(She threatens and titters. Gretel hurries off. The Witch, to Hänsel, 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 the deep red glare of the fire.)