k the bowl and dashed water from the fountain
upon the marble slab, and, on the instant, came a clap of thunder
so loud as near deafened me, and a storm of hailstones the biggest
that ever man saw. Scarce was I recovered from my confusion, when I
saw a knight galloping towards me. All in black was he, and he rode
a black horse. Not a word we spoke, but we dashed against each
other, and at the first encounter I was unhorsed. Still not a word
spoke the Black Knight, but passing the butt-end of his lance
through my horse's reins, rode away, leaving me shamed and on foot.
So I made my way back to the castle, and there I was entertained
again that night right hospitably, none questioning me as to my
adventure. The next morning, when I rose, there awaited me a noble
steed, ready saddled and bridled, and I rode away and am returned
hither. And now ye know my story and my shame."

Then were all grieved for the discomfiture of Sir Kynon, who had
ever borne himself boldly and courteously to all; and they strove
to console him as best they might. Presently there rose from his
siege the good knight Sir Owain of Rheged, and said: "My lord, I
pray you, give me leave to take upon me this adventure. For I would
gladly seek this wondrous fountain and encounter with this same
Black Knight." So the King consented, and on the morrow Sir Owain
armed him, mounted his horse, and rode forth the way Sir Kynon had
directed him.

So he journeyed many a day until at last he reached the valley of
which Sir Kynon had told, and presently he came to the strong
castle and, at the gate, met the lord thereof, even as Sir Kynon
had done. And the lord of the castle gave him a hearty welcome and
made him good cheer, asking nothing of his errand till they were
seated about the board. Then, when questioned, Sir Owain declared
his quest, that he sought the knight who guarded the fountain. So
the lord of the castle, failing to dissuade Sir Owain from the
adventure, directed him how he might find the forest glade wherein
was the wondrous fountain.

With the dawn, Sir Owain rose, mounted his horse, and rode forward
until he had found the fountain. Then he dashed water on the marble
slab and instantly there burst over him the fearful hailstorm, and
through it there came pricking towards him the Black Knight on the
black steed. In the first onset, they broke their lances and then,
drawing sword, they fought blade to blade. Sore was the contest,
but at the last