NAISI.
Are you thinking I’d go on living after this night, Deirdre, and you with Conchubor in Emain? Are you thinking I’d go out after hares when I’ve had your lips in my sight?
[Lavarcham comes in as they cling to each other.
LAVARCHAM.
Are you raving, Deirdre? Are you choosing this night to destroy the world?
DEIRDRE.
— very deliberately. — It’s Conchubor has chosen this night calling me to Emain. (To Naisi.) Bring in Ainnle and Ardan, and take me from this place, where I’m in dread from this out of the footsteps of a hare passing.
[He goes.
DEIRDRE.
— clinging to Lavarcham. — Do not take it bad I’m going, Lavarcham. It’s you have been a good friend and given me great freedom and joy, and I living on Slieve Fuadh; and maybe you’ll be well pleased one day saying you have nursed Deirdre.
LAVARCHAM.
— moved. — It isn’t I’ll be well pleased and I far away from you. Isn’t it a hard thing you’re doing, but who can help it? Birds go mating in the spring of the year, and ewes at the leaves falling, but a young girl must have her lover in all the courses of the sun and moon.
DEIRDRE.
Will you go to Emain in the morning?
LAVARCHAM.
I will not. I’ll go to Brandon in the south; and in the course of a piece, maybe, I’ll be sailing back and forward on the seas to be looking on your face and the little ways you have that none can equal.
[Naisi comes back with Ainnle and Ardan and Old Woman.