noted historically, branded and disgraced.
letters here, written pleas.
slighted off treated with disrespect or indifference.
in such a case on his behalf or in that type of case.
meet suitable and proper.
nice offense trivial offense.
bear his comment be subjected to scrutiny.
itching palm desire for gold.
mart buying and selling.
honors this corruption makes the corruption seem honorable.
mighty space of our large honors our great reputations.
urge press; here, push.
rash choler quick anger or ill humor.
stares historically, glares.
bouge move, flinch.
observe adhere to.
digest swallow instead of vent.
spleen malice, spite, or bad temper.
indirection dishonesty.
rascal counters worthless coins.
alone on Cassius on Cassius alone.
brav'd defied.
check'd reproved.
conn'd learned.
Pluto the god ruling over the lower world, but here, confused with Plutus the god of wealth.
scope room or opportunity for freedom of action or thought.
dishonor shall be humor I'll interpret your insults as the results of your anger.
lamb a loved person; here, meaning Brutus himself, whose anger is now spent.
vildly vilely; badly.
cynic a member of a school of ancient Greek philosophers who held virtue to be the only good and stressed independence from worldly needs and pleasures. The cynics became critical of the rest of society and its material interests.
I'll know his humor, when he knows his time I'll listen to him with an open mind when he approaches me at the appropriate time.
Companion, hence! Get out!
philosophy a particular system of principles for the conduct of life; here Cassius refers to Brutus' stoic beliefs.
accidental evils pain or troubles happening by chance.
swallow'd fire Plutarch says that Portia died by swallowing live coals.
call in question discuss.
bending their expedition marching their troops.
tenure here, import.
die once die at some point.
art here, philosophic theory.
alive here, of present concern.
forc'd affection the people are not really with us.
under your pardon let me finish.
tried here, got as much support from our friends as possible.
our ventures what we have risked so far.
with your will as you wish.
niggard here, put off or cheat.
knave a serving boy or male servant.
o'erwatch'd overworked and worn out from lack of sleep.
watch your pleasure stay awake and do as you bid.
otherwise bethink me change my mind.
leaden mace a heavy medieval war club, often with a spiked, metal head; here, the music puts Lucius to sleep.
how ill this taper burns reflecting the common belief that a candle's light will diminish when a ghost is present
hair to stare to stand on end.
bid him set on his pow'rs betimes before Tell him to advance his troops early in the morning, before mine.
