dickens | are there no prisons?

As Scrooge's nephew went out, 

he let two other people in. 

They were portly gentlemen, pleasant to behold. 

“Scrooge and Marley's, I believe. 

Have I the pleasure of addressing Mr Scrooge, 

or Mr Marley?”

“Mr Marley has been dead these seven years. 

He died seven years ago this very night.”

“We have no doubt his liberality 

is well represented by his surviving partner.”

It certainly was; for they had been two kindred spirits. 

“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.”

“Are there no prisons?”

“Plenty of prisons.” 

“And the Union workhouses? Are they still in operation?”

“They are. Still.  I wish I could say they were not.”

“The Treadmill and the Poor Law 

are in full vigour, then?” 

“Both very busy, sir.”

“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.”

“Under the impression that they scarcely furnish 

Christian cheer of mind or body, 

a few of us are endeavouring to raise a fund 

to buy the Poor some meat and drink, 

and means of warmth. 

We choose 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?”

“Nothing!”

“You wish to be anonymous?”

“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.”

“Many can't go there; many would rather die.”

“If they would rather die, they had better do it, 

and decrease the surplus population."

"I see." 

“It's not my business. 

It's enough for a man to understand his own business, 

and not to interfere with other people's. 

Mine occupies me constantly. 

Good afternoon, gentlemen!”

Seeing clearly that it would be useless 

to pursue their point, 

the gentlemen withdrew. 

Scrooge resumed his labours 

with an improved opinion of himself, 

and in a more cheerful temper than was usual with him.