past awhile > [when some time had passed] season > occasion; opportunity

2 To leave that desert mansion, she cast

desert > lonely mansion > lodging, place of abode cast > resolved

3 In secret wise herself thence to withdraw,

wise > manner

4 For fear of mischief, which she did forecast

mischief > evil forecast > conjecture

5 Might by the witch or by her son compassed:

compassed > [be] contrived

6 Her weary palfrey, closely as she might