7. The Ulster character is better appreciated by Southern Ireland,
and there is little reason to vindicate it against any charges
except the slander that Ulster Unionists do not regard themselves
as Irishmen, and that they have no love for their own country.
Their position is that they are Unionists, not merely because it
is for the good of Great Britain, but because they hold it to be
for the good of Ireland, and it is the Irish argument weighs with
them, and if they were convinced it would be better for Ireland to
be self-governed they would throw in their lot with the rest of
Ireland, which would accept them gladly and greet them as a prodigal
son who had returned, having made, unlike most prodigal sons, a
fortune, and well able to be the wisest adviser in family affairs.
It is necessary to preface what I have to say by way of argument
or remonstrance to Irish parties by words making it clear that I
write without prejudice against any party, and that I do not in
the least underestimate their good qualities or the weight to be
attached to their opinions and ideals. It is the traditional Irish
way, which we have too often forgotten, to notice the good in the
opponent before battling with what is evil. So Maeve, the ancient
Queen of Connacht, looking over the walls of her city of Cruachan
at the Ulster foemen, said of them, "Noble and regal is their
appearance," and her own followers said, "Noble and regal are
those of whom you speak." When we lost the old Irish culture we
lost the tradition of courtesy to each other which lessens the
difficulties of life and makes it possible to conduct controversy
without creating bitter memories.

8. I desire first to argue with Irish Unionists whether it is accurate
to say of them, as it would appear to be from their spokesmen, that
the principle of nationality cannot be recognized by them or allowed