To prevent this, one of the conspirators had been designated to take him aside, and occupy his attention with some pretended subject of discourse, ready, at the same time, to resist and prevent his interference if he should show himself inclined to offer any.
[Sidenote: The petition.] [Sidenote: Caesar assaulted.] Things being thus arranged, the petitioner, as had been agreed, advanced to Caesar with his petition, others coming up at the same time as if to second the request.

The object of the petition was to ask for the pardon of the brother of one of the conspirators.

Caesar declined granting it.
The others then crowded around him, urging him to grant the request with pressing importunities, all apparently reluctant to strike the first blow.

Caesar began to be alarmed, and attempted to repel them.

One of them then pulled down his robe from his neck to lay it bare.