They were, for the most part, plain, unlettered, and of little refinement.

Poetry in general they read, when read at all, from the mere force of imitation, and with few sensations of pleasure; but this poem had a peculiar vein of glowing inspiration.

This very poem would probably have been seen by many of them with little effect; but the accents of Mr.Clare carried it home to the heart.

He ended: and, as the countenances of his auditors had before sympathised with the passions of the composition, so now they emulated each other in declaring their approbation.

Their sensations were of a sort to which they were little accustomed.