You shall go on dancing, dancing, dancing, forever and ever!
[_He disappears._]
KAREN. I cannot dance on forever! I cannot! I cannot!
(_Weeping; pause._)
Well, I know a way to break the spell, and I'll do it!
(_Crossing to hut of the_ EXECUTIONER; _knocking._)
Come out! Come out!
EXECUTIONER (_from within the hut_). Come in!
KAREN. I cannot come in; I must dance.
EXECUTIONER. Then I will come out.
(_The Executioner comes out from hut._)
Well, do you know me?
KAREN. You are the Executioner.
EXECUTIONER. I am the Executioner. I cut off the heads of wicked people
with this great ax.
KAREN. Do not strike off my head!
EXECUTIONER. And why not strike off your head, pray?
KAREN. I must have that to repent of my sin. So please to cut off my feet.
EXECUTIONER. It shall be as you say. Thrust out your foot, maid.
[_Enter_ FAIRY QUEEN.]
FAIRY QUEEN. Stay, Executioner, stay! I've come to save you, Karen!
KAREN. To save me?
FAIRY QUEEN. Whenever a child repents of a sin, lo, I am there to save.
KAREN. Will you remove this spell from me?
FAIRY QUEEN. Will you give up your red shoes?
KAREN. Gladly! Gladly! I wish I might never see them again!
FAIRY QUEEN.
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