NAISI—Thou art half of their world, beautiful woman, and it seems fair to me, gazing on thine eyes. But when thou art not beside me the flashing of spears is more to be admired than a whole heaven-full of stars.
DEIRDRE—O Naisi! still dost thou long, for the Red Branch and the peril of battles and death.
NAISI—Not for the Red Branch, nor the peril of battles, nor death, do I long. But—
DEIRDRE—But what, Naisi? What memory of Eri hast thou hoarded in thy heart?
NAISI—(bending over his spear) It is nothing, Deirdre.
DEIRDRE—It is a night of many days, Naisi. See, all the bright day had hidden is revealed! Look, there! A star! and another star! They could not see each other through the day, for the hot mists of the sun were about them. Three years of the sun have we passed in Alba, Naisi, and now, O star of my heart, truly do I see you, this night of many days.
NAISI—Though my breast lay clear as a crystal before thee, thou couldst see no change in my heart.
DEIRDRE—There is no change, beloved; but I see there one memory warring on thy peace.
NAISI—What is it then, wise woman?
DEIRDRE—O Naisi, I have looked within thy heart, and thou hast there imagined a king with scornful eyes thinking of thy flight.