THIRD STONE. Or friendship?

SPARROW. No, no! I can never say that again. The peasant's heart is full of kindness and love and friendship. I will sing of it! 'T will be my Christmas song!

[The Sparrow leaves the hole and flies to the corn.]

GRETEL. Look, father, there is a sparrow! And hear it sing! Just hear it!

PEASANT. It is calling the other birds.

GRETEL. Why, it doesn't even touch the corn!

PEASANT. It's waiting to share it with the others. Is it not a pretty sight? Come, we must go to tell mother.

SCENE IV

TIME: one month later.
PLACE: same as SCENE III.