Part 29

Gretel. Only, much good may it do to Hans!

The Gingerbread Witch. Poor Hans is too thin, but I hope the raisins and nuts will be good for him. But, you, my plump little Gretel, are just fat enough--come, peep in the oven and see if the gingerbread is ready!

Hänsel (softly).

Sister dear, have a care; She means to hurt you, so beware!

Gretel (shyly). I don't understand what I am to do!

The Gingerbread Witch. Do? Why, open the oven door!

Hänsel. Sister dear, now take care!

Gretel. I'm such a goose, I don't understand.

The Gingerbread Witch. Do as I say, it's only play! This is the way.

Children sing. One little push, bang goes the door, clang! Now, let us be happy, dancing so merrily. Hurrah! Hurrah!

Hänsel. Why, see the children, Gretel. The fence is moving! The gingerbread children are real children, but their eyes are shut!

The Children. We are saved! We are saved!

Gretel. Who are you? Why do you keep your eyes shut? You're sleeping and yet you are talking!

The Children. O touch us, we pray, that we may awake!

Hänsel. The witch has changed them into gingerbread children. I know what to do. Let us say what the witch said to you, and what you said to me!

Hänsel and Gretel.

Hocus, pocus, elder bush! Rigid body loosen, hush!

The Children. (Opening their eyes and running toward Hänsel and Gretel.) We thank you, we thank you both!

Gretel. Oh, I am so glad!

The Children. The spell is broken and we are free. The witch can do us no more harm. Come, let us shout for glee!

Hänsel.

Come, children all, and form a ring, Join hands together, while we sing.

Gretel. Oh, Hänsel dear, I wish father and mother were here!

Hänsel. Look, Gretel! There they are!

Father. Why, mother, the children are here! Come, my dear Hänsel and Gretel! How glad I am we have found you safe and well!

Hänsel. Oh, father, we must tell you all about the Gingerbread Witch!

Mother. My dear children, were you frightened?

Gretel. Yes, mother, I was. But, mother, Hänsel comforted me, and we said our prayers and went to sleep.