And these things were not done in the dark or by stealth, but at all hours of the day and in every part of the city, before the eyes, as it might be, of the chief men of the State; for they no longer needed to conceal their crimes, because they had no fear of punishment; but to kill an unarmed passer-by with one blow was a sort of claim to public esteem, and a means of proving one's strength and courage.
Life became so uncertain that people lost all expectation of security, for everyone continually had death before his eyes, and no place or time seemed to offer any hope of safety, seeing that men were slain indiscriminately in the holiest churches, and even during divine service.

No one could trust friends or relations, for many were slain at the instance of their nearest of kin.

No inquiry took place into such occurrences, but these blows fell unexpectedly upon everyone, and no one helped the fallen.

Laws and contracts, which were considered confirmed, had no longer any force; everything was thrown into confusion and settled by violence.

The government resembled a despotism, not a securely established one, but one which was changed almost daily, and was ever beginning afresh.