Original
Modern English
’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.
’Caesar, beware of Brutus; be cautious of Cassius; don’t get close to Casca; keep an eye on Cinna, don’t trust Trebonius: pay attention to Metellus Cimber: Decius Brutus doesn’t like you: you’ve wronged Caius Ligarius. These men all think the same, and their plan is aimed at Caesar. If you’re not immortal, watch out: safety is often betrayed by betrayal. May the powerful gods protect you! Your admirer, ’ARTEMIDORUS.’ I’ll wait here until Caesar passes by, And like a petitioner, I’ll give him this. My heart mourns that goodness can’t survive When others try to outdo it. If you read this, O Caesar, you might survive; If not, the Fates are with the traitors.