that, Deirdre, I’m praying that you’ll come quickly; and you may take the word of a man has no lies, you’ll not find, with any other, the like of what I’m bringing you in wildness and confusion in my own mind.

Deirdre. I cannot go, Conchubor.

Conchubor (taking a triumphant tone). It is my pleasure to have you, and I a man is waiting a long while on the throne of Ulster. Wouldn’t you liefer be my comrade, growing up the like of Emer and Maeve, than to be in this place and you a child always?

Deirdre. You don’t know me and you’d have little joy taking me, Conchubor.… I’m a long while watching the days getting a great speed passing me by. I’m too long taking my will, and it’s that way I’ll be living always.

Conchubor (dryly). Call Fergus to come with me. This is your last night upon Slieve Fuadh.

Deirdre (now pleadingly). Leave me a short space longer, Conchubor. Isn’t it a poor thing I should be hastened away, when all these troubles are foretold? Leave me a year, Conchubor; it isn’t much I’m asking.

Conchubor. It’s much to have me two score and two weeks waiting for your voice in Emain, and you in this place growing lonesome and shy. I’m a ripe man and in great love, and yet, Deirdre, I’m the King of Ulster. (He gets up.) I’ll call Fergus, and we’ll make Emain ready in the morning.

He goes towards door on left.

Deirdre (clinging to him). Do not call him, Conchubor.… Promise me a year of quiet… It’s one year I’m asking only.

Conchubor. You’d be asking a year next year, and the years that follow. (Calling.) Fergus! Fergus! (To Deirdre.) Young girls are slow always; it is their lovers that must say the word. (Calling.) Fergus!

Deirdre springs away from him as Fergus comes in with Lavarcham and the Old Woman.

Conchubor (to Fergus). There is a storm coming, and we’d best be going to our people when the night is young.

Fergus (cheerfully). The gods shield you, Deirdre. (To Conchubor.) We’re late already, and it’s no work the High King to be slipping on stepping-stones and hilly pathways when the floods are rising with the rain.

He helps Conchubor into his cloak.

Conchubor (glad that he has made his decision—to Lavarcham). Keep your rules a few days longer, and you’ll be brought down to Emain, you and Deirdre with you.

Lavarcham (obediently). Your rules are kept always.

Conchubor. The gods shield you.

He goes out with Fergus. Old Woman bolts door.

Lavarcham (looking at Deirdre, who has covered her face). Wasn’t I saying you’d do it? You’ve brought your marriage a sight nearer not heeding those are wiser than yourself.

Deirdre (with agitation). It wasn’t I did it. Will you take me from this place, Lavarcham, and keep me safe in the hills?