III ^^2 ,|.i2 : | 894 I HUMPERIIINCK h Hansel aw Gkctci. LlSRCTTO I ilea-* Cornell University Library ML 50.H92H2 1894 Hansel and Greteha fairy opera In thre 3 1924 022 471 480 HANSEL AND GRETEL. A FAIRY OPERA IN THREE ACTS BY ADELHEID WETTE. RENDERED INTO ENGLISH BY CONSTANCE BACHE. THE MUSIC- BY ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK. COPYRIGHT. SCHOTT & CO., B. SCHOTT'S SOHNE, IS7 & 1S9 Regent Street, 5 Weihehgarten, LONDON, W. MAYENCE. Copyright, lSg4, by B. Schott's SShne. w.r. Cornell University Library The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924022471480 HANSEL AND GRETEL. DRAMATIS PERSONS. Peter, Broom-maker Gertrude, his wife Hansel, I their children Gretel, The Witch who eats children ... Sandman, the Sleep Fairy Dewman, the Dawn Fairy Children The Fourteen Angels Baritone Mezzo- Soprano I Mezzo-Soprano I Soprano Mezzo-soprano \ Sopranos Sopranos and Contraltos Ballet Act I. — At Home. Act II. — In the Forest. Act III.— The Witch's House. All Stafre and Concert Rights, and the Right of Translation are strictly reserved. HANSEL AND GRETEL. ACT I. AT HOME. SCENE I. {Small, poorly furnished roam. In the background a door, a small window near it with d view into the forest. On the left a fire-place, with chimney above it. On the walls tnany Brootns of various sizes. Hansel sits near the door, making brooms, and Qretel opposite him by the Hre-place, knitting a stocking.) Gretel, Susy, little Susy, pray what is the news ? The geese are running barefoot, because they've no shoes ! The cobbler has leather, and plenty to spare, why can't he make the poor goose a new pair ? Hansel. Then they'll have to go barefoot ! , Eia-popeia, pray what's to be done ? Who'll give me milk and sugar, for bread I have none ? I'll go back to bed and I'll lie there all day; where there's nought to eat, then there's nothing to pay ! Gretel. Then we'll have to go hungry ! Hansel and Gretel. Hansel. If mother would only come home again ! Yes, I am so hungry, I don't know what to do ! For weeks I've eaten nought but bread — It's very hard, it is indeed ! Gretel. Hush, Hansel, don't forget what father said, when mother, too, wished she were dead : " When past bearing is our grief. Then 'tis Heaven will send relief ! " Hansel. Yes, yes, that sounds all very fihe, but you know oif maxims we cannot dine ! O Gretel, it would be such a treat if we had something nice to eat ! Eggs and butter and suet paste, I've almost forgotten how they taste. [^Nearly cryittg.) O Gretel, I wish . . . , Gretel. Hush, don't give way to grumps ; have patience awhile, no doleful dumps ! This woful face, whew 1 what a sight ! Looks like a horrid old crosspatch fright ! Crosspatch, away ! Leave me, I pray ! Just let me reach you, quickly I'll teach you how to make trouble soon mount to double ! Crosspatch, crosspatch, what is the use, growling aild grumbling, full of abuse ? Off with you, out with you, shame on you, goose ! Gretel. Hansel and Gretel. Hansel. Crosspatch, away ! Hard lines, I say. 'When I am hungry surely I can say so, cannot allay so, can't chase away so ! If I am hungry, I'll never say so, will not give way so, \chase it away so ! Both. Crosspatch, crosspatch, what is the use, growling and grumbling, full of abuse ? Off with you, out with you, shame on you,' goose ! Gretel. That's right. Now, if you leave off complaining, I'll tell you a most delightful secret ! Hansel. O delightful ! it must be something nice.! Gretel. Well, listen, brotherkin — won't you be glad! Look here in the jug, here is fresh milk, 'twas given to-day by our neighbour, and mother, wheii she comes back home, will certainly make us a rice-blancmange. Hansel ^joyfully dances round the room). Rice-blancmange 1 When blancmange is anywhere near, then Hansel, Hansel, Hansel, is there ! 8 Hansel and Gretel. How thick is the 'cream on the milk; let's taste it ! O Gemini ! wouldn't I like to drink it ! (Tasting it.) Gretel. What, Hansel, tasting ? Aren't you ashamed ? Out with your fingers qyick, greedy boy 1 {Gives him a rap on thtjfing;ers.) Get back to your work again, be quick, that we may both have done in time ! If mother comes and we haven't done right, then badly it will fare with us to-night ! Hansel. Work again ? No, not for me ! That's not my idea at all ; it doesn't suit me ! It's such a bore ! Dancing is jollier far, I'm sure ! Gretel {delighted). Dancing, dancing ! O yes, that's better far ; and sing a song to keep us in time ! One that our grandmother used to sing us : sing then, and dance in time to the singing ! {Claps her hands.) Brother, come and dance with me, both my hands I offer thee ; right foot first, left foot then, round about and back again ! Hansel {tries to do it, but awkwardly). I would dance, but don't know how, when to jump, and when to bow ; show me what I ought to do, so that I may dance like you. Hansel and Greiel. Gretel. With your foot you tap, tap, tap ; , with your hands you clap, dap, clap ; right foot first,- left foot then, round about and back again ! Hansel. With your hands you clap, clap, clap ; with your foot you tap, tap, tap ; right foot first, left foot then, round and back again ! Gretel. That was very good indeed, O, I'm sure you'll soon succeed ! Try again, and I can see Hansel soon will dance like me ! iClaps her hands. ) With your head you nick, nick, nick ; with your fingers you click, click, click ; right foot first, left foot then, round about -and back again ! Hansel. With your head you nick, nick, nick ; With your fingers you plick, click, click ; right foot first, left foot then, round and back again. Gretel. Brother, watch what next I do, you must do it with me too. You to me your arm must proffer, I shall not refuse your offer ! Come ! lo Hansel and Gretel. Hansel. What I enjoy is dance and jollity, love to have my fling ; in fact, I like frivolity, and all that kind of thing, Gretel. What I enjoy is dance and jollity, and all that kind of thing ; in fact, I like frivolity, love to have my fling, I like frivolity, *^and all that kind of thing. Tralala, tralala, tralala ! Cpme and have a twirl, my dearest Hansel, come and have a turn with me, I pray ; come here to me, come here to me, I'm sure you can't say nay ! Hansel. ^gruffly). Go away from me, go away from me, I'm much too proud for you : with little girls I do not dance, and so, my dear, adieu ! Gretel. Go, stupid Hans, conceited Hans, you'll see I'll make you dance ! Tralala, tralala, tralala ! Come and have a twirl, my dparest Hansel, come and have a turn with me, I pray ! Hansel. O Gretel dear, O sister dear, your stocking has a hole ! Gretel. O Hansel dear, O brother dear, d'you take me for a fool ? With naughty boys I do not dance, and so, my dear, adieu ! Hansel and Greiel. ii Hansel. Now don't be cross, you silly goose, you'll see I make you dance ! Gretel. TralaJa, tralala, tralala ! Come and have a twirl, my dearest Hansel, coine and have a turn with me, I pray. Sing lustily hurrah ! hurrah ! while I dance with you ; and if the stockings are in holes, why, motherll knit some new ! Hansel. Tralala, tralala, tralala ! Sing lustily hurrah ! hurrah ! while I dance with you, and if the shoes are all in holes, why, mother'U buy some new ! Tralala, tralala, tralala ! iTkey dance round each other as before. They then seize each others hands amd go rouTid in a circle^ quicker and quicker^ until at length they lose their balance and tumble o^er one another on thejloor.) SCENE n. {At this moment the door opens^ the Mother appears^ whereupon the children jump up quickly.) Mother. Hallo ! Hansel and Gretel. Heavens ! Here's mother ! Mother. What is all this disturbance ? Gretel. 'Twas Hansel, he wanted . . . 12 Hansel and Gretel. Hansel. 'Twas Gretel, she said I . . . Mother. Silence, idle and ill-behaved children ! (The Mother comes in, unstraps the basket, and puts it down.) Call you it working, yodelling and singing ? As though 'twere fair time, hopping and springing ! And while your parents from early morning till late at night are slaving and toiling ! Take that ! (Gives Hdnsel a box on the ear.) Now come, let's see what you've done. Why, Gretel, your stocking not ready yet ? And you, you lazybones, have you nothing to show ? Pray how many besoms have you finished ? I'll fetch my stick, you useless children, and make your idle fingers tingle ! (/« her indignation at the ckiJdren she gives the ?nilk~jug a push, so that it falls Oj^the table -with a smash.) Gracious ! there's goes the jug all to pieces ! What now can I cook for supper ? (She looks at her dress, down which the milk is streaming. Hdnsel ' covertly titters.) How, saucy, how dare you laugh ? (Goes with a stick after Hdnsel, who runs out at the open door.) Wait, wait till the father comes home ! ( With sudden energy she snatches a baskeifrom the wall, and pokes it into G7eteVs hands.) Off, off, to the wood ! There seek for strawberries ! Quick, away ! And if you don't bring the basket brimful, I'll whip you so that you'll both run away ! (The children run off into the wood. She sits down exhausted by the table.) Alas ! there my poor jug lies all in pieces ! Yes, blind excitement only brings ruin. O Heaven, send help to me ! Nought have I to give them — Hansel and GreteL 13 No bread, not a crumb, for my starving children ! No crust in the cupboard, no milk in the pot — no, nothing but water to drink. {Resting her head on her hands.) Weary am I, weary of living ! Father, send help to me ! (Lays her head down on her arm and drops io sleep. ) SCENE III. (i4 voice is heard in the distance.) Tralala, tralala ! little mother, here am I ! Tralala, tralala ! bringing luck and jollity ! (Railier nearer.) O, for you and me, poor mother, every day is like the other ; with a big hole in the purse, and in the stomach an even worse. Tralala, tralala ! hunger is the poor man's curse ! Tralala, tralala ! Hunger is the poor man's curse ! {.The Father appears at the itdndow, and during the following he comes into the room in a very happy mood^ with a basket on his back.) 'Tisn't much that we require, just a little food and fire ! But alas ! it's true enough, life on some of us is rough ! Hunger is a customer tough ! Yes, the rich enjoys his dinner, while the poor grows daily thinner ! Strives to eat, as well he may, somewhat less than yesterday ! (jComplainingly^ Tralala, tralala ! hunger is the devil to pay ! Tralala, tralala ! hunger is the devil to pay! {fleputs down his basket.) 14 , Hansel and Gretel. Yes, hunger's alWery well to feel, if you can get a good square meal j but when there's noiight, what can you do, supposing the purse be empty too ? Tralalala, tra,lalala ! O for a drop of mountain dew ! Tralalala, tralalala ! Mother, look what I have brought I {Reels over to his sleepittg "wife and ^ves her a smacking kiss.) Mother {rubbing Jier eyes). Oho!— Who's sing-sing-singing^ all around the house, and tra-la-la-ing me out of my sleep ? Father iinarticuiate'ly). How now ! The hungry beast within my breast called so for food I could not rest ! Tralala, tralala ! i ■Hunger is an urgent beast ! Tralala, tralala ! pinches, gnaws, and gives no rest ! Mother. So, so ! And this wild beast, you gave him a feast. He's had his fill, to say the least 1 . Father. Well, yes ! H'm ! it was a lovely day, don't you think so, dear wife ? (Wants to kiss her.) H&nsel and Gretel. 15 Mother {pushing him angrily wway^ excitedly^. Have done ! You have no troubles to bear, 'tis I must k^ep the house ! Father. Well, well, — then let us see, my dear, what we have got to eat to-day. Mother. Most simple is the bill of fare, our supper's gone, I know not where ! Larder bare, cellar bare, nothing, and plenty of it to spare ! Father. Tralalala, tralalala ! Cheer up, mother, for here am I, bringing luck and jollity ! {fie takes his basket and begins to display the contents.') Look, mother, doesn't all this food please you ? ' Mother. Man, man, what see I ? Ham and butter, flour and sausage — eggs, a dozen . . . (Husband, and they cost a fortune !) Turnips, onions, and — for me ! Nearly half a pound of tea ! Father (turns the basket topsy-turvy ^ and a lot of potatoes roll out. He seizes her by the arm and dances round the room). ( Tralalala, tralalala, j hip hurrah ! Both.< Won't we have a festive time ! ) Tralalala, hip hurrah ! V Won't we have a happy time ! Now listen how it all came about.. . (Sits down. Meanwhile the Mother packs away the things, lights a fire, breaks eggs into a saucepan, &i'c.) 1 6 Hansel and Gretel, Yonder to the town T went, there was to be a great event, weddings, fairs, and preparation for all kinds of jubilation ! Now's my chance to do some selling", and for that you may be thankful ! He who wants a feast to keep, he must scrub and brush and sweep. So I brought my best goods out, tramped with them from house to house ! " Buy besoms ! good besoms ! Buy my brushes ! sweep your carpets, sweep your cobwebs ! " And so I drove a roaring trade, and sold my brushes at the highest prices ! Now make haste with cup and platter, bring the glasses, bring the kettle — here's a health to the besom-maker ! Mother. Here's a health to the besom-maker ! Father. But stay, why where are the children ? Hansel, Gretel, what's gone with Hans ? Mother. Gone with Hans ? O, who's to know ? But at least I do know this, that the jug is smashed to bits. Father. What ! the jug is smashe;d to bits ? Mother. And the cream all run away. Father (striking his fist on the taile in a rage) Hang it all ! So those little scapegraces have been again in mischief ! Hansel and Gretel. 17 Mother (hasHlyy. Been in mischief ? I should think so ! Nought have they done but their mad pranking ; as I came home I could hear them hopping and cutting the wildest capers, till I was so cross that I gave a push — and the jug of milk was spilt ! Father. And the jug of milk was spilt ! Ha ha ha hal {Both loMgking^ Such anger, mother, don't take it ill, seems stupid to me, I must say ! But where, where think you the children can be ? Mother i^siuLppishly and curtly). For aught I know, at the Ilsenstein ! Father {Juyrror-sirucli). The Ilsenstein ! Come, come, have a care ! (Fetches a hroomfrotn the wall.) Mother. The besom, just put it way again ! Father (lets the broom fall and wrings his hands). My children astray in the gloomy w;ood, all alone without moon or stars ! Mother. O Heaven ! Father. Dost thou not know the awful magic place, the place where the evil one dwells ? 1 8 Hansel and Gretel. Mother (^surprised\ The evil one ! What mean'st thou ? Father (wzV^ mysterious emphasis). The gobbling ogress ! {The Mother draws hack, the Father takes up the trroom again^ Mother. The gobbling ogress ! But— tell me, what help, is the besom ? Father. The besom, the besom, why what is it for ? They ride on it, they ride on it, the witches ! An old witch within that wood doth dwell, and she's in league with the powers of hell. At midnight hour, when nobody knows, away to the witches' dance she goes. Up the chimney they fly, on a broomstick they hie — over hill and dale, o'er ravine and vale, through the midnight air they gallop full tear — on a broomstick, on a broomstick, hop hop, hop hop, the witches ! Mother. O horror ! But the gobbling witch ? Father. And by day, they say, she stalks around, with a crinching, crunching, munching sound, and children plump and tender to eat she lures with magic gingerbreaxi sweet. Hansel and Gretel. 19 On evil bent, with fell intent, she lures the children, poor little things, in the oven red-hot she pops all the lot ; she shuts thie lid down until they're done brown, in the oven, in the oven, {ExpressiTfely,) the gingerbread children ! Mother. And the gingerbread children ? Father. Are served up for dinner ! Mother. For the ogress ? For the ogress 1 Father. Mother. O horror ! Heav'n help us I the children ! O what shall we do ? (Runs out tg the house. Father. Hi, mother, mother, wait for me ! (T^aAej the whisky bottle from the table and follows her.) Well both go together the witch to seek ! (T^ curtain falls quickly.) B 2 20 Hansel and Gretel. ACT 11. IN THE FOREST. SCENE I. (rAe curtain rises. The middle of the jorest. In the background is the Ilsenstein^ thickly surrounded by fir-trees. On thi right, is a large fir-tree^ under "which Gretel is sitting on a mossy tree-trunk^ atid making a garland of wild roses. By her side lies a nosegay of flowers. Amongst the bushes on tht left is Hansel, looking for strawberries. Sunset.) Gretel {humming quietly to herself). There stands a little man in the wood alone, he wears a little mantle of velvet brown. Say, who can the mankiri be, standing there beneath the tree, with the little mantle of velvet brown ? His hair is all of gold, and his cheeks are red, he wears a little black cap upon his head. Say, who can the mankin be, standing there so silently, with the little black cap upon his head ? {She holds up the garland of roses, and looks it aU round.) With the little black cap upon his head ! Hansel (pomes out, swinging his basket joyfully). Hurrah ! my strawberry basket is nearly brimful ! O won't the mother be pleased with Hansel ! Hansel and Gretel. 21 Gretel (siamliHguf). My garland is ready also ! Look ! I never made one so nice before! (Tries to put the wreath on HimseTs head.) Hansel {drawing back roughly). You won't catch a boy wearing that ! It is only fit for a girl ! (Puts the wreath on her.) Ha, Gretel ! " Fine feathers ! " the deuce ! You shall be the queen of the wood ! Gretel. If I am to be queen of the wood, then I must have the nosegay too ! Hansel (gives her the twsegay). Queen of the wood, with sceptre and crown, 1 give you the strawberries, but don't eat them all ! (He gives the basket fitll of strawberries into her other hand^ at the same time kneiling before her in homage. At this moment the cuckoo is heard.) Cuckoo, cuckoo, how d'you do ? Gretel. Cuckoo, cuckoo, where are you ? (Takes a strawberry /rom the basket and pokes it^into HanseVs mouth he sucks it up as though he were drinking an egg.) Hansel (Jumping up). Oho, I can do that just Uke you ! (Takes some strawberries and lets them fall into GreteFs mouth.) Let US do like the cuckoo too, who takes what doesn't belong to him ! (// begins to grow dark.) 2 2 Hansel and Gretel. Hansel {helping himself agaiii). Cuckoo, how are you ? Gretel. Cuckoo, where are you ? Hansel. In your neighbour's nest you go. Gretel. {helping herself). Cuckoo, cuckoo ! Hansel. Cuckoo, why do you do so ? {Pours a handfitl 0/ strawberries into his mouth. Gretel. And you are very greedy too ! Tell me, cuckoo, why are you ? Hansel. Cuckoo, cuckoo ! ( They get rude and begin to quarrel/or the strawberries. Hansel gains the victory t and puts the whole basket to his mouth until it is empty.") Gretel {horrified^ clasping her hands together)^ Hansel, what have you done ? O Heaven ! all the strawberries eaten. You glutton ! Listen, you'll have a punishment from the mother — this passes a joke ! Hansel (s^ietly). Now come, don't make such a fuss ; you, Gretel, you did the same thing yourself! Gretel. Come, we'll hurry and seek for fresh ones I Hansel and Gretel. 23 Hansel. What, here in the dark, under hedges and bushes ? Why, naught can we see of fruit or leaves ! It's getting dark akeady here ! Gretel. O Hansel ! O Hansel ! O what shall we do ? What bad disobedient children we've been ! We ought to have thought and gone home sooner ! {Cuckoo hefnnd the scenes^ rather nearer than before^ Hansel. Hark, what a noise in the bushes ! Know you what the forest says ? " Children, children," it says, " Are you not afraid ? " (Hansel spies all around uneasily^ at last he turns in despair to Gretel.'i Gretel, I cannot find the way ,! Gretel (dismayed). God ! what say you ? Not know the way ? Hansel (pretending to be very brave). Why, how ridiculous you are ! 1 am a boy, and know not fear ! Gretel. O Hansel, some dreadful thing may come ! Hansel. O Gretel, come, don't be afraid ! Gretel. What's glimmering there in the darkness ? Hansel. That's only the birches in silver dress. 24 Hansel and Gretel. Gretel. But there, what's grinning so there at me ? Hansel {stammering). Th — that's only the stump of a willow-tree. Gretel {kastily). But what a dreadful form it takes, and what a horrid face it makes ! Hansel Come, I'll make faces, you fellow ! D'you hear ? Gretel {ierri/ied). There, see ! a lantern, it's coming this way ! Hansel. Will-o-the-wisp is hopping about — Gretel, come, don't lose heart like this ! Wait, I'll give a good loud call ! (,Goes back some steps to the back of the stage and calls through his hands.) Who's there ? Echo. You there ! There ! {The children cower together. Gretel. Is some one there ? Echo. Where? Here! Hansel and GreteL 25 Gretel Did you hear ? a voice said, " Here ! " Hansel, surely some one's near. ^ {.Crying.) I'm frightened, I'm frightened, I wish I were home ! I see the wood all filled with goblin forms ! Hansel. Gretelkin, stick to me close and tight, I'll shelter you, I'll shelter you ! {.A thick mist rises and completely hides the background. Gretel. I see some shadowy women coming ! See, how they nod and beckon, beckon ! They're coming, they're coming, they'll take us away ! {Crying out^ rushes horror-struck under the tree and falls on her knees, hiding herself behind Hansel^ Father ! mother ! Ah ! Hansel. See theire, the mankin, sister dear ! I wonder who the mankin is ? (.At this moment the mist lifts on the left ; a little grey man is seen with a little sack on his back.) SCENE II. Sandman (The Sleet Fairy). (The little man approaches the children with friendly gestures, and the children grad-ually calm. down. He is strewing sand in the chUdren's eyes.) I shut the children's peepers, sh ! and guard the little sleepers, sh ! 26 Hansel and GreteL for dearly do I love them, sh ! and gladly watch above them, sh ! And with my little bag of sand, By every child's bedside I stand ; then little tired eyelids close, and little limbs have sweet repose. And if they're good and quickly go to sleep, then from the starry sphere above the angels come with peace and love, and send the children happy dreams, while watch they keep ! Then slumber, children, slumber, for happy dreams are sent you through the hours you sleep. {J)isappears, Darkness^ Hansel {}utlf asleefi. Sandman was there ! Gretel {^ditto). Let us first say our evening prayer. {They cower dovm and fold theiy kands,) Both. 'When at night I go to sleep, fourteen angels watch do keep : two my head are guarding, two my feet are guiding, two are on my right hand, two are on my left hand, two who warmly cover, two who o'er me hover, two to whom 'tis given to guide my steps to Heaven. (T/iej/ sink down on to the moss^ and go to steep with their arms twitted round each oth^r. Cotnpleie darkness.) Hansel and Gretel. 27 SCENE III. (Here a hright light suddenly hreaJ^ through the mist, which forthwith rolls itself together into the form of a staircase^ •vamshing in perspective, in the middle oj the stage. F&urteen angelSj in light fioaiing garments, pass down the staircase, two and two, at intervals, while it is getting gradually lighter » The angels place themselves, according to the order men- tioned in the evening hymn, around the sleeping children ; the first couple at their heads, the second at their feet, the third on the right, the fourth on the leftt the fifth and sixth couples distribute themselves amongst the other couples, so that the circle of the angels is completed* Lastly the seventh couple comes into the circle and takes its place as ^'^ guardian eutgels" on each side of the children. The remaining angels now join hands and dance a stately step around the group. The whole stage is filled with an intense light. Whilst the angels arrange themselves in a picturesque tableau, the curtain slowly falls.) 4 8 Hansel and Crete I. ACT III. ■ THE WITCH'S HOUSE. SCENE I. {The curtain rises. Scene the same as at the end of Act II, Theback- ground is stilt hidden in tnist^ -which gradually rises during the following. The attgels have vanished. Morning is breaking. The Dawn Fairy steps forward and shakes dewdrops from a hlue-bell over the sleeping children.) Dewman (Dawn Fairy). Tm up with early dawning, and know who loves the morning, who'll rise fresh as a daisy, who'll sink in slumber lazy ! Ding I dong ! ding ! dong ! And with the golden light of day I chase the fading night away, fresh dew around me shaking, and hill and dale awaking. Then up, with all your powers enjoy the morning hours, , the scent of trees and flowers — then up, ye sleepers, awaken ! The rosy dawn is smiling, then up, ye sleepers, awake, awake ! (Hurries off singing. The children begin to stir. Gretel ruis her eyes, looks around her^ and raises herself a little^ whilst Hansel turns over on the other side to go to sleep again.) ' Gretel. Where am I? Waking ? Or do I dream ? How come I in the wood to lie ? High in the branches I hear a gentle twittering, birds are beginning to sing so sweetly ; from early dawn they are all awake, and warble their morning hymn of praise. Hansel and Gretel. 29 Dear little singers, little singers, good morning ! (.Turns to Hdnstl.) See there, the sleepy lazybones ? Wait now, I'll wake him ! Tirelireli, it's getting late ! Tirelireli, it's getting late ! The lark his flight is winging, on high his matin singing, TireHreli ! tirelireli ! Hansel {.suddenly jumps up with a start). Kikeriki ! it's early yet I Kikeriki ! if s early yet ! Yes, the day is dawning ; awake, for it is morning ! Kikeriki! kikeriki! I feel so well, I know not why ! I never slept so well, no, not I ! Gretel. But listen, Hans ; here 'neath the tree a wondrous dream was sent to me ! Hansel {pieditatvaely). Really ! I, too, had a dream ! Gretel. I fancied I heard a murmuring and rushing, as though the angels in Heav'n were singing ; rosy clouds above me were floating — hovering and floating in the distance away. Sudden-^all around a light was streamirig, rays of glory from Heaven beaming, and a golden ladder saw I descending, angels adown it gliding, such lovely angels with shining golden wings. 30 Hansel and Greiel. Hanskl (interrupting her guickl}). Fourteen angels there must have been ! Gretel i^astonished)^ And did you also behold all this ? Hansel. Truly, 'twas wondrous fair ! And upward I saw them .float. {.He turns towards the background; at this moment the last remains of the mist clear away. Xn place of the fir-trees is seen the " Witch's hcuse at the Ilsenstein" shining in the rays of the rising sun. A little dis- tance ojf, to the left, is an oven; opposite this, on the right, a large cage, both joined to the Witch's house by afence of gingerbread figures^ SCENE II. Gretel (holds Hansel back in astonishment). Stand still; be still ! Hansel (surprised). O Heaven, what wondrous place is this, as ne'er in aU my life have I seen ! Gretel {gradually regains her self-possession). What odour dehcious ! O say, do I dream ? Both. A cottage all made of chocolate cream. The roof is all covered with Turkish delight, the windows with lustre Hansel and Gretel. 31 of sugar are white ; and on all the gables the raisins invite, and think ! all around is a gingerbread hedge ! O magic castle, how nice you'd be to eat ! Where hides the princess who has so great a treat ? Ah, could she but visit our little cottage bare, she'd ask us to dinner, her dainties to share — she'd ask us to dinner, us both to dinner there, to dinner there, to dinner there ! Hansel {flfter a while). No sound do I hear ; no, nothing is stirring ! Come, let's go inside it ! Gretel {pulling him back horrified). Are you seftseless ? Hansel, however can you make so bold ? Who knows who may live there, in that lovely house ? Hansel. O look, do look how the house seems to smile ! (^Enthusiastically^ Ah, the angels did our footsteps beguile ! Gretel ir^Jlectively). The angels ? Yes, it must b? so ! Hansel. Yes, Gretel, the angels are beck'ning us in ! Come, let's nibble a bit of the cottage. 32 Hansel and Gretel. Both. Come, let's nibble it, Come, let's nibble it, like two mice persevering ! ( They hop along, hand in hand, towards tht hack of the stage ; then stand still, and then steal along cawtiously on tip-toe to the house. After some hesitation Hansel breaks off a hit o/cakejrom the right-hand comer.) SCENE III. iA voice from the house.) Nibble, nibble, mousekin, who's nibbling at my housekin? (Ifansel starts, arid in his fright leis the piece of cake Jail.) Hansel. O, did you hear ? Gretel {somewhat timidly). The wind — Hansel. The wind ! Both. The heavenly wind ! Gretel {^picks up the piece of cake and tastes it). H'm! Hansel {looking longingly at Gretel). D'you like it ? v Gretel {lets Hansel hite it) . Just taste and try it ! Hansel and Gretel. 33 Hi! Hi! Hansel (Jays his hand on his breast in rapture), Gretel (ditto). Both. Hi, hi ! O cake most delicious, some more I must take i It's really like Heaven to eat such plum-cake I Hansel. O how good, how sweet, how tasty ! Gretel. How tasty, how sweet I It's p'r'aps the house of a sweety-maker ! Hansel. Hi, sweety-maker ! Have a care I A little mouse your sweeties would share ! {He breaks a big^ piece of cake off the wall.y {A voice from the house.) Nibble, nibble, mousekin, who's nibbhng at my housekin ? Hansel and Gretel. The wind, the wind, the heavenly wind ! {J'he upper part of the house-door opens gently^ and the Witch's head is seen at it. The children at first do not see her^ and go on feasting- merrily.) Gretel. Wait, you gobbling mousekin, here comes the cat from the .housekin ! 34 Hansel and Gretel. Hansel {taking another bite). Eat what you please, and leave me in peace ! Gretel (snatches the fiecefi'inn his hand) . Don't be unkind, Sir wind. Sir wind ! Hansel (takes it bachjrom her) . Heavenly wind, I take what I find ! Both Ha, Ka, ha ! The Witch {who had tneanwhile opened the whoie door, and had been warily stealing up to the children^ throws a rope round the neck of Hansel, who, without any misgivings, turns his back to hei^. Hi, hi ! hi, hi ! Hansel {horror-struck). Let go ! Who are you ? Let me go ! The Witch {drawing the children towards her). Angels both ! (And goosey-ganders !) {Caresses the children,) You've come to visit me, that is sweet ! You charming children, so nice to eat !. Hansel {makes despairing efforts to free himself). Who are you, ugly one ? Let me go ! Hansel and Gretel. 35 The Witch. Now, darling, don't you give yourself airs ! Dear heart, what makes you say such things ? I am Rosina Dainty-mouth, and dearly love my fellow-men. I'm artless as a new-born child ! That's why the children to me are so dear, so dear, so dear, ah, so che-arming to eat ! {Caresses Hansel.') Hansel {turning roughly away). Go, get you gone from my sight ! I hate, I loathe you quite ! The Witch. Hi hi ! hi hi ! These dainty morsels I'm really gloating on, and you, my little maiden, I'm doting on ! Come, little mousey, come into my housey ! Come with me, my precious, 111 give you sweetmeats delicious ! Of chocolate, tarts, and marzipan you shall both eat all you can, and wedding-cake and strawberry ices, blancmange, and everything else that nice is, and raisins and almonds, and peaches and citrons are waiting — you'll both find it quite captivating, yes, quite captivating ! Hansel. I won't come with you, hideous fright ! Gretel. You are quite. too friendly ! c 2 36 Hansel and Gretel. The Witch. See, see, see how sly ! Dear children, you really may trust me in this, and living with me will be perfect bliss ! Come, little mousey, come into my housey ! Come with me, my precious, I'll give you sweetmeats delicious ! Gretel. But say, what will you with my brother do ? The Witch. Well, well ! I'll feed and fatten him up well, with every sort of dainty delicious, to make him tender and tasty. And if he's brave and patient too, and docile and obedient like a lamb, then. Hansel, I'll whisper it you, I have a great treat in store for you ! Hansel. Then speak out loud and whisper not. What is the great treat in store for me ? The Witch. Yes, my dear children, hearing and sight in this great pleasure will disappear quite ! Hansel. Eh ? both my hearing and seeing are good ! You'd better take care you do me^ no harm ! {Resol-uiely.) Gretel, trust not her flattering words, come, sister, come, let's run away ! i^He has in the meantime ffot out of the rope^ and runs with Gretel to the foreground. Here they are stopped by the Witch, who imperiously raises against them both a stick which hangs at her girdle, with repeated gestures of spell-binding^ JTdnsel and Gretel. 37 The Witch. Hold! (T'Ae stctge becomes gradually darker.) Hocus pocus, witches' charm ! Move not, as you fear my arm ! Back or forward do not try, fixed you are by the evil eye ! Head on shoulders fixed awry ! Hocus pocus, now comes jocus, children, watch the magic head, eyes are staring, dull as lead ! Now, you atom, ofiF to bed ! iJF'resh gestures ; then she leads Hdnsely who is gazing fixedly at the illu- minated head, into the stable, and shuts the lattice door upon him.) Hocus pocus. bonus jocus, malus locus, hocus pocus, bonus jocus, malus locus ! (7%^ stage gradually becomes lighter, whilst the light of the jnagic head diminishes.) (The Witch, contentedly to Gretel, who still stands there motionless.) Now Gretel, be obedient and wise, while Hansel's growing fat and nice. We'll feed him up, you'll see my reason, and with sweet almonds and raisins season. I'll go indoors, the things to prepare, and you remain here where you are ! {She grins as she holds up her finger wamingly, and goes into the housed Gretel {stiff and motionless). O, what a horrid witch she is ! Hansel (whispering hastily), Gretel, sh ! don't speak so loud ! Be very sharp, watch well and see whatever she may do to me ! Pretend to do all she commands—^ O, there she's coming back, sh ! hush ! 38 Hansel and Gretel. {The Witch comes out, satisfies herself thai Gretel is still standing motionless^ and then spreads before Hansel al-monds and raisins from, a basket^ The Witch. Now, little man, ■ come prithee enjoy yourself ! {sticking a raisin into HdnseVs mouth.') Eat, minion, eat or die ! Here are cakes, O so nice ! ( Turns to Gretel and disenchants her with a Juniper branch^ Hocus pocus, elder-bush ! Rigid body loosen, hush ! {Gretel moves again^ Now up and move again, bright and blithesome, limbs are become again supple and lithesome. Go, ftiy poppet, go, my pet, you the table now shall set, httle knife, little fork, little dish, Uttle plate, little serviette for my little mate ! Now get everything ready and nice, or else I shall lock you up too in a trice ! {She threatens and titters. Gretel hurries off^ {The Witch, to Hansel, who pretends to be asleep.) The fool is slumb'ring, it does seem queer how youth can sleep and have no fear ! Well, sleep away, you simple sheep, soon you will sleep your last long sleep ! But first with Gretel I'll begin — off you, dear maiden, I will dine ; you are so tender, plump, and good, just the thing for witches' food ! {She opens the oven door and sniffs in it, her face lighted up by tlie deep red glare of the fire^ The dough has risen, so w»'ll go on preparing. Hark, how the sticks in the fire are crackling ! {She pushes a couple more faggots under, the fire flames up and then dies down again.) Hansel and Gretel, 39 (The Witch, ruiUng her hands with glee.) Yes, Gretel mine, how well off you I'll dine ! See, see, O how sly ! When in the oven she's peeping, quickly behind her I'm creeping ! One little push, bang goes the door, clang ! Then soon will Gretel be just done to a T ! and when from the oven I take her she'll look like a cake from the baker, by magic fire red changed into gingerbread ! See, see how sly ! Hi hi ! hi hi r (Jn her wild delight she seines a broomstick and legins to ride wpon it.) So hop, hop, hop, gallop, lop, lop ! My broomstick nag, come do not lag ! {She rides excitedly round on the broofnstick.) At dawn of day I ride away, am here and there and ever)rwhere ! {.she rides again ; Gretel meanwhile is watching at the window^ At midnight hour, when none can know, to join the witches' dance I go ! And three and four are witches' lore, and five and six are witches' tricks, and nine is one, and ten is none, and seven is nil, or what she will ! And thus they ride till dawn of day ! {Hopping madly along, she rides to the back of the stage and vanishes for a time behind the cottage.) {Here the Witch becomes visible again; she comes to the foreground, •where she suddenly pulls up and dismounts.) 40 Hansel and Gretel. Prr, broomstick, hi ! (She hobbles back to the stable and tickles Hansel with a tinh-iwig till ke awakes.) Up, awake, my mankin young ; come show to me your tongue ! (Hansel puts his tongue out.) (Smacks with her ton^e.) Dainty morsel ! dainty morsel ! Little toothsome mankin come, now let me see your thumb ! (Hansel pokes out a small bone. Gemini ! Oho ! O how scraggy, how lean ! Urchin, you're a scraggy one, as bad as a skeleton ! (Calls.) Maiden, Gretel ! (Gretel appears at the door.) Bring some raisins and almonds sweet, Hansel wants some more to eat. (Gretel runs into the house., and returns immediately with a basket full of almonds and raisins.) Gretel. Here are the almonds. ( Whilst the Witch is feeding Hansel, Gretel gets behind her and makes the gestures of disenchantment with the juniper^branch.) Gretel (softly). Hocus pocus, elder-bush. Rigid body loosen, hush ! The Witch (turning suddenly round). What were you saying, little goose ? Gretel (confusedly). Only — much good may it do to Hans ! Hansel and Gretel. 41 The Witch. Eh? Gretel {louder). Much good may it do to Hans ! The Witch. He he he, my little miss, I'll stop your moutJi with this ! {sticks a raisin into GreteVs mouthy Eat, minion, eat or die ! Here are cakes, O so nice ! {She opens the oven door ; the heat has apparently diminished. Mean- while Hansel makes violent signs to Gretel.') Hansel {softly opening the stable door). Sister, dear, O beware ! The Witch {looking greedily at Gretel). She makes my mouth water, this pretty little daughter ! Come, Gretel mine, sugar-maiden mine ! {f^eiel comes towards her.) Peep in the oven, be steady, see if the gingerbread's ready ! Carefully look, pet, whether it's cooked yet, but if it wants more, shut quick the door ! {Gretel hesitates.) Hansel {slipping out of the stable). Sister dear, have a care ! 42 Hansel and Gretel. Gretel (making herself