[The Strollers rock with mirth.]

CHILDREN
Yes, yes! Oh, let us make believe!

STROLLERS
Oho, ho, ho!--A make-believe!--Ho, ho!

PIPER
But, if you're good,--yes, very, very soon
I'll take you, as I promised,--

CHILDREN
--Gypsies, oh!

PIPER
Yes, with the gypsies. We shall go at night,
With just a torch--
[Watching them.]

CHILDREN
Oh!

PIPER
Like fire-flies! Will-o'-the-wisps!
And make believe we're hiding, all the way,
Till we come out into a sunny land,--
All vines and sunlight, yes, and men that sing!
Far, far away--forever.
[Gives ILSE a bowl to feed the other children]