Were the flag raised the people would flock to it, and would fight desperately; but if they lost, there would be utter and complete collapse.

The fortitude to support repeated defeats, to struggle on when the prospect seems darkest, does not belong to my people.
"It is for this reason that I have no hope that Ireland will ever regain its independence.

She may struggle against the yoke, she may blaze out again and again in bloody risings, our sons may die in tens of thousands for her; but never, I believe, as long as the men of the two countries remain what they are, will Ireland recover her independence, for, in the long run, English perseverance and determination will overcome the fitful courage of the Irish.

I grieve that I should say it.

I mourn that I feel it my duty to repress rather than to encourage the eager desire of my people to draw the sword and strike for freedom; but such is my conviction.
"But understand, sir knight, that whatever I may think, I shall not be backward in doing my part.