from the north, or young birds fly out on a
dark sea?
DEIRDRE. There's reason all times for
an end that's come. And I'm well pleased,
Naisi, we're going forward in the winter the
time the sun has a low place, and the moon
has her mastery in a dark sky, for it's you
and I are well lodged our last day, where there
is a light behind the clear trees, and the
berries on the thorns are a red wall.
NAISI. If our time in this place is ended,
come away without Ainnle and Ardan to the
woods of the east, for it's right to be away
from all people when two lovers have their
love only. Come away and we'll be safe
always.
DEIRDRE -- broken-hearted. -- There's no
safe place, Naisi, on the ridge of the world.
. . . . And it's in the quiet woods I've seen
them digging our grave, throwing out the clay
on leaves are bright and withered.
NAISI -- still more eagerly. -- Come away,
Deirdre, and it's little we'll think of safety or
the grave beyond it, and we resting in a little
corner between the daytime and the long night.


60

DEIRDRE -- clearly and gravely. -- It's