wist > knew whoso > whosoever

3 With either of those knights on even coast

even coast > even ground; or: equal cost, equal terms (cf. 403.24:8)

4 Should need of all his arms, himself to defend;

need > [have need]

5 Yet feared lest his boldness should offend, 6 When Braggadocchio said, "Once I did swear,

Once > Once; once and for all; to sum up, in a word

7 When with one sword seven knights I brought to end, 8 Thenceforth in battle never sword to bear, 9 But it were that which noblest knight on earth does wear."

But it > [Unless the sword]

203.18