to proclaim it, though the poets have always glorified it, and the legions will ultimately acknowledge it.  One man alone may vindicate it, and because that one man has never failed it has never died.  Not, indeed, that Ireland has ever been reduced to a single loyal son.  She never will be.  We have not survived the centuries to be conquered now.  But the profound significance of the struggle, of its deep spiritual appeal, of the imperative need for a motive force as lofty and beautiful, of the consciousness that worthy winning of freedom is a labour for human brotherhood; the significance of it all is seen in the obligation it imposes on everyone to be true, the majority notwithstanding.  He is called to a grave charge who is called to resist the majority.  But he will resist, knowing his victory will lead them to a dearer dream than they had ever known.  He will fight for that ideal in obscurity, little heeded—­in the open, misunderstood; in humble places, still undaunted; in high places, seizing every vantage point, never crushed, never silent, never despairing, cheering a few comrades with hope for the morrow.  And should these few sink in the struggle the greatness of the ideal is proven in the last hour; as they fall their country awakens to their dream, and he who inspired and sustained them is justified; justified against the whole race, he who once stood alone against them.  In the hour he falls he is the saviour of his race.

CHAPTER II

Separation.

I

When we plead for separation from the British Empire as the only basis on which our country can have full development, and on which we can have final peace with England, we find in opponents a variety of attitudes, but one attitude invariably absent—­a readiness to discuss the question fairly and refute it, if this can be done.  One man will take it superficially and heatedly, assuming it to be, according to his party, a censure on Mr. Redmond or Mr. O’Brien.  Another will take it superficially, but, as he thinks, philosophically, and will dismiss it with a smile.  With the followers of Mr. Redmond or Mr. O’Brien we can hardly argue at present, but we should not lose heart on their account, for these men move en masse.  One day the consciousness of the country will be electrified with a great deed or a great sacrifice and the multitude will break from lethargy or prejudice and march with a shout for freedom in a true, a brave, and a beautiful sense.  We must work and prepare for that hour.  Then there is our philosophical friend.  I expect him to hear my arguments.  When I am done, he may not agree with me on all points; he may not agree with me on any point; but if he come with me, I promise him one thing:  this question can no longer be dismissed with a smile.

II