I was re-reading this chapter and that scene where Harry returns to Gringott's lobby and the guards start honoring him reminds me of the audience of "The Jerry Springer Show" when he comes out; they chant "Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!" and the goblin chant in the story just resonated with that. Mind you, I don't normally watch it, but happened to catch it while channel serfing one day while home ill; daytime TV is a great incentive to get well and return to work.
Author's response
I was thinking more of the traditional three salutes of the Roman army upon the arrival of a seasoned warrior or gladiator. In any contained society gossip travels fast.
Alorkin