Deirdre of the Sorrows

by J. M. Synge

[Lavarcham and Old Woman come in stealthily on right.

DEIRDRE.
— not seeing them. — It is I, Deirdre, will be crouching in a dark place; I, Deirdre, that was young with Naisi, and brought sorrow to his grave in Emain.

OLD WOMAN.
Is that Deirdre broken down that was so light and airy?

LAVARCHAM.
It is, surely, crying out over their grave.

[She goes to Deirdre.

DEIRDRE.
It will be my share from this out to be making lamentation on his stone always, and I crying for a love will be the like of a star shining on a little harbour by the sea.

LAVARCHAM.
— coming forward. — Let you rise up, Deirdre, and come off while there are none to heed us, the way I’ll find you shelter and some friend to guard you.

DEIRDRE.
To what place would I go away from Naisi? What are the woods without Naisi or the sea shore?

LAVARCHAM.
— very coaxingly. — If it is that way you’d be, come till I find you a sunny place where you’ll be a great wonder they’ll call the queen of sorrows; and you’ll begin taking a pride to be sitting up pausing and dreaming when the summer comes.

DEIRDRE.
It was the voice of Naisi that was strong in summer — the voice of Naisi that was sweeter than pipes playing, but from this day will be dumb always.