2 And wrath, he to him leapt furiously, 3 And foully said, "By Mahound, cursed thief,

Mahound > Mohammed (see note at 208.30:4) thief > villain, scoundrel

4 That direful stroke you dearly shall aby!"

aby > pay for, pay the penalty for

5 Then, hurling up his harmful blade on high,

hurling > whirling; brandishing

6 Smote him so hugely on his haughty crest

Smote > [He] smote, hit haughty > high, imposing (cf. 107.31:1)

7 That from his saddle forced him to fly:

forced > [Cymochles forced]