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.