it will sink at
least in the seas of the blood of the clan Usna.

LAVARCAM--O king, the doom of the Red Branch had already gone forth when
you suffered love for Deirdre to enter your heart.

[Scene closes.]

ACT II.

SCENE.--In a dun by Loch Etive. Through the open door can be seen lakes
and wooded islands in a silver twilight. DEIRDRE stands at the door
looking over the lake. NAISI is within binding a spearhead to the shaft.

DEIRDRE--How still is the twilight! It is the sunset, not of one, but
of many days--so still, so still, so living! The enchantment of Dana is
upon the lakes and islands and woods, and the Great Father looks down
through the deepening heavens.

NAISI--Thou art half of their world, beautiful woman, and it seems
fair to me, gazing on thine eyes. But when thou art not beside me the
flashing of spears is more to be admired than a whole heaven-full of
stars.

DEIRDRE--O Naisi! still dost thou long, for the Red Branch and the peril
of battles and death.

NAISI--Not for the Red Branch, nor the peril of battles, nor death, do I
long. But--

DEIRDRE--But what, Naisi? What memory of Eri hast thou hoarded in thy
heart?

NAISI--(bending over his spear) It is nothing, Deirdre.

DEIRDRE--It is a night of many days, Naisi. See, all the bright day had
hidden is revealed! Look, there! A star! and another star! They could
not see each other through the day, for the hot mists of the sun were
about them. Three years of the sun have we passed in Alba, Naisi, and
now, O star of my heart, truly do I see you, this night of many days.

NAISI--Though my breast lay clear as a crystal before thee, thou couldst
see no change in my heart.

DEIRDRE--There is no change, beloved; but I see there one memory warring
on thy peace.

NAISI--What is it then, wise woman?

DEIRDRE--O Naisi, I have looked within thy heart, and thou hast there
imagined a king with scornful eyes thinking of thy flight.

NAISI--By the gods, but it is true! I would give this kingdom I have won
in Alba to tell the proud monarch I fear him not.

DEIRDRE--O Naisi, that thought will draw thee back to Eri, and to I know
not what peril and death beyond the seas.

NAISI--I will not war on the Red Branch. They were ever faithful
comrades. Be at peace, Deirdre.

DEIRDRE--Oh, how vain it is to say to the heart, "Be at peace," when the
heart will not rest! Sorrow is on me, beloved, and I know not wherefore.
It has taken the strong and fa