21. Several jockeys from the first race phoned the stewards'booth to beg off their remaining riding assignments. 22. Octavian begs off at first, insisting he would rather focus on his poetry but Caesar insists. 23. Too many times I hear riding buddies beg off on an invitation to an early-morning ride. 24. Acres learns that " Beverley " is actually his friend Jack, and begs off from their duel. 25. But then he begs off , quoting the always quotable Ned Rorem, whose musical absence here is conspicuous. 26. He remains withdrawn and begs off early. 27. So why didn't he beg off ? 28. Those who were afraid to serve were excused _ and many did beg off , pleading fear of reprisals. 29. Hitler refuses on the grounds that he likes his appearance, and Mussolini begs off due to his girth. 30. Cicero begs off , mentioning that he has his hands full with studying the law in preparation for cases.
