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, and during all that time, up
to this very day, I have been preparing a banquet for thee, knowing
that thou wouldst 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 show 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