They were still the more formidable, as the generality of them were of his own party; and, having been raised above other citizens, felt more strongly the weight of a single superior.
[Illustration: Brutus and Cassius conspiring against Caesar.] At the head of this conspiracy were Brutus, whose life Caesar had spared after the battle of Pharsalia, and Cassius, who was pardoned soon after; both praetors for the present year.5.Brutus made it his chief glory to have descended from that Brutus who first gave liberty to Rome.

The passion for freedom seemed to have been transmitted to him with the blood of his ancestors.

But, though he detested tyranny, yet could he not forbear loving the tyrant from whom he had received the most signal benefits.
6.

The conspirators, to give a colour of justice to their proceedings, put off the execution of their design to the ides of March,[3] the day on which Caesar was to be offered the crown.7.The augurs had foretold that this day would be fatal to him.

The night preceding he heard his wife, Calphur'nia, lamenting in her sleep.