hild's bedside I stand.
Then little tired eyelids close,
And little limbs have sweet repose.
Then from the starry sphere above
The angels come with peace and love.
Then slumber, children, slumber,
For happy dreams are sent you
Through the hours you sleep.

[_Goes away._]

_Haensel._ I'm sleepy. Let us go to sleep.

_Gretel._ Let us say our prayers first.

_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.

_Gretel._ Good night, dear brother.

_Haensel._ Good night, dear sister. Don't be afraid. I'll take care of
you.

[_They sleep._]

SCENE III.--_In the Wood--Morning_

_Haensel._ Wake up, dear little sister! The birds are singing and it is
time to get up!

_Gretel._ I'm awake, dear brother. Come, let us hurry home.

_Haensel._ Here is a path! Oh, Gretel, look at the pretty house!

_Gretel._ A cottage all made of chocolate creams!

_Haensel._ The house seems to smile!

_Gretel._ It looks good enough to eat.

_Haensel._ Let's nibble it!

[_A voice within the house._]

Nibble, nibble, manikin!
Who's nibbling at my housekin?

_Haensel._ Oh, did you hear?

_Gretel._ It's the wind!

_Haensel._ Never mind, let us eat the cake. I'm hungry. Take a bite!
Isn't it good?

_Gretel._ Yes, and look at the candy! What a funny fence this is! It
looks like little boys and girls made of gingerbread with sugar
trimmings. I wonder who lives in this house?

[_The Gingerbread Woman comes out of the house and speaks._]

[Illustration]

You've come to visit me, that is sweet,
You charming children, so good to eat!

_Haensel._ Who are you, ugly one? Let me go!

_Gretel._ Take your arms away from me!

_The Gingerbread Witch._ Come into my house, little children! You may
have sugarplums and peaches and cherries and candies and everything nice
that little folks like!

_Haensel._ No, I won't! I don't want to go into your house. I want to go
home!

_Gretel._ I don't like you, Mrs. Gingerbread! You aren't nice like my
mother. I want to go home to my own mother!

_The Gingerbread Witch._ Come, dear little Gretel. You must go in with
me. We'll leave Haensel in this little house outside. He must get fatter,
so we will give h