autumn and the springtime, even when there's
a bird in every bush making his own stir till
the fall of night; but this talk's brought me
ease, and I see we're as happy as the leaves on
the young trees, and we'll be so ever and
always, though we'd live the age of the eagle
and the salmon and the crow of Britain.
FERGUS -- with anger. -- Where are your
brothers? My message is for them also.
NAISI. You'll see them above chasing
otters by the stream.
FERGUS -- bitterly. -- It isn't much I was
mistaken, thinking you were hunters only.
[He goes, Naisi turns towards tent
and sees Deirdre crouching down with
her cloak round her face. Deirdre
comes out.
NAISI. You've heard my words to
Fergus? (She does not answer. A pause. He
puts his arm round her.) Leave troubling,
and we'll go this night to Glen da Ruadh,


58

where the salmon will be running with the
tide. [Crosses and sits down.
DEIRDRE -- in a very low voice. -- With
the tide in a little while we will be journeying
again, or it is our own blood maybe will be