The beauty of sacrifice in the young men who went out to the war, carrying Ireland's cause in their keeping, moved him profoundly; and he saw the practical bearing of their acts on the great practical problem of statesmanship to which his life had been given.

He did not guess at the sway which might be exercised over men's minds by an almost mystical belief which disdained to count with practicalities, Redmond for fifteen years had been the leader, and for thirty-five years had been a member, of a party which presented itself--with great justification--as the winner for Ireland of many positive material advantages on the way to an ultimate goal.

Pearse, at a time when all the world was plunged in a prodigal welter of destruction, came forward, demanding from Irishmen nothing but a sacrifice--promising nothing but the chance for young men to shed their blood sacramentally in the cause of Ireland's freedom.

Redmond also was calling for the extreme risk, but on a sane and sound calculation, to ensure the full development of something already gained.

Pearse preached, mystically, the efficacious power simply of blood shed in the name of Ireland.