On the first occasion, their onslaught was vigorous and successful.

Blood was shed, and heads opened.

This was deemed no infraction of the holy vow recorded in the books of the Association; for the body held its meetings without exercising its undoubted prerogative of "blotting out" the scene of outrage "from the map of Ireland." On the second occasion, the wreckers of Conciliation Hall were met as they deserved, and after a short skirmish fled through the city.
The success of the new Confederacy was certain, but slow.

But, in the same proportion as their principles obtained predominance, the hatred of the Old Irelanders became unscrupulous and implacable.

Often in the house of prayer, they heard themselves denounced; often in the streets, they heard their names used as by-words of scorn.