Why does thy voice tremble? Who art
thou? I do not know thee. Thou art not one of the Red Branch. Concobar
is not wont to send messages to kings by such as thou.

MESSENGER--The Red Branch are far from Emain Macha--but it matters not.
The king has commanded me to speak thus to the sons of Usna. You have
broken the law of Ulla when you stole away the daughter of Felim. You
have broken the law of the Red Branch when you sent lying messages
through Lavarcam plotting to return. The king commands that the daughter
of Felim be given up, and--

AINLIE--Are we to listen to this?

ARDAN--My spear will fly of itself if he does not depart.

NAISI--Nay, brother, he is only a slave. (To the MESSENGER.) Return to
Concobar, and tell him that tomorrow the Red Branch will choose another
chief. There, why dost thou wait? Begone! (To DEIRDRE.) Oh, wise woman,
truly did you see the rottenness in this king!

DEIRDRE--Why did you not take my counsel, Naisi? For now it is too
late--too late.

NAISI--There is naught to fear. One of us could hold this dun against
a thousand of Concobar's household slaves. When Fergus comes tomorrow
there will be another king in Emain Macha.

ILANN--It is true, Deirdre. One of us is enough for Concobar's household
slaves. I will keep watch at the door while you play at peace with
Naisi.

[ILANN lifts the curtain of the door and goes outside. The Play at chess
begins again. AINLE and ARDAN look on.]

AINLE--Naisi, you play wildly. See, your queen will be taken. [A
disturbance without and the clash of arms.]

ILANN--(Without) Keep back! Do you dare?

NAISI--Ah! the slaves come on, driven by the false Ardrie! When the game
is finished we will sweep them back and slay them in the Royal House
before Concobar's eyes. Play! You forget to move, Deirdre. [The clash of
arms is renewed.]

ILANN--(without) Oh! I am wounded. Ainle! Ardan! To the door!

[AINLE and ARDAN rush out. The clash of arms renewed.]

DEIRDRE--Naisi, I cannot. I cannot. The end of all has come. Oh, Naisi!
[She flings her arms across the table, scattering the pieces over the
board.]

NAISI--If the end has come we should meet it with calm. It is not with
sighing and tears the Clan Usna should depart. You have not played this
game as it ought to be played.

DEIRDRE--Your pride is molded and set like a pillar of bronze. O
warrior, I was no mate for you. I am only a woman, who has given her
life into your hands, and you chide me for my