1 So fierce he laid about him, and dealt blows

So fierce > Thus fiercely, similarly fiercely

2 On either side, that neither mail could hold,

mail > chain-mail; chain-armour

3 Nor shield defend the thunder of his throws:

throws > blows

4 Now to Pyrochles many strokes he told;

told > counted out (cf. 104.27:5)

5 Eft to Cymochles twice so many fold:

Eft > Again; or: thereupon (aphetic for "eftsoons") so > as fold > [over again]