Father. To the mountain! the home of the witch!

Mother. What do you mean? The witch?

Father. Yes, the old witch of the mountain turns all children to gingerbread and then she eats them.

Mother. Eats them! Oh, my children, my pretty little children! Come, we must find them! Hänsel, Gretel, where are you?

[Runs out.]

Father. I will go with you, mother. Don't cry! we will surely find them.

[Goes out.]

Scene II.—In the Forest

Hänsel, Gretel

Gretel. See, my wreath is nearly done.