When he was seated the damsel came forth and greeted him , and glad was he when he saw her and inquired what castle that was before him . ` It belongs to a widowed countess , ' answered the maiden . ` Her husband left her two earldoms , but it is all that remains of her broad lands , for they have been torn from her by a young earl , because she would not marry him . ' ` That is a pity , ' replied Owen , but he said no more , for he was too weak to talk much . Then the maiden guided him to the castle , and kindled a fire , and brought him food . And there he stayed and was tended for three months , till he was handsomer than ever he was . At noon one day Owen heard a sound of arms outside the castle , and he asked of the maiden what it was . ` It is the earl of whom I spoke to thee , ' she answered , ` who has come with a great host to carry off my mistress . ' ` Beg of her to lend me a horse and armour , ' said Owen , and the maiden did so , but the countess laughed somewhat bitterly as she answered : ` Nay , but I will give them to him , and such a horse and armour and weapons as he has never had yet , though I know not what use they will be to him . Yet mayhap it will save them from falling into the hands of my enemies . ' The horse was brought out and Owen rode forth with two pages behind him , and they saw the great host encamped before them . ` Where is the earl ? ' said he , and the pages answered : ` In yonder troop where are four yellow standards . ' ` Await me , ' said Owen , ` at the gate of the castle , and he cried a challenge to the earl , who came to meet him . Hard did they fight , but Owen overthrew his enemy and drove him in front to the castle gate and into the hall . ` Behold the reward of thy blessed balsam , ' said he , as he bade the earl kneel down before her , and made him swear that he would restore all that he had taken from her . After that he departed , and went into the deserts , and as he was passing through a wood he heard a loud yelling . Pushing aside the bushes he beheld a lion standing on a great mound , and by it a rock . Near the rock was a lion seeking to reach the mound , and each time he moved out darted a serpent from the rock to prevent him . Then Owen unsheathed his sword , and cut off the serpent 's head and went on his way , and the lion followed and played about him , as if he had been a greyhound .
And much more useful was he XXXXX a greyhound , for in the evening he brought large logs in his mouth to kindle a fire , and killed a fat buck for dinner .
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