This play is a dramatic retelling of the story of
Deirdre, long called "of the Sorrows," and of the sons of Usne. It was
foretold at her birth that she would be beautiful and golden-voiced (her father was a bard), but that she would bring strife among the kings and warriors of Ireland, and ruin to the sons of Usne. So
Conchobar (a king) kept her in a remote place, alone with two (2) old women.
As the play opens, Conchobar has come to claim her, and tells her that in two or three (2-3) days she must come to Einain and marry him. She, however, has met Naoisi and his brothers (the sons of Usne), and she has fallen in love. The young men come to her house and seek shelter from the rain. Deirdre talks Naoisi into leaving with her, and his brother marries them together. They live together, after fleeing to Alban, for seven (7) happy years. Then Fergus comes with a message and assurances of peace from Conchobar.
In this version of the tale, Deirdre persuades Naosi to return to Erin, probably to die, lest love die before life is out or they grow old. Her old nurse has come also to tell her that Conchobar plans treachery. So does Crazy Owen, who says he could tell much but won't. They return, and are housed in a ragged tent that covers up the grave Conchobar has dug for them. Naoisi hears his brother calling. His love for Deirdre is broken. He and his brothers are killed. Fergus burns Emain because Conchobar broke his promise of safe passage. Deirdre begins raving, and then kills herself to be with Naoise. Conchobar, a broken old man, broken by all that has happened, goes off to a hut with Deirdre's nurse, Lavacham, to shelter from the rain.