Final answer:
The correct answer is 'mortal'. It encompasses the universal trait of humans in crowds, reflecting on our shared human condition, as indicated by the poetic excerpts provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the context given, which includes emotional descriptors and poetic lines, the correct answer to the question 'Half or more are _____ in crowds?' would be 'mortal'. This question seems to depict various reactions and dispositions of individuals within crowds. Words like fearful, happy, and indifferent describe possible emotions or states of individuals in a crowd. However, 'mortal' is the answer that is universally applicable to humans and is likely intended to remind us of the shared human condition in a poetic sense.
The lines provided suggest a certain reflection on the nature of crowds and individual experiences. For example, the phrase 'faces of some were stern, and sense verapy,' could indicate that these individuals are experiencing strong emotions or thoughts. Also, 'hundreds that cross' signifies a multitude of people, all of whom share the trait of being mortal. The poetic excerpts encourage the contemplation of deeper meanings beyond surface appearances.