cratchit's)
Page 10, "calender" changed to "calendar" (the long calendar of)
Page 12, "Sch." changed to "Scro." (_Scro._. Oh! I was afraid)
Page 15, "make" changed to "made" (I made it link)
Page 16, "invisable" changed to "invisible" (sat invisible beside)
Page 19, "use" changed to "used" (than he used to be)
Page 19, "Gho." changed to "Scro." (_Scro._ Know it!)
Page 20, "to" changed to "too" (the world too much)
Page 21, "chosing" changed to "choosing" (or choosing her)
Page 23, "mistleto" changed to "mistletoe" (also holly, mistletoe)
Page 25, "Hurrrh" changed to "Hurrah" (Hurrah! Hurrah! Here's)
Page 26, "ahd" changed to "and" (than before, and Tiny)
Page 28, "Scro." changed to "Spir." (_Spir._ Begone! hideous)
Page 28, "desert" changed to "dessert" (around the dessert table)
Page 29, "househeepers" changed to "housekeepers" (these young
housekeepers)
Page 29, "vain" changed to "vein" (puts him in the vein)
Page 31, "prepered" changed to "prepared" (I am prepared to)
Page 31, "be ore" changed to "before" (before us. Lead)
Page 32, "That" changed to "That's" (That's all I know)
Page 33, "skrieks" changed to "shrieks" (how it shrieks!)
Page 34, "mysel" changed to "myself" (I ruin myself)
Page 45, "Suapper" changed to "Snapper" (and this is Snapper)
End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Old Scrooge: A Christmas Carol in Five
Staves., by Charles A. Scott
*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD SCROOGE: A CHRISTMAS CAROL ***
***** This file should be named 40729.txt or 40729.zip *****
This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
http://www.gutenberg.org/4/0/7/2/40729/
Produced by Charlene Taylor, Emmy and the Online Distributed
Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
produced from images generously made available by The
Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
will be renamed.
Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules,
set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project
Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you
do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is
subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
redistribution.
*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at
www.gutenberg.org/license.
Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
electronic works
1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be
used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
works. See paragraph 1.E below.
1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the
collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an
individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in
a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check
the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning
the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
States.
1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
copied or distributed:
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
1.E.9.
1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked
to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
Gutenberg-tm License.
1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or
distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
that
- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is
owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments
must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
License. You must require such a user to return or
destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
Project Gutenberg-tm works.
- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
of receipt of the work.
- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the
Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
1.F.
1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
your equipment.
1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGE.
1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with
the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy
is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
opportunities to fix the problem.
1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any
provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists
because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
people in all walks of life.
Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project
Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org
Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
Foundation
The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809
North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email
contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the
Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
For additional contact information:
Dr. Gregory B. Newby
Chief Executive and Director
[email protected]
Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
Literary Archive Foundation
Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
status with the IRS.
The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations
where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To
SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate
While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
approach us with offers to donate.
International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate
Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
works.
Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project
Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily
keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
www.gutenberg.org
This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
