rule over one people in Eri? I sometimes think the warrior
soul of Lu shines through the boy Cuculain, who, after me, shall guide
the Red Branch; aye, and with him are many of the old company who fought
at Moytura, come back to renew the everlasting battle. Is not this the
Isle of Destiny, and the hour at hand? [The clamor is again renewed.]

What, is this clamor as if men hailed a king? (Calls.) Is there
one without there? (ILANN enters.) Ah! returned from Alba with the
fugitives!

ILANN--King, we have fulfilled our charge. The sons of Usna are with us
in Emain Macha. Whither is it your pleasure they should be led?

CONCOBAR--They shall be lodged here, in the House of the Red Branch.
(ILANN is about to withdraw.) Yet, wait, what mean all these cries as of
astonished men?

ILANN--The lady, Deirdre, has come with us, and her beauty is a wonder
to the gazers in the streets, for she moves among them like one of the
Sidhe, whiter than ivory, with long hair of gold, and her eyes, like the
blue flame of twilight, make mystery in their hearts.

CONCOBAR--(starting up) This is no fading beauty who returns! You hear,
Druidess!

ILANN--Ardrie of Ulla, whoever has fabled to thee that the beauty of
Deirdre is past has lied. She is sorrowful, indeed, but her sadness only
bows the heart to more adoration than her joy, and pity for her seems
sweeter than the dream of love. Fading! Yes, her yesterday fades behind
her every morning, and every changing mood seems only an unveiling to
bring her nearer to the golden spirit within. But how could I describe
Deirdre? In a little while she will be here, and you shall see her with
your own eyes. [ILLAN bows and goes out]

CONCOBAR--I will, indeed, see her with my own eyes. I will not, on the
report of a boy, speak words that shall make the Red Branch to drip with
blood. I will see with my own eyes. (He goes to the door.) But I swear
to thee, Druidess, if thou hast plotted deceit a second time with Naisi,
that all Eri may fall asunder, but I will be avenged.

[He holds the curtain aside with one hand and looks out. As he gazes
his face grows sterner, and he lifts his hand above his head in menace.
LAVARCAM looks on with terror, and as he drops the curtain and looks
back on her, she lets her face sink in her hands.]

CONCOBAR--(scornfully) A Druid makes prophecies and a Druidess schemes
to bring them to pass! Well have you all worked together! A fading
beauty was to return, and the Lig