DRE--I do not fear Concobar any more. My spirit is sinking away from
the world, I could not stay after Naisi. After the Lights of Valor
had vanished, how could I remain? The earth has grown dim and old,
fostermother. The gods have gone far away, and the lights from the
mountains and the Lions of the Flaming Heart are still, O fostermother,
when they heap the cairn over him, let me be beside him in the narrow
grave. I will still be with the noble one.

[DEIRDRE lays her head on NAISI's body. CONCOBAR enters, standing in the
doorway. LAVARCAM takes DEIRDRE'S hand and drops it.]

LAVARCAM--Did you come to torture her with your presence? Was not the
death of Naisi cruelty enough? But now she is past your power to wound.

CONCOBAR--The death of Naisi was only the fulfilling of the law. Ulla
could not hold together if its ancient laws were set aside.

LAVARCAM--Do you think to bind men together when you have broken
their hearts? O fool, who would conquer all Eri! I see the Red Branch
scattered and Eri rent asunder, and thy memory a curse after many
thousand years. The gods have overthrown thy dominion, proud king, with
the last sigh from this dead child; and out of the pity for her they
will build up an eternal kingdom in the spirit of man. [An uproar
without and the clash of arms.]

VOICES--Fergus! Fergus! Fergus!

LAVARCAM--The avenger has come! So perishes the Red Branch! [She hurries
out wildly.]

CONCOBAR--(Slowly, after a pause) I have two divided kingdoms, and one
is in my own heart. Thus do I pay homage to thee, O Queen, who will
rule, being dead. [He bends over the body of DEIRDRE and kisses her
hand.]

FERGUS--(without) Where is the traitor Ardrie?

[CONCOBAR starts up, lifting his spear. FERGUS appears at the doorway,
and the scene closes.]

1901

NOTE TO THOUGHTS FOR A CONVENTION

I was asked to put into shape for publication ideas and suggestions for
an Irish settlement which had been discussed among a group whose members
represented ah extremes in Irish opinion. The compromise arrived at
was embodied in documents written by members of the group privately
circulated, criticized and again amended. I make special acknowledgments
to Colonel Maurice Moore, Mr. James G. Douglas, Mr. Edward E. Lysaght,
Mr. Joseph Johnston, F.T.C.D., Mr. Alec Wilson and Mr. Diarmuid Coffey.
For the tone, method of presentation, and general arguments used, I
alone am responsible. And if any are offended at what I