near decay > imminent death
4 Here may you not have entrance, though we would:
would > [would be pleased to grant it to you]
5 We would and would again, if that we could; 6 But thousand enemies about us rave,
rave > rage
7 And with long siege us in this castle hold: 8 Seven years this wise they us besieged have,
this wise > in this manner
9 And many good knights slain, that have us sought to save."
209.13
Thus as he +spoke+, loe with outragious cry
2 A thousand villeins round about them swarmd
Out of the rockes and caues adioyning nye,
4 Vile caytiue wretches, ragged, rude, deformd,
All threatning death, all in straunge manner armd,
6 Some with vnweldy clubs, some with long speares,
Some rusty kniues, some staues in fire warmd.
8 Sterne was their looke, like wild amazed steares,
Staring with hollow eyes, and stiffe vpstanding heares.