He advanced towards it trembling . The Phantom was exactly as it had been , but he dreaded that he saw new meaning in its solemn shape . `` Before I draw nearer to that stone to which you point , '' said Scrooge , `` answer me one question . Are these the shadows of the things that Will be , or are they shadows of the things that May be only ? '' Still the Ghost pointed downward to the grave by which it stood . `` Men 's courses will foreshadow certain ends , to which , if persevered in , they must lead , '' said Scrooge . `` But if the courses be departed from , the ends will change . Say it is thus with what you show me ! '' The Spirit was immovable as ever . Scrooge crept towards it , trembling as he went ; and , following the finger , read upon the stone of the neglected grave his own name , EBENEZER SCROOGE . `` Am I that man who lay upon the bed ? '' he cried upon his knees . The finger pointed from the grave to him , and back again . `` No , Spirit ! Oh no , no ! '' The finger still was there . `` Spirit ! '' he cried , tight clutching at its robe , `` hear me ! I am not the man I was . I will not be the man I must have been but for this intercourse .
Why show me this , XXXXX I am past all hope ? ''
Before at by from if in that to towards upon