You have seen, as you journeyed here, how sparse is the population of our hills, and how slight would be the opposition which we could offer, did the Earl of Ulster sweep down upon us with trained English soldiers.
"Were there a chance of success, Fergus of Killeen would gladly draw the sword again; but I will not bring ruin upon my family and people by engaging in a hopeless enterprise.

Did I raise my standard, all Donegal would take up arms; but Donegal alone is powerless against England.

I know my people--they are ready for the fray, they would rush to battle and perish in thousands to win victory, but one great defeat would crush them.

The story of the long fight which your Wallace, with a small following, made against the power of England, will never be told of an Irish leader.

We have bravery and reckless courage, but we have none of the stubborn obstinacy of your Scottish folk.