CONCHUBOR. — _looking at Lavarcham._ — That’s your story that she’s seamed and ugly?
SOLDIER. I have more news. (_Pointing to Lavarcham._) When that woman heard you were bringing Naisi this place, she sent a horse-boy to call Fergus from the north.
CONCHUBOR. — _to Lavarcham._ — It’s for that you’ve been playing your tricks, but what you’ve won is a nearer death for Naisi. (_To Soldiers._) Go up and call my fighters, and take that woman up to Emain.
LAVARCHAM. I’d liefer stay this place. I’ve done my best, but if a bad end is coming, surely it would be a good thing maybe I was here to tend her.
CONCHUBOR. — _fiercely._ — Take her to Emain; it’s too many tricks she’s tried this day already. (_A Soldier goes to her._)
LAVARCHAM. Don’t touch me. (_She puts her cloak round her and catches Conchubor’s arm._) I thought to stay your hand with my stories till Fergus would come to be beside them, the way I’d save yourself, Conchubor, and Naisi and Emain Macha; but I’ll walk up now into your halls, and I’ll say (_with a gesture_) it’s here nettles will be growing, and beyond thistles and docks. I’ll go into your high chambers, where you’ve been figuring yourself stretching out your neck for the kisses of a queen of women; and I’ll say it’s here there’ll be deer stirring and goats scratching, and sheep waking and coughing when there is a great wind from the north. (_Shaking herself loose. Conchubor makes a sign to Soldiers._) I’m going, surely. In a short space I’ll be sitting up with many listening to the flames crackling, and the beams breaking, and I looking on the great blaze will be the end of Emain.
CONCHUBOR. — _looking out._ — I see two people in the trees; it should be Naisi and Deirdre. (_To Soldier._) Let you tell them they’ll lodge here tonight.
[_Conchubor goes out right. Naisi and Deirdre come in on left, very weary._
NAISI. — _to Soldiers._ — Is it this place he’s made ready for myself and Deirdre?
SOLDIER. The Red Branch House is being aired and swept and you’ll be called there when a space is by; till then you’d find fruits and drink on this table, and so the gods be with you.
NAISI. — _looking round._ — It’s a strange place he’s put us camping and we come back as his friends.