unknown power that as it were by enchantment retained him in his place, and made
him consent to drink to the dregs the bitter potion which envy had prepared for
him.
    The poem was read to the rest of the company by Mr. Clare, whose elocution
was scarcely inferior to his other accomplishments. Simplicity, discrimination
and energy constantly attended him in the act of reading, and it is not easy to
conceive a more refined delight than fell to the lot of those who had the good
fortune to be his auditors. The beauties of Mr. Falkland's poem were accordingly
exhibited with every advantage. The successive passions of the author were
communicated to the hearer. What was impetuous and what was solemn were
delivered with a responsive feeling, and a flowing and unlaboured tone. The
pictures conjured up by the creative fancy of the poet were placed full to view,
at one time overwhelming the soul with superstitious awe, and at another
transporting it with luxuriant beauty.
    The character of the hearers upon this occasion has already been described.
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. One spoke, and another followed by a sort of uncontrolable impulse;
and the rude and broken manner of their commendations rendered them the more
singular and remarkable. But what was least to be endured was the behaviour of
Mr. Clare. He returned the manuscript to the lady from whom he had received it,
and then addressing Mr. Falkland said with emphasis and animation: Ha! this is
as it should be. It is of the right stamp. I have seen too many hard essays
strained from the labour of a pedant, and pastoral ditties distressed in lack of
a meaning. They are such as you, sir, that we want. Do not forget however, that
the muse was not given to add refinements to idleness, but for the highest and
most invaluable purposes. Act up to the magnitude of your destiny.
    A moment after, Mr. Clare quitted his seat, and with Mr. Falkland and two