Naisi (still cheerfully). Open the door and we’ll go forward to the little cabin between the ash-tree and the rocks. Lift the bolt and pull it.

Deirdre comes in on left royally dressed and very beautiful. She stands for a moment, and then as the door opens she calls softly.

Deirdre. Naisi! Do not leave me, Naisi. I am Deirdre of the Sorrows.

Naisi (transfixed with amazement). And it is you who go around in the woods making the thrushes bear a grudge against the heavens for the sweetness of your voice singing.

Deirdre. It is with me you’ve spoken, surely. (To Lavarcham and Old Woman.) Take Ainnle and Ardan, these two princes, into the little hut where we eat, and serve them with what is best and sweetest. I have many things for Naisi only.

Lavarcham (overawed by her tone). I will do it, and I ask their pardon. I have fooled them here.

Deirdre (to Ainnle and Ardan). Do not take it badly that I am asking you to walk into our hut for a little. You will have a supper that is cooked by the cook of Conchubor, and Lavarcham will tell you stories of Maeve and Nessa and Rogh.

Ainnle. We’ll ask Lavarcham to tell us stories of yourself, and with that we’ll be well pleased to be doing your wish.

They all go out except Deirdre and Naisi.

Deirdre (sitting in the high chair in the centre). Come to this stool, Naisi (pointing to the stool). If it’s low itself the High King would sooner be on it this night than on the throne of Emain Macha.

Naisi (sitting down). You are Fedlimid’s daughter that Conchubor has walled up from all the men of Ulster.

Deirdre. Do many know what is foretold, that Deirdre will be the ruin of the Sons of Usna, and have a little grave by herself, and a story will be told for ever?

Naisi. It’s a long while men have been talking of Deirdre, the child who had all gifts, and the beauty that has no equal; there are many know it, and there are kings would give a great price to be in my place this night and you grown to a queen.

Deirdre. It isn’t many I’d call, Naisi.… I was in the woods at the full moon and I heard a voice singing. Then I gathered up my skirts, and I ran on a little path I have to the verge of a rock, and I saw you pass by underneath, in your crimson cloak, singing a song, and you standing out beyond your brothers are called the Flower of Ireland.

Naisi. It’s for that you called us in the dusk?

Deirdre (in a low voice). Since that, Naisi, I have been one time the like of a ewe looking for a lamb that had been taken away from her, and one time seeing new gold on the stars, and a new face on the moon, and all times dreading Emain.

Naisi (pulling himself together and beginning to draw back a little). Yet it should be a lonesome thing to be in this place and you born for great company.

Deirdre (softly). This night I have the best company in the whole world.