And do you think That, were I given life at such a price, I would not cast it from me? O, my eagle! Why do you beat vain wings upon the rock When hollow night’s above? DEIRDRE. It’s better, Naisi. It may be hard for you, but you’ll forget. For what am I, to be remembered always? And there are other women. There was one, The daughter of the King of Leodas; I could not sleep because of her. Speak to him; Tell it out plain, and make him understand. And if it be he thinks I shall stay living, Say that I will not. NAISI. Would I had lost life Among those Scottish kings that sought it of me, Because you were my wife, or that the worst Had taken you before this bargaining! O eagle! if you were to do this thing, And buy my life of Conchubar with your body, Love’s law being broken, I would stand alone Upon the eternal summits, and call out, And you could never come there, being banished. DEIRDRE [_kneeling to CONCHUBAR_]. I would obey, but cannot. Pardon us. I know that you are good. I have heard you praised For giving gifts; and you will pardon us, Although I cannot go into your house. It was my fault. I only should be punished. [_Unseen by DEIRDRE, NAISI is gagged._ The very moment these eyes fell on him, I told him; I held out my hands to him; How could he refuse? At first he would not— I am not lying—he remembered you. What do I say? My hands?—No, no, my lips— For I had pressed my lips upon his lips— I swear it is not false—my breast to his; [_CONCHUBAR motions; NAISI, unseen by DEIRDRE, is taken behind the curtain._ Until I woke the passion that’s in all, And how could he resist? I had my beauty. You may have need of him, a brave, strong man, Who is not foolish at the council board, Nor does he quarrel by the candle-light And give hard blows to dogs. A cup of wine Moves him to mirth, not madness. [_She stands up._ What am I saying? You may have need of him, for you have none Who is so good a sword, or so well loved Among the common people. You may need him, And what king knows when the hour of need may come? You dream that you have men enough. You laugh. Yes; you are laughing to yourself. You say, ‘I am Conchubar—I have no need of him.’ You will cry out for him some day and say, ‘If Naisi were but living’——[_She misses NAISI._] Where is he? Where have you sent him? Where is the son of Usna? Where is he, O, where is he? [_She staggers over to the MUSICIANS. The EXECUTIONER has come out with sword on which there is blood; CONCHUBAR points to it. The MUSICIANS give a wail._ CONCHUBAR. The traitor who has carried off my wife No longer lives. Come to my house now, Deirdre, For he that called himself your husband’s dead. DEIRDRE. O, do not touch me. Let me go to him. [_Pause._