hath
an archaic form of "has," the 3rd person singular present form of the verb "to have"
at home
(in this circumstance) in one's own country
combat
(as a verb) to fight or oppose
neighbors
(in this instance) neighboring countries, those around one's own
Greece
Ancient Greece, an important Western civilization in the Mediterranean that lasted from around the 10th century BC to about 600 AD. Unrivaled in art and culture.
Rome
Ancient Rome, an important Western civilization in the Mediterranean that lasted from around the 8th century BC to the 5th century AD. Unrivaled in discipline and military power.
knock'd
a poetically elided form of "knocked," meaning "hit"
labours
hard efforts, tasks
mankind
Man as a whole; the human race
chivalrous
gracious and honorable to one's enemies; possessing courteousness
nobly
in a manner befitting that of a courageous or dignified person
requited
given or done in return
freedom
the state of liberty for an individual; the goal of noble war and the subject of Byron's ironic call for war
hang'd
A poetic elision of "hanged," meaning executed by suspension by the neck with a rope, cutting off air supply. A typical punishment for criminals in the time of Lord Byron
knighted
made into a knight; an honor bestowed by the Queen of England (or other monarch) on those who act valiantly or in a manner worthy of knighthood
