"That men look upon me with superstition and dread——"
"We will change all that."
"In short, that a curse is upon me? Hear me out!" (He raised his hand, as she was about to speak again.) "Hear me out, and then send me forth into the night, where I belong! I sought you selfishly to-day, to obtain your aid in the lifting of this curse, of which I speak. The Evil One has decreed that I shall wander forever, unless some true woman gives me her love and remains faithful until death. If her faith in me should waver, the curse would descend upon her also. Before I had even seen you, I asked your father for you, and was willing to sacrifice you to my own selfish ends. I thought not at all of what I asked of you! I see now how selfish I was, and I release you. Will you not dismiss me, as I deserve? I shall remember you only with gratitude for the glimpse I have had of your brave heart."
"But do you not love me?" asked Senta.
"It is just because I do love you that I cannot ask this sacrifice," he replied, his pale face showing the struggle through which he passed.
"Then this is my answer. Here is my hand; my heart goes with it, and even to death will I be faithful!"
"She gives her hand, and promises to be faithful till death!" exclaimed the Dutchman, shaking his fist as if at some unseen foe. "Dost thou hear this—dread Spirit? I am free, and I defy thee!"
And falling upon his knees he pressed her hands again and again to his lips.
Just at this moment Daland reentered the room, and was overjoyed at the turn of affairs. He gave the two his blessing, saying,
"To-morrow I give a feast to my sailors, according to custom; and with your permission I shall announce your betrothal at once."