How do these words function?

[teleostomi]

1) It lies, rather, in the unity that comes of the voluntary association of nations

Why is "of" used? Why is it not "from?"

2) tyranny which has ever darkened and stained the pages of history.

How does "ever" function? Is it just there to emphasize the following part?

[Pete]

1) It lies, rather, in the unity that comes of the voluntary association of nations

Why is "of" used? Why is it not "from?"
Indeed, "from" would be natural here and is commonly used. I think "of" gives a stronger emphasis to the fact that the voluntary association is the basic source of the unity, not simply the circumstance that delivers the unity.

2) tyranny which has ever darkened and stained the pages of history.

How does "ever" function? Is it just there to emphasize the following part?
Here, "ever" is an adverb and has the same meaning as "always". This use has an archaic ring to it. This whole sentence has a somewhat unusual and flowery sound, making me think it was used in a speech or essay where the speaker was trying to impart extra importance to his words by using unusual, though perfectly correct, wording.

[Anonymous]

Thank you Pete, you're a shining star in the night!