Scrooge could say no more . `` They are Man 's , '' said the Spirit , looking down upon them . `` And they cling to me , appealing from their fathers . This boy is Ignorance . This girl is Want . Beware of 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 ! '' cried the Spirit , stretching out its hand towards the city . `` Slander those who tell it ye ! Admit it for your factious purposes , and make it worse ! And bide the end ! '' `` Have they no refuge or resource ? '' cried Scrooge . `` Are there no prisons ? '' said the Spirit , turning on him for the last time with his own words . `` Are there no workhouses ? '' The bell struck Twelve . Scrooge looked about him for the Ghost , and saw it not . As the last stroke ceased to vibrate , he remembered the prediction of old Jacob Marley , and , lifting up his eyes , beheld a solemn Phantom , draped and hooded , coming like a mist along the ground towards him . STAVE FOUR THE LAST OF THE SPIRITS The Phantom slowly , gravely , silently approached .
When it came near him , XXXXX bent down upon his knee ; for in the very air through which this Spirit moved it seemed to scatter gloom and mystery .
Marley Phantom Scrooge Slander brow ground mist purposes stroke workhouses