I dare not try!
Gretel.
Yes, let me stroke this innocent face!
(She caresses the nearest child, who opens its eyes and smiles.)
Other Gingerbread Children (softly).
O touch me too, O touch me too,
that I also may awake!
(Gretel goes and caresses all the rest of the children, who open their eyes and smile, without moving; meanwhile Hänsel seizes the juniper-branch.)
Hänsel.
Hocus pocus, elder-bush!