CONCHUBOR -- taking a triumphant
tone. -- It is my pleasure to have you, and I
a man is waiting a long while on the throne
of Ulster. Wouldn't you liefer be my com-
rade, growing up the like of Emer and Maeve,
than to be in this place and you a child always?
DEIRDRE. You don't know me and
you'd have little joy taking me, Conchubor.
. . . I'm a long while watching the days
getting a great speed passing me by. I'm too
long taking my will, and it's that way I'll be
living always.
CONCHUBOR -- dryly. -- Call Fergus to


27

come with me. This is your last night upon
Slieve Fuadh.
DEIRDRE -- now pleadingly. -- Leave me
a short space longer, Conchubor. Isn't it a
poor thing I should be hastened away, when
all these troubles are foretold? Leave me a
year, Conchubor; it isn't much I'm asking.
CONCHUBOR. It's much to have me
two score and two weeks waiting for your
voice in Emain, and you in this place growing
lonesome and shy. I'm a ripe man and in
great love, and yet, Deirdre, I'm the King of
Ulster. (He gets up.) I'll call Fergus, and