lore > teaching, doctrine

3 And by descent from royal lineage came 4 Of ancient kings and queens, that had of yore

of yore > of old, in former times

5 Their sceptres stretched from east to western shore, 6 And all the world in their subjection held; 7 Till that infernal fiend with foul uproar

infernal fiend > hellish fiend (the dragon, Satan) uproar > insurrection; tumult

8 Forwasted all their land, and them expelled:

Forwasted > Ravaged, laid to waste

9 Whom to avenge, she had this knight from far compelled.

compelled > commanded; forced to come

101.6