DEIRDRE—Yet why must it be so, fostermother? Why must I hide away? Why must I never leave the valley?
LAVARCAM—It is the king's will.
While she is speaking CONCOBAR enters. He stands still and looks on DEIRDRE. DEIRDRE gazes on the KING for a moment, and then covering her face with her hands, she hurries into the dun. The HERDSMAN goes out. LAVARCAM sees and bows before the KING.
CONCOBAR—Lady, is all well with you and your charge?
LAVARCAM—All is well.
CONCOBAR—Is there peace in Deirdre's heart?
LAVARCAM—She is happy, not knowing a greater happiness than to roam the woods or to dream of the immortal ones can bring her.
CONCOBAR—Fate has not found her yet hidden in this valley.
LAVARCAM—Her happiness is to be here. But she asks why must she never leave the glen. Her heart quickens within her. Like a bird she listens to the spring, and soon the valley will be narrow as a cage.
CONCOBAR—I cannot open the cage. Less ominous the Red Swineherd at a feast than this beautiful child in Ulla. You know the word of the Druids at her birth.