2 Because of travel long, a nigher way,
nigher > nearer; hence: shorter
3 With a strong guard, all rescue to prevent, 4 And her to Faery court safe to convey, 5 That her for witness of his hard assay,
That > [So that] witness > knowledge, understanding; testimony assay > trial, tribulation; endeavour
6 To his Faery Queen he might present: 7 But he himself betook another way,
betook > took
8 To make more trial of his hardiment,
hardiment > hardihood, boldness
9 And seek adventures, as he with Prince Arthur went.
301.3