• Deirdre

Ferg039

Gloom or reproachful look ; though, were it there
'Twere not for me to wonder or complain ;
For I, alas ! am she that tempted you
To that rash, rapturous, defiant deed
That wraps us all in bonds of banishment.
No, never have they shown themselves to me
Other than sweet, affectionate, and gay.

NAISI.
Thou would'st not have them lose their joy of life
To keep us happy?

DEIRDRE.
Happy in thy love,
I can but think of that estate alone.
Love is all-selfish. Love but thinks of one.
Its own fulfilment is love's world to love.
But here comes gentle Ainle from the chase.

NAISI.
Good brother, welcome : what is next afoot ?

AINLE.
We hunt to-morrow in the corrie, sir.

NAISI.
Ay, I have hunted in the corrie oft.
And there seen buck and doe, but never a man.
And when I've slain my quarry, I have said,
" Beast, thou wast happy as compared with me,
For thou wast of a good town citizen,
And mingledst antlers bravely with thy peers."

AINLE.
What ails our brother ?

DEIRDRE.
'Tis a fond regret,
Bred of the solitary life we lead.

AINLE.
Not solitary. I were well content,
In such good company as still we have.
To spend my days a-hunting ; and at eve

Ferg039
Coverage: 
1880
Keywords: 
Banishment, Ainle, Brother
Citation: 
Linen Hall Library, "Ferg039", Northern Ireland Literary Archive, accessed Tue, 03/19/2024 - 02:15, https://www.niliteraryarchive.com/content/ferg039