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
showed 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 there
he overthrew him, and sold him for his full worth, and what he thus
gained he divided among his barons and his knights; and no man in the
whole world could be more beloved than he was by his subjects. And
it was thus for the space of three years.