NAISI—Ah! the slaves come on, driven by the false Ardrie! When the game is finished we will sweep them back and slay them in the Royal House before Concobar's eyes. Play! You forget to move, Deirdre. [The clash of arms is renewed.]
ILANN—(without) Oh! I am wounded. Ainle! Ardan! To the door!
[AINLE and ARDAN rush out. The clash of arms renewed.]
DEIRDRE—Naisi, I cannot. I cannot. The end of all has come. Oh, Naisi! [She flings her arms across the table, scattering the pieces over the board.]
NAISI—If the end has come we should meet it with calm. It is not with sighing and tears the Clan Usna should depart. You have not played this game as it ought to be played.
DEIRDRE—Your pride is molded and set like a pillar of bronze. O warrior, I was no mate for you. I am only a woman, who has given her life into your hands, and you chide me for my love.
NAISI—(caressing her head with his hands) Poor timid dove, I had forgotten thy weakness. I did not mean to wound thee, my heart. Oh, many will shed hotter tears than these for thy sorrow! They will perish swiftly who made Naisi's queen to weep! [He snatches up a spear and rushes out. There are cries, and then a silence.]
LAVARCAM—(entering hurriedly) Bear Deirdre swiftly away through the night. (She stops and looks around.) Where are the sons of Usna? Oh! I stepped over many dead bodies at the door. Surely the Lights of Valor were not so soon overcome! Oh, my darling! come away with me from this terrible house.
DEIRDRE—(Slowly) What did you say of the Lights of Valor? That—they—were dead?
[NAISI, AINLE, and ARDAN re-enter. DEIRDRE clings to NAISI.]