NAISI—By the gods, but it is true! I would give this kingdom I have won in Alba to tell the proud monarch I fear him not.
DEIRDRE—O Naisi, that thought will draw thee back to Eri, and to I know not what peril and death beyond the seas.
NAISI—I will not war on the Red Branch. They were ever faithful comrades. Be at peace, Deirdre.
DEIRDRE—Oh, how vain it is to say to the heart, "Be at peace," when the heart will not rest! Sorrow is on me, beloved, and I know not wherefore. It has taken the strong and fast place of my heart, and sighs there hidden in my love for thee.
NAISI—Dear one, the songs of Ainle and the pleasant tales of Ardan will drive away thy sorrow.
DEIRDRE—Ainle and Ardan! Where are they? They linger long.
NAISI—They are watching a sail that set hitherward from the south.
DEIRDRE—A sail!
NAISI—A sail! What is there to startle thee in that? Have not a thousand galleys lain in Loch Etive since I built this dun by the sea.
DEIRDRE—I do not know, but my spirit died down in my heart as you spake. I think the wind that brings it blows from Eri, and it is it has brought sorrow to me.