But no one could declaim them better than he could, and his personal presence was therefore indispensable.
It is true, that about the same time Mr.Dickens and Mr.Thackeray were giving readings from their works in England and America.

Both readers were equally popular; but while they made a considerable addition to their fortunes,{1} Jasmin realised nothing for himself; all that was collected at his recitations was given to the poor.
Of course, Jasmin was received with enthusiasm in those towns and cities which he visited for charitable purposes.

When it was known that he was about to give one of his poetical recitals, the artisan left his shop, the blacksmith his smithy, the servant her household work; and the mother often shut up her house and went with her children to listen to the marvelous poet.

Young girls spread flowers before his pathway; and lovely women tore flowers from their dresses to crown their beloved minstrel with their offerings.
Since his appearance at Bordeaux, in 1835, when he recited his Blind Girl for a charitable purpose, he had been invited to many meetings in the neighbourhood of Agen, wherever any worthy institution had to be erected or assisted.

He continued to write occasional verses, though not of any moment, for he was still dreaming of another masterpiece.
All further thoughts of poetical composition were, however, dispelled, by the threatened famine in the Lot-et-Garonne.