Enter Artemidorus reading a paper.
Artemidorus, a teacher and supporter of Caesar, is seen reading a letter. He has written this letter as a warning to Caesar, hoping to save him from the conspirators.
Artemidorus Reads the Letter:
“Caesar, beware of Brutus, take heed of Cassius, come not near Casca, have an eye to Cinna, trust not Trebonius, mark well Metellus Cimber.”
Artemidorus directly names all the conspirators involved in the plot against Caesar.
“Beware” and “take heed” show urgency—he is desperate to make Caesar understand the danger.
He specifically advises Caesar to stay away from Casca, who will be the first to stab him.
“Mark well” suggests paying close attention to Metellus Cimber, who will distract Caesar just before the attack.
“Decius Brutus loves thee not. Thou hast wronged Caius Ligarius.”
Artemidorus warns that Decius Brutus is not a true friend and cannot be trusted.
He reminds Caesar that Caius Ligarius might hold a grudge against him because of a past insult or mistreatment. This suggests that personal resentment could be another reason for the betrayal.
“There is but one mind in all these men, and it is bent against Caesar.”
Artemidorus emphasizes that all these men share the same goal—to harm Caesar.
“One mind” means they are united in their conspiracy.
This line highlights that their betrayal is not random; it is a well-planned attack.
“If thou beest not immortal, look about you.”
Artemidorus reminds Caesar that he is not a god—he is just a man.
“Look about you” urges Caesar to be alert and aware of the people around him.
This line challenges Caesar’s arrogance and belief in his own invincibility.
“Security gives way to conspiracy.”
Overconfidence leads to downfall.
If Caesar feels too safe, he will not see the conspiracy forming around him.
Artemidorus warns that being careless and trusting the wrong people will only help the conspirators succeed.
“The mighty gods defend thee!”
Artemidorus hopes that the gods will protect Caesar.
This suggests that he believes Caesar’s fate is uncertain—only divine intervention can save him now.
The use of “mighty” emphasizes that only the strongest gods could help Caesar, showing how serious the danger is.
Artemidorus Signs the Letter:
“Thy lover, Artemidorus.”
“Lover” here means a devoted supporter or well-wisher, not a romantic partner.
Artemidorus wants to express his loyalty and concern for Caesar.
This shows that some people still care about Caesar and do not want to see him harmed.
Artemidorus Plans to Deliver the Letter:
“Here will I stand till Caesar pass along, And as a suitor will I give him this.”
Artemidorus plans to wait in the street until Caesar passes by.
He will pretend to be a petitioner (someone asking for a favor) so that Caesar will take the letter.
This shows his desperation—he knows this might be the only chance to warn Caesar.
“My heart laments that virtue cannot live Out of the teeth of emulation.”
Artemidorus feels sad that goodness and virtue cannot survive in a world full of jealousy and competition.
“Emulation” here means rivalry—he suggests that Caesar is being targeted because others are envious of his power.
This line criticizes the conspirators, suggesting they are not motivated by justice but by personal ambition and jealousy.
“If thou read this, O Caesar, thou mayest live; If not, the Fates with traitors do contrive.”
Artemidorus believes that if Caesar reads the letter, he might survive.
However, if he ignores it, then fate will work alongside the traitors to bring about his downfall.
“Contrive” means to plot or scheme—he implies that destiny itself is working with the conspirators against Caesar.
This line builds suspense because the audience knows that Caesar will not read the letter in time.
Exit Artemidorus.
He leaves, hoping that Caesar will take his warning seriously.
The scene ends on a note of tension—there is still a small chance for Caesar to be saved, but will he listen?
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