SCENE II—_At Home

_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 whatever 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.