The great crowd which lined the enclosure was eager, earnest, and sympathetic.

It was not a boisterous crowd.

On the contrary, beyond the demonstration following the call for cheers for the Union there was comparatively little cheering.

The crowd seemed burdened with a heavy sense of the importance of the occasion.

The conduct of the gathering was serious to the point of positive solemnity.
"The Volunteers from their own ranks policed the grounds, not a solitary member of the Royal Irish Constabulary being seen in the enclosure.