FERGUS.
Mount, daughter Deirdre. Fill the cup again,
And fair farewells and healths to all of you.
BARACH.
Fergus, thou wilt not pass a brother's door ?
We wait thee at Dunseverick. Let thy wards
Take the protection of thy own good sons.
They'll see them safe. To that end Buino Borb
Is this same morning from Emania come,
And here finds Ulan by a lucky chance
Journeying thither with his company.
Thy honor shall not suffer in their hands.
DEIRDRE.
Fergus, thou'rt pledged to us. Say nay to him.
BARACH.
He shall not say me nay. My board is spread ;
The choicest Brethren of the Branch are there,
And much would marvel should his place be void.
His sons are well-sufficient in his room.
What though ye journeyed to the Branch alone,
None dare molest you, such a sheltering shield
Is the pledged word of Fergus ; and they know,
From post to post, 'tis on his guarantee
And pass-word that ye travel ; since the king
On his assurances has pardoned you.
DEIRDRE.
Fergus, I put thee under bond and vow,
Pledged but to-day, that thou desert us not.
BARACH.
Fergus, I put thee under bond and vow.
Pledged when we made thee Brother of the Branch,
Thou pass not further till thou sup with me.
FERGUS.
I pray thee, Barach, to forbear thy suit.
