r refused the wine cup. He feasts with
Baruch, and the Lights of Valor who put their trust in him--must die.

BUINNE--Fergus never bartered his honor. I do protest, girl, against
your speech. The name of Fergus alone would protect you throughout all
Eri; how much more here, where he is champion in Ulla. Come, brother, we
are none of us needed here. [BUINNE leaves the room.]

DEIRDRE--Father and son alike desert us! O fostermother, is this the end
of all? Is there no way out? Is there no way out?

ILANN--I will not desert you, Deirdre, while I can still thrust a spear.
But you, fear overmuch without a cause.

LAVARACAM--Bar up the door and close the windows. I will send a swift
messenger for Fergus. If you hold the dun until Fergus comes all will
yet be well. [LAVARCAM hurries out.]

DEIRDRE---(going to NAISI)--Naisi, do you not hear? Let the door be
barred! Ainle and Ardan, are you still all blind? Oh! must I close them
with my own hand!

[DEIRDRE goes to the Window, and lays her hand on the bars NAISI follows
her.]

NAISI--Deirdre, in your girlhood you have not known of the ways of the
Red Branch. This thing you fear is unheard of in Ulla. The king may
be wrathful; but the word, once passed, is inviolable. If he whispered
treachery to one of the Red Branch he would not be Ardrie tomorrow.
Nay, leave the window unbarred, or they will say the sons of Usna have
returned timid as birds! Come, we are enough protection for thee. See,
here is the chessboard of Concobar, with which he is wont to divine,
playing a lonely game with fate. The pieces are set. We will finish the
game, and so pass the time until the feast is ready. (He sits down) The
golden pieces are yours and the silver mine.

AINLE--(looking at the board) You have given Deirdre the weaker side.

NAISI--Deirdre always plays with more cunning skill.

DEIRDRE--O fearless one, if he who set the game played with fate, the
victory is already fixed, and no skill may avail.

NAISI--We will see if Concobar has favourable omens. It is geasa for him
always to play with silver pieces. I will follow his game. It is your
move. Dear one, will you not smile? Surely, against Concobar you will
play well.

DEIRDRE--It is too late. See, everywhere my king is threatened!

ARDAN--Nay, your game is not lost. If you move your king back all will
be well.

MESSENGER--(at the door) I bear a message from the Ardrie to the sons of
Usna.

NAISI--Speak out thy message, man.