Mother (enters). What is all this noise?
Gretel. 'Twas Hänsel. He wanted—
Hänsel. 'Twas Gretel. She said I—
Mother. Hush, you noisy children! What work have you done? Gretel, your stocking is not done yet; and where are your brooms, you lazy Hans? You have knocked over the milk too! What shall we have for supper? Lazy folks can't stay in my house. Take the basket and go to the woods for strawberries. And don't dare to come back without them! Off with you! and be quick too!
[The children go out. Mother sits weeping.]
Oh! I am so tired and hungry. Nothing in the house to eat. What shall I do for the poor hungry children—Oh, dear, what can I do!
[Goes to sleep, crying.]
Father (enters, singing).
Hillo, hilloo, hillo, hilloo,
Little mother, where are you?
Mother (looking up). Who is singing and making so much noise?