wise > {Sage; skilled in magic arts} whilom > formerly, of old wont > was accustomed they > (The chroniclers, e.g. Geoffrey of Monmouth in HRB 6.17)

6 To make his wone, low underneath the ground,

wone > abode, dwelling-place

7 In a deep delve, far from the view of day,

delve > pit, depression; ?cave (cf. 303.8:3, 207.0:1, 401.20:4)

8 That of no living wight he might be found,

That > [So that] of > by wight > person, creature

9 Whenso he counselled with his sprites encompassed round.

Whenso > Whenever counselled > deliberated; gave advice, took advice

303.8