Ahead that sea would be quiet, then, as the procession pierced it, it began to murmur.

Presently the murmur grew to a shout, the shout to a roar, and when the Caesars appeared in their glittering chariots, the roar to a triumphant peal which shook the street like thunder.

And so on for miles and miles, till Miriam's eyes were dim with the glare and glitter, and her head swam at the ceaseless sound of shouting.
Often the procession would halt for a while, either because of a check to one of the pageants in front, or in order that some of its members might refresh themselves with drink which was brought to them.

Then the crowd, ceasing from its cheers, would make jokes, and criticise whatever person or thing they chanced to be near.

Greatly did they criticise Miriam in this fashion, or at the least she thought so, who must listen to it all.