stoutly > bravely, resolutely

3 Where no gate they found them to withhold, 4 Nor ward to wait at morn and evening late:

ward to wait > [a] sentinel to keep watch

5 But in the porch (that did them sore amate)

amate > daunt (cf. Rinaldo 5.58-61, GL 8.34-5)

6 A flaming fire (mixed with smouldry smoke,

smouldry > {Smothery, tending to smother}

7 And stinking sulphur, that with grisly hate

grisly > horrible, fearsome

8 And dreadful horror did all entrance choke) 9 Enforced them their forward footing to revoke.