NAISI--There was the Ardrie, Concobar, whom no man knows, indeed, for he is unfathomable. But he is a wise king, though moody and passionate at times, for he was cursed in his youth for a sin against one of the Sidhe. DEIRDRE--Oh, do not speak of him! My heart falls at the thought of him as into a grave, and I know I will die when we meet. NAISI--I know one who will die before that, my fawn. DEIRDRE--Naisi! You remember when we fled that night; as I lay by thy side--thou wert yet strange to me--I heard voices speaking out of the air. The great ones were invisible, yet their voices sounded solemnly. "Our brother and our sister do not remember," one said; and another spake: "They will serve the purpose all the same," and there was more which I could not understand, but I knew we were to bring some great gift to the Gael. Yesternight, in a dream, I heard the voices again, and I cannot recall what they said; but as I woke from sleep my pillow was wet with tears falling softly, as out of another world, and I saw before me thy face, pale and still, Naisi, and the king, with his implacable eyes. Oh, pulse of my heart, I know the gift we shall give to the Gael will be a memory to pity and sigh over, and I shall be the priestess of tears. Naisi, promise me you will never go back to Ulla--swear to me, Naisi. NAISI--I will, if-- [Here AINLE and ARDAN enter.] AINLE--Oh, great tidings, brother! DEIRDRE--I feel fate is stealing on us with the footsteps of those we love. Before they speak, promise me, Naisi. AINLE--What is it, dear sister? Naisi will promise thee anything, and if he does not we will make him do it all the same. DEIDRE--Oh, let me speak! Both Death and the Heart's Desire are speeding to win the race. Promise me, Naisi, you will never return to Ulla. ARDAN--Naisi, it were well to hear what tale may come from Emain Macha. One of the Red Branch displays our banner on a galley from the South. I have sent a boat to bring this warrior to our dun. It may be Concobar is dead. DEIRDRE--Why should we return? Is not the Clan Usna greater here than ever in Eri. AINLE--Dear sister, it is the land which gave us birth, which ever like a mother whispered to us, and its whisper is sweeter than the promise of beloved lips. Though we are kings here in Alba we are exiles, and the heart is afar from its home. [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?