Basil and Marcian, having made sure that all entrances were locked and barred, went to the front gate, and through a wicket surveyed the assailants.

These seemed to be mainly of the baser class; they had armed themselves with all sorts of rude weapons, which they brandished menacingly, shouting confused maledictions.

From the porter Basil learned that those who had first presented themselves at the door had demanded that 'the heretics' should be given up to them; and by listening to the cries, he understood that the wrath of these people was directed against the Arian servants brought hither by Aurelia.
Through the wicket he held colloquy with certain leaders of the throng.
'The heretics! Yield to us the accursed heretics!' shouted a burly fellow armed with an ox-goad.
'For what usage ?' asked Basil.
'That's as they choose.

If they like to come before the bishop and turn Christian--why, a little correction shall suffice.

If not, they have only themselves and the devil to blame.' By this time Venantius and his retainers stood in the forecourt.