ensign an officer who served as flag bearer.
did take it took the standard.
spoil to seize goods by force.
even with a thought quickly.
ever thick Cassius tells us that his eyesight is poor. He is short-sighted. Note the irony of this phrase, because Cassius will shortsightedly commit suicide.
make to him on the spur move rapidly toward him.
light here, alight.
I swore thee I made you promise.
now be a freeman Pindarus was a prisoner of war and Cassius is offering him his freedom if he will do as he asks.
stand not to answer don't try to change my mind.
change here, exchange of advantage.
apt thoughts of men men who are ready to be deceived.
the mother here, refers to Cassius whose melancholy caused him to accept the false report and kill himself.
own proper our own.
look whe'er he have not crown'd dead Cassius! see how he has placed the garland on Cassius.
Thasos island of Greece in the north Aegean; near Phillipi. Plutarch writes that Cassius was buried there.
