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 Hänsel.)
Father! mother! Ah!