Page:An address to the thinking independent part of the community.djvu/32

( 32 ) On the other hand, should the government, obstinately rejecting every conciliatory measure, succeed in establishing their authority by the mere force of military coercion; is the prospect much more consoling? The means made use of to compel submission now, must be continued to ensure it hereafter; and a government of force, of foreign force, must henceforth be the government of Ireland. Adieu then to respect and consequence abroad.—Adieu to confidence and union at home.—Adieu to national independence and national pride. We shall indeed escape the hurricane, but it will be only by shrinking into a mean obscurity. Divided among ourselves, and mutually hating one another, the upper ranks will sink as formerly, into a vile dependence on England, bearing every contumely, and scarcely daring to murmur, thro' fear of blowing again the smothered embers of popular fury. Endless discontents and rankling jealousies will corrode the whole social system; and the inward malady, bursting out on every opportunity into open tumult and sedition, will not permit us even the undisturbed enjoyment of an ignominious repose.—Unhappy country! whose citizens will regard each other as the worst of enemies. Thus wasting her internal strength, and torn by perpetual discord, a century may elapse before Ireland again shall lift her head, or be worthy the name of a people.

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