midnight
And from early dawn there was plenty to see . Even though you did not watch the citron-coloured sky overhead as it slowly changed its diaphanous draperies for others that were rose , then crimson , and then gold , finally casting off these two , and showing its blue magnificence unadorned . There were the soldiers on guard at the doors , their yellow helmets shining in the sun , their naked legs bronzed below their tunics . There were the late-comers to watch , those who had not cared for a midnight vigil and were arriving late , like lazy ants creeping to their heaps , finding all places occupied , running hither and thither in search of an empty place . Then , on the north side there were the tribunals of the senators , the patricians , and the knights , with -- in the centre -- gorgeous with purple draperies and standards -- that which the Cæsar would occupy . Rich stuffs covered with gold embroideries fell over the edge of these tribunes and fluttered lazily in the morning breeze ; chairs and cushions were disposed there , and it was interesting to make vague guesses as to who would occupy them . The Emperor 's tribune was decorated with flowers : huge bunches of lilies in pots of earthenware and crimson roses trailed in festoons overhead .