Naisi (still a little formally). It is I who have the best company, for when you’re queen in Emain you will have none to be your match or fellow.

Deirdre. I will not be queen in Emain.

Naisi. Conchubor has made an oath you will, surely.

Deirdre. It’s for that maybe I’m called Deirdre, the girl of many sorrows… for it’s a sweet life you and I could have, Naisi.… It should be a sweet thing to have what is best and richest, if it’s for a short space only.

Naisi (very distressed). And we’ve a short space only to be triumphant and brave.

Deirdre. You must not go, Naisi, and leave me to the High King, a man is ageing in his dun, with his crowds round him, and his silver and gold. (More quickly.) I will not live to be shut up in Emain, and wouldn’t we do well paying, Naisi, with silence and a near death. (She stands up and walks away from him.) I’m a long while in the woods with my own self, and I’m in little dread of death, and it earned with riches would make the sun red with envy, and he going up the heavens; and the moon pale and lonesome, and she wasting away. (She comes to him and puts her hands on his shoulders.) Isn’t it a small thing is foretold about the ruin of ourselves, Naisi, when all men have age coming and great ruin in the end?

Naisi. Yet it’s a poor thing it’s I should bring you to a tale of blood and broken bodies, and the filth of the grave.… Wouldn’t we do well to wait, Deirdre, and I each twilight meeting you on the sides of the hills?

Deirdre (despondently). His messengers are coming.

Naisi. Messengers are coming?

Deirdre. To-morrow morning or the next, surely.

Naisi. Then we’ll go away. It isn’t I will give your like to Conchubor, not if the grave was dug to be my lodging when a week was by. (He looks out.) The stars are out, Deirdre, and let you come with me quickly, for it is the stars will be our lamps many nights and we abroad in Alban, and taking our journeys among the little islands in the sea. There has never been the like of the joy we’ll have, Deirdre, you and I, having our fill of love at the evening and the morning till the sun is high.

Deirdre. And yet I’m in dread leaving this place, where I have lived always. Won’t I be lonesome and I thinking on the little hill beyond, and the apple-trees do be budding in the spring-time by the post of the door? (A little shaken by what has passed.) Won’t I be in great dread to bring you to destruction, Naisi, and you so happy and young?

Naisi. Are you thinking I’d go on living after this night, Deirdre, and you with Conchubor in Emain? Are you thinking I’d go out after hares when I’ve had your lips in my sight?

Lavarcham comes in as they cling to each other.

Lavarcham. Are you raving, Deirdre? Are you choosing this night to destroy the world?

Deirdre (very deliberately). It’s Conchubor has chosen this night calling me to Emain. (To Naisi.) Bring in Ainnle and Ardan, and take me from this place, where I’m in dread from this out of the footsteps of a hare passing. (He goes.)

Deirdre (clinging to Lavarcham). Do not take it bad I’m going, Lavarcham. It’s you have been a good friend and given me great freedom and joy, and I living on Slieve Fuadh; and maybe you’ll be well pleased one day saying you have nursed Deirdre.