37

and we'll go forward to the little cabin between
the ash-tree and the rocks. Lift the bolt and
pull it.
[Deirdre comes in on left royally dressed
and very beautiful. She stands for a
moment, and then as the door opens
she calls softly.
DEIRDRE. Naisi! Do not leave me,
Naisi. I am Deirdre of the Sorrows.
NAISI -- transfixed with amazement. --
And it is you who go around in the woods
making the thrushes bear a grudge against the
heavens for the sweetness of your voice
singing.
DEIRDRE. It is with me you've spoken,
surely. (To Lavarcham and Old Woman.)
Take Ainnle and Ardan, these two princes,
into the little hut where we eat, and serve them
with what is best and sweetest. I have many
thing for Naisi only.
LAVARCHAM -- overawed by her tone. --
I will do it, and I ask their pardon. I have
fooled them here.
DEIRDRE -- to Ainnle and Ardan. -- Do
not take it badly that I am asking you to walk
into our hut for a little. You will have a
supper that is cooked by the cook of Conchu-