That > [So that] before > [before him, in front of him] assay > assail; test, put to proof
301.22
Like dastard Curres, that hauing at a bay
2 The saluage beast embost in wearie chace,
Dare not aduenture on the stubborne pray,
4 Ne byte before, but rome from place to place,
To get a snatch, when turned is his face.
6 In such distresse and doubtfull ieopardy,
When Britomart him saw, she ran a pace
8 Vnto his reskew, and with earnest cry,
Bad those same sixe forbeare that single enimy.
1 Like dastard curs, that (having at abay
at abay > barking, baying; at bay
2 The savage beast embossed in weary chase)
savage > wild embossed > driven to extremity
3 Dare not adventure on the stubborn prey,
adventure > venture, make an attempt stubborn > dogged, unyielding
4 Nor bite before, but roam from place to place