For the Empire, as we know it and deal with it, is a bad thing in itself, and we must not only get free of it and not be again trapped by it, but must rather give hope and encouragement to every nation fighting the same fight all the world over.
II One candid writer, Machiavelli, has put the Imperial creed into a book, the examination of which will--for those willing to see--clear the air of illusion.

Now, we are conscious that defenders of the Empire profess to be shocked by the wickedness of Machiavelli's utterance--we shall hear Macaulay later--but this shocked attitude won't delude us.

Let those who have not read Machiavelli's book, "The Prince," consider carefully the extracts given below and see exactly how they fit the English occupation of Ireland, and understand thoroughly that the Empire is a thing, bad in itself, utterly wicked, to be resisted everywhere, fought without ceasing, renounced with fervour and without qualification, as we have been taught from the cradle to renounce the Devil with all his works and pomps.

Consider first the invasion.
Machiavelli speaks:--"The common method in such cases is this.

As soon as a foreign potentate enters into a province those who are weaker or disobliged join themselves with him out of emulation and animosity to those who are above them, insomuch that in respect to those inferior lords no pains are to be omitted that may gain them; and when gained, they will readily and unanimously fall into one mass with the State that is conquered.