The Life and Death of Julius Caesar — Act 2, Scene 3: A street near the Capitol.

As Caesar heads toward the Capitol, Artemidorus enters alone with a written warning naming the conspirators by name. He has learned that Brutus, Cassius, Casca, Cinna, Trebonius, Metellus Cimber, Decius Brutus, and Caius Ligarius are all working against Caesar, and he urges Caesar to beware of them. Artemidorus decides to stand in Caesar’s path and present the letter directly, hoping Caesar will read it and save himself. He expresses regret that virtue is threatened by envy and conspiracy, but he leaves the matter in the hands of fate if Caesar does not take the warning seriously.

'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 wronged Caius Ligarius.

There is but one mind in all these men, and it is

bent against Caesar. If thou beest 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 mayst live;

If not, the Fates with traitors do contrive.