But, indeed, so far as I'm concerned, it's over and gone.

I haven't spoken to a mortal soul about such things these thirty years, and I wouldn't be doing it now only just to show you that I'm the last man in Ireland that would laugh at you for what you've told me.' 'I'm glad I told you what's in my heart,' said Hyacinth; 'I'd like to think I had your blessing with me when I go.' 'Well, you won't get it,' said Father Moran, 'so I tell you straight.
I'll give you no blessing when you're going away out of the country, just when there's need of every man in it.

I tell you this--and you'll remember that I know what I'm talking about--it's not men that 'll fight who will help Ireland to-day, but men that will work.' 'Work!' said Hyacinth--'work! What work is there for a man like me to do in Ireland ?' 'Don't I offer you the chance of buying Thady Durkan's boat?
Isn't there work enough for any man in her ?' 'But that's not the sort of work I ought to be doing.

What good would it be to anyone but myself?
What good would it be to Ireland if I caught boatloads of mackerel ?' 'Don't be making light of the mackerel, now.

He's a good fish if you get him fresh, and split him down and fry him with a lump of butter in the pan.