dings, Naisi. (He sees DEIRDRE.) My coming has affrighted thy lady,
who shakes like the white wave trembling before its fall. I swear to
thee, Deirdre, that the sons of Usna are dear to me as children to a
father.

DEIRDRE--The Birds of Angus showed all fiery and crimson as you came!

BUINNE--If we are not welcome in this dun let us return!

FERGUS--Be still, hasty boy.

ILANN--The lady Deirdre has received some omen or warning on our
account. When the Sidhe declare their will, we should with due awe
consider it.

ARDAN--Her mind has been troubled by a dream of some ill to Naisi.

NAISI--It was not by dreaming evils that the sons of Usna grew to be
champions in Ulla. And I took thee to my heart, Deirdre, though the
Druids trembled to murmur thy name.

FERGUS--If we listened to dreamers and foretellers the sword would never
flash from its sheath. In truth, I have never found the Sidhe send omens
to warriors; they rather bid them fly to herald our coming.

DEIRDRE--And what doom comes with thee now that such omens fled before
thee? I fear thy coming, warrior. I fear the Lights of Valor will be
soon extinguished.

FERGUS--Thou shalt smile again, pale princess, when thou hast heard my
tale. It is not to the sons of Usna I would bring sorrow. Naisi, thou
art free to return to Ulla.

NAISI--Does the king then forego his vengeance?

DEIRDRE--The king will never forego his vengeance. I have looked on his
face--the face of one who never changes his purpose.

FERGUS--He sends forgiveness and greetings.

DEIRDRE--O Naisi, he sends honied words by the mouth of Fergus, but the
pent-up death broods in his own heart.

BUINNE--We were tempest-beaten, indeed, on the sea of Moyle, but the
storm of this girl's speech is more fearful to face.

FERGUS--Your tongue is too swift, Buinne. I say to you, Deirdre, that if
all the kings of Eri brooded ill to Naisi, they dare not break through
my protection.

NAISI--It is true, indeed, Fergus, though I have never asked any
protection save my own sword. It is a chill welcome you give to Fergus
and his sons, Deirdre. Ainle, tell them within to make ready the
feasting hall. [AINLE goes into an inner room.]

DEIRDRE--I pray thy pardon, warrior. Thy love for Naisi I do not doubt.
But in this holy place there is peace, and the doom that Cathvah the
Druid cried cannot fall. And oh, I feel, too, there, is One here among
us who pushes us silently from the place of life, and we are drift