assay > put to the proof, test
7 The noble knight alighted by and by
by and by > straight away
8 From lofty steed, and bade the lady stay, 9 To see what end of fight should him befall that day.
108.3
So with +the+ Squire, th'admirer of his might,
2 He marched forth towards that castle wall;
Whose gates he found fast shut, ne liuing wight
4 To ward the same, nor answere commers call.
Then tooke that Squire an horne of bugle small,
6 Which hong adowne his side in twisted gold,
And tassels gay. Wyde wonders ouer all
8 Of that same hornes great vertues weren told,
Which had approued bene in vses manifold.
1 the > his 1590
1 So with the squire, the admirer of his might, 2 He marched forth towards that castle wall, 3 Whose gates he found fast shut, no living wight
fast > firmly wight > being
4 To ward the same, nor answer comer's call.