The Mabinogion Vol. 1 | Page 8

anything else, that
thou canst not have?" "I declare to heaven," said the Countess, "that in
the whole world there is not a man equal to him." "Not so," said Luned,
"for an ugly man would be as good as, or better than he." {31} "I
declare to heaven," said the Countess, "that were it not repugnant to me
to cause to be put to death one whom I have brought up, I would have
thee executed, for making such a comparison to me. As it is, I will
banish thee." "I am glad," said Luned, "that thou hast no other cause to
do so, than that I would have been of service to thee when thou didst
not know what was to thine advantage. And henceforth evil betide
whichever of us shall make the first advance towards reconciliation to
the other; whether I should seek an invitation from thee, or thou of
thine own accord shouldest seek to invite me."
With that Luned went forth; and the Countess arose and followed her to
the door of the chamber, and began coughing loudly. And when Luned
looked back, the Countess beckoned to her; and she returned to the
Countess. "In truth," said the Countess, "evil is thy disposition; but if
thou knowest what is to my advantage, declare it to me." "I will do so,"
quoth she.
"Thou knowest that except by warfare and arms it is impossible for thee
to preserve thy possessions; delay not, therefore, to seek some one who
can defend them." "And how can I do that?" said the Countess. "I will
tell thee," said Luned, "unless thou canst defend the fountain, thou
canst not maintain thy dominions; and no one can defend the fountain,
except it be a knight of Arthur's household; and I will go to Arthur's
court, and ill betide me, if I return thence without a warrior who can
guard the fountain, as well as, or even better than, he who defended it
formerly." "That will be hard to perform," said the Countess. "Go,
however, and make proof of that which thou hast promised."

Luned set out, under the pretence of going to Arthur's court; but she
went back to the chamber where she had left Owain; and she tarried
there with him as long as it might have taken her to have travelled to
the Court of King Arthur. And at the end of that time, she apparelled
herself, and went to visit the Countess. And the Countess was much
rejoiced when she saw her, and enquired what news she brought from
the Court. "I bring thee the best of news," said Luned, "for I have
compassed the object of my mission. When wilt thou, that I should
present to thee the chieftain who has come with me hither?" "Bring him
here to visit me to-morrow, at mid-day," said the Countess, "and I will
cause the town to be assembled by that time."
And Luned returned home. And the next day, at noon, Owain arrayed
himself in a coat, and a surcoat, and a mantle of yellow satin, upon
which was a broad band of gold lace; and on his feet were high shoes of
variegated leather, which were fastened by golden clasps, in the form of
lions. And they proceeded to the chamber of the Countess.
Right glad was the Countess of their coming. And she gazed steadfastly
upon Owain, and said, "Luned, this knight has not the look of a
traveller." "What harm is there in that, Lady?" said Luned. "I am
certain," said the Countess, "that no other man than this, chased the
soul from the body of my lord." "So much the better for thee, Lady,"
said Luned, "for had he not been stronger than thy lord, he could not
have deprived him of life. There is no remedy for that which is past, be
it as it may." "Go back to thine abode," said the Countess, "and I will
take counsel."
The next day, the Countess caused all her subjects to assemble, and
shewed them that her Earldom was left defenceless, and that it could
not be protected but with horse and arms, and military skill.
"Therefore," said she, "this is what I offer for your choice: either let one
of you take me, or give your consent for me to take a husband from
elsewhere, to defend my dominions."
So they came to the determination, that it was better that she should
have permission to marry some one from elsewhere; and thereupon she
sent for the Bishops and Archbishops, to celebrate her nuptials with

Owain. And the men of the Earldom did Owain homage.
And Owain defended the Fountain with lance and sword. And this is
the manner in which he defended it. Whensoever a knight came