Meaning: The quote you've provided is from Edward Carpenter, a British socialist poet, philosopher, and activist who lived from 1844 to 1929. The quote describes a scene where Carpenter finds himself in a square amidst a crowd that initially exudes a sense of good humor, ease, and smiles. However, this atmosphere is abruptly altered when a regiment of mounted police arrives, leading to a transformation of the crowd's demeanor.

Edward Carpenter was known for his advocacy of social reform, vegetarianism, and women's rights. He was also a prominent figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the movement for homosexual rights. His writings often reflected his experiences and observations of societal and political events, and the quote you've provided seems to capture a moment of social upheaval and possibly the clash between authority and the people.

In the context of the quote, the image of a "good-humoured, easy going, smiling crowd" before the arrival of the mounted police suggests a sense of collective contentment or perhaps even a celebratory atmosphere. The sudden transformation of the crowd, indicated by the word "transformed," hints at a shift in mood and behavior. The arrival of the mounted police seems to have disrupted the initial tranquility and altered the collective demeanor of the crowd, leading to a more tense and serious atmosphere.

This quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the impact of authority and control on the collective mood and behavior of a group. It may also serve as a reflection of the dynamics between those in power and the general populace, highlighting how the presence of a militarized force can swiftly alter the mood and energy of a gathering.

The use of the word "transformed" in the quote is particularly powerful, as it conveys a sudden and drastic change. This transformation could also symbolize a shift from a state of peace and harmony to one of tension and potential conflict. It suggests that the arrival of the mounted police disrupted the initial atmosphere and brought about an abrupt change in the dynamics of the situation, leaving the crowd no longer in a state of ease and good humor.

It's worth noting that Carpenter's work often addressed issues of social justice, inequality, and the impact of authority on individuals and communities. This quote aligns with these themes, as it captures a moment of societal tension and the potential for conflict between the authorities and the people they are meant to serve.

In conclusion, this quote from Edward Carpenter encapsulates a moment of societal transformation and the impact of authority on the collective mood and behavior of a crowd. It serves as a poignant reflection on the dynamics between power and the populace, shedding light on the potential for disruption and tension when authority asserts itself in a previously peaceful setting.