1 Thus long they three together travelled, 2 Through many a wood, and many an uncouth way,
uncouth > unknown, strange
3 To seek his wife, that was far wandered: 4 But those two sought naught but the present prey, 5 To weet, the treasure, which he did bewray,
To weet > To wit, that is to say bewray > reveal
6 On which their eyes and hearts were wholly set, 7 With purpose how they might it best betray;
purpose > [the] matter in hand [of] betray > get hold of (Latin tradere, to give up, hand over, deliver up); also: lead astray, seduce
8 For, sith the hour that first he did them let
sith > since, ever since hour > moment; hour
9 The same behold, therewith their keen desires were whetted.
therewith > with that