1 Upon a great adventure he was bound, 2 That greatest Gloriana to him gave 3 (That greatest glorious Queen of Faery Land) 4 To win him worship, and her grace to have,
worship > honour, renown
5 Which of all earthly things he most did crave; 6 And ever as he rode his heart did yearn 7 To prove his puissance in battle brave
prove > test; demonstrate puissance > strength (allied with prowess in arms) brave > brave; splendid
8 Upon his foe, and his new force to learn;
learn > learn; also: teach, hence: impose
9 Upon his foe, a dragon horrible and stern.
stern > fierce; merciless, cruel
101.4
A louely Ladie rode him faire beside,
2 Vpon a lowly Asse more white then snow,
Yet she much whiter, but the same did hide
4 Vnder a vele, that wimpled was full low,
And ouer all a blacke stole she did throw,
6 As one that inly mournd: so was she sad,
And heauie sat vpon her palfrey slow;
8 Seemed in heart some hidden care she had,
And by her in a line a milke white lambe she lad.