Scene II—At Home
Reading edition
Hans. See, Gretchen dear, what fine berries I have brought.
Gretchen. Oh, what big ones! Where did you get them in so short a time?
Hans. It was the fox, Gretchen. He was caught in a trap. I let him out. He said I might have 43whatever I wished for, and I wished for berries. Aren’t you glad?
Gretchen. Foolish boy! Why didn’t you ask for something better? If he could fill your pail with berries just for the asking, he could do far greater things.
Hans. But don’t you like the berries, Gretchen?
Gretchen. When we eat them there will be nothing left. Go back and tell the fox that you wish to have the cupboard always full of food.
Hans. Be satisfied, dear sister. We are quite happy as we are.
Gretchen. No, I will not be satisfied. You must do as I tell you.
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