spake: "They will serve the purpose all the same," and there was more
which I could not understand, but I knew we were to bring some great
gift to the Gael. Yesternight, in a dream, I heard the voices again, and
I cannot recall what they said; but as I woke from sleep my pillow was
wet with tears falling softly, as out of another world, and I saw before
me thy face, pale and still, Naisi, and the king, with his implacable
eyes. Oh, pulse of my heart, I know the gift we shall give to the Gael
will be a memory to pity and sigh over, and I shall be the priestess of
tears. Naisi, promise me you will never go back to Ulla--swear to me,
Naisi.

NAISI--I will, if--

[Here AINLE and ARDAN enter.]

AINLE--Oh, great tidings, brother!

DEIRDRE--I feel fate is stealing on us with the footsteps of those we
love. Before they speak, promise me, Naisi.

AINLE--What is it, dear sister? Naisi will promise thee anything, and if
he does not we will make him do it all the same.

DEIDRE--Oh, let me speak! Both Death and the Heart's Desire are speeding
to win the race. Promise me, Naisi, you will never return to Ulla.

ARDAN--Naisi, it were well to hear what tale may come from Emain Macha.
One of the Red Branch displays our banner on a galley from the South. I
have sent a boat to bring this warrior to our dun. It may be Concobar is
dead.

DEIRDRE--Why should we return? Is not the Clan Usna greater here than
ever in Eri.

AINLE--Dear sister, it is the land which gave us birth, which ever like
a mother whispered to us, and its whisper is sweeter than the promise
of beloved lips. Though we are kings here in Alba we are exiles, and the
heart is afar from its home. [A distant shout is heard.]

NAISI--I hear a call like the voice of a man of Eri.

DEIRDRE--It is only a herdsman calling home his cattle. (She puts her
arms round NAISI's neck.) Beloved, am I become so little to you that
your heart is empty, and sighs for Eri?

NAISI--Deirdre, in my flight I have brought with me many whose desire is
afar, while you are set as a star by my side. They have left their own
land and many a maiden sighs for the clansmen who never return. There is
also the shadow of fear on my name, because I fled and did not face the
king. Shall I swear to keep my comrades in exile, and let the shame of
fear rest on the chieftain of their clan?

DEIRDRE--Can they not go? Are we not enough for each other, for surely
to me thou art hearth and home, and where