1 "Ah, dearest dame," quoth then the paynim bold,

paynim > pagan, heathen

2 "Pardon the error of enraged wight,

wight > person

3 Whom great grief made forget the reins to hold 4 Of reason's rule, to see this recreant knight

recreant > cowardly; apostate

5 (No knight, but treacher full of false despite

treacher > cheat, deceiver despite > malice

6 And shameful treason) who through guile has slain 7 The prowest knight that ever field did fight,

prowest > bravest field > [a] battle; [in the] field of battle