But of the loved , revered , and honoured head thou canst not turn one hair to thy dread purposes , or make one feature odious . It is not that the hand is heavy , and will fall down when released ; it is not that the heart and pulse are still ; but that the hand WAS open , generous , and true ; the heart brave , warm , and tender ; and the pulse a man 's . Strike , Shadow , strike ! And see his good deeds springing from the wound , to sow the world with life immortal ! No voice pronounced these words in Scrooge 's ears , and yet he heard them when he looked upon the bed . He thought , if this man could be raised up now , what would be his foremost thoughts ? Avarice , hard dealing , griping cares ? They have brought him to a rich end , truly ! He lay , in the dark , empty house , with not a man , a woman , or a child to say he was kind to me in this or that , and for the memory of one kind word I will be kind to him . A cat was tearing at the door , and there was a sound of gnawing rats beneath the hearth-stone . What they wanted in the room of death , and why they were so restless and disturbed , Scrooge did not dare to think . `` Spirit ! '' he said , `` this is a fearful place . In leaving it , I shall not leave its lesson , trust me . Let us go ! '' Still the Ghost pointed with an unmoved finger to the head . `` I understand you , '' Scrooge returned , `` and I would do it if I could . But I have not the power , Spirit . I have not the power . '' Again it seemed to look upon him .
`` If there is any person in the town who feels emotion caused by this man 's death , '' said XXXXX , quite agonised , `` show that person to me , Spirit !
Scrooge Spirit end fall hair heart hearth-stone house lesson tender