Julius Caesar, Act 2, Scene 3
Original
Modern English
Enter Artemidorus, reading a paper.
Artemidorus comes in, reading a paper.
Artemidorus1
“Caesar, beware of Brutus; take heed of Cassius; come not near Casca; have an eye to Cinna; trust not Trebonius; mark well Metellus Cimber; Decius Brutus loves thee not; thou hast wrong’d Caius Ligarius. There is but one mind in all these men, and it is bent against Caesar. If thou be’st not immortal, look about you: security gives way to conspiracy. The mighty gods defend thee! Thy lover, Artemidorus.” Here will I stand till Caesar pass along, And as a suitor will I give him this. My heart laments that virtue cannot live Out of the teeth of emulation. If thou read this, O Caesar, thou mayest live; If not, the Fates with traitors do contrive.
"Caesar, beware of Brutus; watch out for Cassius; don't go near Casca; keep an eye on Cinna; don't trust Trebonius; pay close attention to Metellus Cimber; Decius Brutus doesn't love you; you have wronged Caius Ligarius. All these men have one single purpose, and it is aimed against Caesar. If you are not immortal, look around you: feeling safe opens the door to conspiracy. May the mighty gods protect you! Your friend, Artemidorus." I'll stand here until Caesar comes by, and I'll hand him this as though I were a petitioner. It grieves my heart that goodness cannot live free of the bite of envy. If you read this, Caesar, you may live; if not, the Fates are plotting along with the traitors.
Exit.
He leaves.
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