Hans and Grete dance around

Hans and Grete dance around

and cheer with loud joy.

Peter stands so still and mute,

and is as pale as chalk.

Hans and Grete are bride and groom,

flashing in their wedding clothes.

Poor Peter bites his nails

and goes about in workday clothes.

Peter speaks softly to himself,

gazing gloomily at the pair:

Ah, if I weren't so sensible,

I might do myself harm.