[A distant shout
is heard.]
NAISI--I hear a call like the voice of a man of Eri.
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.
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