[998] crofters, country men.
[999] in warlike array.
[1000] their mouths were unclad, i.e. unguarded.
[1001] gums.
[1002] barked, clotted.
[1003] worried.
[1004] youngsters (perhaps Dutch jonker) engaged.
[1005] lightning.
[1006] stout fellows.
[1007] carls, men.