Wait, wait till the father comes home!
(With sudden energy she snatches a basket from the wall, and pokes it into Gretel's hands.)
Off, off, to the wood!
There seek for strawberries! Quick, away!
And if you don't bring the basket brimful,
I'll whip you so that you'll both run away!
(The children run off into the wood. She sits down exhausted by the table.)
Alas! there my poor jug lies all in pieces!
Yes, blind excitement only brings ruin.
O Heaven, send help to me!