Part 17 (2/2)

_The Gingerbread Witch._ Now, Hans, eat this raisin. It will make you fat! Now, Gretel, you have stood still long enough.

Hocus, pocus, elder bus.h.!.+

Rigid body loosen, hus.h.!.+

Then, Gretel, you must come with me, but Hans cannot move until he gets nice and fat like you. Run in, little daughter, and get some more nuts and raisins for him. I like plump little bodies like yours!

[_Gretel goes in._]

_Hansel._ Please let me out, Mrs. Gingerbread.

_The Gingerbread Witch._ When you are fatter. Now I must look to my fire. It is burning well, and the oven will soon be hot enough to bake my dinner. When I change my gingerbread I'll pop little Gretel in and shut the door.

[_Gretel comes in very quietly and goes to Hans._]

_Gretel._

Hocus, pocus, elder bus.h.!.+

Rigid body loosen, hus.h.!.+

_The Gingerbread Witch._ What are you saying?

_Gretel._ Oh, nothing,--only,--

_The Gingerbread Witch._ Only what?

_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!

_Hansel_ (_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!

_Hansel._ 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.

[_Opens the door and looks in oven. Hans and Gretel run and push her in._]

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

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