DEIRDRE—It is only a herdsman calling home his cattle. (She puts her arms round NAISI's neck.) Beloved, am I become so little to you that your heart is empty, and sighs for Eri?
NAISI—Deirdre, in my flight I have brought with me many whose desire is afar, while you are set as a star by my side. They have left their own land and many a maiden sighs for the clansmen who never return. There is also the shadow of fear on my name, because I fled and did not face the king. Shall I swear to keep my comrades in exile, and let the shame of fear rest on the chieftain of their clan?
DEIRDRE—Can they not go? Are we not enough for each other, for surely to me thou art hearth and home, and where thou art there the dream ends, and beyond it. There is no other dream. [A voice is heard without, more clearly calling.]
AINLE—It is a familiar voice that calls! And I thought I heard thy name, Naisi.
ARDAN—It is the honey-sweet speech of a man of Eri.
DEIRDRE—It is one of our own clansmen. Naisi, will you not speak? The hour is passing, and soon there will be naught but a destiny.
FERGUS—(without) Naisi! Naisi!
NAISI—A deep voice, like the roar of a storm god! It is Fergus who comes from Eri.
ARDAN—He comes as a friend. There is no treachery in the Red Branch.
AINLE.—Let us meet him, and give him welcome! [The brothers go to the door of the dun. DEIRDRE leans against the wall with terror in her eyes.]