them out quickly, Lavarcham, we've no call
dawdling this night. Lay them out quickly;
I'm going into the room to put on the rich
dresses and jewels have been sent from Emain.
LAVARCHAM. Putting on dresses at
this hour, and it dark and drenching with the
weight of rain! Are you away in your head?
DEIRDRE -- gathering her things to-
gether with an outburst of excitement. -- I will
dress like Emer in Dundealgan, or Maeve in
her house in Connaught. If Conchubor'll
make me a queen, I'll have the right of a queen
who is a master, taking her own choice and
making a stir to the edges of the seas. . . .
Lay out your mats and hangings where I can
stand this night and look about me. Lay out
the skins of the rams of Connaught and of the
goats of the west. I will not be a child or


31

plaything; I'll put on my robes that are the
richest, for I will not be brought down to
Emain as Cuchulain brings his horse to the
yoke, or Conall Cearneach puts his shield
upon his arm; and maybe from this day I will
turn the men of Ireland like a wind blowing
on the heath.
[She goes into room. Lavarcham and