The rest passed their time in enforced idleness.

There was nothing to be done save to clean and furbish their arms and armour; to stand on the ramparts and gaze on the distant heights of the Alte Veste, to watch the solid columns of the Imperial army, which from time to time Wallenstein marched down from his stronghold and paraded in order of battle, as a challenge to the Swedes to come out and fight, or to loiter through the narrow streets of Nuremberg, and to talk to the citizens, whose trade and commerce were now entirely at a standstill.

Malcolm, with the restlessness of youth, seldom stayed many hours quiet in camp.
He did not care either for drinking or gambling; nor could he imitate the passive tranquillity of the old soldiers, who were content to sleep away the greater part of their time.

He therefore spent many hours every day in the city, where he speedily made many acquaintances.
In the city of Nuremberg time dragged as slowly as it did in the camp.
At ordinary times the centre of a quiet and busy trade, the city was now cut off from the world.

The shops were for the most part closed; the artisans stood idle in the streets, and the townsfolk had nought to do, save to gather in groups and discuss the times, or to take occasional excursions beyond the gates into the camp of their allies.