Silence, idle and ill-behaved children!
(The mother comes in, unstraps the basket, and puts it down.)
Call you it working, yodelling and singing?
As though 'twere fair time, hopping and springing!
And while your parents from early morning
till late at night are slaving and toiling!
Take that!
(Gives Hänsel a box on the ear.)
Now come, let's see what you've done.
Why, Gretel, your stocking not ready yet?