Thus as he spake, lo far away they spyde
2 A varlet running towards hastily,
Whose flying feet so fast their way applyde,
4 That round about a cloud of dust did fly,
Which mingled all with sweate, did dim his eye.
6 He soone approched, panting, breathlesse, whot,
And all so soyld, that none could him descry;
8 His countenaunce was bold, and bashed not
For Guyons lookes, but scornefull eyglaunce at him shot.

1 Thus as he spoke, lo far away they spied 2 A varlet running towards hastily,

varlet > knight's attendant; menial; rogue towards > [in their direction]

3 Whose flying feet so fast their way applied

applied > plied, pursued

4 That round about a cloud of dust did fly, 5 Which, mingled all with sweat, did dim his eye. 6 He soon approached, panting, breathless, hot, 7 And all so soiled that none could him descry; 8 His countenance was bold, and bashed not

bashed > was abashed, was disconcerted

9 For Guyon's looks, but scornful eyeglance at him shot.

204.38

Behind his backe he bore a brasen shield,
2 On which was drawen faire, in colours fit,
A flaming fire in midst of bloudy field,
4 And round about the wreath this word was writ,
Burnt I do burne. Right well beseemed it,
6 To be the shield of some redoubted knight;
And in his hand two darts exceeding flit,
8 And deadly sharpe he held, whose heads were dight
In poyson and in bloud, of malice and despight.