A professional bravo named Montesecco was to have killed Lorenzo, but refused on learning that the scene of the murder was to be a church.

At that, he said, he drew the line: murder anywhere else he could perform cheerfully, but in a sacred building it was too much to ask.

He therefore did nothing, but, subsequently confessing, made the guilt of all his associates doubly certain.
When High Mass began it was found that Giuliano was not present, and Francesco de' Pazzi and Bandini were sent to persuade him to come--a Judas-like errand indeed.

On the way back, it is said, one of them affectionately placed his arm round Giuliano--to see if he wore a shirt of mail--remarking, to cover the action, that he was getting fat.

On his arrival, Giuliano took his place at the north side of the circular choir, near the door which leads to the Via de' Servi, while Lorenzo stood at the opposite side.