Final answer:
The phrase "Go east mighty stead!" is likely a playful or metaphorical way of addressing someone as a strong and determined figure, with 'stead' being a misspelling or variation of 'steed', an old term for a noble horse.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "Go east mighty stead!" doesn't directly indicate that Maxwell is being referred to as a specific historical figure or concept, such as the physicist James Clerk Maxwell known for Maxwell's Equations. Instead, the phrase appears to be a playful or metaphorical way of addressing someone, perhaps comparing them to a mighty steed, suggesting that the person should proceed with strength and determination. The term 'stead' is likely a misspelling or stylistic variation of 'steed', which is an old term for horse, often used to describe a brave or valiant horse in historical or fantasy contexts. Therefore, Freak is referring to Max in an encouraging manner, akin to a knight addressing his noble horse. The various historical and literary excerpts provided, while interesting and informative about James Clerk Maxwell and 19th-century narratives, don't directly relate to the analysis of the phrase in question.