And hasting towards him gan faire perswade,
2 Not to prouoke misfortune, nor to weene
His speares default to mend with cruell blade;
4 For by his mightie Science he had seene
The secret vertue of that weapon keene,
6 That mortall puissance mote not withstond:
Nothing on earth mote alwaies happie beene.
8 Great hazard were it, and aduenture fond,
To loose long gotten honour with one euill hond.

1 And, hasting towards, him gan fair persuade

hasting towards > hastening in his direction gan fair persuade > did courteously advise

2 Not to provoke misfortune, nor to ween

ween > suppose, imagine; intend

3 His spear's default to mend with cruel blade;

default > fault; failure

4 For by his mighty science he had seen

science > learning, knowledge; skill; hence: clairvoyance (cf. 210.25:9)

5 The secret virtue of that weapon keen,