THE BROTHER AND SISTER
Reading edition
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.