1 So long in secret cabin there he held

So long > [Thus for a long time] cabin > den; cave

2 Her captive to his sensual desire, 3 Till with timely fruit her belly swelled, 4 And bore a boy to that savage sire:

savage > wild, uncivilized sire > father

5 Then home he suffered her to retire,

suffered > allowed retire > return

6 For ransom leaving him the late-born child; 7 Whom, till to riper years he gan aspire,

gan aspire > did reach; grew

8 He noursled up in life and manners wild,

noursled up > brought up, reared