They had absolutely no notion of any kind of what was in store for them,
but auguring the worst from the manner alone of the envoys, they gave vent to every kind of lament and plaint.
After one loud cry they remained, as it were, without power of utterance.
But when the news quickly spread among the people there was no more speechlessness, but some threw themselves upon the envoys, as if it were all their fault,
others attacked such Italians as were detained in the city and vented their wrath on them, and others rushed to the gates.
Walbank Commentary