so valiant, or so powerful. And had
it been midnight, it would have been light from the fire that flashed
from their weapons. And the Knight gave Gwalchmai a blow that turned his
helmet from off his face, so that the Knight knew that it was Gwalchmai.
Then Owain said, "My lord Gwalchmai, I did not know thee for my cousin,
owing to the robe of honour, that enveloped thee; take my sword and my
arms." Said Gwalchmai, "Thou, Owain, art the victor; take thou my
sword." And with that Arthur saw that they were conversing, and advanced
towards them. "My lord Arthur," said Gwalchmai, "here is Owain, who has
vanquished me, and will not take my arms." "My lord," said Owain, "it is
he that has vanquished me, and he will not take my sword." "Give me your
swords," said Arthur, "and then neither of you has vanquished the other."
Then Owain put his arms around Arthur's neck, and they embraced. And all
the host hurried forward to see Owain, and to embrace him. And there was
nigh being a loss of life, so great was the press.

And they retired that night, and the next day Arthur prepared to depart.
"My lord," said Owain, "this is not well of thee. For I have been absent
from thee these three years, {38} and during all that time, up to this
very day, I have been preparing a banquet for thee, knowing that thou
wouldest come to seek me. Tarry with me therefore, until thou and thy
attendants have recovered the fatigues of the journey, and have been
anointed."

And they all proceeded to the Castle of the Countess of the Fountain, and
the banquet which had been three years preparing was consumed in three
months. Never had they a more delicious or agreeable banquet. And
Arthur prepared to depart. Then he sent an embassy to the Countess, to
beseech her to permit Owain to go with him, for the space of three
months, that he might shew him to the nobles, and the fair dames of the
Island of Britain. And the Countess gave her consent, although it was
very painful to her. So Owain came with Arthur to the Island of Britain.
And when he was once more amongst his kindred and friends, he remained
three years, instead of three months, with them.

* * * * *

And as Owain one day sat at meat, in the City of Caerlleon upon Usk,
behold a damsel entered, upon a bay horse, with a curling mane, and
covered with foam; and the bridle, and as much as was seen of the saddle,
were of gold. And the damsel was arrayed in a dress of yellow satin. And