Drama  |  JM Synge  |  Deirdre of the Sorrows  |  Act III

Deirdre of the Sorrows — Act III (Part 10 of 10)

She presses knife into her heart and sinks into the grave. Conchubor and Fergus go forward. The red glow fades, leaving stage very dark.

Fergus. Four white bodies are laid down together; four clear lights are quenched in Ireland. (He throws his sword into the grave.) There is my sword that could not shield you—my four friends that were the dearest always. The flames of Emain have gone out: Deirdre is dead and there is none to keen her. That is the fate of Deirdre and the Children of Usna, and for this night, Conchubor, our war is ended. (He goes out.)

Lavarcham. I have a little hut where you can rest, Conchubor; there is a great dew falling.

Conchubor (with the voice of an old man). Take me with you. I’m hard set to see the way before me.

Old Woman. This way, Conchubor.

They go out.

Lavarcham (beside the grave). Deirdre is dead, and Naisi is dead; and if the oaks and stars could die for sorrow, it’s a dark sky and a hard and naked earth we’d have this night in Emain.

Curtain.