| Their mother bids them run and play, But not to wander far away. |
| "Quick," Gretel cries, "let's catch that hare Among the bushes over there." |
| The hare now leads them in the chase Close by the witch's lurking-place. |
| "No use," she cries "to kick and fight, For I will pick your bones to-night." |
| The old witch then puts on the pot, That she may boil Hans when it's hot. |
| But while she whets her knife outside Gretel opens the cage door wide. |
| The children see a barrel near; "Quick! into it! The witch is here!" |
| In after them the witch goes too, But she is stuck, and can't get through. |
| And now, ker-splash! down in the ditch They roll the barrel and the witch. |
| And see! her little girl and boy The mother welcomes home with joy. |
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