hest is full to the brim of jewels,
and that ship contains more still a hundred-fold, and the man asking
for his daughter's hand is clearly a hypochondriac, infinitely
sea-weary, who sees in the prospect of home and settled life the
whole desire of his heart, cloyed with riches and sick of wandering.
If he, Daland, should hesitate, the suitor might change his mind. As
for the daughter, she will either see the thing as he sees it,--how
could human woman see it differently?--or, dutiful, will be ruled by
his superior wisdom. "Indeed, stranger, I have a lovely daughter;
devoted to me with the most faithful filial love. She is my pride,
my highest wealth, my comfort in evil days, my joy in good."--"May
her love," the Hollander exclaims with feeling, "never fail her
father! True to him, she will be true likewise to her husband."--"You
give jewels, priceless pearls," remarks Daland, with an attempt at
dignity that does his self-respect good, no doubt, without greatly
impressing us, "but the greatest treasure of all is a faithful
wife!"--"And you will give me such a one?"--"You have my word. Your
fate moves my sympathy. Freehanded as you are, you give assurance of
magnanimity and high-mindedness. The like of you I have ever wished
for son-in-law, and even were your fortune not so great, I would
choose no other."--"My thanks. And shall I see the daughter this very
day?"--"The next favourable wind will take us home. You shall see
her, and if she pleases you..."--"She shall be my wife.--Will she
prove to be my angel?" he sighs aside; "Do I still permit myself
the folly of an illusion that an angel's heart will pity me? Hopeless
as I am, I yet follow the lure of hope!"

"The wind is propitious, the sea is calm. We will heave anchor at
once, and speedily reach home," says Daland. "If I may beg,--do you
sail ahead," the Hollander suggests. "The wind is fresh, but my crew
is spent. I will let them rest awhile and then will follow."--"But
our wind?"--"Will continue for some time blowing from the south. My
ship is swift and will surely overtake yours."--"You believe so?
Very well! Let it be as you wish. Farewell, and may you meet my
child before the end of day!" The sailors have lifted the anchor
and set the sails. Daland goes on board. With the crew singing
cheerily together, the Norwegian ship starts upon the homeward
course. The Hollander returns to his silent deck.

II

The scene is next laid in the interior of Daland's house,