NAISI--Deirdre! Deirdre! I remember in some old tale of my childhood that name. (Fiercely.) It was a lying prophecy. What has this girl to do with the downfall of Ulla? LAVARCAM--Thou art the light of the Ultonian's, Naisi, but thou art not the star of knowledge. The Druids spake truly. Through her, but not through her sin, will come the destruction of the Red Branch. NAISI--I have counted death as nothing battling for the Red Branch; and I would not, even for Deirdre, war upon my comrades. But Deirdre I will not leave nor forget for a thousand prophecies made by the Druids in their dotage. If the Red Branch must fall, it will fall through treachery; but Deirdre I will love, and in my love is no dishonor, nor any broken pledge. LAVARCAM--Remember, Naisi, the law of the king. It is death to thee to be here. Concobar is even now in the woods, and will come hither again. DEIRDRE--Is it death to thee to love me, Naisi? Oh, fly quickly, and forget me. But first, before thou goest, bend down thy head--low--rest it on my bosom. Listen to the beating of my heart. That passionate tumult is for thee! There, I have kissed thee. I have sweet memories for ever-lasting. Go now, my beloved, quickly. I fear--I fear for thee this stony king. NAISI--I do not fear the king, nor will I fly hence. It is due to the chief of the Red Branch that I should stay and face him, having set my mill against his. LAVARCAM--You cannot remain now. NAISI--It is due to the king. LAVARCAM--You must go; both must go. Do not cloud your heart with dreams of a false honor. It is not your death only, but Deirdre's which will follow. Do you think the Red Branch would spare her, after your death, to extinguish another light of valor, and another who may wander here? NAISI--I will go with Deirdre to Alba. DEIRDRE--Through life or to death I will go with thee, Naisi. [Voices of AINLE and ARDAN are heard in the wood.] ARDAN--I think Naisi went this way. AINLE--He has been wrapt in a dream since the dawn. See! This is his footstep in the clay! ARDAN--I heard voices. AINLE--(entering with ARDAN) Here is our dream-led brother. NAISI--Ainle and Ardan, this is Deirdre, your sister. I have broken through the command of the king, and fly with her to Alba to avoid warfare with the Red Branch. ARDAN--Our love to thee, beautiful sister. AINLE--Dear maiden, thou art already in my heart with Naisi. LAVARCAM--You cannot linger here. With Concobar the deed follows swiftly the counsel; tonight his spearmen will be on your track. NAISI--Listen, Ainle and Ardan. Go you to Emain Macha. It may be the Red Branch will make peace between the king and myself. You are guiltless in this flight. AINLE--Having seen Deirdre, my heart is with you, brother, and I also am guilty. ARDAN--I think, being here, we, too, have broken the command of the king. We will go with thee to Alba, dear brother and sister.