Men were gathered in little knots along the streets, in the forums, in the porticos and basilicas, arguing, gesticulating, wrangling.

Military tribunes and centurions in armour of Pompeius's legions were parading on the _comitium_.[142] Veterans of that leader were jostling about in the crowd, clanking their newly furbished armour and shouting for their old general.

If a man spoke for Caesar, a crowd of bystanders was ready to hoot him down.

Staid householders locked up their dwellings and stationed trusty slaves at the doors to see that the crowds did not take to riot and pillage.

The sailors from the wharves had been drinking heavily in all the taverns, and now roved up and down the crowded streets, seeking opportunity for brawls.
Thieves and cutpurses were plying their most successful work; but no officials had time to direct the efforts of the harassed and slender police corps.