And what should be our reply?
A reply in keeping with the flag, its history and its destiny.

Let them, who deride or pity us, see we despise or pity their standards, and let them know by our works--lest by our election they misunderstand--that we are not without ability in a freer time to contest with them the highest places--avoiding the boast, not for an affected sense of modesty but for a saving sense of humour.
For in all the vanities of this time that make Life and Literature choke with absurdities, pretensions and humbug, let us have no new folly.

Let us with the old high confidence blend the old high courtesy of the Gaedheal.

Let us grow big with our cause.

Shall we honour the flag we bear by a mean, apologetic front?
No! Wherever it is down, lift it; wherever it is challenged, wave it; wherever it is high, salute it; wherever it is victorious, glorify and exult in it.