8 To overthrow him strongly did essay,
essay > attempt
9 But overthrew himself unwares, and lower lay.
unwares > unexpectedly
204.9
And being downe the villein sore did beat,
2 And bruze with clownish fistes his manly face:
And eke the Hag with many a bitter threat,
4 Still cald vpon to kill him in the place.
With whose reproch and odious menace
6 The knight emboyling in his haughtie hart,
Knit all his forces, and gan soone vnbrace
8 His grasping hold: so lightly did vpstart,
And drew his deadly weapon, to maintaine his part.
1 And, being down, the villein sore did beat,
villein > villain; serf
2 And bruise with clownish fists his manly face:
clownish > coarse; clumsy