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diff --git a/43289-8.txt b/43289-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 1552b6a..0000000 --- a/43289-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4545 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Hansel and Gretel, by -Adelheid Wette and Engelbert Humperdinck - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Hansel and Gretel - A Fairy Opera in Three Acts - -Author: Adelheid Wette - Engelbert Humperdinck - -Release Date: July 24, 2013 [EBook #43289] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HANSEL AND GRETEL *** - - - - -Produced by Colin Bell, Marc-André Seekamp, Joseph Cooper, -The Internet Archive (one page scan). and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - -Transcriber's Note: -Italic text is denoted by _underscores_. Every effort has been made -to replicate this text as faithfully as possible. The original -side-by-side of the German and English version has been replaced by the -German version followed by the English version. Some changes have been -made. They are listed at the end of the text. - - - - - GRAND OPERA - - UNDER THE DIRECTION OF - - MR. HEINRICH CONRIED - - LIBRETTO - - THE ORIGINAL ITALIAN, - FRENCH OR GERMAN - LIBRETTO WITH A - CORRECT ENGLISH - TRANSLATION. - - Hänsel und Gretel - - PUBLISHED BY - - F. RULLMAN. - - THEATRE TICKET OFFICE. - - 111 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. - TRINITY BUILDING (REAR ARCADE) - THE ONLY CORRECT AND AUTHORIZED EDITION. - - - - -F. RULLMAN THEATRE TICKET OFFICE. - -Choice Seats and Boxes for the Opera and all Theatres. - -Opera Seats at Box Office Prices. - -Publisher of Opera Librettos in all Languages. - -[Illustration] - - 111 BROADWAY - TRINITY BUILDING (Rear Arcade), - NEW YORK. - - TELEPHONE CALLS, { 3951 } - { 3952 } CORTLANDT. - - - - - HÄNSEL AND GRETEL - - A FAIRY OPERA IN THREE ACTS - BY - ADELHEID WETTE - - The Music by Engelbert Humperdinck - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1905, by F. RULLMAN, - at the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. - - [Illustration] - - PUBLISHED BY F. RULLMAN - AT THE THEATRE TICKET OFFICE, 111 BROADWAY - NEW YORK - - - - -ARGUMENT. - - -Hänsel and Gretel is an opera in three acts, the music by Engelbert -Humperdinck and the libretto by Adelheid Wette. It is the German version -of the old nursery legend--Babes in the Wood. - -The first scene discloses a wretched homestead. The two children, Hänsel -and Gretel, are at work--the boy making brooms and the girl knitting -stockings. They both complain of feeling very hungry, and there isn't -a thing in the house. Yes, there's a jug of milk that will make nice -blanc-mange when mother comes home. Hänsel tastes it and Gretel raps his -fingers. He says he won't work any more and proposes they dance instead. -Gretel is delighted. He is very awkward at first but she teaches him the -steps and they are getting along so famously that they whirl around the -room and fall exhausted on the floor. At this moment the mother enters -and she is so angry at seeing them do no work that she boxes their ears -for it. In her excitement she gives the milk pitcher a push. It falls -off the table, breaks in pieces, and spills all the milk. At this she -is beside herself and seizes a basket and tells the children to go to -the wood and pick strawberries. They must not come home till the basket -is full. They run off while she, weary of life, sits sobbing herself to -sleep. - -The father is heard in the distance with a joyous song and enters in -a joyful mood. He wakes up his unhappy wife to tell that he has sold -all his brooms at the fair for splendid prices and he shows his basket -full of provisions. Both are thus in fine humor when he asks where the -children are. She says she sent them away in disgrace to the Ilsenstein. -The Ilsenstein! he exclaims, where the witches ride on broomsticks and -devour little children. Exclaiming "Oh horror!" she runs out of the -house, he after her, to find Hänsel and Gretel. - -The second act shows a forest. Gretel is making a garland of wild roses -while Hänsel is looking for strawberries. In the background is the -Ilsenstein. It is sunset. Hänsel crowns Gretel queen of the wood and -she allows him to taste a strawberry. He gives her one in return and -little by little they devour them all. Then they are frightened. They -want to pick more but it is getting too dark. They want to leave but -cannot find the way. Gretel fears being in the dark but Hänsel is very -brave. She sees faces in trees and stumps and he calls out to reassure -her. Echo answers and he grows frightened too. They huddle together as a -thick mist arises which hides the background. Gretel, terror-stricken, -falls on her knees and hides behind Hänsel. At this moment a little man -appears, as the mist rises, and quiets them. It is the Sandman and he -sings them to slumber. Half awake they say their evening prayer and sink -down on the moss in each other's arms. A dazzling light then appears, -the mist rolls itself into a staircase and angels pass down and group -themselves about the two sleeping children. - -In the third act the scene is the same, the mist still hiding the -background. The Dawn Fairy shakes dewdrops on the children. They wake, -but Hänsel very lazily. They both have had dreams of angels coming -to see them with shining wings. The mist now clears away and in the -background is seen the witches' house with a fence of gingerbread -figures. There are also seen an oven and a cage. Hänsel wants to go -inside and Gretel draws him back. But Hänsel says the angels beguiled -their footsteps and why shouldn't they nibble a bit at the cottage? -They tiptoe to the fence and break off a bit of the cake cautiously. -The witch voice from within tells them to go on nibbling. They like the -gingerbread. It suits them famously and apparently suits her too as she -watches them from her window. - -But she comes out of the house as they are joyously laughing and throws -a rope about Hänsel's neck and caresses them. Hänsel tries to get -away and calls her names, while she goes on saying how she loves them -both--they are such dainty morsels. Hänsel tries to run away and takes -Gretel with him. But the witch casts a spell on them and they stand -stock-still. Then she leads Hänsel to the cage and shuts him in and -gives him almonds and raisins to fatten him up. She loosens Gretel with -the magic stick and says how nice and plump she'll be when she's roasted -brown. She opens the oven and puts more fagots under it and says the -fire will soon be ripe to push Gretel in. In her joy she rides wildly -round on a broomstick while Gretel watches from the house. - -The witch calls Gretel out and opens the oven door. Hänsel tells Gretel -to beware and the witch tells her to peep in the oven. Gretel pretends -she does not understand. She secretly disenchants Hänsel so that when -the witch bends over and peeps into the oven they give her a push and in -she goes. Then they dance wildly about. Hänsel throws sweetmeats out of -the window. The oven cracks open and falls into bits, while groups of -children suddenly surround Hänsel and Gretel. Then they disenchant the -gingerbread children who are very grateful. As they are all dragging the -gingerbread witch about, the Father and Mother come in and are overjoyed -at finding their children again. - - - - -DRAMATIS PERSONÆ. - - - PETER, Broom-maker. - GERTRUDE, his wife. - HÄNSEL, } - } their children. - GRETEL, } - THE WITCH who eats children. - SANDMAN, the Sleep Fairy. - DEWMAN, the Dawn Fairy. - CHILDREN. - THE FOURTEEN ANGELS. - - - - -HÄNSEL UND GRETEL. - - -ERSTES BILD. - -DAHEIM. - - -Erste Scene. - -(_Dürftige Stube. Im Hintergrunde rechts eine niedrige Thür, -in der Mitte ein kleines Fenster mit Aussicht in den Wald. Links -ein Herd mit einem Rauchfang darüber. Gegenüber an der rechten -Wand hängen Besen in verschiedenen Formen. Hänsel, an der Thüre -mit Besenbinden, Gretel, am Herde mit Strumpfstricken beschäftigt, -sitzen auf Schemeln einander gegenüber._) - -GRETEL. - - Suse, liebe Suse, - was raschelt im Stroh? - Die Gänse gehn barfuss - und haben kein' Schuh. - Der Schuster hat's Leder, - kein'n Leisten dazu. - Drum kann er den Gänslein - auch machen kein' Schuh. - -HÄNSEL. - - Eia popeia, - das ist eine Not! - Wer schenkt mir einen Dreier - zu Zucker und Brot? - Verkauf ich mein Bettlein - und leg mich auf's Stroh, - sticht mich keine Feder - und beisst mich kein Floh! - -(_Wirft den Besen in eine Ecke und springt auf._) - - Ach, käm doch die Mutter nun endlich nach Haus! - -GRETEL. - - Auch ich halt's kaum noch vor Hunger aus. - -HÄNSEL. - - Seit Wochen nichts als trocken Brot; - ist das ein Elend! Potz schwere Not! - -GRETEL. - - Still, Hänsel, denk daran, was Vater sagt, - wenn Mutter manchmal so verzagt: - »Wenn die Not auf's höchste steigt, - Gott der Herr die Hand euch reicht!« - -HÄNSEL. - - Jawohl, das klingt ganz schön und glatt, - aber leider wird man davon nicht satt. - Ach, Gretel, wie lang' ist's doch schon her, - dass wir nichts Gutes geschmauset mehr! - Eierfladen und Butterwecken-- - kaum weiss ich noch, wie die thun schmecken. - -(_Dem Weinen nahe._) - - Ach, Gretel, ich wollt'... - -GRETEL (_ihm den Mund zuhaltend_). - - Still, nicht verdriesslich sein: - Gedulde dich fein, sieh freundlich drein! - Dies lange Gesicht,--hu, welcher Graus! - Siehst ja wie der leibhaftige Griesgram aus! - Griesgram, hinaus! - Fort aus dem Haus! - Ich will dich lehren, - Herz zu beschweren, - Sorgen zu mehren, - Freuden zu wehren: - Griesgram, Griesgram, greulicher Wicht, - griesiges, grämiges Galgengesicht, - packe dich, trolle dich, schäbiger Wicht! - -HÄNSEL. - - Griesgram, hinaus! - Halt's nicht mehr aus! - Immer mich plagen, - Hungertuch nagen, - muss ja verzagen, - mag's nicht ertragen! - Griesgram, Griesgram, greulicher Wicht, - griesiges, grämiges Galgengesicht, - packe dich, trolle dich, schäbiger Wicht! - -GRETEL. - - So recht! Und willst du nun nicht mehr klagen, - so will ich dir auch ein Geheimnis sagen. - -HÄNSEL. - - Ein Geheimnis? Wird wohl was Rechtes sein! - -GRETEL. - - Ja, hör nur, Brüderchen! Darfst dich schon freun, - Guck her in den Topf, Milch ist darin, - die schenkte uns heute die Nachbarin. - Mutter kocht uns, kommt sie nach Haus, - gewiss einen leckeren Reisbrei daraus. - -HÄNSEL (_mit Juchzen_). - - Reisbrei, Reisbrei, herrlicher Brei! - Giebt's Reisbrei, da ist Hänsel dabei! - Wie dick ist der Rahm auf der Milch! - Lass schmecken! - -(_Nascht mit dem Finger._) - - Herrjemine, den möcht' ich ganz verschlecken! - -GRETEL. - - Wie, Hänsel, naschen? Schämst du dich nicht? - Fort mit den Fingern, du naschhafter Wicht! - -(_Giebt ihm eins auf die Finger._) - - Und jetzt an die Arbeit zurück, geschwind, - dass wir beizeiten fertig sind! - Kommt Mutter nach Haus, und wir thaten nicht recht, - Dann, weisst du, geht es den Faulpelzen schlecht. - -HÄNSEL. - - Arbeiten? Brr! Wo denkst du hin? - Danach steht mir jetzt nicht der Sinn. - Immer mich plagen, das fällt mir nicht ein, - jetzt lass uns tanzen und fröhlich sein! - -GRETEL (_entzückt_). - - Tanzen? Das wär' auch mir eine Lust! - Dazu ein Liedchen aus froher Brust, - wie's uns die Muhme gelehrt zu singen: - _Tanzliedchen_ soll jetzt lustig erklingen! - -(_Klatscht in die Hände._) - - Brüderchen, komm, tanz' mit mir, - beide Händchen reich' ich Dir; - einmal hin, einmal her, - rund herum, es ist nicht schwer! - -HÄNSEL. - - Tanzen soll ich armer Wicht, - Schwesterlein, und kann es nicht. - Darum zeig' mir, wie es Brauch, - dass ich tanzen lerne auch! - -GRETEL. - - Mit den Füsschen tapp tapp tapp, - mit den Händchen klapp klapp klapp, - einmal hin, einmal her, - rund herum, es ist nicht schwer. - -HÄNSEL. - - Mit den Füsschen tapp tapp tapp, - mit den Händchen klapp klapp klapp, - einmal hin, einmal her, - rund herum, es ist nicht schwer. - -GRETEL. - - Ei, das hast Du gut gemacht, - ei, das hätt' ich nicht gedacht! - Seht mir doch den Hänsel an, - wie der tanzen lernen kann! - - Mit dem Köpfchen nick nick nick, - mit dem Fingerchen tick tick tick, - einmal hin, einmal her, - rund herum, es ist nicht schwer! - -HÄNSEL. - - Mit dem Köpfchen nick nick nick, - mit dem Fingerchen tick tick tick, - einmal hin, einmal her, - rund herum, es ist nicht schwer! - -GRETEL. - - Hänsel, komm und gieb mal acht, - wie's die Gretel weiter macht! - Lass uns Arm in Arm verschränken, - unsre Schrittchen paarweis lenken! - - Ich liebe Tanz und Fröhlichkeit - und bin nicht gern allein; - ich bin kein Freund von Traurigkeit, - und fröhlich will ich sein. - Tralala, tralala, tralala la la, - Dreh dich herum, mein lieber Hans! - -(_Beide umtanzen sich gegenseitig._) - -GRETEL. - - Komm her zu mir, komm her zu mir, - zum Ringelreigentanz! - -HÄNSEL. - - Geh weg von mir, geh weg von mir, - ich bin der stolze Hans! - Mit kleinen Mädchen tanz ich nicht, - die sind mir viel zu dumm! - -GRETEL. - - Geh, dummer Hans, geh, stolzer Hans, - ich krieg dich doch herum! - Tralala, tralala, tralala la la, - dreh dich herum, mein lieber Hans! - -HÄNSEL. - - Ach, Schwesterlein, ach, Gretelein, - Du hast im Strumpf ein Loch! - -GRETEL. - - Ach Brüderlein, ach Hänselein, - Du willst mich hänseln noch! - Mit bösen Buben tanz ich nicht, - das ist mir viel zu dumm! - -HÄNSEL. - - Nicht böse sein, lieb Schwesterlein, - ich krieg Dich doch herum! - Tralala, tralala, tralala, la la, - Dreh dich doch herum, mein Gretelein! - - {HÄNSEL. - { - {Tanz lustig, heissa, lustig tanz! - { Lass dich's nicht gereu'n; - {und ist der Strumpf auch nicht mehr ganz, - {die Mutter strickt dir 'n neu'n! - { Dreh dich doch herum! - { Sei nicht so dumm! - { Tralala, tralala u. s. w. - { - {GRETEL. - { - {Tanz lustig, heissa, lustig tanz! - { Lass dich's nicht gereu'n; - {und ist der Schuh' auch nicht mehr ganz, - {der Schuster flickt dir 'n neu'n! - { Dreh dich doch herum! - { Sei nicht so dumm! - { Tralala, tralala u. s. w. - -(_Mit verschlungenen Händen umtanzen sie sich immer ausgelassener, bis -sie beide übereinander zu Boden purzeln. In diesem Augenblick geht die -Thür auf._) - - -Zweite Scene. - -MUTTER - -(_mit einer Kiepe auf dem Rücken_). - - Holla! - -HÄNSEL UND GRETEL - -(_erschreckt aufspringend_). - - Himmel, die Mutter! - -(_Verlegenheit._) - -MUTTER. - - Was ist das für eine Geschichte? - -GRETEL. - - Der Hänsel.... - -HÄNSEL. - - Die Gretel.... - -GRETEL. - - Er wollte.... - -HÄNSEL. - - Ich sollte.... - -MUTTER (_in Zorn ausbrechend_). - - Wartet, ihr ungezogenen Wichte! - -(_Setzt ihre Kiepe nieder._) - - Nennt ihr das Arbeit? Johlen und singen? - Wie auf der Kirmes tanzen und springen? - Indes die Eltern vom frühen Morgen - bis spät in die Nacht sich mühen und sorgen? - Dass dich! (_Giebt Hänseln einen Puff._) - Lasst seh'n, was habt ihr beschickt? - --Wie, Gretel, den Strumpf nicht fertig gestrickt? - --Und du?--Du, Schlingel! In all den Stunden - nicht mal die wenigen Besen gebunden? - Ihr unnützigen Rangen! Den Stock will ich holen, - den Faulpelz werd' ich euch beiden versohlen! - -(_In ihrem Eifer hinter den Kindern her stösst sie den -Milchtopf vom Tisch, dass er klirrend zu Boden fällt._) - - Jesses! Nun auch den Topf noch zerbrochen! - -(_Weinend._) - - Was soll ich nun zum Abend kochen? - -(_Besieht ihren mit Milch begossenen Rock; Hänsel kichert verstohlen._) - - Was, Bengel, du lachst mich noch aus? - -(_Mit dem Stock hinter Hans her, der zur offenen Thür hinausrennt._) - - Wart, kommt nur der Vater nach Haus-- - -(_Reisst einen kleinen Korb von der Wand und drängt ihn Gretel -in die Hand._) - - Marsch, fort--in den Wald! - Dort sucht mir Erdbeeren!--Nun, wird es bald? - -(_Treibt auch Gretel zur Stube hinaus und droht mit dem Stocke -den sich furchtsam umschauenden Kindern._) - - Und bringt ihr den Korb nicht voll bis zum Rand, - so hau ich euch, dass ihr fliegt an die Wand! - -(_Setzt sich erschöpft an den Tisch._) - - Da liegt nun der gute Topf in Scherben! - Ja, blinder Eifer bringt immer Verderben.-- - Herrgott, wirf Geld herab! Nichts hab' ich zu leben, - kein Krümchen den Würmern zu essen zu geben; - kein Tröpfchen im Topfe, kein Krüstchen im Schrank, - schon lange nichts als Wasser zum Trank. - -(_Stützt den Kopf mit der Hand._) - - Müde bin ich--müde zum Sterben-- - Herrgott, wirf Geld herab-- -- - -(_Legt den Kopf auf den Arm und schläft ein._) - - -Dritte Scene. - -(_Man hört eine Stimme von draussen:_) - - Ach, wir armen, armen Leute! - Alle Tage so wie heute: - In dem Beutel ein grosses Loch - und im Magen ein gröss'res noch-- - Rallalala, rallalala, - Hunger ist der beste Koch! - -(_Am Fenster wird der Kopf des Vaters sichtbar, der während des -Folgenden in angeheitertem Zustande mit einem Kober auf dem Rücken in -die Stube tritt._) - - Ja, ihr Reichen könnt euch laben! - Wir, die nichts zu essen haben, - nagen, ach, die ganze Woch', - sieben Tag an einem Knoch'! - Rallalala, rallalala, - Hunger ist der beste Koch! - Ach, wir sind ja gern zufrieden, - denn das Glück ist so verschieden, - aber, aber wahr ist's doch: - Armut ist ein schweres Joch! - Rallalala, rallalala, - Hunger ist der beste Koch! - -(_Er setzt seinen Kober nieder und tritt an die Rampe._) - - Ja ja, der Hunger kocht schon gut, - sofern er kommandieren thut. - Allein was nutzt der Kommandör, - fehlt euch im Topf die Zubehör? - Rallalala, rallalala, - Kümmel ist mein Leiblikör! - Rallalala, rallalala, - Mutter, schau, was ich bescheer! - -(_Giebt ihr einen derben Schmatz._) - -MUTTER (_sich die Augen reibend_). - - Hoho!-- - Wer spek--spektakelt - mir da im Haus - und rallalakelt - aus dem Schlaf mich heraus? - -VATER (_lallend_). - - Das tolle Tier, - im Magen hier, - das bellte so, das glaube mir! - Rallalala, rallalala, - Hunger ist ein tolles Tier. - Rallalala, rallalala, - beisst und kratzt, das glaube mir! - -MUTTER. - - So, so! - Das tolle Tier, - es ist wohl schier - stark angezecht--das glaube mir! - -VATER. - - Nun ja, 's war heut ein heitrer Tag! - Fandst du nicht auch, lieb' Weib? - -MUTTER (_ärgerlich_). - - Ach geh! Du weisst, nicht leiden mag - ich Wirtshaus-Zeitvertreib! - -VATER (_zu seinem Kober sich wendend_). - - Auch gut! So sehen wir, wenn's beliebt, - was es für heut zu schmausen giebt. - -MUTTER. - - Höchst einfach ist das Speisregister - der Abendschmaus--zum Henker ist er! - Teller leer, - Keller leer, - und im Beutel ist gar nichts mehr. - -VATER. - - Rallalala, rallalala, - lustig, Mutter, bin auch noch da! - Rallalala, rallalala, - bringe Glück und Gloria! - -(_Nimmt den Kober und kramt aus._) - - Schau, Mutter! - Wie gefällt Dir dies Futter? - -MUTTER. - - Mann, was seh' ich? Speck und Butter! - Mehl und Würste!... vierzehn Eier-- - --Mann! Sie sind jetztunder teuer!-- - Bohnen, Zwiebeln und--herrjeh! - Gar ein viertel Pfund Kaffee! - -VATER - -(_kehrt den Kober vollends um. Ein Haufen Kartoffeln rollt zur -Erde. Beide fassen sich am Arm und tanzen in der Stube umher_). - - Rallalala, hopsassa! - Heute woll'n wir lustig sein! - Ja, hör nur, Mütterchen, wie's geschah! - -(_Die Mutter kramt die Sachen in den Schrank ein, macht Feuer -im Herd an, schlägt Eier in eine Schüssel u. s. w._) - - Drüben hinterm Herrenwald - prächt'ge Feste giebt's da bald, - Kirmes, Hochzeit, Jubiläum, - Böllerknall und gross Tedeum. - Mein Geschäft kommt nun zur Blüte; - dessen froh sei Dein Gemüte! - Sieh! wer feines Fest will feiern, - der muss kehren, schrubben und scheuern. - Bot drum meine Waren aus, - zog damit von Haus zu Haus: - »Kauft Besen! Gute Feger! - Feine Bürsten! Spinnejäger!« - Sieh, da verkauft' ich massenweise - meine Waren zum höchsten Preise!-- - Schnell nun her mit Topf und Pfanne, - her mit Kessel, Schüssel, Kanne! - -BEIDE. - - Vivat hoch die Besenbinder! - -VATER. - - Doch halt--wo bleiben die Kinder? - Hänsel! Gretel!--Wo steckt der Hans? - Wo er steckt? Ja, wüsste man's! - Nur das weiss ich klar wie Tag, - dass der Topf in Scherben lag! - -VATER (_zornig_). - - Was? der neue Topf entzwei? - -MUTTER. - - Und am Boden quoll der Brei! - -VATER - -(_mit der Faust auf den Tisch schlagend_). - - Donnerkeil! So haben die Rangen - Unfug wieder angefangen? - -MUTTER. - - Unfug viel und Arbeit keine - hatten sie getrieben alleine. - Hörte schon draussen sie juchzen und johlen, - hopsen und springen wie wilde Fohlen, - wusste nicht, wie mir stand der Kopf, - Und vor Zorn - -VATER. - - --zerbrach der Topf. - Hahahaha! - -(_Beide lachen aus vollem Halse._) - - Na, Zornmütterchen, nimm mir's nicht krumm, - solche Zorntöpfe find' ich recht dumm! - Doch sag, wo mögen die Kinderchen sein? - -MUTTER (_schnippisch_). - - Meinethalben am _Ilsenstein_! - -VATER (_erschrocken_). - - Am Ilsenstein?--Ei, juckt Dich das Fell? - -(_Nimmt einen Besen von der Wand._) - -MUTTER. - - Den Besen lass nur an seiner Stell. - -VATER - -(_lässt den Besen fallen und ringt die Hände_). - - Wenn sie sich verirrten im Walde dort, - in der Nacht, ohne Stern und Mond! - Kennst Du nicht den schauerlich düstern Ort? - Weisst nicht, dass die _Böse_ dort wohnt? - -MUTTER (_betroffen_). - - Die Böse? Wen meinst Du? - -VATER - -(_mit geheimnisvollem Nachdruck_). - - Die _Knusperhexe_!-- - -MUTTER (_fährt zusammen_). - - Die Knusperhexe!-- - -(_Zurückweichend, da der Vater den Besen wieder aufnimmt._) - - Mein! Sag doch, was soll denn der Besen? - -VATER. - - Der Besen! Der Besen! - Was macht man damit? Was macht man damit? - Es reiten drauf, es reiten drauf die Hexen! - Eine Hex' steinalt, - haust tief im Wald, - vom Teufel selber hat sie Gewalt! - Um Mitternacht, - wann niemand wacht, - dann reitet sie aus zur Hexenjagd. - Zum Schornstein hinaus - entschlüpft sie dem Haus; - auf dem Besen, o Graus; in Saus und Braus! - Über Berg und Kluft, - über Thal und Gruft - durch Nebelduft - im Sturm durch die Luft: - Ja so reiten, ja so reiten, - juchheissa, die Hexen! - -MUTTER. - - Entsetzlich! - -VATER. - - Ja, bei Tag, o Graus: - zum Hexenschmaus - ins Knisper-Knasper-Knusperhaus - die Kinderlein, - Armsünderlein, - mit Zauberkuchen lockt sie herein. - Doch übelgesinnt - ergreift sie geschwind - das arme Kuchen knuspernde Kind. - In den Ofen, hitzhell, - schiebt's die Hexe blitzschnell; - dann kommen zur Stell, - gebräunt das Fell, - aus dem Ofen, aus dem Ofen - die _Lebkuchenkinder_! - -MUTTER. - - Und die Lebkuchenkinder? - -VATER. - - Die werden gefressen! - -MUTTER. - - Von der Hexe? - -VATER. - - Von der Hexe. - -MUTTER (_händeringend_). - - O Graus! - Hilf, Himmel! die Kinder! Ich halt's nicht mehr aus! - -(_Rennt aus dem Hause._) - -VATER - -(_nimmt die Kümmelflasche vom Tisch_). - - He, Alte, so wart' doch! Nimm mich mit! - Wir wollen ja beide zum Hexenritt! - -(_Eilt ihr nach. Der Vorhang fällt schnell._) - - - - -ZWEITES BILD. - -IM WALDE. - - -Erste Scene. - -(_Im Hintergrunde der Ilsenstein, von dichtem Tannengehölz umgeben. -Rechts eine mächtige Tanne; darunter sitzt Gretel auf einer -moosbedeckten Wurzel und windet einen Kranz von Hagebutten; neben -ihr liegt ein Blumenstrauss. Links, abseits im Gebüsch, Hänsel, nach -Erdbeeren suchend. Abendrot._) - -GRETEL. - - Ein Männlein steht im Walde - ganz still und stumm; - es hat von lauter Purpur - ein Mäntlein um. - Sagt, wer mag das Männlein sein, - das da steht im Wald allein - mit dem purpurroten Mäntelein? - Das Männlein steht im Walde - auf einem Bein - und hat auf seinem Kopfe - schwarz Käpplein klein. - Sagt, wer mag das Männlein sein, - das da steht im Wald allein - mit dem kleinen schwarzen Käppelein? - -HÄNSEL - -(_kommt hervor und schwenkt jubelnd sein Körbchen_). - - Juchhe! - Mein Erbelkörbchen ist voll bis oben; - wie wird die Mutter den Hänsel loben! - -GRETEL. - - Mein Kränzel ist auch schon fertig, sieh! - So schön wie heute ward's noch nie! - -(_Will den Kranz Hänsel auf den Kopf setzen._) - -HÄNSEL (_barsch abwehrend_). - - Buben tragen doch so was nicht, - 's passt nur für ein Mädchengesicht. - -(_Setzt ihr den Kranz auf._) - - Hei, Gretel, feins Mädel! - Ei, der Daus, - siehst ja wie die Waldkönigin aus! - -GRETEL. - - Seh ich wie die Waldkönigin aus, - so reich' mir auch den Blumenstrauss! - -HÄNSEL. - - Waldkönigin mit Scepter und Kron', - da nimm auch die Erbeln, doch nasch' nicht davon! - -(_Reicht ihr mit der einen Hand den Blumenstrauss, mit der andern das -Körbchen voll Erdbeeren und huckt, gleichsam huldigend, vor ihr nieder. -In diesem Augenblick ertönt der Ruf eines Kuckucks._) - -HÄNSEL. - - Kuckuck! Eierschluck! - -GRETEL (_schalkhaft_). - - Kuckuck! Erbelschluck! - -(_Holt eine Beere aus dem Körbchen und hält sie Hänsel hin, der sie -schlürft, als ob er ein Ei austränke._) - -HÄNSEL (_springt auf_). - - Hoho! Das kann ich auch! Gieb nur acht! - -(_Nimmt einige Beeren und lässt sie Gretel in den Mund rollen._) - - Wir machen's, wie der Kuckuck schluckt, - wenn er in fremde Nester guckt. - -(_Der Kuckuck ruft abermals. Es beginnt zu dämmern._) - -HÄNSEL (_greift wieder zu_). - - Kuckuck! Eierschluck! - -GRETEL (_ebenso_). - - Kuckuck! Erbelschluck! - -HÄNSEL. - - Setzest Deine Kinder aus! - Kuckuck! - Trinkst die fremden Eier aus! - Gluckgluck! - -(_Lässt sich eine ganze Handvoll Erdbeeren in den Mund rollen._) - -GRETEL. - - Sammelst Erbeln schön zuhauf! - Kuckuck! - Schluckst sie, Schlauer, selber auf! - Schluckschluck! - -(_Sie werden immer übermütiger und raufen sich schliesslich um die -Beeren. Hänsel trägt den Sieg davon und setzt den Korb vollends an den -Mund, bis er gänzlich leer geworden. Indessen hat die Dunkelheit immer -mehr zugenommen._) - -GRETEL (_Hänsel den Korb entreissend_). - - Hänsel, was hast Du gethan! O Himmel! - Alle Erbeln gegessen, Du Lümmel! - Wart' nur, das giebt ein Strafgericht, - denn die Mutter, die spasst heute nicht! - -HÄNSEL (_ruhig_). - - Ei was, stell Dich doch nicht so an, - Du, Gretel, hast es ja selber gethan! - -GRETEL. - - Komm nur, wollen rasch neue suchen! - -HÄNSEL. - - Im Dunkeln wohl gar, unter Hecken und Buchen? - Man sieht ja nicht Blatt, nicht Beere mehr! - Es wird schon dunkel rings umher! - -GRETEL. - - Ach, Hänsel, Hänsel! Was fangen wir an? - Was haben wir thörichten Kinder gethan? - Wir durften hier gar nicht so lange säumen! - -HÄNSEL. - - Horch, wie rauscht es in den Bäumen! -- - Weisst Du, was der Wald jetzt spricht? - »Kindlein!« sagt er, »fürchtet ihr euch nicht?« - -(_Späht unruhig umher._) - - Gretel! Ich weiss den Weg nicht mehr! - -GRETEL (_bestürzt_). - - O Gott! Was sagst Du? den Weg nicht mehr? - -HÄNSEL (_sich mutig stellend_). - - Was bist Du doch für ein furchtsam Wicht! - Ich bin ein Bub', ich fürchte mich nicht! - -GRETEL. - - Ach, Hänsel! Gewiss geschieht uns ein Leid! - -HÄNSEL. - - Ach, Gretel, geh, sei doch gescheit! - -GRETEL. - - Was schimmert denn dort in der Dunkelheit? - -HÄNSEL. - - Das sind die Birken im weissen Kleid. - -GRETEL. - - Und dort, was grinset daher vom Sumpf? - -HÄNSEL (_stotternd_). - - D--d--das ist ein glimmender Weidenstumpf! - -GRETEL. - - Was für ein wunderlich Gesicht - Macht er soeben--siehst Du's nicht? - -HÄNSEL (_sehr laut_). - - Ich mach' dir 'ne Nase, hörst du's, Wicht? - -GRETEL (_ängstlich_). - - Da, sieh', das Lichtchen--es kommt immer näh'r! - -HÄNSEL. - - Irrlichtchen hüpfet wohl hin und her! - Gretel, Du musst beherzter sein-- - wart, ich will einmal tüchtig schrein! - -(_Ruft durch die hohlen Hände._) - - Wer da? - -ECHO. - - Er da! - -(_Die Kinder schmiegen sich erschreckt aneinander._) - -GRETEL (_zaghaft_). - - Ist jemand da? - -ECHO (_leise_). - - Ja! - -(_Die Kinder schaudern zusammen._) - -GRETEL. - - Hast Du's gehört? 's rief leise: Ja! - Hänsel, sicher ist jemand nah'! - (_weinend_:) - Ich fürcht' mich, ich fürcht' mich!--O wär' ich zu Haus! - Wie sieht der Wald so gespenstig aus! - -HÄNSEL. - - Gretelchen, drücke Dich fest an mich! - Ich halte Dich, ich schütze Dich! - -(_Ein dichter Nebel steigt auf und verhüllt den Hintergrund gänzlich._) - -GRETEL. - - Da kommen weisse Nebelfrauen, - sieh', wie sie winken und drohend schauen. - Sie schweben heran! - Sie fassen uns an! - (_schreiend_:) - Vater! Mutter! - -(_Eilt entsetzt unter die Tanne und verbirgt sich, auf die Kniee -stürzend, hinter Hänsel. In diesem Augenblicke zerreisst links der -Nebel; ein kleines graues Männchen, mit einem Säckchen auf dem Rücken, -wird sichtbar._) - -HÄNSEL. - - Sieh' dort das Männchen, Schwesterlein! - Was mag das für ein Männchen sein? - - -Zweite Scene. - -SANDMÄNNCHEN (_nähert sich mit freundlichen Gebärden den Kindern, die -sich allmählich beruhigen, und wirft ihnen während des Folgenden Sand -in die Augen_). - - Der kleine Sandmann bin ich -- s-t! - und gar nichts Arges sinn ich -- s-t! - Euch Kleinen lieb ich innig -- s-t! - bin euch gesinnt gar minnig -- s-t! - Aus diesem Sack zwei Körnelein - euch Müden in die Äugelein; - die fallen dann von selber zu, - damit ihr schlaft in sanfter Ruh. - Und seid ihr fein geschlafen ein, - dann wachen auf die Sterne, - und nieder steigen Engelein - aus hoher Himmelsferne - und bringen holde Träume. - Drum träume, Kindchen, träume! - -(_Verschwindet. Völlige Dunkelheit._) - -HÄNSEL (_schlaftrunken_). - - Sandmann war da! - -GRETEL (_ebenso_). - - Lass uns den Abendsegen beten! - -(_Sie kauern nieder und falten die Hände._) - -BEIDE. - - Abends, will ich schlafen gehn, - vierzehn Engel um mich stehn, - zwei zu meinen Häupten, - zwei zu meinen Füssen, - zwei zu meiner Rechten, - zwei zu meiner Linken, - zweie, die mich decken, - zweie, die mich wecken, - zweie, die mich weisen - zu Himmelsparadeisen. - -(_Sie sinken aufs Moos zurück und schlummern Arm in Arm verschlungen -alsbald ein._) - - -Dritte Scene. - -(_Plötzlich dringt von obenher ein heller Schein durch den Nebel, der -sich wolkenförmig zusammenballt und die Gestalt einer in die Mitte der -Bühne hinabführenden Treppe annimmt. Vierzehn Engel, die kleinsten -voran, die grössten zuletzt, schreiten paarweise, während das Licht -an Helligkeit zunimmt, in Zwischenräumen die Wolkentreppe hinab und -stellen sich, der Reihenfolge des Abendsegens entsprechend, um die -schlafenden Kinder auf, das erste Paar zu Häupten, das zweite zu -Füssen, das dritte rechts, das vierte links; dann verteilen sich das -fünfte und sechste Paar zwischen die übrigen Paare, so dass der Kreis -der Engel vollständig geschlossen wird. Zuletzt tritt das siebente Paar -in den Kreis und nimmt als »Schutzengel« zu beiden Seiten der Kinder -Platz, während die übrigen sich die Hände reichen und einen feierlichen -Reigen um die Gruppe aufführen. Indem sie sich zu einem malerischen -Schlussbilde ordnen, schliesst sich langsam der Vorhang._) - - - - -DRITTES BILD. - -DAS KNUSPERHÄUSCHEN. - - -Erste Scene. - -(_Scene wie vorhin. Der Hintergrund noch von Nebel verhüllt, der sich -während des Folgenden langsam verzieht. Die Engel sind verschwunden._) - -(_Früher Morgen. Taumännchen tritt auf und schüttelt aus einer -Glockenblume Tautropfen auf die schlafenden Kinder; diese beginnen sich -zu regen._) - -TAUMÄNNCHEN. - - Der kleine Tau-Mann heiss' ich--kling! - Mit Mutter Sonne reis' ich--klang! - Von Ost bis Westen weiss ich--kling! - Wer faul ist und wer fleissig--klang! - Ich komm mit lichtem Sonnenschein - und strahl in eure Äugelein, - und weck mit kühlem Taue, - was schläft auf Flur und Aue. - Dann springet auf, wer fleissig - zur frühen Morgenstunde, - denn sie hat Gold im Munde. - Drum, Schläfer, auf, erwachet, - der lichte Tag schon lachet! - -(_Ab._) - -GRETEL - -(_öffnet die Augen, richtet sich halb auf und blickt verwundert um -sich, während Hänsel sich auf die andere Seite legt, um weiter zu -schlafen_). - - Wo bin ich? Wach ich? Ist es ein Traum? - Hier lieg' ich unterm Tannenbaum. - Hoch in den Zweigen lispelt es leise, - Vöglein singen so süsse Weise. - Wohl früh schon waren sie aufgewacht - und haben ihr Morgenlied dargebracht. - Guten Morgen, liebe Vöglein, guten Morgen! - (_Sie erblickt Hänsel._) - Sieh da, der faule Siebenschläfer! - Wart nur, Dich weck' ich! - (_Sie bückt sich zu ihm nieder und singt ihm ins Ohr._) - Tirelireli, - 's ist nicht mehr früh! - Die Lerche hat's gesungen - und hoch sich aufgeschwungen. - (_Aufspringend._) - Tirelireli! - -HÄNSEL - -(_der während des Liedes erwacht ist, reibt sich die Augen, gähnt, -dehnt sich und stimmt, gleichfalls aufspringend, munter in Gretels -Weise ein_). - - Kikeriki! - 's ist noch früh! - Ja, hab's wohl vernommen, - der Morgen ist gekommen, - Kikeriki! - Mir ist so wohl, ich weiss nicht wie; - so gut wie heute schlief ich nie. - -GRETEL. - - Doch höre nur! Hier unter dem Baum, - da hatt' ich einen wunderschönen Traum. - -HÄNSEL. - - Richtig! Auch mir träumte so was! - -GRETEL. - - Mir träumt' ich hört' ein Rauschen und Klingen, - wie Chöre der Engel ein himmlisches Singen; - lichte Wölkchen im rosigen Schein - wallten und wogten ins Dunkel herein. - Siehe, hell ward's mit einem Male, - lichtdurchflossen vom Himmelsstrahle; - eine goldene Leiter sah ich sich neigen, - Englein zu mir herniedersteigen, - Engel mit goldenen Flügelein-- - -HÄNSEL - -(_der ihrer Erzählung mit Zeichen lebhafter Zustimmung gefolgt ist_). - - Vierzehn müssen's gewesen sein! - -GRETEL (_erstaunt_). - - Hast Du denn alles das auch gesehn? - -HÄNSEL. - - Freilich! 's war halt wunderschön-- - Und dort hinaus sah ich sie gehn! - -(_Er wendet sich nach dem Hintergrunde. In diesem Augenblick zerreisst -der letzte Nebelschleier. An Stelle des Tannengehölzes erscheint -glitzernd im Strahl der aufgehenden Sonne das »Knusperhäuschen« am -Ilsenstein. Links davon in einiger Entfernung befindet sich ein -Backofen, diesem rechts gegenüber ein grosser Käfig, beide mit dem -Knusperhäuschen durch einen Zaun von Kuchenmännern verbunden._) - - -Zweite Scene. - -GRETEL (_hält Hänsel betroffen zurück_). - - Bleib stehn! Bleib stehn! - -HÄNSEL - -(_eine Weile sprachlos vor Staunen_). - - Himmel, welch Wunder ist hier geschehn! - Nein, so was hab ich mein Tag nicht gesehn! - -GRETEL - -(_gewinnt allmählich die Fassung wieder_). - - Wie duftet's von dorten, - O schau nur die Pracht! - Von Kuchen und Torten - Ein Häuslein gemacht! - Mit Fladen, mit Torten - ist's hoch überdacht! - Die Fenster wahrhaftig - wie Zucker so blank, - Rosinen gar saftig - den Giebel entlang! - Und--traun! - Rings zu schaun - gar ein Lebkuchen-Zaun! - -BEIDE. - - O herrliches Schlösschen, - so schmuck du und fein, - welch Waldes-Prinzesschen - mag drinnen wohl sein? - Ach möchte zu Hause - die Waldprinzess sein! - Bei leckerem Schmause - mit Kuchen und Wein - sie lüde zur Klause - uns beide wohl ein! - -HÄNSEL (_nach einer Pause_). - - Alles bleibt still. Nichts regt sich da drinnen. - Komm lass uns hineingehn! - -GRETEL - -(_erschrocken ihn zurückhaltend_). - - Bist du bei Sinnen? - Junge, wie magst du so dreist nur sein? - Wer weiss, wer da drin wohl im Häuschen fein? - -HÄNSEL. - - O sieh nur, wie das Häuschen uns lacht! - (_Begeistert._) - Die Englein haben's uns hergebracht! - -GRETEL (_sinnend_). - - Die Englein?--Ei, so wird es wohl sein! - -HÄNSEL. - - Ja, Gretel, sie laden freundlich uns ein! - Komm, wir knuspern ein wenig vom Häuschen! - -BEIDE. - - Ja, knuspern wir, wie zwei Nagemäuschen! - -(_Sie hüpfen Hand in Hand nach dem Hintergrunde, bleiben wiederum -stehen und schleichen dann vorsichtig auf den Fussspitzen bis an das -Häuschen heran. Nach einigem Zögern bricht Hänsel an der rechten Kante -ein Stückchen Kuchen heraus._) - - -Dritte Scene. - -STIMME AUS DEM HÄUSCHEN. - - Knusper, knusper Knäuschen, - wer knuspert mir am Häuschen? - -HÄNSEL (_lässt erschrocken das Stück zu Boden fallen_). - -GRETEL (_zaghaft_). - - Der Wind! - -HÄNSEL (_ebenso_). - - Der Wind! - -BEIDE. - - Das himmlische Kind. - -GRETEL - -(_hebt das Stück wieder auf und versucht es_). - - Hm! - -HÄNSEL (_Gretel begehrlich anschauend_). - - Wie schmeckt das? - -GRETEL (_ihn beissen lassend_). - - Da hast du auch was! - -HÄNSEL - -(_legt entzückt die Hand auf die Brust_). - - Hei! - -GRETEL (_ebenso_). - - Hei! - -BEIDE. - - O köstlicher Kuchen, - Wie schmeckst du nach mehr! - Mir ist ja, als wenn ich - im Himmel schon wär! - -HÄNSEL. - - Hei, wie das schmeckt! 's ist gar zu lecker! - -GRETEL. - - Vielleicht gar wohnt hier ein Zuckerbäcker! - -Hänsel (_ruft_). - - He, Zuckerbäcker, nimm dich in acht, - Ein Loch wird dir jetzt vom Mäuslein gemacht! - -(_Bricht ein grosses Stück aus der Wand heraus._) - -STIMME AUS DEM HÄUSCHEN. - - Knusper, knusper Knäuschen, - wer knuspert mir am Häuschen? - -HÄNSEL UND GRETEL. - - Der Wind, der Wind, - das himmlische Kind! - -(_Der obere Teil der Hausthüre öffnet sich leise, und der Kopf der -Knusperhexe wird sichtbar. Die Kinder bemerken sie nicht und schmausen -lustig weiter._) - -GRETEL. - - Wart, du näschiges Mäuschen, - gleich kommt die Katz' aus dem Häuschen! - -HÄNSEL. - - Knuspre nur zu - und lass mich in Ruh! - -GRETEL - -(_entreisst ihm ein Stück Kuchen_). - - Nicht so geschwind, - Herr Wind, Herr Wind! - -HÄNSEL (_nimmt es ihr wieder ab_). - - Himmlisches Kind, - ich nehm, was ich find! - -(_Sie lachen beide hell auf. Während des letzten Gespräches ist die -Thüre des Häuschens aufgegangen, und die Hexe tritt, von den Kindern -nicht bemerkt, daraus hervor, behutsam auf diese zuschleichend. Rasch -wirft sie dem ahnungslosen Hänsel einen Strick um den Hals, eben in dem -Augenblick, als die Kinder lachen._) - -HEXE (_kichernd_). - - Hihi, hihi, hihihi! - -(_Die Kinder blicken sich erschrocken um._) - -HÄNSEL (_entsetzt_). - - Lass los!--Wer bist du? - -HEXE (_Gretel übers Gesicht streichelnd_). - - Engelchen! - Und du, mein Zuckerbengelchen! - Ihr kommt mich besuchen?--Das ist nett! - Liebe Kinder!--So rund und fett! - -HÄNSEL. - - Wer bist du, Garstige?--Lass mich los! - -HEXE. - - Na, Herzchen, zier dich nicht erst gross! - Wisst denn, dass euch vor mir nicht graul: - Ich bin _Rosina Leckermaul_, - höchst menschenfreundlich stets gesinnt, - unschuldig wie ein kleines Kind. - Drum hab ich die kleinen Kinder so lieb, - So lieb--ach zum Aufessen lieb! - -(_Sie streichelt die Kinder wieder._) - -HÄNSEL (_barsch abwehrend_). - - Geh!--bleib mir doch aus dem Gesicht! - Hörst du? Ich mag dich nicht! - -HEXE. - - Hihihi! - Was seid ihr für leckere Teufelsbrätchen, - besonders du, mein herzig Mädchen! - -(_Lockend._) - - Kommt, kleine Mäuslein, - kommt in mein Häuslein! - Sollt es gut bei mir haben, - Will drinnen köstlich euch laben. - Schokolade, Torten, Marzipan, - Kuchen, gefüllt mit süsser Sahn', - Johannisbrot und Jungfernleder - und Reisbrei--auf dem Ofen steht er-- - Rosinen, Mandeln und Feigen, - 's ist alles im Häuschen eur eigen! - -HÄNSEL. - - Ich geh nicht mit dir, garstige Frau!-- - Du bist gar zu freundlich. - -HEXE. - - Schau, schau, wie schlau, - Ihr Kinder, ich mein's doch so gut mit euch, - seid ja bei mir wie im Himmelreich! - Kommt, kleine Mäuslein! - kommt in mein Häuslein! - Sollt es gut bei mir haben, - will drinnen köstlich euch laben! - -(_Sie will Hänsel fortziehen._) - -GRETEL. - - Was willst du meinem Bruder thun? - -HEXE. - - Gutes, mein Kind, sehr Gutes! I nun, - mit allerhand vortrefflichen Sachen - will ich ihn zart und wohlschmeckend machen - und ist er dann recht zahm und brav, - geduldig und fügsam wie ein Schaf, - dann--höre, Hänsel, ich sag dir's ins Ohr: - dir steht eine grosse Freude bevor! - -HÄNSEL. - - So sag's doch laut und nicht ins Ohr! - Welche Freude steht mir bevor? - -HEXE. - - Ach, liebe Püppchen, Hören und Sehn - wird euch bei diesem Vergnügen vergehn! - -HÄNSEL. - - Ei, meine Augen und Ohren sind gut, - haben wohl acht, was Schaden mir thut. - Gretel, trau nicht dem gleissenden Wort. - -(_Leise._) - - Schwesterchen, komm, wir laufen fort! - -(_Er hat sich allmählich von der Schlinge befreit und will mit -Gretel fortlaufen; sie werden aber von der Hexe zurückgehalten, die -gebieterisch ihren Stab gegen die beiden erhebt._) - -HEXE. - - Halt! - -(_Macht mit dem Stabe die Gebärde des Hexenbannes. Die Bühne verfinstert -sich._) - - Hocus pocus, Hexenschuss! - Rühr dich, und dich beisst der Fluss! - Nicht mehr vorwärts, nicht zurück, - bann dich mit dem bösen Blick; - Kopf steh starr dir im Genick! - -(_Neue Gebärde; die Spitze des Stabes fängt an zu leuchten._) - - Hocus pocus, nun kommt Jocus! - Kinder, schaut den Zauberknopf! - Äuglein, stehet still im Kopf!-- - Nun zum Stall hinein, du Tropf! - Hocus pocus, bonus jocus, - Malus locus, hocus pocus! - -(_Leitet den starr auf den Knopf blickenden Hänsel zum Stalle und -schliesst hinter ihm die Gitterthüre, während Gretel regungslos dasteht. -Die Bühne erhellt sich wieder._) - -HEXE (_vergnügt zu Gretel_). - - Nun, Gretelchen, sei vernünftig und nett! - Der Hänsel wird nun balde fett. - Wir wollen ihn, so ist's am besten, - mit Mandeln und Rosinen mästen. - Ich geh ins Haus und hol sie schnell-- - Du rühre dich nicht von der Stell! - -(_Hinkt ins Haus._) - -GRETEL (_starr und unbeweglich_). - - Hu--Wie mir vor der Hexe graut! - -HÄNSEL. - - Gretel! Pst! sprich nicht so laut! - Sei hübsch gescheit und gieb fein acht - auf jedes, was die Hexe macht. - Zum Schein thu alles, was sie will-- - da kommt sie schon zurück--Pst! still! - -HEXE - -(_dem Hänsel aus einem Korbe Mandeln und Rosinen hinstreuend_). - - Nun, Jüngelchen, - ergötze dein Züngelchen! - Friss, Vogel, oder stirb-- - Kuchen-Heil dir erwirb! - -(_Wendet sich zu Gretel und entzaubert sie mit einem Wachholderbusch._) - - Hocus pocus, Holderbusch! - Schwinde, Gliederstarre, husch! - Nun wieder kregel, süsses Kleinchen, - rühr mir geschwind die runden Beinchen! - Geh, Zuckerpüppchen, flink und frisch - und decke drinnen hübsch den Tisch! - Schüsselchen, Tellerchen, Messerchen, Gäbelchen, - Serviettchen für mein Schnäbelchen; - und mach nur alles recht hurtig und fein, - sonst sperr ich auch dich in den Stall hinein! - -(_Sie droht kichernd; Gretel geht ins Haus._) - -HEXE - -(_zu dem sich schlafend stellenden Hänsel_). - - Der Lümmel schläft ja nun--sieh mal an, - wie doch die Jugend schlafen kann! - Na, schlaf nur brav, du gutes Schaf, - bald schläfst du deinen ewigen Schlaf. - Doch erst muss mir die Gretel dran; - mit dir, mein Liebchen, fang ich an, - bist so niedlich, zart und rund, - wie gemacht für Hexen-Mund! - -(_Sie öffnet die Backofenthür und riecht hinein._) - - Der Teig ist gar, wir können voran machen. - Hei, wie im Ofen die Scheite krachen! - -(_Schiebt noch ein paar Holzscheite unter und reibt sich dann -schmunzelnd die Hände._) - - Ja, Gretelchen, - wirst bald ein Brätelchen! - Schau, schau, - wie ich schlau bin, so schlau! - Sollst gleich im Backofen hucken - und nach dem Lebkuchen gucken. - Und bist du dann drin--schwaps, - geht die Thür--klaps! - Dann ist fein Gretelchen - mein Brätelchen! - Das Brätelchen soll sich verwandeln - in Kuchen mit Zucker und Mandeln! - Im Zauberofen mein - wirst du ein Lebkuchen fein! - -(_In wilder Freude ergreift sie einen Besenstiel und reitet ausgelassen -auf ihm ums Haus. Gretel steht lauschend am kleinen Fenster._) - - Hurr, hopp, hopp, hopp! - Galopp, Galopp! - mein Besengaul, - hurr, hopp, nit faul! - - Sowie ich's mag - am lichten Tag - spring kreuz und quer - um Häuschen her! - - Bei dunkler Nacht, - wann niemand wacht, - zum Hexenschmaus - am Schornstein raus! - - Aus fünf und sechs, - so sagt die Hex, - mach sieb und acht, - so ist's vollbracht; - und neun ist eins, - und zehn ist keins, - und viel ist nichts, - die Hexe spricht's. - - So reitet sie - bis morgens früh-- - Prr! Besen! hüh! - -(_Vom Besen steigend hinkt die Hexe zu Hänsel und kitzelt ihn mit einem -Besenreis wach._) - - Auf, auf, mein Jüngelchen! - Zeig mir dein Züngelchen! - -(_Hänsel streckt die Zunge heraus._) - -(_Schnalzend._) - - Schlicker, schlecker, - lecker, lecker! - Kleines leckres Schlingerchen, - Zeige mir dein Fingerchen! - (_Hänsel streckt ein Stöckchen heraus._) - Jemine, je! - Wie ein Stöckchen, o weh! - Bübchen, deine Fingerchen - sind elende Dingerchen! - -(_Ruft._) - - Mädel! Gretel! - -(_Gretel zeigt sich an der Thür._) - - Bring Rosinen und Mandeln her; - Hänsel meint, es schmeckt nach "mehr!" - -(_Gretel bringt in einem Korbe Rosinen und Mandeln; sie stellt sich, -während die Hexe sie dem Hänsel reicht, hinter sie und macht gegen -Hänsel die Entzauberungsgebärde mit dem Wachholderbusch._) - -GRETEL (_leise_). - - Hocus pocus, Holderbusch! - Schwinde, Gliederstarre--husch! - -HEXE (_sich rasch umwendend_). - - Was sagtest du, mein Gänselchen! - -GRETEL. - - Meint' nur: wohl bekomm's, mein Hänselchen! - -HEXE. - - Hihihi! Mein gutes Tröpfchen, - da--steck dir was ins Kröpfchen! - Friss, Vogel, und stirb-- - Kuchen-Heil dir erwirb! - -(_Sie öffnet die Backofenthür; Hänsel giebt Gretel lebhafte Zeichen._) - -HÄNSEL (_leise die Stallthür öffnend_). - - Schwesterlein, - hüt dich fein! - -HEXE (_Gretel gierig betrachtend_). - - Wie wässert mir das Mündchen - nach diesem süssen Kindchen! - Komm, Gretelchen! - Zuckermädelchen! - Sollst in den Backofen hucken - und nach den Lebkuchen gucken, - sorgfältig schaun--ja, - ob sie schon braun da, - oder ob's zu früh-- - 's ist kleine Müh! - -HÄNSEL (_aus dem Stall schleichend_). - - Schwesterlein, - hüt dich fein! - -GRETEL (_sich ungeschickt stellend_). - - Ei, wie fang ich's an, - dass ich komme dran? - -HEXE. - - Musst dich nur eben - ein bisschen heben, - Kopf vorgebeugt-- - 's ist kinderleicht! - -HÄNSEL (_immer näher den beiden_). - - Schwesterlein, - hüt dich fein! - -GRETEL (_schüchtern_). - - Bin gar so dumm, - nimm mir's nicht krumm; - drum zeige mir eben, - wie soll ich mich heben? - -HEXE - -(_macht eine ungeduldige Bewegung_). - - Kopf vorgebeugt! - 's ist kinderleicht! - -(_Indem sie sich vorbeugt und mit halbem Leibe hineinkriecht, geben ihr -Hänsel und Gretel von hinten einen derben Stoss, sodass sie vollends -hineinfliegt, und schlagen dann rasch die Thür zu._) - -HÄNSEL UND GRETEL. - - Und bist du dann drin--schwaps! - Geht die Thür--klaps! - Du bist dann statt Gretelchen - ein Brätelchen! - -(_Hänsel und Gretel fallen sich jubelnd in die Arme, fassen sich bei der -Hand und tanzen._) - - Juchhei! Nun ist die Hexe tot, - mausetot! - Nun ist geschwunden Angst und Not! - - Juchhei! Nun ist die Hexe still, - mäuschenstill, - Und Kuchen giebt's die Hüll und Füll! - - Juchhei! Nun ist zu End der Graus, - Hexengraus! - Und böser Zauberspuk ist aus! - - Drum lasst uns fröhlich sein, - tanzen im Feuerschein, - halten im Knusperhaus - herrlichsten Freudenschmaus! - Juchhei, juchhei! - -(_Sie umfassen sich und walzen zum Knusperhaus, wo sie alle -Herrlichkeiten in Besitz nehmen. Im Hexenofen knistert es gewaltig und -die Flamme schlägt hoch empor; dann erfolgt ein starker Krach, und -der Ofen stürzt zusammen. Hänsel und Gretel eilen herbei, und stehen -erstaunt da. Ihre Verwunderung steigt aufs höchste, als sie die Kinder -gewahr werden, deren Kuchenhülle inzwischen abgefallen ist._) - - -Vierte Scene. - -GRETEL (_nach einer Weile_). - - Da, sieh nur die artigen Kinderlein, - wo mögen die hergekommen sein? - -DIE KUCHENKINDER (_ganz leise_). - - Erlöst--befreit - für alle Zeit! - -GRETEL. - - Geschlossen sind ihre Äugelein; - sie schlafen und singen doch so fein! - -KUCHENKINDER (_leise_). - - O rühre mich an, - dass ich erwachen kann! - -HÄNSEL (_verlegen_). - - Rühr du sie doch an--ich traue mir's nicht. - -GRETEL. - - Ja, streicheln will ich dies hübsches Gesicht! - -(_Sie streichelt das nächste Kind; dieses öffnet die Augen und -lächelt._) - -ANDRE KUCHENKINDER. - - O rühre auch mich--auch mich rühr' an, - dass ich die Äuglein öffnen kann. - -(_Gretel geht streichelnd zu den übrigen Kindern, die lächelnd die Augen -öffnen, ohne sich zu rühren; endlich ergreift Hänsel den Wachholder._) - -HÄNSEL. - - Hocus pocus, Holderbusch! - Schwinde, Gliederstarre--husch! - -DIE KUCHENKINDER - -(_springen auf, schliessen sich zu einem Ringelreigen um Hänsel und -Gretel und verbeugen sich zierlich_). - - Habt Dank, habt Dank - euer Leben lang! - Juchhei! - Die Hexerei - ist nun vorbei; - nun singen und springen wir froh und frei! - Kommt, Kinderlein, - zum Ringelreihn, - reicht allzumal die Händchen fein! - Drum singt und springt, - drum tanzt und singt, - dass laut der Jubelruf durchdringt den Wald, - und rings erschallt - von Lust der Wald. - -HÄNSEL UND GRETEL. - - Die Englein haben's im Traum gesagt - in stiller Nacht, - was nun so herrlich uns der Tag - hat wahr gemacht. - Ihr Englein, die uns so treu bewacht - bei Tag und Nacht, - habt Lob und Dank für all die Pracht, - die uns hier lacht. - -DIE KUCHENKINDER. - - Habt Dank, habt Dank - euer Leben lang! - - -Letzte Scene. - -(_Aus dem Hintergrund ertönt die Stimme des Vaters._) - -VATER. - - Rallalala, rallalala, - wären doch unsre Kinder da! - Rallalala, rallalala.-- - -(_Er erblickt Hänsel und Gretel._) - - Juch--! Ei, da sind sie ja! - -HÄNSEL UND GRETEL - -(_den Eltern entgegen eilend_). - - Vater! Mutter! - -MUTTER. - - Kinderchen! - -VATER. - - Da sind ja die armen Sünderchen! - -(_Frohe Umarmung; unterdes haben zwei Knaben die Hexe als grossen -Lebkuchen aus den Trümmern des Zauberofens gezogen. Der Vater stellt -dieselbe vor sich hin._) - -VATER. - - Kinder, schaut das Wunder an, - wie solch Hexlein hexen kann, - Wie sie hart, - knusperhart - selber nun zum Kuchen ward! - - Merkt des Himmels Strafgericht: - böse Werke dauern nicht! - Wenn die Not aufs höchste steigt, - Gott der Herr die Hand uns reicht! - -ALLE. - - Wenn die Not aufs höchste steigt, - Gott der Herr die Hand uns reicht! - -(_Indem die Kinder einen lustigen Reigen um die Gruppe tanzen, fällt der -Vorhang._) - -ENDE. - - - - -HÄNSEL AND GRETEL. - - - - -ACT I. - -AT HOME. - - -Scene I. - -(_Small, poorly furnished room. In the background a door, a small -window near it with a view into the forest. On the left a fireplace, -with chimney above it. On the walls many brooms of various sizes. -Hänsel sits near the door, making brooms, and Gretel opposite him by -the fireplace, knitting a stocking._) - -GRETEL. - - Susy, little Susy, pray what is the news? - The geese are running barefoot, because they've no shoes! - The cobbler has leather, and plenty to spare, - why can't he make the poor goose a new pair? - -HÄNSEL. - - Then they'll have to go barefoot! - Eia-popeia, pray what's to be done? - Who'll give me milk and sugar, for bread I have none? - I'll go back to bed and I'll lie there all day; - where there's nought to eat, then there's nothing to pay! - -GRETEL. - - Then we'll have to go hungry! - -HÄNSEL. - - If mother would only come home again! - Yes, I am so hungry, - I don't know what to do! - For weeks I've eaten nought but bread-- - It's very hard, it is indeed! - -GRETEL. - - Hush, Hänsel, don't forget what father said, - when mother, too, wished she were dead: - "When past bearing is our grief, - Then 'tis Heaven will send relief!" - -HÄNSEL. - - Yes, yes, that sounds all very fine, - but you know off maxims we cannot dine! - O Gret, it would be such a treat - if we had something nice to eat! - Eggs and butter and suet paste, - I've almost forgotten how they taste. - -(_Nearly crying._) - - O Gretel, I wish-- - -GRETEL. - - Hush, don't give way to grumps; - have patience awhile, no doleful dumps! - This woful face, whew! what a sight! - Looks like a horrid old crosspatch fright! - Crosspatch, away! - Leave me, I pray! - Just let me reach you, - quickly I'll teach you - how to make trouble, - soon mount to double! - Crosspatch, crosspatch, - what is the use, - growling and grumbling, - full of abuse? - Off with you, out with you, - shame on you, goose! - -HÄNSEL. - - Crosspatch, away! - Hard lines, I say. - - {HÄNSEL. - { - { When I am hungry, - { surely I can say so, - { cannot allay so, - { can't chase away so! - { - {GRETEL. - { - { If I am hungry, - { I'll never say so, - { will not give way so, - { chase it away so! - -GRETEL. - - That's right. Now, if you leave off complaining, - I'll tell you a most delightful secret! - -HÄNSEL. - - O delightful! it must be something nice! - -GRETEL. - - Well, listen, brotherkin--won't you be glad! - Look here in the jug, here is fresh milk, - 'twas given to-day by our neighbour, - and mother, when she comes back home, - will certainly make us a rice-blancmange. - -HÄNSEL - -(_joyfully dances round the room_). - - Rice-blancmange! - When blancmange is anywhere near, - then Hänsel, Hänsel, Hänsel, is there! - How thick is the cream on the milk; - let's taste it! O Gemini! - wouldn't I like to drink it! - -(_Tasting it._) - -GRETEL. - - What, Hänsel, tasting? Aren't you ashamed? - Out with your fingers quick, greedy boy! - -(_Gives him a rap on the fingers._) - - Get back to your work again, be quick, - that we may both have done in time! - If mother comes and we haven't done right, - then badly it will fare with us to-night! - -HÄNSEL. - - Work again? No, not for me! - That's not my idea at all; - it doesn't suit me! It's such a bore! - Dancing is jollier far, I'm sure! - -GRETEL (_delighted_). - - Dancing, dancing! O yes, that's better far; - and sing a song to keep us in time! - One that our grandmother used to sing us: - sing then, and dance in time to the singing! - -(_Claps her hands_.) - - Brother, come and dance with me, - both my hands I offer thee; - right foot first, - left foot then, - round about and back again! - -HÄNSEL (_tries to do it, but awkwardly_). - - I would dance, but don't know how, - when to jump, and when to bow; - show me what I ought to do, - so that I may dance like you. - -GRETEL. - - With your foot you tap, tap, tap; - with your hands you clap, clap, clap; - right foot first, - left foot then, - round about and back again! - -HÄNSEL. - - With your hands you clap, clap, clap; - with your foot you tap, tap, tap; - right foot first, - left foot then, - round about and back again! - -GRETEL. - - That was very good indeed, - O, I'm sure you'll soon succeed! - Try again, and I can see - Hänsel soon will dance like me! - -(_Claps her hands._) - - With your head you nick, nick, nick; - with your fingers you click, click, click; - right foot first, - left foot then, - round about and back again. - -HÄNSEL. - - With your head you nick, nick, nick; - with your fingers you click, click, click; - right foot first, - left foot then, - round about and back again! - -GRETEL. - - Brother, watch what next I do, - you must do it with me too. - You to me your arm must proffer, - I shall not refuse your offer! - Come! - -BOTH. - - What I enjoy is dance and jollity, - love to have my fling; - in fact, I like frivolity, - and all that kind of thing. - -GRETEL. - - Tralala, tralala, tralala! - Come and have a twirl, my dearest Hänsel, - come and have a turn with me, I pray; - come here to me, come here to me, - I'm sure you can't say nay! - -HÄNSEL (_gruffly_). - - Go away from me, go away from me, - I'm much too proud for you: - with little girls I do not dance, - and so, my dear, adieu! - -GRETEL. - - Go, stupid Hans, conceited Hans, - you'll see I'll make you dance! - Tralala, tralala, tralala! - Come and have a twirl, my dearest Hänsel, - come and have a turn with me, I pray! - -HÄNSEL. - - O Gretel dear, O sister dear, - your stocking has a hole! - -GRETEL. - - O Hänsel dear, O brother dear, - d'you take me for a fool? - With naughty boys I do not dance, - and so, my dear, adieu! - -HÄNSEL. - - Now don't be cross, - you silly goose, - you'll see I make you dance! - - {Gretel. - { - { Tralala, tralala, tralala! - {Come and have a twirl, my dearest Hänsel, - {come and have a turn with me, I pray. - {Sing lustily hurrah! hurrah! - {while I dance with you; - {and if the stockings are in holes, - {why, mother'll knit some new! - { - {HÄNSEL. - { - { Tralala, tralala, tralala! - {Sing lustily hurrah! hurrah! - {while I dance with you; - {and if the shoes are all in holes, - {why mother'll buy some new! - { Tralala, tralala, tralala! - -(_They dance round each other as before. They then seize each other's -hands and go round in a circle, quicker and quicker, until at length -they lose their balance and tumble over one another on the floor._) - - -Scene II. - -(_At this moment the door opens, the mother appears, whereupon the -children jump up quickly._) - -MOTHER. - - Hallo! - -HÄNSEL AND GRETEL. - - Heavens! Here's mother! - -MOTHER. - - What is all this disturbance? - -GRETEL. - - 'Twas Hänsel, he wanted-- - -HÄNSEL. - - 'Twas Gretel, she said I-- - -MOTHER. - - 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? - And you, you lazybones, have you nothing to show? - Pray how many besoms have you finished? - I'll fetch my stick, you useless children, - and make your idle fingers tingle! - -(_In her indignation at the children she gives the milk-jug a push, so -that it falls off the table with a smash._) - - Gracious! there goes the jug all to pieces! - What now can I cook for supper? - -(_She looks at her dress, down which the milk is streaming. Hänsel -covertly titters._) - - How, saucy, how dare you laugh? - -(_Goes with a stick after Hänsel, who runs out at the open door._) - - 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! - Nought have I to give them-- - -(_Sobbing._) - - No bread, not a crumb, for my starving children! - No crust in the cupboard, no milk in the pot-- - -(_Resting her head on her hands._) - - Weary am I, weary of living! - Father, send help to me! - -(_Lays her head down on her arm and drops to sleep._) - - -Scene III. - -(_A voice is heard in the distance._) - - Tralala, tralala! little mother, here am I! - Tralala, tralala! bringing luck and jollity! - -(_Rather nearer._) - - O, for you and me, poor mother, - every day is like the other; - with a big hole in the purse, - and in the stomach an even worse. - Tralala, tralala! - Hunger is the poor man's curse! - Tralala, tralala! - Hunger is the poor man's curse! - -(_The father appears at the window, and during the following he comes -into the room in a very happy mood, with a basket on his back._) - - 'Tisn't much that we require, - just a little food and fire! - But alas! it's true enough, - life on some of us is rough! - Hunger is a customer tough! (_or_) - Yes, the rich enjoys his dinner, - while the poor grows daily thinner! - Strives to eat, as well he may, - somewhat less than yesterday! - -(_Complainingly._) - - Tralala, tralala! - hunger is the devil to pay! - Tralala, tralala! - hunger is the devil to pay! - -(_He puts down his basket._) - - Yes, hunger's all very well to feel, - if you can get a good square meal; - but when there's nought, what can you do, - supposing the purse be empty too? - Tralalala, tralalala! - O for a drop of mountain dew! - Tralalala, tralalala! - Mother, look what I have brought! - -(Reels over to his sleeping wife and gives her a smacking kiss.) - -MOTHER (_rubbing her eyes_). - - Oho!-- - Who's sing-sing-singing - all around the house, - and tra-la-la-ing me - out of my sleep? - -FATHER (_inarticulately_). - - How now!-- - The hungry beast - within my breast - called so for food - I could not rest! - Tralala, tralala! - Hunger is an urgent beast! - Tralala, tralala! - pinches, gnaws, and gives no rest! - -MOTHER. - - So, so! - And this wild beast, - you gave him a feast. - He's had his fill, - to say the least! - -FATHER. - - Well, yes! H'm! it was a lovely day, - don't you think so, dear wife? - -(_Wants to kiss her._) - -MOTHER - -(_pushing him angrily away, excitedly_). - - Have done! You have no troubles to bear, - 'tis I must keep the house! - -FATHER. - - Well, well,--then let us see, my dear, - what we have got to eat to-day. - -MOTHER. - - Most simple is the bill of fare, - our supper's gone, I know not where! - Larder bare, cellar bare, - nothing, and plenty of it to spare! - -FATHER. - - Tralalala, tralalala! - Cheer up, mother, for here am I, - bringing luck and jollity! - -(_He takes his basket and begins to display he contents._) - - Look, mother, doesn't all this food please you? - -MOTHER. - - Man, man, what see I? - Ham and butter, - flour and sausage-- - eggs, a dozen.... - (Husband, and they cost a fortune!) - Turnips, onions, and--for me! - Nearly half a pound of tea! - -BOTH. - - Tralala, tralala, - hip hurrah! - Won't we have a festive time! - Tralala, hip hurrah! - Won't we have a happy time! - Now listen how it all came about! - -FATHER - -(_turns the basket topsy-turvy, and a lot of potatoes roll out. He -seizes her by the arm and dances round the room. Sits down. Meanwhile -the mother packs away the things, lights a fire, breaks eggs into a -saucepan, etc._). - - Yonder to the town I went, - there was to be a great event, - weddings, fairs, and preparation - for all kinds of jubilation! - Now's my chance to do some selling, - and for that you may be thankful! - He who wants a feast to keep, - he must scrub and brush and sweep. - So I brought my best goods out, - tramped with them from house to house: - "Buy besoms! good besoms! - Buy my brushes! sweep your carpets, - sweep your cobwebs!" - And so I drove a roaring trade, - and sold my brushes at the highest prices! - Now make haste with cup and platter, - bring the glasses, bring the kettle-- - here's a health to the besom-maker! - -MOTHER. - - Here's a health to the besom-maker! - -FATHER. - - But stay, why, where are the children? - Hänsel, Gretel, what's gone with Hans? - -MOTHER. - - Gone with Hans? O, who's to know? - But at least I do know this, - that the jug is smashed to bits. - -FATHER. - - What! the jug is smashed to bits? - -MOTHER. - - And the cream all run away. - -FATHER - -(_striking his fist on the table in a rage_). - - Hang it all! So those little scapegraces - have been again in mischief! - -MOTHER (_hastily_). - - Been in mischief? I should think so! - Nought have they done but their mad pranking; - as I came home I could hear them - hopping and cutting the wildest capers, - till I was so cross that I gave a push-- - and the jug of milk was spilt! - -FATHER. - - And the jug of milk was spilt! - Ha ha ha ha! - -(_Both laughing._) - - Such anger, mother, don't take it ill, - seems stupid to me, I must say! - But where, where think you the children can be? - -MOTHER (_snappishly and curtly_). - - For aught I know, at the Ilsenstein! - -FATHER (_horror-struck_). - - The Ilsenstein! Come, come, have a care! - -(_Fetches a broom from the wall._) - -MOTHER. - - The besom, just put it away again! - -FATHER - -(_lets the broom fall and wrings his hands_). - - My children astray in the gloomy wood, - all alone without moon or stars! - -MOTHER. - - O Heaven! - -FATHER. - - Dost thou not know the awful magic place, - the place where the evil one dwells? - -MOTHER (_surprised_). - - The evil one! What mean'st thou? - -FATHER (_with mysterious emphasis_). - - The gobbling ogress! - -(_The mother draws back, the father takes up the broom again._) - -MOTHER. - - The gobbling ogress! - But--tell me, what help is the besom! - -FATHER. - - The besom, the besom, why what is it for? - They ride on it, they ride on it, the witches! - An old witch within that wood doth dwell - and she's in league with the powers of hell. - At midnight hour, when nobody knows, - away to the witches' dance she goes. - Up the chimney they fly, - on a broomstick they hie-- - over hill and dale, - o'er ravine and vale, - through the midnight air - they gallop full tear-- - on a broomstick, on a broomstick, - hop hop, hop hop, the witches! - -MOTHER. - - O horror! - But the gobbling witch? - -FATHER. - - And by day, they say, she stalks around, - with a crinching, crunching, munching sound, - and children plump and tender to eat - she lures with magic gingerbread sweet. - On evil bent, - with fell intent, - she lures the children, poor little things, - in the oven red-hot - she pops all the lot; - she shuts the lid down - until they're done brown, - in the oven, in the oven, - (_Expressively._) - the gingerbread children! - -MOTHER. - - And the gingerbread children? - -FATHER. - - Are served up for dinner! - -MOTHER. - - For the ogress? - -FATHER. - - For the ogress! - -MOTHER. - - O horror! - Heav'n help us! the children! - O what shall we do? - -(_Runs out of the house._) - -FATHER. - - Hi, mother, mother, wait for me! - -(_Takes the whisky bottle from the table and follows her._) - - We'll both go together the witch to seek! - -(_The curtain falls quickly._) - - - - -ACT II. - -IN THE FOREST. - - -Scene I. - -(_The curtain rises. The middle of the forest. In the background is -the Ilsenstein, thickly surrounded by fir-trees. On the right is a -large fir-tree, under which Gretel is sitting on a mossy tree-trunk and -making a garland of wild roses. By her side lies a nosegay of flowers. -Amongst the bushes on the left is Hänsel, looking for strawberries. -Sunset._) - -GRETEL (_humming quietly to herself_). - - There stands a little man in the wood alone, - he wears a little mantle of velvet brown. - Say, who can the mankin be, - standing there beneath the tree, - with the little mantle of velvet brown? - His hair is all of gold, and his cheeks are red, - he wears a little black cap upon his head. - Say, who can the mankin be, - standing there so silently, - with the little black cap upon his head? - -(_She holds up the garland of roses, and looks it all round._) - - With the little black cap upon his head! - -HÄNSEL - -(_comes out, swinging his basket joyfully_). - - Hurrah! my strawberry basket is nearly brimful! - O won't the mother be pleased with Hänsel! - -GRETEL (_standing up_). - - My garland is ready also! - Look! I never made one so nice before! - -(_Tries to put the wreath on Hänsel's head._) - -HÄNSEL (_drawing back roughly_). - - You won't catch a boy wearing that! - It is only fit for a girl! - -(_Puts the wreath on her._) - - Ha, Gretel! "Fine feathers!" - O the deuce! - You shall be the queen of the wood! - -GRETEL. - - If I am to be queen of the wood, - then I must have the nosegay too! - -HÄNSEL (_gives her the nosegay_). - - Queen of the wood, with sceptre and crown, - I give you the strawberries, - but don't eat them all! - -(_He gives the basket full of strawberries into her other hand, at the -same time kneeling before her in homage. At this moment the cuckoo is -heard._) - - Cuckoo, cuckoo, how d'you do? - -GRETEL. - - Cuckoo, cuckoo, where are you? - -(_Takes a strawberry from the basket and pokes it into Hänsel's mouth; -he sucks it up as though he were drinking an egg._) - -HÄNSEL (_jumping up_). - - Oho, I can do that just like you! - -(_Takes some strawberries and lets them fall into Gretel's mouth._) - - Let us do like the cuckoo too, - who takes what doesn't belong to him! - -(_It begins to grow dark._) - -HÄNSEL (_helping himself again_). - - Cuckoo, how are you? - -GRETEL. - - Cuckoo, where are you? - -HÄNSEL. - - In your neighbour's nest you go. - -GRETEL (_helping herself_). - - Cuckoo, cuckoo! - -HÄNSEL. - - Cuckoo, why do you do so? - -(_Pours a handful of strawberries into his mouth._) - -GRETEL. - - And you are very greedy too! - Tell me, cuckoo, why are you? - -HÄNSEL. - - Cuckoo, cuckoo! - -(_They get rude and begin to quarrel for the strawberries. Hänsel gains -the victory, and puts the whole basket to his mouth until it is empty._) - -GRETEL - -(_horrified, clasping her hands together_). - - Hänsel, what have you done? - O Heaven! all the strawberries eaten. - You glutton! Listen, you'll have a punishment - from the mother--this passes a joke! - -HÄNSEL (_quietly_). - - Now come, don't make such a fuss; - you, Gretel, you did the same thing yourself! - -GRETEL. - - Come, we'll hurry and seek for fresh ones! - -HÄNSEL. - - What, here in the dark, under hedges and bushes? - Why, naught can we see of fruit or leaves! - It's getting dark already here! - -GRETEL. - - O Hänsel! O Hänsel! O what shall we do? - What bad disobedient children we've been! - We ought to have thought and gone home sooner! - -(_Cuckoo behind the scenes, rather nearer than before._) - -HÄNSEL. - - Hark, what a noise in the bushes! - Know you what the forest says? - "Children, children," it says, - "Are you not afraid?" - -(_Hänsel spies all around uneasily, at last he turns in despair to -Gretel._) - - Gretel, I cannot find the way! - -GRETEL (_dismayed_). - - O God! what say you? - Not know the way? - -HÄNSEL - -(_pretending to be very brave_). - - Why, how ridiculous you are! - I am a boy, and know not fear! - -GRETEL. - - O Hänsel, some dreadful thing may come! - -HÄNSEL. - - O Gretel, come, don't be afraid! - -GRETEL. - - What's glimmering there in the darkness? - -HÄNSEL. - - That's only the birches in silver dress. - -GRETEL. - - But there, what's grinning so there at me? - -HÄNSEL (_stammering_). - - Th--that's only the stump of a willow-tree. - -GRETEL (_hastily_). - - But what a dreadful form it takes, - and what a horrid face it makes! - -HÄNSEL (_very loud_). - - Come, I'll make faces, you fellow! - D'you hear? - -GRETEL (_terrified_). - - There, see! a lantern, - it's coming this way! - -HÄNSEL. - - Will-o'-the-wisp is hopping about-- - Gretel, come, don't lose heart like this! - Wait, I'll give a good loud call! - -(_Goes back some steps to the back of the stage and calls through his -hands._) - - Who's there? - -ECHO. - - You there! - There! - -(_The children cower together._) - -GRETEL. - - Is some one there? - -ECHO. - - Where? - Here! - -GRETEL (_softly_). - - Did you hear? a voice said, "Here!" - Hänsel, surely some one's near. - -(_Crying._) - - I'm frightened, I'm frightened, - I wish I were home! - I see the wood all filled with goblin forms! - -HÄNSEL. - - Gretelkin, stick to me close and tight, - I'll shelter you, I'll shelter you! - -(_A thick mist rises and completely hides the background._) - -GRETEL. - - I see some shadowy women coming! - See, how they nod and beckon, beckon! - They're coming, they're coming, - they'll take us away! - -(_Crying out, rushes horror-struck under the tree and falls on her -knees, hiding herself behind Hänsel._) - - Father! mother! Ah! - -HÄNSEL. - - See there, the mankin, sister dear! - I wonder who the mankin is? - -(_At this moment the mist lifts on the left; a little grey man is seen -with a little sack on his back._) - - -Scene II. - -SANDMAN (_the Sleep Fairy_). - -(_The little man approaches the children with friendly gestures, and -the children gradually calm down. He is strewing sand in the children's -eyes._) - - I shut the children's peepers, sh! - and guard the little sleepers, sh! - for dearly do I love them, sh! - and gladly watch above them, sh! - And with my little bag of sand, - By every child's bedside I stand; - then little tired eyelids close, - and little limbs have sweet repose. - And if they're good and quickly go to sleep, - then from the starry sphere above - the angels come with peace and love, - and send the children happy dreams, - while watch they keep! - Then slumber, children, slumber, - for happy dreams are sent you - through the hours you sleep. - -(_Disappears. Darkness._) - -HÄNSEL (_half asleep_). - - Sandman was there! - -GRETEL (_ditto_). - - Let us first say our evening prayer. - -(_They cower down and fold their hands._) - -BOTH. - - When at night I go to sleep, - fourteen angels watch do keep: - two my head are guarding, - two my feet are guiding, - two are on my right hand, - two are on my left hand, - two who warmly cover, - two who o'er me hover, - two to whom 'tis given - to guide my steps to Heaven. - -(_They sink down on to the moss, and go to sleep with their arms twined -round each other. Complete darkness._) - - -Scene III. - -(_Here a bright light suddenly breaks through the mist which forthwith -rolls itself together into the form of a staircase, vanishing in -perspective, in the middle of the stage. Fourteen angels, in light -floating garments, pass down the staircase, two and two, at intervals, -while it is getting gradually lighter. The angels place themselves, -according to the order mentioned in the evening hymn, around the -sleeping children; the first couple at their heads, the second at -their feet, the third on the right, the fourth on the left, the fifth -and sixth couples distribute themselves amongst the other couples, so -that the circle of the angels is completed. Lastly the seventh couple -comes into the circle and takes its place as "guardian angels" on each -side of the children. The remaining angels now join hands and dance -a stately step around the group. The whole stage is filled with an -intense light. Whilst the angels arrange themselves in a picturesque -tableau, the curtain slowly falls._) - - - - -ACT III. - -THE WITCH'S HOUSE. - - -Scene I. - -(_The curtain rises. Scene the same as the end of Act II. The -background is still hidden in mist, which gradually rises during the -following. The angels have vanished. Morning is breaking. The Dawn -Fairy steps forward and shakes dewdrops from a bluebell over the -sleeping children._) - -DEWMAN (_Dawn Fairy_). - - I'm up with early dawning, - and know who loves the morning, - who'll rise fresh as a daisy, - who'll sink in slumber lazy! - Ding! dong! ding! dong! - And with the golden light of day - I chase the fading night away, - fresh dew around me shaking, - and hill and dale awaking. - Then up, with all your powers - enjoy the morning hours, - the scent of trees and flowers-- - then up, ye sleepers, awaken! - The rosy dawn is smiling, - then up, ye sleepers, awake, awake! - -(_Hurries off singing. The children begin to stir. Gretel rubs her -eyes, looks around her, and raises herself a little, whilst Hänsel -turns over on the other side to go to sleep again._) - -GRETEL. - - Where am I? Waking? Or do I dream? - How come I in the wood to lie? - High in the branches I hear a gentle twittering, - birds are beginning to sing so sweetly; - from early dawn they are all awake, - and warble their morning hymn of praise. - Dear little singers, little singers, - good morning! - (_Turns to Hänsel._) - See there, the sleepy lazybones? - Wait now, I'll wake him! - Tirelireli, it's getting late! - Tirelireli, it's getting late! - The lark his flight is winging, - on high his matin singing, - Tirelireli! tirelireli! - -HÄNSEL - -(_suddenly jumps up with a start_). - - Kikeriki! it's early yet! - Kikeriki! it's early yet! - Yes, the day is dawning; - awake, for it is morning! - Kikeriki! kikeriki! - I feel so well, I know not why! - I never slept so well, no, not I! - -GRETEL. - - But listen, Hans; here 'neath the tree - a wondrous dream was sent to me! - -HÄNSEL (_meditatively_). - - Really! I, too, had a dream! - -GRETEL. - - I fancied I heard a murmuring and rushing, - as though the angels in Heav'n were singing; - rosy clouds above me were floating-- - hovering and floating in the distance away, - Sudden--all around a light was streaming, - rays of glory from Heaven beaming, - and a golden ladder saw I descending, - angels adown it gliding, - such lovely angels with shining golden wings. - -HÄNSEL (_interrupting her quickly_). - - Fourteen angels there must have been! - -GRETEL (_astonished_). - - And did you also behold all this? - -HÄNSEL. - - Truly, 'twas wondrous fair! - And upward I saw them float. - -(_He turns towards the background; at this moment the last remains of -the mist clear away. In place of the fir-trees is seen the "Witch's -house at the Ilsenstein," shining in the rays of the rising sun. A -little distance off, to the left, is an oven; opposite this, on the -right, a large cage, both joined to the Witch's house by a fence of -gingerbread figures._) - - -Scene II. - -GRETEL - -(_holds Hänsel back in astonishment_). - - Stand still, be still! - -HÄNSEL (_surprised_). - - O Heaven, what wondrous place is this, - as ne'er in all my life have I seen! - -GRETEL - -(_gradually regains her self-possession_). - - What odor delicious! - O say, do I dream? - -BOTH. - - A cottage all made - of chocolate cream. - The roof is all covered - with Turkish delight - the windows with lustre - of sugar are white; - and on all the gables - the raisins invite, - and think! all around - is a gingerbread hedge! - O magic castle, - how nice you'd be to eat! - Where hides the princess - who has so great a treat? - Ah, could she but visit - our little cottage bare, - she'd ask us to dinner, - her dainties to share! - -HÄNSEL (_after a while_). - - No sound do I hear; no, nothing is stirring! - Come, let's go inside it! - -GRETEL - -(_pulling him back horrified_). - - Are you senseless? - Hänsel, however can you make so bold? - Who knows who may live there, - in that lovely house? - -HÄNSEL. - - O look, do look how the house seems to smile! - (_Enthusiastically._) - Ah, the angels did our footsteps beguile! - -GRETEL (_reflectively_). - - The angels? Yes, it must be so! - -HÄNSEL. - - Yes, Gretel, the angels are beck'ning us in! - Come, let's nibble a bit of the cottage. - -BOTH. - - Come, let's nibble it, - like two mice persevering! - -(_They hop along, hand in hand, towards the back of the stage; then -stand still, and then steal along cautiously on tiptoe to the house. -After some hesitation Hänsel breaks off a bit of cake from the -right-hand corner._) - - -Scene III. - -A VOICE FROM THE HOUSE. - - Nibble, nibble, mousekin, - who's nibbling at my housekin? - who's nibbling at my housekin? - -(_Hänsel starts, and in his fright lets the piece of cake fall._) - -HÄNSEL. - - O, did you hear? - -GRETEL (_somewhat timidly_). - - The wind-- - -HÄNSEL. - - The wind! - -BOTH. - - The heavenly wind! - -GRETEL - -(_picks up the piece of cake and tastes it_). - - H'm! - -HÄNSEL (_looking longingly at Gretel_). - - D'you like it? - -GRETEL (_lets Hänsel bite it_). - - Just taste and try it! - -HÄNSEL - -(_lays his hand on his breast in rapture_). - - Hi! - -GRETEL (_ditto_). - - Hi! - -BOTH. - - Hi, hi! O cake most delicious, - some more I must take! - It's really like Heaven - to eat such plum-cake! - -HÄNSEL. - - O how good, how sweet, how tasty! - -GRETEL. - - How tasty, how sweet! - It's p'r'aps the house of a sweety-maker! - -HÄNSEL. - - Hi, sweety-maker! Have a care! - A little mouse your sweeties would share! - -(_He breaks a big piece of cake off the wall._) - -A VOICE FROM THE HOUSE. - - Nibble, nibble, mousekin, - who's nibbling at my housekin? - -HÄNSEL AND GRETEL. - - The wind, the wind, - the heavenly wind! - -(_The upper part of the house-door opens gently, and the Witch's head -is seen at it. The children at first do not see her, and go on feasting -merrily._) - -GRETEL. - - Wait, you gobbling mousekin, - here comes the cat from the housekin! - -HÄNSEL (_taking another bite_). - - Eat what you please, - and leave me in peace! - -GRETEL - -(_snatches the piece from his hand_). - - Don't be unkind, - Sir wind, Sir wind! - -HÄNSEL (_takes it back from her_). - - Heavenly wind, - I take what I find! - -BOTH (_laughing_). - - Ha, ha, ha! - -THE WITCH - -(_who had meanwhile opened the whole door, and had been warily stealing -up to the children, throws a rope round the neck of Hänsel, who, -without any misgivings, turns his back to her_). - - Hi, hi! hi, hi! - -HÄNSEL (_horror-struck_). - - Let go! Who are you? - Let me go! - -THE WITCH - -(_drawing the children towards her_). - - Angels both! - (And goosey-ganders!) - (_Caresses the children._) - You've come to visit me, that is sweet! - You charming children, so nice to eat! - -HÄNSEL - -(_makes despairing efforts to free himself_). - - Who are you, ugly one? - Let me go! - -THE WITCH. - - Now, darling, don't you give yourself airs! - Dear heart, what makes you say such things? - I am Rosina Dainty-mouth, - and dearly love my fellow-men. - I'm artless as a new born child! - That's why the children to me are so dear, - so dear, so dear, ah, so che-arming to eat! - (_Caresses Hänsel._) - -HÄNSEL (_turning roughly away_). - - Go, get you gone from my sight! - I hate, I loathe you quite! - -THE WITCH. - - Hi hi! hi hi! - These dainty morsels I'm really gloating on, - and you, my little maiden, I'm doting on! - Come, little mousey, - come into my housey! - Come with me, my precious, - I'll give you sweetmeats delicious! - Of chocolate, tarts, and marzipan - you shall both eat all you can, - and wedding-cake and strawberry ices, - blancmange, and everything else that nice is, - and raisins and almonds, - and peaches and citrons are waiting-- - you'll both find it quite captivating, - yes, quite captivating! - -HÄNSEL. - - I won't come with you, hideous fright! - You are quite too friendly! - -THE WITCH. - - See, see, see how sly! - Dear children, you really may trust me in this, - and living with me will be perfect bliss! - Come, little mousey, - come into my housey! - Come with me, my precious, - I'll give you sweetmeats delicious! - -GRETEL. - - But say, what will you with my brother do? - -THE WITCH. - - Well, well! - I'll feed and fatten him up well, - with every sort of dainty delicious, - to make him tender and tasty. - And if he's brave and patient too, - and docile and obedient like a lamb, - then, Hänsel, I'll whisper it you, - I have a great treat in store for you! - -HÄNSEL. - - Then speak out loud and whisper not. - What is the great treat in store for me? - -THE WITCH. - - Yes, my dear children, hearing and sight - in this great pleasure will disappear quite! - -HÄNSEL. - - Eh? both my hearing and seeing are good! - You'd better take care you do me no harm! - -(_Resolutely._) - - Gretel, trust not her flattering words, - come, sister, come, let's run away! - -(_He has in the meantime got out of the rope, and runs with Gretel to -the foreground. Here they are stopped by the Witch, who imperiously -raises against them both a stick which hangs at her girdle, with -repeated gestures of spellbinding._) - -THE WITCH. - - Hold! - -(_The stage becomes gradually darker._) - - Hocus pocus, witches' charm! - Move not, as you fear my arm! - Back or forward do not try, - fixed you are by the evil eye! - Head on shoulders fixed awry! - Hocus, pocus, now comes jocus, - children, watch the magic head, - eyes are staring, dull as lead! - Now, you atom, off to bed! - -(_Fresh gestures; then she leads Hänsel, who is gazing fixedly at the -illuminated head, into the stable, and shuts the lattice door upon -him._) - - Hocus pocus, bonus jocus, - malus locus, hocus pocus, - bonus jocus, malus locus! - -(_The stage gradually becomes lighter, whilst the light of the magic -head diminishes. The Witch, contentedly to Gretel, who still stands -there motionless._) - - Now Gretel, be obedient and wise, - while Hänsel's growing fat and nice. - We'll feed him up, you'll see my reason, - and with sweet almonds and raisins season. - I'll go indoors, the things to prepare, - and you remain here where you are! - -(_She grins as she holds up her finger warningly, and goes into the -house._) - -GRETEL (_stiff and motionless_). - - O, what a horrid witch she is! - -HÄNSEL (_whispering hastily_). - - Gretel, sh! don't speak so loud! - Be very sharp, watch well and see - whatever she may do to me! - Pretend to do all she commands-- - O, there she's coming back, sh! hush! - -(_The Witch comes out, satisfies herself that Gretel is still standing -motionless, and then spreads before Hänsel almonds and raisins from a -basket._) - -THE WITCH. - - Now, little man, - come prithee enjoy yourself! - -(_Sticking a raisin into Hänsel's mouth._) - - Eat, minion, eat or die! - Here are cakes, O so nice! - (_Turns to Gretel and disenchants her with a juniper-branch._) - Hocus pocus, elder-bush! - Rigid body loosen, hush! - (_Gretel moves again._) - Now up and move again, bright and blithesome, - limbs are become again supple and lithesome. - Go, my poppet, go my pet, - you the table now shall set, - little knife, little fork, little dish, little plate, - little serviette for my little mate! - Now get everything ready and nice, - or else I shall lock you up too in a trice! - -(_She threatens and titters. Gretel hurries off. The Witch, to Hänsel, -who pretends to be asleep._) - - The fool is slumb'ring, it does seem queer - how youth can sleep and have no fear! - Well, sleep away, you simple sheep, - soon you will sleep your last long sleep! - But first with Gretel I'll begin-- - off you, dear maiden, I will dine; - you are so tender, plump, and good, - just the thing for witches' food! - -(_She opens the oven door and sniffs in it, her face lighted up by the -deep red glare of the fire._) - - The dough has risen, so we'll go on preparing. - Hark, how the sticks in the fire are crackling! - -(_She pushes a couple more faggots under, the fire flames up and then -dies down again. The Witch rubbing her hands with glee._) - - Yes, Gretel mine, - how well off you I'll dine! - See, see, O how sly! - When in the oven she's peeping, - quickly behind her I'm creeping! - One little push, bang - goes the door, clang! - Then soon will Gretel be - just done to a T! - and when from the oven I take her - she'll look like a cake from the baker, - by magic fire red - changed into gingerbread! - See, see how sly! - Hi hi! hi hi! - -(_In her wild delight she seizes a broomstick and begins to ride upon -it._) - - So hop, hop, hop, - gallop, lop, lop! - My broomstick nag, - come do not lag! - -(_She rides excitedly round on the broomstick._) - - At dawn of day - I ride away, - am here and there - and everywhere! - -(_She rides again; Gretel meanwhile is watching at the window._) - - At midnight hour, when none can know, - to join the witches' dance I go! - And three and four - are witches' lore, - and five and six - are witches' tricks, - and nine is one, - and ten is none, - and seven is nil, - or what she will! - And thus they ride till dawn of day! - -(_Hopping madly along, she rides to the back of the stage and vanishes -for a time behind the cottage. Here the Witch becomes visible again; she -comes to the foreground, where she suddenly pulls up and dismounts._) - - Prr, broomstick, hi! - -(_She hobbles back to the stable and tickles Hänsel with a birch twig -till he awakes._) - - Up, awake, my mankin young; - come show to me your tongue! - -(_Hänsel puts his tongue out. The Witch smacks with her tongue._) - - Dainty morsel! dainty morsel! - Little toothsome mankin come, - now let me see your thumb! - -(_Hänsel pokes out a small bone._) - - Gemini! Oho! - O how scraggy, how lean! - Urchin, you're a scraggy one, - as bad as a skeleton! - -(_Calls._) - - Maiden, Gretel! - -(_Gretel appears at the door._) - - Bring some raisins and almonds sweet, - Hänsel wants some more to eat. - -(_Gretel runs into the house, and returns immediately with a basket full -of almonds and raisins._) - -GRETEL. - - Here are the almonds. - -(_Whilst the Witch is feeding Hänsel, Gretel gets behind her and makes -the gestures of disenchantment with the juniper-branch._) - -GRETEL (_softly_). - - Hocus pocus, elder-bush, - Rigid body loosen, hush! - -THE WITCH (_turning suddenly round_). - - What were you saying, little goose? - -GRETEL (_confusedly_). - - Only--much good may it do to Hans! - -THE WITCH. - - Eh? - -GRETEL (_louder_). - - Much good may it do to Hans! - -THE WITCH. - - He he he, my little miss, - I'll stop your mouth with this! - -(_Sticks a raisin into Gretel's mouth._) - - Eat, minion, eat or die! - Here are cakes, O so nice! - -(_She opens the oven door; the heat has apparently diminished. Meanwhile -Hänsel makes violent signs to Gretel._) - -HÄNSEL - -(_softly opening the stable door_). - - Sister dear, - O beware! - -THE WITCH (_looking greedily at Gretel_). - - She makes my mouth water, - this pretty little daughter! - Come, Gretel mine, - sugar-maiden mine! - -(_Gretel comes towards her._) - - Peep in the oven, be steady, - see if the gingerbread's ready! - Carefully look, pet, - whether it's cooked yet, - but if it wants more, - shut quick the door! - -(_Gretel hesitates._) - -HÄNSEL - -(_slipping out of the stable)_. - - Sister dear, - have a care! - -GRETEL - -(_making herself out very awkward_). - - I don't understand what I have to do! - -THE WITCH. - - Just stand on tip-toe, - head bending forward; - try it, I pray, - it's merely play! - -HÄNSEL - -(_pulling Gretel back by her frock_). - - Sister dear, - now take care! - -GRETEL (_shyly_). - - I'm such a goose, don't understand! - You'll have to show me - how to stand on tip-toe! - -THE WITCH - -(_makes a movement of impatience_). - - Do as I say, - it's merely play! - -(_She begins creeping up to the oven, muttering all the time, and just -as she is bending over it, Hänsel and Gretel give her a good push, -which sends her toppling over into it, upon which they quickly shut the -door._) - -HÄNSEL AND GRETEL (_mocking her_). - - Then "One little push, bang - goes the door, clang!" - You, not Gretel, then will be - just done to a T! - -(_Hänsel and Gretel fall into one another's arms._) - -BOTH. - - Hurrah! now sing the witch is dead, - really dead! - No more to dread! - - Hurrah! now sing the witch is still, - deathly still! - We can eat our fill! - - Now all the spell is o'er, - really o'er! - We fear no more! - -(_They seize each other's hands._) - - Yes, let us happy be, - dancing so merrily; - now the old witch is gone, - we'll have no end of fun! - Hey! hurrah, hurrah! - Hip hurrah! Hip hurrah! - Hurrah! - -(_They take each other round the waist and waltz together, first in the -front of the stage, and then gradually in the direction of the Witch's -house. When they get there Hänsel breaks loose from Gretel and rushes -into the house, shutting the door after him. Then from the upper window -he throws down apples, pears, oranges, gilded nuts, and all kinds of -sweetmeats into Gretel's outstretched apron. Meanwhile the oven begins -crackling loudly, and the flames burn high. Then there is a loud crash, -and the oven falls thundering into bits. Hänsel and Gretel, who in -their terror let their sweetmeats all fall down, hurry towards the oven -startled, and stand there motionless. Their astonishment increases when -they become aware of a troop of children around them, whose disguise of -cakes has fallen from them._) - -HÄNSEL AND GRETEL (_spoken_). - - There, see those little children dear, - I wonder how they all came here! - - -Scene IV. - -THE GINGERBREAD CHILDREN - -(_motionless and with closed eyes, as the cake figures were before_). - - We're saved, we're freed - for evermore! - -GRETEL. - - Your eyes are shut--pray who are you? - You're sleeping, and yet you're singing too! - -THE GINGERBREAD CHILDREN - -(_always very softly_). - - O touch us, we pray, - that we may all awake! - -HÄNSEL (_to Gretel, embarrassed_). - - O touch them for me, - 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! - Rigid body loosen, hush! - -SOME OF THE CHILDREN - -(_jump up and hurry towards Hänsel and Gretel from all sides_). - - We thank, we thank you both! - -THE CHILDREN. - - The spell is broke and we are free, - we'll sing and we'll dance and we'll shout for glee! - Come, children all, and form a ring, - join hands together while we sing. - Then sing and spring, - then dance and sing, - for cakes and all good things we bring. - Then sing and spring, - then dance and sing, - that through the wood - our song of praise may sound, - and echo repeat it all around! - We thank, we thank, we thank! - -HÄNSEL. - - The angels whispered in dreams to us in silent night - what this happy, happy day has brought tonight. - -(_Four Gingerbread Children at a time surround Hänsel and Gretel, and -bow gracefully to them._) - -GRETEL. - - Ye angels, who have watched o'er our steps and led them right, - we thank for all our joy and wondrous delight. - -THE GINGERBREAD CHILDREN - -(_who all press round Hänsel and Gretel to shake hands with them_). - - We'll thank you both all our life! - -FATHER (_behind the scene_). - - Tralala, tralalala! - Were our children only here! - Tralala, tralalala! - -(_The Father appears in the background with the Mother, and stops when -he sees the children._) - - Ha! Why, they're really there! - - -Last Scene. - -HÄNSEL (_running towards them_). - - Father! mother! - -GRETEL (_the same_). - - Father! mother! - -MOTHER. - - Children dear! - -FATHER. - - O welcome, - poor children innocent! - -(_Joyfully embracing. Meanwhile two of the boys have dragged the Witch, -in the form of a big gingerbread cake, out of the ruins of the magic -oven. At the sight of her they all burst into a shout of joy. The boys -place the Witch in the middle of the stage._) - -FATHER. - - Children, see the wonder wrought, - how the Witch herself was caught - unaware - in the snare - laid for you with cunning rare! - -ALL THE REST. - - See, O see the wonder wrought, - how the Witch herself was caught - unaware - in the snare - laid for us with cunning rare! - -(_The two boys drag the Witch in the cottage._) - -FATHER. - - Such is Heaven's chastisement; - evil works will have an end. - "When past bearing is our grief, - Then 'tis Heaven will send us sure relief!" - -ALL. - - "When past bearing is our grief, - Then 'tis Heaven will send relief!" - -THE END. - - - - -F. RULLMAN THEATRE TICKET OFFICE. - -Choice Seats and Boxes for the Opera and all Theatres. - -Opera Seats at Box Office Prices. - -Publisher of Opera Librettos in all Languages. - -[Illustration] - - 111 BROADWAY - TRINITY BUILDING (Rear Arcade), - NEW YORK. - - TELEPHONE CALLS {3951} CORTLANDT. - {3952} - - - Weber - Pianos - - HEINRICH CONRIED, Director of the - Conried Metropolitan Opera Company, - writes as follows: - - NEW YORK, May 12, 1904. - - "From time to time during the past - operatic season I have been impressed - with the wonderful resources of the - Weber Pianos which we have been using - at the Metropolitan. - - "Subjected to immense usage by - reason of our numerous rehearsals, - these instruments nevertheless retain - their exquisite tone-quality. - - "I know of no piano that would - give us better satisfaction, and it is my desire that the Weber - Piano shall continue to be used at the Metropolitan Opera - House." HEINRICH CONRIED. - -[Illustration: COPYRIGHT BY AMIE DUPONT - -HEINRICH CONRIED] - -"Mr. Conried's letter, following as it does the tribute of Maurice -Grau to the Weber Piano when he was at the head of the Metropolitan -Opera House organization, shows the great place long ago won and always -retained by the Weber among the greatest people in the musical world, -and demonstrates that this artistic instrument has in that atmosphere -the proper setting for its merits."--_The Music Trades._ - - The Weber Piano Company - Aeolian Hall, 362 Fifth Ave., near 34th St., New York - Catalog upon request, Agents in all principal cities - - - - -Transcriber's notes: - -The title on the cover image shows "Hansel und Gretel"; this has been -changed to "Hänsel und Gretel" in the transcribed text. A missing -speaker's name in the German version following "Herrjemine, den möcht' -ich ganz verschlecken!" has been added. An additional header for -"Dritte Scene" in the third act has been removed. - -The following is a list of other changes made to the original. The -first line is the original line, the second the corrected one. - - Rühr dich, und dich deisst der Fluss! - Rühr dich, und dich beisst der Fluss! - - In the background is the Ilsensein. - In the background is the Ilsenstein. - - For weaks I've eaten nought but bread - For weeks I've eaten nought but bread - - As through 'twere fair time, hopping and springing! - As though 'twere fair time, hopping and springing! - - Gracious! there's goes the jug all to pieces! - Gracious! there goes the jug all to pieces! - - he wears a little black cup upon his head. - he wears a little black cap upon his head. - - A thick mist rises and competely hides the background. - A thick mist rises and completely hides the background. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Hansel and Gretel, by -Adelheid Wette and Engelbert Humperdinck - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HANSEL AND GRETEL *** - -***** This file should be named 43289-8.txt or 43289-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/3/2/8/43289/ - -Produced by Colin Bell, Marc-André Seekamp, Joseph Cooper, -The Internet Archive (one page scan). and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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