offence_n as_o defence_n i_o say_v and_o have_v see_v by_o diverse_a example_n that_o as_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o orderly_a and_o discreet_a motion_n aswell_o in_o the_o list_n as_o in_o common_a fray_n there_o have_v be_v obtain_v honourable_a victory_n so_o their_o busy_a and_o unrulie_a motion_n have_v be_v occasion_n of_o shameful_a hurt_n and_o spoil_n and_o because_o i_o can_v not_o lay_v down_o a_o certain_a measure_n of_o motion_n consider_v the_o difference_n between_o man_n and_o man_n some_o be_v of_o great_a and_o some_o oflitle_o stature_n for_o to_o some_o it_o be_v comodious_a to_o make_v his_o pace_n the_o length_n of_o a_o arm_n and_o to_o other_o some_o half_n the_o length_n or_o more_o therefore_o i_o advertise_v every_o man_n in_o all_o his_o ward_n to_o frame_v a_o reasonable_a pace_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o if_o he_o will_v step_v forward_o to_o strike_v he_o lengthen_v or_o increase_v one_o foot_n and_o if_o he_o will_v defend_v himself_o he_o withdraw_v as_o much_o without_o peril_n offalling_a and_o because_o the_o foot_n in_o this_o exercise_n do_v move_v in_o diverse_a manner_n it_o shall_v be_v good_a that_o i_o show_v the_o name_n of_o every_o motion_n to_o the_o end_n that_o usinge_v those_o name_n through_o all_o this_o work_n they_o may_v the_o better_o be_v understand_v it_o be_v to_o be_v know_v that_o the_o foot_n move_v either_o straight_o either_o circuler_o if_o streit_o then_o either_o forwards_o or_o backward_o but_o when_o they_o move_v direct_o forward_o they_o frame_v either_o a_o half_a or_o a_o whole_a pace_n by_o whole_a pace_n be_v understand_v when_o the_o foot_n be_v carry_v from_o behind_o forward_o kepinge_v steadfast_a the_o forefoot_n and_o this_o pace_n be_v sometime_o make_v straight_o sometime_o crooked_a by_o straight_o be_v mean_v when_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o strait_a line_n but_o this_o doths_z eldome_o happen_v by_o crooked_a or_o slope_v pace_n be_v understand_v when_o the_o hinderfoot_o be_v bring_v also_o forewardes_o but_o yet_o a_o thwarte_a or_o cross_v and_o as_o it_o grow_v forwards_o it_o carry_v the_o body_n with_o it_o out_o of_o the_o straight_a line_n where_o the_o blow_n be_v give_v the_o like_a be_v mean_v by_o the_o pace_n that_o be_v make_v direct_o backward_o but_o this_o back_n pace_n be_v frame_v more_o often_o straight_o then_o crooked_a now_o the_o middle_n of_o these_o back_n and_o before_o pace_n i_o will_v term_v the_o half_a pace_n and_o that_o be_v when_o the_o hinderfoote_n be_v bring_v near_o the_o foore_a foot_n do_v even_o there_o rest_n or_o when_o from_o thence_o the_o same_o foot_n go_v forwards_o and_o likewise_o when_o the_o forefoote_n be_v gather_v into_o the_o hinderfoote_n and_o there_o do_v rest_n and_o then_o retire_v itself_o from_o hence_o backward_o these_o half_a pace_n be_v much_o use_v both_o strait_a &_o crooked_a forward_o &_o backward_o and_o in_o like_a sort_n half_a pace_n forwards_o &_o backwards_o straight_o and_o crooked_a circular_a pace_n be_v not_o otherwise_o use_v than_o half_a pace_n and_o they_o be_v make_v thus_o when_o one_o have_v frame_v his_o pace_n he_o must_v fetch_v a_o compass_n with_o his_o hinder_a foot_n or_o before_o foot_n on_o the_o right_n or_o left_a side_n so_o that_o circular_a pace_n be_v make_v either_o when_o the_o hinder-footstanding_a fast_o behind_o do_v afterward_o move_v itself_o on_o the_o left_a or_o right_a side_n or_o when_o the_o forefoote_n be_v settle_v before_o do_v move_v likewise_o on_o the_o right_n or_o left_a side_n with_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o pace_n a_o man_n may_v move_v every_o way_n both_o forwards_o and_o backwards_o straight_o line_n a._n b._n straight_a pace_n c._n d_o crokedor_n slope_n pace_n c._n e._n straight_o half_a pace_n c._n f._n circular_a half_a pace_n c._n g_o of_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o foot_n and_o hand_n the_o right_a leg_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o likewise_o the_o left_a leg_n of_o the_o left_a hand_n so_o that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n it_o shall_v happen_v a_o thrust_n to_o be_v forcible_o deliver_v reason_n will_v that_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o leg_n for_o otherwise_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o force_n and_o weight_n which_o be_v without_o the_o perpendicule_a or_o hang_a line_n of_o the_o body_n have_v no_o prope_fw-la to_o sustain_v it_o a_o man_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o the_o pace_n do_v natural_o so_o much_o increase_v or_o diminish_v his_o motion_n as_o the_o hand_n therefore_o we_o see_v when_o the_o right_a foot_n be_v behind_o the_o hand_n be_v there_o also_o so_o that_o who_o so_o strain_v himself_o to_o stand_v otherwise_o as_o he_o offer_v violence_n unto_o nature_n so_o he_o can_v never_o endure_v it_o wherefore_o when_o he_o stand_v at_o his_o ward_n bear_v his_o hand_n wide_a there_o also_o the_o foot_n help_v by_o his_o strength_n be_v place_v towards_o that_o part_n &_o when_o the_o hand_n be_v bear_v a_o low_a &_o the_o right_a foot_n before_o if_o then_o he_o will_v lift_v his_o hand_n aloft_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o draw_v back_o his_o foot_n and_o there_o be_v so_o much_o distance_n from_o the_o place_n where_o the_o foot_n do_v part_n to_o join_v itself_o to_o the_o other_o foot_n as_o there_o be_v from_o the_o place_n whence_o the_o hand_n part_v to_o that_o place_n where_o it_o remain_v steadfast_a little_a more_o or_o less_o wherefore_o presuppose_v the_o say_a rule_n to_o be_v true_a he_o must_v have_v great_a care_n to_o make_v his_o pace_n &_o move_v his_o hand_n at_o one_o time_n together_o and_o a_o above_o all_o not_o to_o skip_v or_o leap_v but_o keep_v one_o foot_n always_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a and_o when_o he_o will_v move_v it_o to_o do_v it_o upon_o some_o great_a occasion_n consider_v the_o foot_n ought_v chief_o to_o agree_v in_o motion_n with_o the_o hand_n which_o hand_n ought_v not_o in_o any_o case_n what_o soever_o happen_v to_o vary_v from_o his_o purpose_n either_o in_o strike_v or_o defend_v of_o ward_n ward_n in_o weapon_n be_v such_o cite_v position_n or_o placing_n which_o withstand_v the_o enemy_n blow_n and_o be_v as_o a_o shield_n or_o safeguard_n against_o they_o for_o he_o who_o have_v no_o skill_n to_o carry_v his_o body_n and_o bear_v these_o weapon_n order_n lie_v which_o either_o cover_n or_o easy_o may_v cover_v the_o whole_a body_n can_v be_v say_v to_o stand_v in_o ward_n insomuch_o that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o use_v great_a diligence_n in_o the_o apt_a carri_v of_o his_o body_n and_o weapon_n for_o many_o time_n he_o ought_v to_o settle_v and_o repose_v himself_o in_o his_o ward_n therein_o deliberate_v upon_o some_o new_a devise_n or_o expect_v when_o his_o enemy_n will_v minister_v occasion_n to_o enter_v upon_o he_o the_o ward_n which_o may_v be_v use_v with_o the_o single_a sword_n be_v threefold_a neither_o in_o my_o opinion_n may_v they_o be_v any_o more_o for_o that_o one_o only_o straight_a line_n which_o be_v the_o sword_n may_v not_o cover_v defend_v and_o easy_o offend_v after_o any_o other_o manner_n the_o high_a ward_n this_o high_a ward_n which_o also_o may_v be_v call_v the_o first_o be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o every_o man_n frame_v at_o the_o dra_v of_o the_o sword_n out_o of_o the_o sheath_n may_v so_o far_o forth_o and_o in_o somuch_o be_v term_v a_o ward_n in_o how_o much_o by_o turn_v the_o point_n of_o the_o sword_n downward_o it_o ward_v the_o whole_a person_n and_o for_o that_o by_o gather_v in_o of_o the_o hinderfoote_o &_o increse_v forwards_o with_o the_o right_a foot_n a_o man_n may_v discharge_v a_o strong_a thirst_n above_o hand_n at_o his_o enemy_n in_o this_o and_o in_o all_o other_o ward_n it_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v note_v that_o he_o bear_v his_o weapon_n so_o orderly_o dispose_v that_o the_o straight_a line_n which_o go_v from_o the_o sword_n point_v be_v still_o bend_v to_o strike_v the_o enemy_n either_o in_o the_o face_n or_o in_o the_o breast_n for_o if_o the_o point_n be_v so_o bear_v that_o it_o respect_v over_o the_o enemy_n head_n the_o enemy_n may_v easy_o first_o enter_v underneth_o &_o strike_v before_o the_o fall_n or_o descend_v thereof_o and_o by_o hold_v the_o point_n two_o low_a he_o may_v by_o beat_v it_o somewhat_o downward_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v quit_v void_a of_o his_o body_n and_o so_o safe_o come_v in_o to_o strike_v the_o which_o have_v be_v many_o time_n see_v the_o high_a ward_n the_o low_a ward_n the_o broad_a ward_n this_o second_o ward_n from_o the_o effect_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o broad_a or_o wide_a ward_n because_o the_o arm_n widn_v and_o stretch_v itself_o direct_o as_o much_o as_o
the_o enemy_n not_o with_o the_o convexe_n or_o outward_a part_n thereof_o altogether_o equal_a plain_a or_o even_o neither_o to_o hold_v his_o arm_n so_o bow_v that_o in_o his_o elbow_n there_o be_v make_v if_o not_o a_o sharp_a yet_o at_o least_o a_o straight_a corner_n for_o beside_o that_o by_o so_o hold_v it_o it_o weari_v the_o arm_n it_o likewise_o so_o hinder_v the_o sight_n that_o if_o he_o will_v see_v his_o enemy_n from_o the_o breast_n downwards_o of_o necessity_n he_o must_v either_o abase_v his_o target_n or_o bear_v his_o head_n so_o peep_v forwards_o that_o it_o may_v be_v soon_o hurt_v than_o the_o target_n may_v come_v to_o ward_v it_o and_o far_o it_o so_o defend_v that_o only_o so_o much_o of_o the_o body_n be_v ward_v as_o the_o target_n be_v big_a or_o little_o more_o because_o it_o can_v more_v then_o the_o half_a arm_n from_o the_o elbow_n to_o the_o shoulder_n which_o be_v very_o little_a as_o every_o man_n know_v or_o may_v perceive_v so_o that_o the_o head_n shall_v be_v ward_v with_o great_a pain_n and_o the_o thigh_n shall_v altogether_o remain_v discover_v in_o such_o sort_n that_o to_o save_v the_o belly_n he_o shall_v leave_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o body_n in_o jeopardy_n therefore_o if_o he_o will_v so_o hold_v the_o say_a target_n that_o it_o may_v well_o defend_v all_o that_o part_n of_o the_o body_n which_o be_v from_o the_o knee_n upwardes_o and_o that_o he_o may_v see_v his_o enemy_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o bear_v his_o arm_n if_o not_o right_o yet_o at_o least_o bow_v so_o little_a that_o in_o the_o elbow_n there_o be_v frame_v so_o blunt_a a_o angle_n or_o corner_n that_o his_o eyebeame_n pass_v near_o that_o part_n of_o the_o circumference_n of_o the_o target_n which_o be_v near_o his_o hand_n may_v see_v his_o enemy_n from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o foot_n and_o by_o hold_v the_o say_a convexe_n part_n in_o this_o manner_n it_o shall_v ward_v all_o the_o left_a side_n and_o the_o circumference_n near_o the_o hand_n shall_v with_o the_o least_o motion_n defend_v all_o the_o right_a side_n the_o head_n and_o the_o thigh_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n he_o shall_v keep_v his_o enemy_n in_o sight_n &_o defend_v all_o that_o part_n of_o the_o body_n which_o be_v allot_v unto_o the_o say_a target_n therefore_o the_o say_a target_n shall_v be_v bear_v tharme_v in_o a_o manner_n so_o straight_o towards_o the_o left_a side_n that_o the_o eyesight_n may_v pass_v to_o behold_v the_o enemy_n without_o move_v for_o this_o only_a occasion_n either_o the_o head_n or_o the_o target_n the_o hurt_n of_o the_o high_a ward_n at_o sword_n and_o round_a target_n because_o the_o round_a target_n contain_v in_o it_o most_o great_a &_o sure_a defence_n therefore_o ought_v not_o any_o edgeblowe_v which_o may_v be_v easy_o ward_v with_o the_o single_a sword_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o target_n be_v deliver_v thru_v also_o enter_v very_o difficultlie_o to_o strike_v the_o body_n because_o the_o target_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o lest_o motion_n that_o be_v seem_v to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o wall_n before_o the_o body_n and_o to_o thrust_v at_o the_o leg_n be_v no_o sure_a play_n that_o which_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o thrust_v forcible_o with_o the_o sword_n and_o when_o one_o perceive_v that_o the_o point_n thereof_o be_v enter_v within_o the_o circumference_n of_o the_o enemy_n target_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o increase_v a_o left_a pace_n and_o with_o the_o circumference_n of_o his_o own_o target_n to_o beat_v off_o the_o enemy_n sword_n and_o target_n to_o the_o end_n it_o suffer_v the_o thrust_n so_o give_v of_o force_n to_o enter_v in_o and_o have_v so_o beat_v &_o enter_v to_o continue_v on_o the_o thrust_n in_o the_o straightlyne_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n of_o the_o right_a foot_n when_o he_o find_v himself_o in_o the_o high_a ward_n he_o shall_v increase_v a_o half_a pace_n with_o the_o hinderfoote_o gather_v upon_o the_o enemy_n as_o near_o as_o he_o may_v without_o danger_n and_o be_v so_o nigh_o that_o he_o may_v drive_v his_o sword_n within_o the_o circumference_n then_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o perceive_v his_o sword_n to_o be_v within_o it_o his_o arm_n be_v stretch_v out_o at_o the_o uttermost_a length_n he_o ought_v sudden_o to_o increase_v a_o left_a pace_n beat_v off_o with_o the_o circumference_n of_o his_o own_o target_n the_o enemy_n target_n and_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n of_o the_o right_a foot_n to_o cause_v his_o thrust_n to_o enter_v perforce_o this_o also_o he_o may_v practice_v when_o the_o enemy_n endevour_v to_o withstand_v the_o entrance_n of_o the_o thrust_n when_o it_o be_v already_o past_a within_o the_o circumference_n of_o his_o target_n but_o if_o the_o enemy_n as_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o ward_v this_o thrust_v not_o with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o circumference_n which_o be_v near_o his_o hand_n but_o with_o that_o which_o be_v above_o it_o by_o mean_n whereof_o his_o target_n discover_v his_o eye_n than_o he_o may_v very_o commodious_o increase_a his_o pace_n as_o aforesaid_a recover_v his_o thrust_n above_o and_o force_v it_o underneath_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n of_o the_o right_a foot_n and_o this_o be_v a_o more_o sure_a way_n of_o thrust_v than_o any_o other_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o high_a ward_n at_o sword_n &_o round_a target_n for_o the_o defend_n of_o the_o thrust_n of_o the_o high_a ward_n it_o be_v most_o sure_o stand_v at_o the_o low_a ward_n and_o to_o endeavour_n to_o overcome_v the_o enemy_n by_o the_o same_o skill_n by_o the_o which_o he_o himself_o will_v obtain_v the_o victory_n in_o the_o very_a same_o time_n that_o he_o deliver_v his_o thrust_n a_o man_n must_v sudden_o increase_v a_o slope_n pace_n with_o the_o left_a foot_n bear_v of_o the_o enemy_n target_n with_o his_o own_o &_o drive_v of_o a_o thrust_n perforce_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n of_o the_o right_a foot_n and_o with_o this_o manner_n of_o defence_n be_v do_v with_o such_o nimbleness_n as_o be_v require_v he_o do_v also_o safe_o strike_v the_o enemy_n who_o can_v strike_v he_o again_o because_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o say_a slope_n pace_n he_o be_v carry_v out_o of_o the_o line_n in_o the_o which_o the_o enemy_n pretend_v to_o strike_v the_o hurt_n of_o the_o broad_a ward_n at_o sword_n &_o round_a target_n it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o strike_v in_o this_o broad_a ward_n if_o first_o with_o much_o compass_n &_o gather_v of_o the_o enemy_n a_o man_n do_v not_o assay_v with_o the_o circumference_n of_o his_o target_n near_o his_o hand_n to_o beat_v off_o the_o enemy_n sword_n and_o be_v so_o beat_v to_o increase_v a_o left_a pace_n and_o far_o by_o add_v thereunto_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n of_o the_o right_a foot_n to_o discharge_v a_o thrust_n but_o it_o shall_v happy_o be_v better_a in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o weapon_n not_o to_o use_v this_o broad_a ward_n for_o the_o hand_n be_v bear_v out_o of_o the_o straight_a line_n in_o the_o which_o he_o may_v strike_v both_o safe_o and_o ready_o and_o before_o it_o return_v into_o the_o say_a line_n there_o be_v much_o time_n spend_v and_o far_o a_o man_n be_v not_o then_o in_o case_n with_o his_o target_n to_o beat_v off_o the_o enemy_n sword_n but_o if_o happy_o he_o be_v yet_o though_o he_o be_v very_o ready_a aswell_o with_o the_o hand_n as_o foot_n his_o thrust_n shall_v never_o enter_v so_o far_o that_o itmay_v hit_v home_o for_o the_o enemy_n with_o a_o very_a small_a motion_n of_o his_o target_n forward_o may_v very_o easy_o drive_v thenimies_n sword_n out_o of_o the_o strait_a line_n therefore_o he_o that_o will_v change_v or_o shift_v out_o of_o this_o ward_n to_o the_o intent_n to_o strike_v must_v of_o necessity_n be_v pass_v nimble_a &_o ready_a and_o before_o he_o deliver_v his_o blow_n must_v beat_v the_o enemy_n sword_n with_o his_o target_n the_o defence_n of_o the_o broad_a ward_n at_o sword_n &_o round_a target_n because_o in_o every_o occasion_n or_o accident_n a_o man_n stand_v safe_a in_o the_o low_a ward_n i_o will_v endeavour_n in_o this_o case_n to_o place_v he_o also_o in_o the_o same_o ward_n for_o the_o encounter_v of_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o broad_a ward_n that_o therefore_o which_o by_o my_o advice_n he_o shall_v do_v be_v that_o he_o take_v great_a heed_n not_o to_o suffer_v his_o sword_n to_o be_v beat_v off_o any_o manner_n of_o way_n and_o when_o the_o enemy_n without_o this_o beat_n presume_v to_o enter_v he_o must_v in_o the_o selfsame_o time_n increase_v a_o left_a pace_n &_o safe_o deliver_v a_o thrust_v underneath_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o
the_o sword_n which_o great_o amass_v they_o be_v not_o resolute_a to_o do_v that_o which_o otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o do_v that_o be_v either_o to_o encounter_v the_o sword_n in_o the_o middle_n towards_o the_o handle_n when_o it_o carry_v small_a force_n or_o else_o to_o stand_v far_o off_o watch_v while_o the_o sword_n go_v &_o be_v carry_v compass_v in_o his_o great_a circle_n be_v of_o the_o compass_n of_o ten_o arm_n or_o more_o &_o then_o to_o run_v under_o it_o and_o deliver_v a_o thrust_n and_o these_o two_o way_n be_v effectual_a when_o such_o man_n be_v meet_v withal_o who_o be_v exercise_v to_o enter_v nimble_o and_o strike_v or_o such_o as_o dare_v and_o have_v the_o spirit_n &_o courage_n to_o set_v and_o oppose_v themselves_o single_a against_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n even_o as_o the_o single_a two_o hand_n sword_n adventure_v to_o oppose_v itself_o against_o many_o neither_o be_v this_o thing_n to_o be_v marvel_v at_o for_o in_o these_o our_o day_n there_o be_v thing_n perform_v of_o great_a activity_n &_o danger_n and_o there_o be_v some_o which_o dare_v do_v this_o with_o the_o sword_n and_o round_a target_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o resolute_a to_o strike_v first_o but_o will_v receive_v and_o sustain_v the_o blow_n with_o the_o round_a target_n and_o then_o enter_v and_o thrust_v this_o true_o betoken_v great_a courage_n &_o activity_n although_o not_o such_o as_o be_v require_v in_o this_o behalf_n thus_o much_o concern_v that_o which_o appertain_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o circular_a blow_n of_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n when_o it_o indevore_v to_o oppose_v itself_o against_o many_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o man_n have_v and_o sometime_o do_v use_n both_o in_o the_o list_n &_o other_o place_n to_o fight_v single_a combat_n one_o to_o one_o with_o the_o single_a two_o hand_n sword_n i_o will_v also_o declare_v my_o opinion_n touch_v the_o same_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o to_o handle_v the_o two_o hand_n sword_n in_o single_a combat_n to_o those_o who_o will_v cunning_o handle_v the_o two_o hand_n sword_n in_o single_a combat_n it_o be_v principal_o necessary_a that_o as_o in_o other_o weapon_n they_o be_v practise_v and_o have_v the_o skill_n to_o use_v the_o one_o hand_n aswell_o as_o the_o other_o and_o that_o they_o be_v both_o active_a in_o body_n and_o strong_a in_o the_o arm_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o manage_n of_o each_o weapon_n and_o far_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o they_o carry_v the_o principle_n of_o this_o art_n sure_o fix_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o memory_n by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o may_v become_v bold_a and_o resolute_a in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o have_v to_o do_v either_o in_o strike_v or_o defend_v they_o ought_v furthermore_o to_o consider_v how_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n be_v use_v and_o how_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v use_v touch_v the_o first_o all_o man_n use_v to_o deliver_v thrust_n aswell_o as_o edge_n blow_v down_o right_a and_o reverse_a with_o both_o hand_n to_o the_o sword_n which_o way_n albeit_o it_o be_v profitable_a in_o the_o bestow_n of_o edge_n blow_n as_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o sustain_v the_o sword_n yet_o in_o discharge_v of_o thrust_n it_o be_v hurtful_a for_o it_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v much_o short_a than_o they_o will_v be_v if_o in_o the_o beginning_n they_o be_v forcible_o deliver_v with_o both_o the_o hand_n and_o then_o by_o take_v away_o one_o hand_n from_o the_o cross_n they_o be_v springe_v as_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o pommel_n hand_n foot_n and_o all_o the_o body_n of_o that_o side_n may_v be_v stretch_v out_o for_o be_v discharge_v in_o this_o manner_n if_o they_o hit_v home_o they_o make_v great_a passage_n and_o if_o they_o be_v void_v yet_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n may_v be_v quick_o have_v again_o by_o the_o retire_n of_o a_o pace_n and_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o arm_n place_v the_o other_o hand_n there_o where_o it_o be_v and_o so_o settle_v in_o the_o low_a ward_n therefore_o when_o one_o find_v himself_o to_o stand_v in_o the_o high_a ward_n the_o which_o at_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n be_v frame_v either_o with_o the_o right_a side_n towards_o the_o enemy_n either_o with_o the_o left_a in_o either_o of_o which_o way_n the_o arm_n will_v be_v bear_v aloft_o and_o far_o off_o from_o the_o body_n cause_v the_o point_n somewhat_o to_o bend_v bothtoward_n the_o ground_n and_o the_o body_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v defend_v both_o the_o length_n of_o the_o body_n and_o cover_v it_o in_o a_o manner_n thwart_v or_o cross_v it_o be_v so_o far_o off_o from_o the_o sword_n far_o in_o this_o ward_n the_o hand_n that_o be_v towards_o the_o enemy_n must_v take_v hold_v fast_o of_o the_o handle_n near_o the_o cross_n and_o underneath_o the_o other_o hand_n above_o and_o near_o the_o pomell_n i_o say_v stand_v thus_o at_o the_o high_a ward_n he_o may_v either_o deliver_v a_o thrust_n either_o a_o down_o right_a blow_n of_o the_o edge_n the_o thrust_n be_v discharge_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o enemy_n sword_n be_v find_v as_o far_o in_o the_o beginning_n as_o he_o may_v with_o both_o arm_n then_o take_v away_o the_o cross_a hand_n he_o shall_v force_v it_o far_o on_o with_o the_o pommel_n hand_n as_o much_o as_o he_o may_v stretch_v it_o forth_o always_o in_o the_o discharge_n increase_v a_o slope_n pace_fw-la and_o the_o thrust_n be_v thus_o deliver_v he_o shall_v present_o retire_v his_o say_a pace_n and_o return_v his_o hand_n again_o to_o the_o cross_n settle_v himself_o either_o in_o the_o high_a or_o low_a ward_n but_o if_o he_o will_v deliver_v a_o downright_a blow_n with_o the_o edge_n which_o i_o counsel_v he_o not_o to_o do_v because_o he_o may_v easy_o be_v strike_v under_o it_o he_o shall_v first_o discharge_v a_o thrust_n with_o both_o his_o hand_n and_o then_o increase_a a_o pace_n shall_v turn_v the_o say_a downright_a blow_n stretch_v out_o the_o arm_n as_o much_o as_o he_o may_v in_o the_o delivery_n of_o which_o blow_n if_o he_o meet_v with_o the_o enemy_n sword_n he_o shall_v take_v away_o his_o hand_n from_o the_o cross_n &_o stretch_v out_o the_o pommel_n hand_n as_o much_o as_o he_o may_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n and_o far_o turn_v the_o say_a hand_n which_o hold_v the_o sword_n upwardes_o to_o the_o end_n to_o lengthen_v the_o thrust_n he_o shall_v drive_v and_o force_v it_o on_o and_o present_o retire_v himself_o in_o manner_n aforesaid_a of_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o high_a ward_n at_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n the_o low_a ward_n shall_v be_v the_o defence_n of_o the_o high_a ward_n and_o it_o may_v be_v frame_v with_o the_o right_a foot_n before_o &_o behind_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o say_v high_a ward_n the_o which_o shall_v be_v declare_v in_o his_o proper_a place_n therefore_o regard_v to_o place_n himself_o for_o his_o defence_n in_o the_o low_a ward_n and_o that_o direct_o contrary_a to_o his_o enemy_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o the_o enemy_n stand_v with_o the_o right_a foot_n before_o to_o put_v his_o left_a foot_n foremost_a and_o as_o the_o thrust_n of_o the_o downright_a blow_n come_v he_o shall_v encounter_v it_o without_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v find_v the_o enemy_n sword_n he_o shall_v void_v his_o cross_a hand_n and_o increase_v a_o pace_n and_o therewithal_o deliver_v a_o thrust_n with_o the_o pommel_n hand_n as_o far_o as_o it_o will_v stretch_v out_o the_o which_o thrust_n will_v easy_o speed_v if_o the_o enemy_n come_v resolute_o in_o deliver_v of_o his_o blow_n for_o he_o shall_v come_v direct_o to_o encounter_v the_o point_n of_o the_o sword_n with_o that_o part_n of_o his_o body_n which_o increase_v forwards_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o high_a thrust_n the_o downright_a blow_n may_v be_v ward_v if_o while_o the_o enemy_n sword_n be_v in_o his_o compass_n he_o nimble_o deliver_v a_o thrust_n under_o it_o or_o else_o if_o he_o will_v encounter_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v so_o do_v he_o do_v void_a his_o cross_a hand_n and_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n thrust_v as_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o pommel_n hand_n will_v stretch_v out_o of_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o low_a ward_n at_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n because_o the_o broad_a ward_n in_o handle_v of_o this_o weapon_n be_v painful_a and_o unsure_a i_o leave_v to_o speak_v thereof_o and_o come_v to_o the_o low_a ward_n which_o be_v frame_v two_o way_n to_o wit_n either_o with_o the_o right_n or_o with_o the_o left_a foot_n before_o and_o in_o either_o way_n one_o may_v strike_v both_o within_o and_o without_o within_o be_v rather_o to_o ward_v then_o to_o strike_v for_o the_o enemy_n that_o
before_o it_o hit_v home_o it_o spend_v much_o time_n yet_o the_o hurt_n thereof_o may_v easy_o be_v ward_v either_o with_o the_o weapon_n or_o by_o retire_v a_o pace_n i_o will_v speak_v of_o that_o only_a which_o be_v frame_v with_o the_o right_a foot_n before_o and_o in_o this_o one_o may_v strike_v two_o way_n to_o wit_n either_o within_o or_o without_o by_o within_o i_o understand_v when_o his_o sword_n be_v bear_v between_o the_o enemy_n sword_n &_o dagger_n by_o without_o i_o mean_v when_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o middle_n against_o the_o other_o when_o one_o find_v himself_o within_o at_o the_o half_a of_o the_o enemy_n sword_n the_o point_n whereof_o be_v direct_v to_o strike_v at_o the_o right_a side_n he_o must_v very_o swift_o increase_v a_o slope_n pace_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n straight_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v approach_v the_o near_a his_o enemy_n and_o therewithal_o sudden_o bar_v the_o enemy_n sword_n in_o the_o middle_n with_o his_o own_o sword_n and_o dagger_n increase_v a_o straight_a pace_n and_o deliver_v a_o thrust_n this_o may_v be_v do_v after_o another_o plain_a way_n and_o that_o be_v when_o he_o stand_v at_o the_o half_a sword_n to_o beat_v the_o enemy_n sword_n point_v out_o of_o the_o straight_a line_n on_o that_o side_n which_o shall_v be_v most_o commodious_a and_o in_o that_o line_n increase_a his_o foot_n forward_o to_o drive_v a_o forcible_a thrust_n at_o the_o enemy_n face_n or_o breast_n but_o stand_v without_o he_o may_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o foot_n forward_o give_v a_o thrust_n at_o the_o face_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o necessity_n must_v defend_v with_o his_o sword_n but_o therein_o the_o sword_n and_o the_o point_n thereof_o be_v common_o carry_v out_o of_o the_o straight_a line_n in_o which_o case_n he_o may_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o slope_n pace_fw-la turn_v a_o reverse_a at_o the_o leg_n and_o then_o present_o something_o withdraw_a his_o sword_n deliver_v a_o thrust_v underneath_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o straight_a pace_n he_o may_v also_o after_o a_o second_o manner_n give_v a_o right_a edgeblow_n from_o the_o wrist_n as_o short_a and_o strong_a as_o be_v possible_a not_o so_o much_o pretend_v to_o strike_v as_o to_o find_v the_o enemy_n sword_n and_o it_o be_v sudden_o find_v he_o must_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o slope_n or_o crooked_a pace_n lift_v up_o his_o hand_n and_o drive_v a_o thrust_n downward_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o straight_a pace_n after_o a_o third_o sort_n also_o he_o may_v strike_v and_o that_o be_v to_o deliver_v the_o foresay_a blow_n from_o the_o wrist_n and_o have_v meet_v with_o the_o enemy_n sword_n to_o make_v present_o a_o slope_n pace_n and_o stay_v the_o sword_n with_o his_o dagger_n and_o then_o nimble_o recover_v his_o own_o sword_n to_o thrust_v underneath_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o straight_a pace_n these_o be_v sufficient_a concern_v that_o which_o may_v be_v do_v in_o this_o ward_n with_o the_o sword_n both_o within_o and_o without_o at_o least_o for_o so_o much_o as_o may_v be_v do_v by_o true_a arte._n the_o defence_n of_o the_o low_a ward_n at_o rapier_n &_o dagger_n although_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o blow_n in_o each_o ward_n there_o be_v great_a consideration_n &_o heed_n to_o be_v take_v yet_o in_o this_o especial_o be_v require_v a_o far_o more_o excellent_a judgement_n and_o readiness_n in_o action_n for_o this_o ward_n do_v oppose_v itself_o against_o all_o other_o and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o blow_n which_o be_v of_o importance_n proceed_v from_o this_o ward_n beside_o every_o man_n do_v natural_o more_o accustom_v himself_o to_o stay_v and_o repose_v himself_o in_o it_o than_o in_o any_o other_o neither_o be_v it_o as_o i_o believe_v for_o any_o other_o cause_n then_o that_o he_o know_v by_o so_o bear_v himself_o he_o may_v easy_o both_o strike_v and_o defend_v and_o because_o in_o this_o ward_n as_o i_o have_v before_o say_v in_o the_o hurt_n or_o offence_n thereof_o it_o be_v more_o commodious_a to_o strike_v with_o the_o edge_n than_o in_o any_o other_o ward_n albeit_o it_o be_v not_o there_o give_v for_o counsel_n to_o be_v good_a to_o use_v it_o but_o yet_o because_o it_o may_v easy_o happen_v there_o shall_v be_v here_o lay_v down_o some_o defence_n for_o it_o call_v this_o principle_n before_o any_o other_o to_o remembrance_n he_o that_o be_v near_a hit_v soon_o to_o the_o end_n that_o know_v what_o way_n either_o sword_n make_v each_o man_n may_v resolve_v himself_o to_o deliver_v a_o thrust_n under_o a_o edgeblowe_v by_o the_o which_o be_v prevent_v the_o fall_n of_o the_o say_a blow_n but_o because_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o deep_a judgement_n great_a activity_n and_o stout_a courage_n do_v or_o may_v safe_o put_v this_o in_o practice_n and_o to_o the_o end_n also_o that_o those_o who_o accustom_v to_o defend_v every_o blow_n perform_v that_o in_o two_o time_n which_o may_v aswell_o be_v do_v in_o one_o may_v rest_v satisfy_v i_o will_v lay_v down_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o edgeblow_n therefore_o whensoever_o edgeblow_n be_v give_v they_o be_v either_o right_a or_o reverse_a high_a or_o low_o against_o the_o right_n high_a blow_n either_o the_o only_a dagger_n be_v to_o be_v oppose_v either_o the_o sword_n and_o dagger_n both_o together_o when_o the_o only_a dagger_n be_v use_v than_o a_o straight_a pace_n must_v be_v increase_v &_o the_o dagger_n hand_n lift_v up_o to_o encounter_v the_o enemy_n sword_n in_o the_o weak_a part_n thereof_o &_o be_v sudden_o find_v a_o straight_a pace_n be_v to_o be_v increase_v and_o a_o thrust_n underneath_o already_o prepare_v to_o be_v discharge_v but_o if_o the_o sword_n and_o dagger_n be_v both_o together_o oppose_v they_o both_o must_v be_v lift_v up_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o blow_n be_v encounter_v the_o enemy_n face_n be_v to_o be_v cut_v by_o discharge_v a_o reverse_a with_o the_o only_a turn_n of_o the_o hand_n rest_v &_o stay_v itself_o in_o the_o broad_a ward_n the_o right_a blow_n give_v beneath_o or_o below_o must_v be_v ward_v after_o no_o other_o manner_n then_o by_o drive_v a_o thrust_n at_o the_o enemy_n thigh_n which_o thrust_n be_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o it_o hit_v home_o safe_o under_o that_o blow_n and_o far_o be_v a_o let_v or_o bar_n to_o the_o enemy_n sword_n so_o that_o it_o may_v not_o light_v on_o the_o leg_n consider_v that_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o say_a thrust_n the_o hinder_a foot_n must_v necessary_o go_v compass_v towards_o the_o right_a side_n behind_o reverse_n also_o be_v either_o high_a or_o low_o if_o high_a they_o may_v be_v ward_v with_o the_o dagger_n only_o therewithal_o discharge_v a_o thrust_n underneath_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o straight_a pace_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o dagger_n have_v meet_v with_o the_o enemy_n sword_n either_o they_o may_v be_v ward_v with_o the_o sword_n only_o increase_a a_o straight_a pace_n with_o the_o left_a foot_n therewithal_o discharge_v a_o thrust_n already_o lift_v up_o in_o the_o ward_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o straight_a pace_n of_o the_o right_a leg_n and_o this_o manner_n of_o ward_n be_v more_o according_a to_o art_n because_o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o all_o blow_n on_o the_o left_a side_n be_v to_o be_v ward_v with_o the_o dagger_n only_o the_o reverse_a blow_n will_v be_v ward_v with_o give_v a_o thrust_n which_o safe_o hit_v and_o hinder_v the_o swotde_fw-mi to_o light_n on_o the_o leg_n this_o blow_n also_o may_v be_v ward_v after_o other_o and_o diverse_a manner_n which_o shall_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o treatise_n of_o deceit_n for_o this_o be_v not_o their_o proper_a place_n there_o be_v great_a regard_n to_o be_v take_v in_o ward_n of_o thrust_n to_o wit_n to_o bear_v the_o body_n out_o of_o the_o straight_a line_n because_o this_o be_v the_o safe_a way_n that_o may_v be_v find_v to_o void_v they_o because_o it_o very_o difficult_a to_o meet_v with_o they_o when_o they_o come_v bar_v and_o close_v in_o and_o be_v forcible_o discharge_v for_o when_o a_o thrust_n come_v within_o at_o the_o very_a time_n that_o the_o enemy_n strike_v he_o ought_v to_o increase_v a_o slope_n pace_n ensure_v himself_o of_o the_o enemy_n sword_n with_o his_o dagger_n and_o then_o to_o discharge_v a_o thrust_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o straight_a pace_n the_o thrust_n without_o be_v ward_v after_o the_o first_o manner_n to_o wit_n when_o the_o enemy_n strike_v to_o increase_v a_o slope_n pace_n whereby_o the_o body_n void_v danger_n &_o to_o give_v a_o thrust_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o straight_a pace_n in_o this_o order_n one_o may_v ward_v himself_o from_o other_o way_n of_o
or_o breast_n turn_v the_o hilt_n of_o his_o sword_n against_o the_o enemy_n sword_n &_o compass_v his_o hinder_a foot_n withal_o bear_v his_o body_n out_o of_o the_o straight_a line_n in_o which_o the_o enemy_n strike_v and_o this_o manner_n of_o ward_n do_v not_o only_o defend_v but_o also_o safe_o hurt_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o other_o two_o thrust_n the_o one_o within_o &_o the_o other_o without_o a_o man_n must_v take_v great_a heed_n and_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o as_o the_o enemy_n increase_v pretend_v to_o strike_v safe_o he_o carry_v a_o slope_n pace_n with_o the_o left_a foot_n &_o deliver_v a_o thrust_n above_o hand_n up_o on_o the_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o himself_o shall_v run_v &_o invest_v himself_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o in_o these_o thrust_n he_o that_o defend_v have_v great_a advanrage_v for_o the_o enemy_n come_v resolute_o to_o strike_v not_o think_v that_o it_o may_v in_o any_o other_o sort_n be_v ward_v then_o by_o give_v back_o but_o he_o that_o ward_v by_o increase_a defend_v &_o draw_v near_o unto_o the_o enemy_n be_v so_o place_v that_o he_o may_v easy_o hurt_v he_o of_o the_o sword_n &_o target_n call_v the_o square_a target_n it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o the_o target_n be_v a_o most_o ancient_a weapon_n find_v out_o only_o for_o the_o use_n of_o warfare_n &_o not_o for_o fray_n &_o peculiar_a quarrel_n between_o man_n &_o man_n albeit_o since_o the_o find_v thereof_o there_o have_v be_v devise_v by_o the_o industry_n of_o man_n a_o thousand_o way_n to_o serve_v they_o at_o their_o need_n from_o whence_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v because_o it_o seem_v convenient_a unto_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o art_n that_o this_o weapon_n be_v very_o comodious_a &_o profitable_a aswell_o for_o his_o fashion_n as_o for_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mean_a or_o middle_a weapon_n between_o the_o buckler_n &_o the_o round_a target_n that_o they_o have_v frame_v a_o special_a kind_n of_o play_n therewith_o although_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o two_o weapon_n in_o no_o other_o thing_n then_o in_o the_o fashion_n therefore_o diverse_a professor_n of_o this_o art_n be_v move_v some_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o form_n some_o by_o the_o bigness_n &_o some_o by_o the_o heaviness_n thereof_o have_v accustom_v to_o bear_v it_o after_o diverse_a way_n those_o who_o make_v most_o account_n of_o the_o heaviness_n will_v for_o some_o consideration_n that_o the_o right_n &_o proper_a bear_n thereof_o be_v to_o hold_v it_o lean_v on_o the_o thigh_n not_o move_v therehence_a but_o be_v great_o constrain_v thereunto_o other_o who_o esteem_v the_o form_n &_o bigness_n thereof_o because_o it_o seem_v unto_o they_o that_o the_o target_n without_o any_o other_o motion_n be_v most_o apt_a of_o itself_o to_o ward_v all_o that_o part_n of_o the_o body_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o neck_n &_o and_o the_o thigh_n bear_v it_o with_o their_o arm_n draw_v back_o close_o to_o their_o breast_n the_o which_o opinion_n i_o mean_v not_o at_o this_o present_a to_o confute_v forasmuch_o as_o by_o the_o show_n of_o my_o own_o opinion_n it_o shall_v appear_v how_o mighty_o they_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o hold_v thereof_o from_o the_o true_a hold_v whereof_o spring_v all_o the_o profit_n which_o his_o form_n and_o bigness_n do_v give_v it_o the_o manner_n how_o to_o hold_v the_o square_a target_n be_v desirous_a to_o bear_v great_a respect_n aswell_o to_o all_o the_o quality_n of_o this_o target_n which_o be_v the_o form_n the_o bigness_n and_o heaviness_n as_o unto_o that_o wherewith_o it_o may_v either_o help_v or_o hurt_v i_o say_v if_o a_o man_n will_v that_o the_o form_n thereof_o do_v bring_v he_o profit_v without_o hurt_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v with_o the_o high_a point_n thereof_o upward_o respect_v the_o head_n the_o part_n opposite_a the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o body_n the_o right_a part_n thereof_o the_o right_a side_n and_o the_o left_a the_o left_a side_n from_o this_o manner_n of_o bear_v spring_n these_o advantage_n first_o a_o man_n may_v more_o easy_o see_v his_o enemy_n and_o view_v what_o he_o do_v by_o the_o point_n of_o the_o corner_n which_o be_v on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o high_a point_n by_o which_o if_o he_o will_v behold_v his_o enemy_n from_o the_o head_n to_o the_o foot_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o carry_v his_o target_n so_o low_o that_o he_o discover_v not_o too_o much_o of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v above_o it_o to_o the_o ward_n whereof_o he_o can_v come_v again_o but_o discommodious_o and_o in_o long_a time_n beside_o the_o say_a commodity_n of_o behold_v the_o enemy_n there_o be_v also_o another_o that_o be_v of_o ward_n for_o the_o target_n be_v bear_v after_o this_o manner_n frame_v a_o triangle_n the_o sharp_a corner_n thereof_o respect_v the_o forehead_n and_o the_o side_n thereof_o so_o spread_v themselves_o that_o through_o the_o least_o motion_n any_o big_a man_n whosoever_o may_v stand_v safe_a behind_o they_o and_o if_o blow_v come_v at_o the_o head_n be_v they_o thrust_n or_o edgeblow_n all_o of_o they_o light_n upon_o one_o of_o the_o say_a side_n behind_o which_o stand_v the_o head_n safe_a without_o hinder_v of_o the_o eyesight_n the_o other_o two_o side_n of_o the_o target_n right_a &_o leave_v with_o very_o small_a motion_n ward_n the_o right_n and_o left_a side_n of_o the_o body_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o a_o man_n may_v also_o draw_v back_o his_o arm_n for_o the_o left_a side_n of_o the_o target_n ward_v the_o elbow_n which_o it_o do_v not_o do_v when_o the_o high_a side_n thereof_o be_v carry_v equal_a to_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o in_o hold_v the_o target_n his_o bigness_n may_v the_o better_a ward_n for_o the_o cause_n above_o say_v be_v superfluous_a to_o be_v repeat_v again_o i_o counsel_n it_o to_o be_v hold_v with_o the_o arm_n stretch_v forth_o from_o the_o body_n not_o account_v the_o heaviness_n to_o be_v hurtful_a because_o a_o man_n continue_v not_o long_o in_o so_o hold_v it_o and_o if_o the_o too_o long_o hold_v be_v painful_a he_o may_v draw_v back_o his_o arm_n and_o rest_v himself_o the_o better_a to_o do_v this_o and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o see_v the_o enemy_n i_o say_v he_o shall_v hold_v it_o his_o arm_n stertch_v out_o with_o the_o high_a point_n outward_o respect_v the_o forehead_n the_o hurt_n of_o the_o high_a ward_n at_o sword_n &_o square_a target_n many_o deceit_n false_n and_o ward_n may_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o weapon_n all_o which_o i_o reserve_v to_o the_o treatise_n of_o deceit_n or_o false_v as_o unto_o his_o proper_a place_n frame_v likewise_o in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n three_o ordinary_a ward_n upon_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n depend_v and_o against_o which_o they_o may_v be_v oppose_v stand_v at_o this_o high_a ward_n and_o pretend_v to_o strike_v the_o enemy_n it_o be_v first_o of_o all_o to_o be_v provide_v that_o one_o steal_v a_o false_a pace_n from_o behind_o and_o then_o discharge_v a_o thrust_n above_o hand_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o other_o half_a pace_n forward_o which_o be_v ward_v by_o the_o enemy_n with_o his_o target_n only_o not_o move_v his_o body_n he_o may_v then_o increase_v a_o straght_n pace_n of_o the_o left_a foot_n &_o somewhat_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n and_o abase_v the_o point_n of_o his_o sword_n force_v a_o thrust_n from_o above_o downward_o between_o the_o target_n &_o body_n of_o the_o enemy_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n of_o the_o right_a foot_n the_o which_o thrust_n will_v safe_o speed_v the_o enemy_n if_o his_o body_n be_v not_o fit_v void_v the_o self_n same_o thrust_n may_v be_v deliver_v in_o this_o high_a ward_n stand_v with_o the_o right_a foot_n behind_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o high_a ward_n as_o sword_n &_o square_a target_n the_o foresay_a thrust_n may_v easy_o be_v ward_v if_o in_o the_o very_a time_n that_o it_o come_v it_o be_v encounter_v with_o the_o high_a point_n of_o the_o target_n but_o yet_o with_o that_o side_n which_o bend_v towards_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o enemy_n sword_n be_v come_v one_o handful_n within_o the_o target_n it_o must_v be_v strong_o beat_v off_o by_o the_o target_n towards_o the_o right_a hand_n increase_v the_o same_o instant_n a_o left_a pace_n then_o with_o as_o great_a a_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n of_o the_o right_a foot_n as_o may_v be_v possible_a a_o thrust_n underneath_o most_o be_v give_v already_o prepare_v because_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o stand_v at_o the_o low_a ward_n for_o the_o ward_n of_o the_o thrust_v abovehand_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o broad_a ward_n at_o sword_n and_o
stand_v without_o have_v the_o great_a advantage_n find_v himself_o therefore_o within_o and_o bear_v the_o sword_n firm_o he_o shall_v force_v and_o drive_v on_o a_o thrust_n as_o fairy_n as_o both_o arm_n may_v stretch_v out_o together_o increase_a a_o pace_n and_o settle_v in_o the_o low_a ward_n if_o he_o do_v not_o speed_v but_o find_v himself_o to_o stand_v without_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v find_v the_o enemy_n sword_n he_o shall_v deliver_v a_o thrust_n first_o at_o the_o length_n of_o both_o arm_n then_o void_v the_o cross_a hand_n increase_v a_o pace_n and_o deliver_v it_o out_o at_o uttermost_a length_n of_o the_o pommel_n hand_n and_o immediate_o after_o the_o thrust_n retire_v his_o hand_n and_o pace_n stay_v himself_o again_o in_o the_o say_v low_a ward_n the_o defence_n of_o the_o low_a ward_n at_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n it_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n that_o the_o true_a defence_n of_o all_o blow_n be_v the_o low_a ward_n therefore_o when_o one_o stand_v thereat_o if_o there_o come_v a_o thrust_n without_o because_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o this_o case_n to_o stand_v within_o he_o shall_v do_v no_o other_o than_o encounter_v the_o enemy_n sword_n and_o thrust_v his_o arm_n forward_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v void_a it_o from_o his_o body_n and_o far_o retire_v his_o foot_n more_o backward_o &_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o compass_n thereby_o the_o better_a save_v his_o body_n from_o the_o hurt_n but_o if_o the_o thrust_v come_v within_o by_o reason_n whereof_o he_o shall_v stand_v without_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o enemy_n sword_n be_v encounter_v he_o shall_v deliver_v a_o thrust_n with_o both_o his_o hand_n and_o then_o void_v his_o cross_a hand_n he_o shall_v deliver_v it_o strong_o with_o his_o pommel_n hand_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n and_o this_o thrust_n do_v safe_o speed_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o by_o hold_v the_o sword_n with_o one_o hand_n the_o enemy_n may_v take_v holdfast_n thereof_o for_o he_o have_v enough_o to_o do_v to_o retire_v himself_o and_o ward_v the_o thrust_n neither_o can_v he_o perform_v so_o many_o thing_n in_o one_o time_n of_o the_o weapon_n of_o the_o staff_n namely_o the_o bill_n the_o partisan_n the_o holbert_n and_o the_o javelin_n because_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a unto_o many_o that_o i_o have_v here_o place_v these_o iiij_o sort_n of_o weapon_n together_o as_o though_o i_o will_v frame_v but_o one_o only_a way_n for_o the_o handle_n of_o all_o although_o they_o differ_v in_o form_n from_o which_o form_n be_v gather_v their_o difference_n in_o use_n therefore_o forasmuch_o as_o i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o all_o of_o they_o may_v be_v handle_v in_o manner_n after_o one_o way_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v amiss_o if_o i_o declare_v the_o reason_n thereof_o speak_v first_o of_o every_o one_o several_o by_o itself_o and_o then_o general_o of_o all_o together_o hold_v and_o maintain_v always_o for_o my_o conclusion_n that_o the_o skill_n of_o handle_v of_o they_o help_v a_o man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o as_o much_o as_o concern_v true_a arte._n of_o the_o partesan_n come_v therefore_o to_o the_o partesan_n as_o unto_o the_o plain_a and_o as_o unto_o that_o whereupon_o all_o the_o rest_n depend_v omit_v to_o show_v who_o be_v the_o inventor_n thereof_o as_o be_v to_o small_a purpose_n i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v find_v out_o to_o no_o other_o end_n then_o for_o that_o the_o foot_n man_n in_o the_o war_n may_v be_v able_a with_o they_o to_o hurt_v those_o horseman_n who_o they_o may_v not_o reach_v with_o their_o sword_n aswell_o with_o their_o point_n as_o with_o their_o edge_n further_o weapon_n which_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v or_o spring_v forth_o at_o the_o length_n of_o the_o arm_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n deceitful_a by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o may_v hurt_v aswell_o the_o archer_n on_o horseback_n as_o other_o horseman_n therefore_o these_o partesan_n be_v make_v big_a and_o of_o great_a poise_n and_o of_o perfect_a good_a steel_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v break_v the_o mail_n and_o divide_v the_o iron_n and_o that_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o ancient_a weapon_n of_o this_o sort_n which_o be_v great_a and_o so_o well_o temper_v that_o they_o be_v of_o force_n to_o cut_v any_o other_o iron_n afterwards_o as_o man_n have_v consider_v that_o as_o this_o weapon_n be_v only_o to_o strike_v it_o may_v in_o some_o part_n thereof_o have_v aswell_o something_o to_o ward_v withal_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o perfect_a weapon_n they_o devise_v to_o add_v unto_o it_o two_o crook_n or_o fork_n by_o the_o which_o that_o blow_n may_v be_v ward_v which_o part_v from_o the_o point_n and_o continue_v down_o along_o the_o staff_n will_v come_v to_o hurt_v the_o person_n and_o these_o fork_n or_o i_o may_v say_v these_o defence_n be_v by_o some_o man_n place_v on_o that_o part_n of_o the_o iron_n which_o next_o adjoin_v to_o the_o staff_n make_v they_o crooked_a &_o sharp_a &_o a_o handful_n long_o &_o for_o the_o most_o part_n with_o the_o point_n towards_o the_o enemy_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v serve_v not_o only_o to_o defend_v but_o also_o to_o strike_v and_o to_o the_o end_n the_o bigness_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o partesan_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v apt_a and_o commodious_a to_o be_v handle_v may_v not_o be_v increase_v they_o diminish_v part_n of_o the_o iron_n thereof_o and_o give_v the_o same_o to_o the_o fork_n or_o defence_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o frame_v another_o weapon_n call_v a_o javelin_n which_o because_o the_o broadnes_n and_o happy_o the_o weight_n and_o poise_n thereof_o be_v diminish_v be_v not_o very_o forcible_a to_o strike_v with_o the_o edge_n but_o all_o his_o power_n consist_v in_o three_o thrust_n othersome_a afterward_o will_v not_o that_o these_o defence_n shall_v be_v place_v at_o the_o lower-most_a part_n of_o the_o iron_n but_o in_o the_o middle_n thereof_o and_o these_o man_n bear_v great_a respect_n to_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o edge_n leave_v the_o iron_n which_o shall_v serve_v for_o the_o defence_n behind_o in_o his_o breadth_n and_o weight_n adjoin_v thereunto_o in_o the_o opposite_a part_n of_o the_o right_a edge_n a_o most_o sharp_a point_n of_o iron_n to_o the_o end_n that_o what_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v move_v it_o may_v strike_v and_o hurt_v but_o if_o any_o man_n obiet_fw-la &_o say_v if_o the_o say_a point_n of_o iron_n be_v put_v there_o in_o respect_n of_o strike_v they_o may_v also_o as_o well_o have_v leave_v there_o a_o edge_n which_o be_v long_o will_v strike_v more_o easy_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o false_a that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o hinder_a or_o back_o edge_n of_o the_o weapon_n be_v very_o weak_a and_o the_o point_n do_v strike_v and_o hurt_v more_o easy_o than_o the_o edge_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o there_o be_v facility_n where_o there_o be_v weakness_n these_o man_n by_o these_o mean_v frame_v the_o ancient_a weapon_n call_v the_o holberd_n out_o of_o the_o which_o man_n of_o our_o age_n have_v dirive_v &_o make_v another_o kind_n of_o holberd_n &_o bill_n and_o these_o bear_n also_o respect_v to_o some_o one_o profitable_a thing_n or_o other_o do_v maintain_v the_o defence_n and_o increase_v the_o hurt_v or_o offence_n the_o respect_n be_v that_o as_o they_o discourse_v &_o ponder_v with_o themselves_o at_o length_n they_o very_o wary_o perceive_v that_o a_o man_n with_o weapon_n in_o his_o hand_n may_v make_v six_o motion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v one_o towards_o the_o head_n one_o towards_o the_o foot_n one_o towards_o the_o right_a side_n one_o towards_o the_o left_a one_o forward_o &_o towards_o the_o enemy_n the_o other_o backward_o &_o towards_o himself_o of_o all_o the_o which_o five_o of_o they_o may_v very_o well_o strike_v &_o the_o last_o may_v neither_o strike_v nor_o defend_v there_o fore_n provide_v that_o this_o last_o motion_n also_o shall_v not_o be_v idle_a &_o unprofitable_a they_o add_v a_o hook_n with_o the_o point_n turn_v towards_o the_o handle_n with_o the_o which_o one_o may_v very_o easy_o tear_v armour_n &_o draw_v perforce_o man_n from_o their_o horse_n those_o who_o frame_v the_o middle_n or_o mean_a holbert_n will_v that_o the_o say_a hook_n shall_v be_v place_v in_o the_o safe_a or_o back_a edge_n and_o those_o that_o devise_v the_o bill_n will_v have_v it_o on_o the_o right_a edge_n leave_v the_o edge_n so_o long_o that_o the_o hook_n may_v not_o altogether_o hinder_v the_o blow_n of_o the_o edge_n but_o rather_o to_o the_o end_n the_o edge_n may_v make_v the_o great_a effect_n they_o will_v that_o the_o hook_n
great_a advantage_n but_o put_v the_o case_n the_o enemy_n do_v likewise_o direct_o oppose_v himself_o against_o this_o ward_n than_o the_o pike_n may_v not_o beat_v off_o one_o another_o but_o both_o party_n be_v like_a to_o be_v invest_v &_o run_v through_o at_o one_o instant_a without_o any_o defence_n or_o ward_n thereof_o so_o that_o this_o straight_a ward_n may_v not_o be_v use_v except_o it_o be_v against_o one_o of_o the_o two_o aforesaid_a and_o when_o the_o enemy_n stand_v in_o any_o of_o the_o say_v two_o than_o a_o man_n must_v resolut_o bring_v his_o weapon_n into_o the_o say_v straight_o ward_v for_o as_o he_o get_v thereby_o the_o great_a advantage_n both_o of_o length_n &_o time_n so_o he_o may_v very_o easy_o beat_v off_o the_o enemy_n pike_n of_o the_o manner_n how_o to_o strike_v in_o the_o say_a ward_n when_o the_o enemy_n be_v in_o the_o low_a ward_n a_o man_n ought_v always_o to_o stand_v either_o at_o the_o high_a or_o straight_o ward_v and_o contrarilie_o in_o the_o low_a or_o straight_o ward_v when_o the_o enemy_n be_v in_o the_o high_a ward_n and_o must_v endeavour_v as_o forcible_o and_o as_o nimble_o as_o he_o may_v first_o of_o all_o to_o beat_v off_o the_o enemy_n pike_n whether_o it_o be_v within_o or_o without_o but_o yet_o in_o such_o sort_n that_o he_o depart_v not_o much_o from_o the_o straight_a line_n and_o be_v thereby_o constrain_v to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o return_v thither_o again_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v beat_v off_o the_o enemy_n weapon_n to_o thrust_v bear_v his_o body_n contrary_a to_o his_o arm_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o cover_v from_o the_o thrust_n and_o deliver_v his_o own_o thrust_v with_o the_o more_o force_n always_o regard_v in_o the_o high_a ward_n to_o thrust_v downward_o and_o in_o the_o low_a ward_n upward_o &_o in_o the_o straight_a ward_n in_o the_o middle_n for_o this_o manner_n of_o thrust_v be_v very_o commodious_a and_o consume_v little_a time_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o ward_n the_o hurt_n of_o these_o ward_n be_v defend_v in_o the_o self_n same_o manner_n as_o those_o of_o the_o javelyne_n be_v to_o which_o chapter_n have_v there_o reason_v sufficient_o i_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o intent_n i_o may_v not_o repeat_v one_o thing_n often_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v great_a regard_n to_o be_v have_v of_o the_o time_n in_o manage_v this_o weapon_n then_o in_o any_o other_o because_o it_o be_v not_o furnish_v with_o any_o fork_n or_o other_o defence_n which_o may_v help_v a_o man_n but_o all_o hope_n of_o victory_n consist_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o time_n and_o in_o dexterity_n of_o delivery_n i_o will_v not_o therefore_o at_o this_o present_a stand_n to_o declare_v any_o more_o of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o weapon_n then_o that_o which_o only_o appertain_v to_o be_v speak_v in_o this_o work_n but_o will_v hereafter_o at_o my_o more_o leisure_n handle_v it_o more_o at_o large_a at_o what_o time_n it_o shall_v be_v know_v that_o man_n give_v over_o all_o other_o false_a &_o vain_a kind_n of_o skirmish_v ought_v to_o settle_v themselves_o in_o this_o by_o mean_n whereof_o their_o judgement_n be_v perfect_v and_o they_o more_o insure_v under_o their_o weapon_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n be_v make_v more_o bold_a and_o hardy_a and_o forasmuch_o as_o all_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v verify_v in_o deed_n and_o not_o in_o word_n it_o shall_v be_v every_o man_n part_n that_o will_v exercise_v himself_o in_o this_o art_n first_o diligent_o to_o learn_v the_o principle_n &_o afterward_o by_o exercise_n of_o the_o weapon_n to_o attain_v to_o the_o most_o subtle_a and_o delicate_a knowledge_n &_o consideration_n of_o the_o time_n without_o which_o as_o i_o have_v say_v else_o where_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o profit_v therein_o for_o although_o there_o be_v happy_o some_o who_o be_v strong_a of_o arm_n and_o nimble_a in_o deliver_v false_n either_o right_a reverse_a or_o straight_o have_v be_v in_o our_o time_n account_v for_o tall_a man_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o those_o who_o be_v skilful_a in_o this_o true_a art_n ought_v not_o to_o give_v credit_n unto_o it_o because_o they_o know_v assure_o that_o not_o right_a or_o reverse_a edge_n blow_v get_v the_o mastery_n but_o rather_o the_o thrust_n of_o the_o point_n neither_o the_o bestow_n of_o they_o every_o way_n but_o with_o advantage_n and_o in_o due_a time_n neither_o ought_v a_o man_n to_o strike_v thereby_o to_o be_v strike_v again_o which_o be_v the_o part_n and_o point_n rather_o of_o a_o bruit_n beast_n then_o of_o a_o reasonable_a man_n but_o to_o strime_n and_o remain_v without_o danger_n all_o which_o thing_n by_o this_o true_a art_n be_v easy_o learn_v finis_fw-la the_o second_o part_n intreatinge_v of_o deceit_n and_o falsinge_n of_o blow_n and_o thru_v be_v come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o true_a art_n and_o have_v declare_v all_o that_o which_o seem_v convenient_a and_o profitable_a for_o the_o attaynement_fw-mi of_o true_a judgement_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o the_o weapon_n &_o of_o the_o entire_a knowledge_n of_o all_o advamtage_n by_o the_o which_o as_o well_o all_o disadvantage_n be_v know_v it_o shall_v be_v good_a that_o i_o entreat_v of_o deceit_n or_o false_v aswell_o to_o perform_v my_o promise_n as_o also_o to_o satisfy_v those_o who_o be_v great_o delight_v to_o skirmish_v not_o with_o pretence_n to_o hurt_v or_o over_o come_v but_o rather_o for_o their_o exercise_n &_o pastime_n in_o which_o it_o be_v a_o brave_a and_o gallant_a thing_n and_o worthy_a of_o commendation_n to_o be_v skilful_a in_o the_o apt_a manage_n of_o the_o body_n foot_n and_o hand_n in_o move_v nimble_o sometime_o with_o the_o hand_n sometime_o with_o the_o elbow_n and_o sometime_o with_o the_o shoulder_n in_o retire_v in_o increase_v in_o lift_v the_o body_n high_a in_o bear_v it_o low_a in_o one_o instant_a in_o brief_a deliver_v swift_o blow_v aswell_o of_o the_o edge_n as_o of_o the_o point_n both_o right_a and_o reverse_a nothing_o regard_v either_o time_n advantage_n or_o measure_n bestow_v they_o at_o random_n every_o way_n but_o diverse_a man_n be_v blind_v in_o their_o own_o conceit_n do_v in_o these_o action_n certain_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v either_o more_o nimble_a either_o more_o wary_a &_o discreet_a than_o their_o adversary_n be_v of_o which_o their_o foolish_a opinion_n they_o be_v all_o beastly_a proud_a and_o arrogant_a and_o because_o it_o have_v many_o time_n happen_v they_o either_o with_o a_o false_a thrust_n or_o edge_n blow_n to_o hurt_v or_o abuse_v the_o enemy_n they_o become_v lofty_a and_o presume_v thereon_o as_o though_o their_o blow_n be_v not_o to_o be_v ward_v but_o yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o fall_v out_o that_o by_o a_o plain_a simple_a swad_n have_v only_o a_o good_a stomach_n and_o stout_a courage_n they_o be_v chop_v in_o with_o a_o thrust_n and_o so_o miserable_o slay_v for_o avoid_v of_o this_o abuse_n the_o best_a remedy_n be_v that_o they_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o deliver_v these_o false_n only_o in_o sport_n and_o as_o i_o have_v before_o say_v for_o their_o practice_n &_o pastime_n resolve_v themselves_o for_o a_o truth_n that_o when_o they_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o any_o enemy_n &_o when_o it_o be_v upon_o danger_n of_o their_o life_n they_o must_v then_o suppose_v the_o enemy_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o themselves_o aswell_o in_o knowledge_n as_o in_o strength_n &_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o strike_v in_o as_o little_a time_n as_o be_v possible_a and_o that_o always_o be_v well_o ward_v and_o as_o for_o these_o false_n or_o slip_v they_o must_v use_v they_o for_o their_o exercise_n &_o pastime_n sake_n only_o and_o not_o presume_v upon_o they_o except_o it_o be_v against_o such_o person_n who_o be_v either_o much_o more_o slow_a either_o know_v not_o the_o true_a principel_v of_o this_o art_n for_o deceit_n or_o false_v be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o a_o blow_n or_o thrust_v devere_v not_o to_o the_o intent_n to_o hurt_v or_o hit_v home_o but_o to_o cause_v the_o enemy_n to_o discover_v himself_o in_o some_o part_n by_o mean_n whereof_o a_o man_n may_v safe_o hurt_v he_o in_o the_o same_o part_n and_o look_v how_o many_o blow_n or_o thrust_v there_o may_v be_v give_v so_o many_o false_n or_o deceit_n may_v be_v use_v and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o which_o shall_v be_v declare_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n the_o defence_n likewise_o whereof_o shall_v in_o few_o word_n be_v last_o of_o all_o lay_v open_a unto_o you_o deceit_n or_o falsings_n of_o the_o single_a sword_n or_o single_a rapier_n as_o i_o take_v not_o victory_n to_o be_v the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o false_v but_o rather_o nimbleness_n
of_o body_n and_o dexterity_n in_o play_n so_o cast_v aside_o the_o consideration_n how_o a_o man_n be_v either_o cover_v or_o discover_v and_o how_o he_o have_v more_o or_o less_o advantage_n i_o say_v that_o there_o may_v be_v frame_v at_o the_o single_a sword_n so_o many_o ward_n as_o there_o be_v way_n how_o to_o move_v the_o arm_n hand_n and_o foot_n therefore_o in_o falsinge_v there_o may_v be_v frame_v the_o high_a low_a and_o broad_a ward_n with_o the_o right_a foot_n behind_o and_o before_o a_o man_n may_v bear_v his_o sword_n witht_z the_o point_n backwards_o and_o forwards_o he_o may_v bear_v his_o right_a hand_n on_o the_o left_a sid_n with_o his_o sword_n point_n back_o ward_n he_o may_v stand_v at_o the_o low_a ward_n with_o the_o point_n backwards_o and_o forwards_o bend_v towards_o the_o ground_n and_o stand_v in_o all_o these_o way_n he_o may_v false_a a_o thrust_v above_o and_o force_v it_o home_o beneath_o and_o contrary_a from_o beneath_o above_o he_o may_v false_a it_o without_o and_o deliver_v it_o within_o or_o contrariwise_o and_o according_a to_o the_o say_a manner_n of_o thrust_v he_o may_v deliver_v edgeblowe_n right_a reverse_a high_a and_o low_o as_o in_o that_o case_n shall_v most_o advantage_v he_o farther_o he_o may_v false_a a_o edgeblow_n and_o deliver_v it_o home_o as_o for_o example_n to_o false_a a_o right_a blow_n on_o high_a and_o deliver_v home_o a_o right_n and_o reverse_a blow_n high_a or_o low_o in_o like_a sortthe_n reverse_v be_v false_v by_o deliver_v right_a or_o reverse_a blow_n high_a or_o low_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o when_o he_o bear_v his_o sword_n with_o his_o point_n backwards_o he_o false_a no_o other_o than_o the_o edgeblow_n for_o then_o thrust_n be_v discommodius_fw-la and_o because_o man_n do_v much_o use_v at_o this_o weapon_n to_o beat_v off_o the_o point_n of_o the_o sword_n with_o their_o hand_n therefore_o he_o must_v in_o that_o case_n for_o his_o great_a readiness_n &_o advantage_n suffer_v his_o sword_n to_o sway_n to_o that_o side_n whether_o the_o enemy_n beat_v it_o join_v to_o that_o motion_n as_o much_o force_n as_o he_o may_v perform_v therein_o a_o full_a circular_a blow_n and_o deliver_v it_o at_o the_o enemy_n and_o this_o blow_n be_v most_o ready_a and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o how_o much_o the_o enemy_n think_v not_o that_o the_o sword_n will_v pass_v in_o full_a circle_n that_o way_n for_o the_o enemy_n be_v somewhat_o disappoint_v by_o beat_v off_o the_o sword_n after_o which_o beat_v he_o be_v also_o to_o deliver_v his_o thrust_n he_o can_v so_o speedy_o spend_v both_o those_o time_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v first_o strike_v with_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o he_o have_v before_o so_o beat_v off_o general_n advertisemente_n concern_v the_o defence_n because_o it_o chance_v common_o that_o in_o manage_v of_o the_o hand_n man_n bear_v no_o great_a regard_n either_o to_o time_n or_o advantage_n but_o do_v endeavour_n themselves_o after_o diverse_a &_o sundry_a way_n &_o mean_n to_o encounter_v the_o enemy_n sword_n therefore_o in_o these_o case_n it_o be_v very_o profitable_a to_o know_v how_o to_o strike_v and_o what_o may_v be_v do_v in_o short_a time_n the_o enemy_n sword_n be_v encounter_v always_o either_o above_o either_o in_o the_o middle_n either_o beneath_o &_o in_o all_o these_o way_n a_o man_n find_v himself_o to_o stand_v either_o above_o either_o beneath_o either_o within_o either_o without_o and_o it_o fall_v out_o always_o that_o man_n find_v themselves_o undernethe_v with_o the_o sword_n at_o the_o hang_a ward_n when_o they_o be_v to_o ward_v high_a edgeblowe_n or_o thrust_n and_o this_o way_n be_v most_o common_o use_v the_o manner_n whereof_o be_v when_o the_o hand_n be_v lift_v up_o to_o defend_v the_o sword_n be_v thwar_n t_v and_o the_o point_n turn_v downward_o when_o one_o find_v himself_o so_o place_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o recover_v his_o sword_n from_o underneath_o and_o then_o to_o deliver_v a_o edgeblowe_n for_o that_o be_v to_o long_o but_o rather_o to_o strike_v nimble_o that_o part_n of_o the_o enemy_n underneath_o which_o be_v not_o ward_v so_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v no_o other_o than_o turn_v his_o hand_n &_o deliver_v a_o edgeblow_n at_o the_o leg_n which_o sure_o speed_v but_o if_o he_o find_v himself_o in_o defence_n either_o of_o the_o reverse_a or_o thrust_v to_o bear_v his_o sword_n aloft_o and_o without_o and_o not_o hang_v in_o this_o the_o safe_a thing_n be_v to_o increase_v a_o pace_n and_o to_o seasyn_n upon_o the_o enemy_n hand_n or_o arm_n the_o self_n same_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v find_v himself_o in_o the_o middle_n without_o and_o underneath_o but_o if_o he_o find_v himself_o within_o he_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n make_v any_o seizure_n because_o he_o shall_v be_v then_o in_o great_a peril_n to_o invest_v himself_o on_o the_o point_n of_o the_o enemy_n sword_n therefore_o to_o avoid_v the_o say_a point_n or_o thrust_v he_o must_v turn_v his_o fist_n and_o deliver_v a_o edgeblow_n at_o the_o face_n and_o withdraw_v himself_o by_o void_v of_o his_o foot_n towards_o the_o broad_a ward_n and_o if_o he_o find_v himself_o beneath_o &_o have_v encounter_v the_o enemy_n edgeblow_n either_o with_o the_o edge_n or_o with_o the_o false_a or_o back_o of_o the_o sword_n be_v beneath_o then_o without_o any_o more_o ado_n he_o ought_v to_o cut_v the_o leg_n and_o void_a himself_o from_o the_o enemy_n thrust_n and_o let_v this_o be_v take_v for_o a_o general_a rule_n the_o body_n must_v be_v bear_v as_o far_o of_o from_o the_o enemy_n as_o it_o may_v and_o blow_v always_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v on_o that_o part_n which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v most_o near_o be_v the_o stroke_n great_a or_o little_a and_o each_o man_n be_v to_o be_v advertise_v that_o when_o he_o find_v the_o enemy_n weapon_n underneath_o at_o the_o hang_a ward_n he_o may_v safe_o make_v a_o seizure_n but_o it_o will_v be_v do_v nimble_o and_o with_o good_a courage_n because_o he_o do_v then_o increase_v towards_o his_o enemy_n in_o the_o straight_a line_n that_o be_v to_o say_v increase_v on_o pace_n and_o therewithal_o take_v holdfast_n of_o the_o enemy_n sword_n never_o the_o hilt_n thereof_o yea_o though_o his_o hand_n be_v naked_a and_o under_o his_o own_o sword_n present_o turn_v his_o hand_n outwards_o which_o of_o force_n wre_v the_o sword_n out_o of_o the_o enemy_n hand_n neither_o ought_v he_o to_o fear_v to_o make_v feisure_n with_o his_o naked_a hand_n for_o it_o be_v in_o such_o a_o place_n that_o if_o he_o shall_v with_o his_o hand_n encounter_v a_o blow_n happy_o it_o will_v not_o cut_v because_o the_o weapon_n have_v thereverie_n small_a force_n all_o the_o hazard_n will_v be_v if_o the_o enemy_n shall_v draw_v back_o his_o sword_n which_o cause_v it_o to_o cut_v for_o in_o such_o sort_n it_o will_v cut_v mighty_o but_o he_o may_v not_o give_v leisure_n or_o time_n to_o the_o enemy_n to_o draw_v back_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o seizure_n be_v make_v he_o must_v also_o turn_v his_o hand_n outward_o in_o which_o case_n the_o enemy_n have_v no_o force_n at_o all_o these_o manner_n of_o striking_n ought_v and_o may_v be_v practise_v at_o all_o other_o weapon_n therefore_o this_o rule_n ought_v general_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o that_o be_v to_o bear_v the_o body_n different_a from_o the_o enime_n sword_n and_o to_o strike_v little_a or_o much_o in_o as_o small_a time_n as_o be_v possible_a and_o if_o one_o will_v in_o deliver_v of_o a_o great_a edgeblowe_n use_v small_a motion_n and_o spend_v little_a time_n he_o ought_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v strike_v to_o draw_v or_o slide_v his_o sword_n thereby_o cause_v it_o to_o cute_v for_o otherwise_o a_o edgeblowe_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n although_o it_o be_v very_o forcible_o deliver_v especial_o when_o it_o light_v on_o any_o soft_a or_o limber_a thing_n but_o be_v draw_v it_o do_v every_o way_n cute_v great_o of_o sword_n and_o dagger_n or_o rapier_n and_o dagger_n all_o the_o ward_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o single_a sword_n may_v likewise_o be_v give_v for_o the_o sword_n and_o dagger_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v term_v ward_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o than_o of_o the_o single_a sword_n because_o albeit_o the_o sword_n be_v bear_v unorderly_o &_o with_o such_o disadvantage_n that_o it_o ward_v in_o a_o manner_n no_o part_n of_o the_o body_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o dagger_n which_o continual_o stand_v at_o his_o defence_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v not_o convenient_a that_o a_o man_n lift_v up_o both_o his_o arm_n and_o leave_v his_o
so_o to_o strike_v and_o defend_v that_o he_o may_v use_v as_o few_o motion_n as_o be_v possible_a and_o therein_o to_o spend_v as_o little_a time_n and_o as_o his_o enemy_n move_v much_o in_o diverse_a time_n he_o may_v be_v advertise_v hereby_o to_o strike_v he_o in_o one_o or_o more_o of_o those_o time_n so_o out_o of_o all_o due_a time_n spend_v the_o division_n of_o the_o art_n before_o i_o come_v to_o a_o more_o particular_a de_fw-fr claration_n of_o this_o art_n it_o be_v requisite_a i_o use_v some_o general_a division_n wherefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o as_o in_o all_o other_o art_n so_o likewise_o in_o this_o man_n forsake_v the_o true_a science_n thereof_o in_o hope_n peradventure_o to_o overcome_v rather_o by_o deceit_n then_o true_a manhood_n have_v find_v out_o a_o new_a manner_n of_o skirmish_v full_o of_o false_n and_o slip_n the_o which_o because_o it_o some_o what_o and_o some_o time_n prevale_v against_o those_o who_o be_v either_o fearful_a or_o ignorant_a of_o their_o ground_n and_o principal_n i_o be_o constrain_v to_o divide_v this_o art_n into_o two_o art_n or_o science_n call_n the_o one_o the_o true_a the_o other_o the_o false_a art_n but_o withal_o give_v every_o man_n to_o understand_v that_o falsehood_n have_v no_o advantage_n against_o true_a art_n but_o rather_o be_v most_o hurtful_a and_o deadly_a to_o he_o that_o use_v it_o therefore_o cast_v away_o deceit_n for_o this_o present_a which_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v handle_v in_o his_o proper_a place_n and_o restrain_v myself_o to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o principal_a desire_n of_o my_o hart_n presuppose_v that_o justice_n which_o in_o every_o occasion_n approach_v near_a unto_o truth_n obtain_v always_o the_o superiority_n i_o say_v whosoever_o mind_v to_o exercise_v himself_o in_o this_o true_a and_o honourable_a art_n or_o science_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o deep_a judgement_n a_o valiant_a hart_n and_o great_a activity_n in_o which_o three_o quality_n this_o exercise_n do_v as_o it_o be_v delight_n live_v and_o flourish_v of_o the_o sword_n albeit_o wepon_n aswell_o offensive_a as_o defensive_a be_v infinite_a because_o all_o that_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n may_v handle_v to_o offend_v a_o other_o or_o defend_v himself_o either_o by_o fling_v or_o kepinge_v fast_o in_o his_o hand_n may_v in_o my_o opinion_n be_v term_v weapon_n yet_o notwithstanding_o because_o as_o i_o have_v before_o say_v they_o be_v innumerable_a so_o that_o if_o i_o shall_v particular_o handle_v every_o one_o beside_o the_o great_a toil_n and_o travail_n i_o shall_v sustain_v it_o will_v also_o doubtless_o be_v unprofitable_a because_o the_o principel_v and_o ground_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o art_n serve_v only_o for_o such_o weapon_n as_o be_v common_o practise_v or_o for_o such_o as_o happy_o man_n will_v use_v and_o so_o leave_v all_o those_o which_o at_o this_o present_a make_v not_o for_o my_o purpose_n i_o affirm_v that_o among_o all_o the_o wepon_n use_v in_o these_o day_n there_o be_v none_o more_o honourable_a more_o usual_a or_o more_o safe_a than_o the_o sword_n come_v therefore_o first_o to_o this_o weapon_n as_o unto_o that_o on_o which_o be_v ground_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o this_o art_n be_v of_o reasonable_a length_n and_o have_v edge_n and_o point_n wherein_o it_o seem_v to_o resemble_v every_o other_o weapon_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o have_v no_o more_o they_o two_o edge_n and_o one_o point_n a_o man_n may_v not_o strike_v with_o any_o other_o then_o with_o these_o nether_a defend_v himself_o with_o any_o other_o then_o with_o these_o further_o all_o edge_n blow_n be_v they_o right_a or_o reverse_a frame_v either_o a_o circle_n or_o part_n of_o a_o circle_n of_o the_o which_o the_o hand_n be_v the_o centre_n and_o the_o length_n of_o the_o sword_n the_o diameter_n whereupon_o he_o that_o will_v give_v either_o a_o edge_n blow_v in_o a_o great_a compass_n either_o thrust_v with_o the_o point_n of_o the_o sword_n must_v not_o only_o be_v nimble_a of_o hand_n but_o also_o must_v observe_v the_o time_n of_o advamtag_n which_o be_v to_o know_v when_o his_o own_o sword_n be_v more_o never_o and_o ready_a to_o strike_v then_o his_o enemy_n for_o when_o the_o enemy_n fetch_v a_o compass_n with_o his_o sword_n in_o deliver_v his_o stroke_n at_o the_o length_n of_o the_o arm_n if_o he_o than_o perceive_v himself_o to_o be_v near_o by_o half_a a_o arm_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o care_n to_o defend_v himself_o but_o with_o all_o celerity_n to_o strike_v for_o as_o he_o hit_v home_n first_o so_o he_o prevent_v the_o fall_n of_o his_o enemy_n sword_n but_o if_o he_o be_v force_v to_o defend_v himself_o from_o any_o edge_n blow_n he_o must_v for_o his_o great_a safety_n and_o ease_n of_o do_v it_o go_v and_o encounter_v it_o on_o the_o half_a sword_n that_o be_v hindermost_o in_o which_o place_n as_o the_o enemy_n sword_n carry_v less_o force_n so_o be_v he_o more_o never_o at_o hand_n to_o offend_v he_o concern_v thrustinge_a or_o the_o most_o perilous_a blow_n of_o the_o point_n he_o must_v provide_v so_o to_o stand_v with_o his_o body_n foot_n and_o arm_n that_o he_o be_v not_o force_v when_o he_o will_v strike_v to_o lose_v time_n the_o which_o he_o shall_v do_v if_o he_o stand_v either_o with_o his_o arm_n so_o forward_o either_o with_o his_o foot_n so_o backward_o either_o with_o his_o body_n so_o disorderly_a that_o before_o he_o thrust_v he_o must_v needs_o draw_v back_o his_o arm_n help_v himself_o with_o his_o foot_n or_o use_v some_o dangerous_a motion_n of_o the_o body_n the_o which_o when_o the_o enemy_n perceyve_v he_o may_v first_o strike_v before_o he_o be_v strike_v but_o when_o a_o man_n stand_v in_o due_a order_n which_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v declare_v and_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v less_o distance_n from_o the_o point_n of_o his_o sword_n unto_o his_o enemy_n than_o there_o be_v from_o his_o enemy_n sword_n unto_o he_o in_o that_o case_n he_o must_v nimble_o force_v on_o a_o strong_a thrust_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v hit_v home_o first_o the_o division_n of_o the_o sword_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o effect_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o length_n of_o the_o sword_n be_v not_o in_o every_o part_n thereof_o equal_a or_o of_o like_a force_n it_o stand_v with_o reason_n beside_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o cause_n that_o i_o find_v out_o also_o the_o property_n and_o name_n of_o each_o part_n to_o the_o end_n every_o man_n may_v understand_v which_o be_v the_o part_n of_o the_o length_n wherewith_o he_o ought_v to_o strike_v and_o which_o the_o part_n wherewith_o he_o must_v defend_v i_o have_v say_v elsewhere_o that_o the_o sword_n in_o strike_v frame_v either_o a_o circle_n either_o a_o part_n of_o a_o circle_n of_o which_o the_o hand_n be_v the_o centre_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o a_o wheel_n which_o move_v circuler_o be_v more_o forcible_a and_o swift_a in_o the_o circumference_n then_o towards_o the_o centre_n the_o which_o wheel_n each_o sword_n resemble_v in_o strike_v whereupon_o it_o seem_v convenient_a that_o i_o divide_v the_o sword_n into_o sour_a equal_a part_n of_o the_o which_o that_o which_o be_v most_o near_o the_o hand_n as_o most_o nigh_o to_o the_o cause_n i_o will_v call_v the_o first_o part_n the_o next_o i_o will_v term_v the_o second_o than_o the_o three_o and_o so_o the_o four_o which_o fowerth_o part_n contain_v the_o point_n of_o the_o sword_n of_o which_o four_o part_n the_o three_o and_o fowerth_o be_v to_o be_v use_v to_o strike_v withal_o for_o see_v they_o be_v near_o to_o the_o circumference_n they_o be_v most_o swift_a and_o the_o fowerth_o part_n i_o mean_v not_o the_o tip_n of_o the_o point_n but_o four_o finger_n more_o within_o it_o be_v the_o swift_a and_o strong_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o circum_fw-la ference_n which_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v most_o swift_a it_o have_v also_o four_o finger_n of_o counterpeize_v thereby_o make_v the_o motion_n more_o forcible_a the_o other_o two_o part_n to_o wit_n the_o first_o and_o second_o be_v to_o be_v use_v to_o ward_v withal_o because_o in_o strike_v they_o draw_v little_a compass_n and_o therefore_o carry_v with_o they_o but_o small_a force_n and_o for_o that_o their_o place_n be_v near_o the_o hand_n they_o be_v for_o this_o cause_n strong_a to_o resist_v any_o violence_n the_o arm_n likewise_o be_v not_o in_o every_o part_n of_o equal_a force_n and_o swiftness_n but_o differ_v in_o every_o bow_n thereof_o that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o the_o wrist_n in_o the_o elbow_n and_o in_o the_o shoulder_n for_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o wrist_n as_o they_o be_v
more_o swift_a so_o they_o be_v less_o strong_a and_o the_o other_o two_o as_o they_o be_v more_o strong_a so_o they_o be_v more_o slow_a because_o they_o perform_v a_o great_a compass_n therefore_o by_o my_o counsel_n he_o that_o will_v deliver_v a_o edgeblow_n shall_v fetch_v no_o compass_n with_o his_o shoulder_n because_o while_o he_o bear_v his_o sword_n far_o off_o he_o give_v time_n to_o the_o wary_a enemy_n to_o enter_v first_o but_o he_o shall_v only_o use_v the_o compass_n of_o the_o elbow_n and_o the_o wrist_n which_o as_o they_o be_v most_o swift_a so_o be_v they_o strong_a enough_o if_o they_o be_v orderly_o handle_v that_o every_o blow_n of_o the_o point_n of_o the_o sword_n strike_v circuler_o and_o how_o he_o that_o strike_v with_o the_o point_n strike_v straight_o have_v before_o say_v and_o lay_v down_o for_o one_o of_o the_o principel_v of_o this_o art_n that_o the_o strait_a line_n be_v the_o short_a of_o all_o other_o which_o be_v most_o true_a it_o seem_v needful_a that_o i_o make_v demonstration_n thereof_o and_o further_o have_v suggest_v for_o a_o troth_n that_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o point_n be_v the_o straight_o strike_v this_o not_o be_v simple_o true_a i_o think_v it_o expendient_a before_o i_o wade_v any_o further_a to_o show_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o blow_n of_o the_o point_n be_v strike_v circuler_o and_o how_o straight_o and_o this_o i_o will_v strain_v myself_o to_o perform_v as_o plain_o and_o as_o brief_o as_o possible_o i_o may_v neither_o will_v i_o stretch_v so_o far_o as_o to_o reason_n of_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o edge_n or_o how_o all_o blow_n be_v strike_v circuler_o because_o it_o be_v sufficient_o and_o clere_o handle_v in_o the_o division_n of_o the_o arm_n and_o sword_n come_v then_o to_o that_o which_o be_v my_o principal_a intent_n to_o handle_v in_o this_o place_n i_o will_v show_v first_o how_o the_o arm_n when_o it_o strike_v with_o the_o point_n strike_v circulerlie_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o all_o body_n of_o straight_a or_o long_o shape_n i_o mean_v when_o they_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o immovable_a head_n or_o begin_v and_o that_o they_o move_v with_o a_o other_o like_o head_n always_o of_o necessity_n in_o their_o motion_n frame_v either_o a_o wheel_n or_o part_n of_o a_o circular_a figure_n see_v then_o the_o arm_n be_v of_o like_a figure_n and_o shape_n and_o be_v immoveable_o fix_v in_o the_o shoulder_n and_o further_o move_v only_o in_o that_o part_n which_o be_v beneath_o it_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o in_o his_o motion_n it_o figure_v also_o a_o circle_n or_o some_o part_n thereof_o and_o this_o every_o man_n may_v perceive_v if_o in_o move_v his_o arm_n he_o make_v trial_n in_o himself_o find_v this_o true_a as_o without_o controversy_n it_o be_v it_o shall_v also_o be_v as_o true_a that_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v fasten_v in_o the_o arm_n and_o do_v move_v as_o the_o arm_n do_v must_v needs_o move_v circulerlie_o thus_o much_o concern_v my_o first_o purpose_n in_o this_o treatise_n now_o i_o will_v come_v to_o my_o second_o and_o will_v declare_v the_o reason_n and_o way_n by_o which_o a_o man_n strike_v with_o the_o point_n strike_v straight_o and_o i_o say_v that_o when_o soever_o the_o sword_n be_v move_v by_o the_o only_a motion_n of_o the_o arm_n it_o must_v always_o of_o necesitie_n frame_v a_o circle_n by_o the_o reason_n before_o allege_v but_o if_o it_o happen_v as_o in_o a_o manner_n it_o do_v always_o that_o the_o arm_n in_o his_o motion_n make_v a_o circle_n upwardes_o and_o the_o hand_n move_v in_o the_o wrist_n frame_v a_o part_n of_o a_o circle_n downward_o then_o it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o sword_n be_v move_v by_o two_o contrary_a motion_n in_o go_v forward_o strike_v straight_o but_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o this_o may_v be_v more_o plain_o perceive_v i_o have_v frame_v this_o present_a figure_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n wherofit_n be_v to_o be_v know_v that_o as_o the_o arm_n in_o his_o motion_n carry_v the_o sword_n with_o it_o and_o be_v the_o occasion_n that_o be_v force_v by_o the_o say_a motion_n the_o sword_n frame_v a_o circle_n upward_o so_o the_o hand_n move_v itself_o in_o the_o wrist_n may_v either_o lift_v up_o the_o point_n of_o the_o sword_n upward_o or_o abase_v it_o downward_o so_o that_o if_o the_o hand_n do_v so_o much_o let_v fall_v the_o point_n as_o the_o arm_n dothlift_v up_o the_o handle_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o sword_n point_n thrust_v direct_o at_o a_o other_o prick_n or_o point_n then_o that_o it_o respect_v wherefore_o let_v a._n b._n be_v the_o circle_n which_o be_v frame_v by_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o arm_n which_o arm_n if_o as_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o sword_n in_o his_o motion_n it_o will_v strike_v at_o the_o point_n d._n it_o shall_v be_v constrain_v through_o his_o motion_n to_o strike_v at_o the_o point_n b._n and_o from_o hence_o procee_v the_o difficulty_n of_o thrustinge_v or_o strike_v with_o the_o point_n if_o therefore_o the_o arm_n will_v strike_v direct_o at_o the_o point_n d._n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o as_o much_o as_o it_o lift_v the_o handle_n upward_o the_o handwrist_n do_v move_v itself_o circulerlie_o downward_o make_v this_o circle_n ac_fw-la &_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o point_n of_o the_o sword_n downwards_o of_o force_n it_o strike_v at_o the_o point_n d._n and_o this_o will_v not_o so_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o with_o the_o only_a motion_n of_o tharme_n a_o man_n shall_v thrust_v forth_o thesword_n consider_v the_o arm_n move_v only_o above_o the_o centre_n e._n therefore_o see_v by_o this_o discourse_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o point_n or_o a_o thrust_n can_v not_o be_v deliver_v by_o one_o simple_a motion_n direct_o make_v but_o by_o two_o circular_a motion_n the_o one_o of_o the_o arm_n the_o other_o of_o the_o hand_n i_o will_v hence_o forward_o in_o all_o this_o work_n term_v this_o blow_n the_o blow_n of_o the_o strait_a line_n which_o consider_v the_o reason_n before_o allege_v shall_v breed_v no_o inconvenience_n at_o all_o most_o great_a be_v the_o care_n and_o consideration_n which_o the_o pace_n or_o footstep_n require_v in_o this_o exercise_n because_o from_o they_o in_o a_o manner_n more_fw-mi they_o from_o any_o other_o thing_n spring_v all_o offence_n and_o defence_n and_o the_o body_n likewise_o ought_v with_o all_o diligence_n to_o be_v keep_v firm_a and_o stable_a turn_v towards_o the_o enemy_n rather_o with_o the_o right_a shoulder_n then_o with_o the_o breast_n and_o that_o because_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o make_v himself_o as_o small_a a_o mark_n to_o thenemie_n as_o be_v possible_a and_o if_o he_o be_v occasion_v to_o bend_v his_o body_n any_o way_n he_o must_v bend_v it_o rather_o backward_o then_o forward_o to_o the_o end_n that_o it_o be_v far_o of_o from_o danger_n consider_v the_o body_n can_v never_o great_o move_v itself_o anie_z other_o way_n more_o than_o that_o and_o that_o same_o way_n the_o head_n may_v not_o move_v be_v a_o member_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n therefore_o when_o a_o man_n strike_v either_o his_o foot_n or_o his_o arm_n be_v thrust_v forward_o as_o at_o that_o instant_n it_o shall_v make_v best_a for_o his_o advantage_n for_o when_o it_o happen_v that_o he_o may_v strong_o offend_v his_o enemy_n without_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n he_o must_v use_v his_o arm_n only_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o bear_v his_o body_n always_o as_o much_o as_o he_o may_v and_o be_v require_v firm_a and_o immovable_a for_o this_o reason_n i_o commend_v not_o their_o manner_n of_o fight_n who_o continual_o as_o they_o fight_v make_v themselves_o to_o show_v sometime_o little_a sometime_o great_a sometime_o wrest_v themselves_o on_o this_o side_n sometime_o on_o that_o side_n much_o like_o the_o move_n of_o snail_n for_o as_o all_o these_o be_v motion_n so_o can_v they_o not_o be_v accomplish_v in_o one_o time_n for_o if_o when_o they_o bear_v their_o body_n low_a they_o will_v strike_v aloft_o of_o force_n they_o must_v first_o raise_v themselves_o and_o in_o that_o time_n they_o may_v be_v strike_v so_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o their_o body_n be_v writhe_v this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n therefore_o let_v every_o man_n stand_v in_o that_o order_n which_o i_o have_v first_o declare_v strain_v himself_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o his_o power_n when_o he_o will_v either_o strike_v or_o defend_v to_o perform_v the_o same_o not_o in_o two_o time_n or_o in_o two_o motion_n but_o rather_o in_o half_a a_o time_n or_o motion_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o concern_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o foot_n from_o which_o grow_v great_a occasion_n aswell_o of_o
be_v possible_a from_o the_o right_a side_n bear_v the_o sword_n so_o far_o off_o from_o the_o body_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o give_v great_a scope_n to_o the_o enemy_n to_o enter_v albeit_o it_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v nothing_o so_o for_o although_o the_o hand_n &_o the_o handle_n of_o the_o sword_n be_v both_o far_o from_o the_o body_n and_o quite_o out_o of_o the_o straight_a line_n yet_o the_o point_n of_o the_o sword_n from_o which_o principal_o procee_v the_o offence_n be_v not_o without_o the_o say_a line_n for_o it_o be_v bear_v so_o bend_v toward_o the_o left_a side_n that_o it_o respect_v direct_o to_o strike_v the_o enemy_n and_o be_v bear_v in_o that_o sort_n it_o may_v very_o well_o both_o strike_v and_o defend_v and_o when_o the_o point_n of_o the_o sword_n be_v bear_v out_o of_o the_o straight_a line_n as_o the_o hand_n and_o handle_n be_v than_o a_o man_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v hurt_v caselie_o by_o the_o enemy_n the_o which_o happen_v not_o when_o the_o point_n be_v bend_v for_o in_o such_o order_n it_o be_v as_o a_o bar_n and_o defence_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n the_o low_a ward_n this_o also_o from_o the_o effect_n be_v call_v the_o base_a ward_n or_o lock_v neither_o be_v this_o name_n improper_o give_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o art_n for_o that_o it_o be_v more_o strong_a sure_a and_o commo_fw-la dious_fw-la than_o any_o other_o ward_n and_o in_o the_o which_o a_o man_n may_v more_o easy_o strike_v ward_n &_o stand_v therein_o with_o less_o pain_n this_o ward_n be_v frame_v in_o the_o school_n after_o divers_a fashion_n either_o bear_v the_o hand_n low_a before_o the_o knee_n either_o very_a much_o stretch_v forwards_o either_o between_o both_o the_o knee_n all_o which_o fashion_n if_o we_o regard_v natural_a reason_n and_o the_o motion_n use_v therein_o be_v to_o small_a purpose_n for_o beside_o that_o they_o be_v all_o violent_a and_o for_o a_o small_a time_n to_o be_v endure_v they_o be_v also_o such_o in_o the_o which_o a_o man_n may_v not_o strike_v but_o in_o two_o time_n or_o at_o the_o least_o in_o one_o and_o then_o very_o weak_o wherefore_o cast_v all_o these_o aside_o i_o will_v frame_v such_o a_o ward_n as_o shall_v be_v apply_v to_o time_n to_o nature_n and_o to_o safety_n and_o it_o be_v when_o one_o bear_v his_o arm_n direct_o downwards_o near_o his_o knee_n but_o yet_o without_o it_o and_o his_o sword_n with_o the_o point_n somewhat_o raise_v and_o bear_v towards_o the_o left_a side_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v arm_v and_o defend_v that_o part_n also_o in_o such_o sort_n that_o be_v bear_v without_o violence_n he_o may_v continue_v long_o and_o if_o he_o will_v strike_v he_o may_v in_o one_o time_n forcible_o deliver_v a_o great_a thrust_n but_o this_o he_o can_v do_v if_o he_o bear_v his_o sword_n direct_o before_o he_o for_o than_o he_o must_v either_o draw_v back_o his_o arm_n when_o he_o will_v strike_v or_o else_o strike_v in_o one_o time_n but_o very_o weak_o this_o ward_n therefore_o must_v be_v frame_v with_o the_o arm_n stretch_v downward_o near_o the_o knee_n but_o yet_o on_o the_o outside_n thereof_o because_o after_o this_o manner_n a_o man_n stand_v safe_o commodious_o and_o more_o ready_a both_o to_o strike_v and_o defend_v the_o manner_n how_o to_o strike_v without_o all_o doubt_n the_o thrust_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o edgeblowe_v aswell_o because_o it_o strike_v in_o less_o time_n as_o also_o for_o that_o in_o the_o say_a time_n it_o do_v more_o hurt_n for_o which_o consideration_n the_o roman_n who_o be_v victorious_a in_o all_o enterprise_n do_v accustom_v their_o soldier_n of_o the_o legion_n to_o thrust_v only_o allege_v for_o their_o reason_n that_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o edge_n though_o they_o be_v great_a yet_o they_o be_v very_o few_o that_o be_v deadly_a and_o that_o thrust_n though_o little_a &_o weak_a when_o they_o enter_v but_o iij._o finger_n in_o to_o the_o body_n be_v wont_a to_o kill_v therefore_o i_o lie_v down_o this_o for_o a_o firm_a and_o certain_a rule_n that_o the_o thrust_n do_v many_o time_n more_o ready_o strike_v and_o give_v the_o great_a blow_n against_o the_o enemy_n and_o to_o the_o end_n a_o man_n may_v thrust_v it_o out_o with_o the_o great_a force_n at_o the_o most_o advantage_n and_o uttermost_a length_n that_o may_v be_v he_o must_v always_o remember_v to_o carry_v his_o left_a foot_n compass_v behind_o he_o in_o such_o sort_n that_o the_o hinderfoot_o so_o compass_v may_v always_o be_v in_o the_o straight_a line_n of_o the_o hand_n and_o sword_n as_o a_o diameter_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o circle_n and_o in_o finish_v of_o the_o blow_n to_o draw_v his_o hinderfoote_n a_o half_a pace_n forwards_o and_o so_o by_o that_o mean_v the_o blow_n be_v long_o &_o strong_a and_o the_o shoulder_n and_o side_n be_v only_o opposite_a to_o the_o enemy_n and_o so_o far_o off_o from_o he_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v strike_v and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o frame_v a_o long_a blow_n than_o this_o when_o it_o be_v better_a to_o strike_v with_o the_o edge_n for_o no_o other_o cause_n the_o edge_n be_v prefer_v before_o the_o point_n then_o for_o the_o time_n the_o shortness_n whereof_o be_v so_o to_o be_v esteem_v above_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o this_o art_n that_o omit_v the_o point_n and_o edge_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o best_a and_o chief_a counsel_n that_o same_o to_o be_v the_o better_a blow_n in_o which_o a_o man_n spend_v least_o time_n and_o therefore_o when_o this_o happen_v and_o may_v be_v do_v with_o the_o edge_n than_o the_o edge_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o point_n the_o which_o as_o occasion_n serve_v shall_v be_v further_o declare_v when_o i_o reason_v of_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o point_n or_o thirst_n i_o say_v that_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o thrust_v when_o the_o point_n be_v in_o the_o straight_a line_n because_o the_o blow_n be_v then_o perform_v in_o one_o time_n but_o the_o edge_n differ_v from_o the_o point_n in_o that_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o strait_a line_n it_o indevore_v to_o come_v in_o to_o the_o same_o again_o therefore_o when_o it_o happen_v the_o point_n to_o be_v bear_v either_o on_o the_o right_n either_o on_o the_o left_a side_n either_o aloft_o out_o of_o the_o strait_a line_n if_o then_o on_o will_v thrust_v in_o the_o right_a line_n he_o can_v not_o perform_v it_o but_o in_o two_o time_n whereas_o if_o he_o will_v strike_v with_o thedg_n be_v it_o right_n or_o reverse_a or_o downward_o he_o may_v do_v it_o in_o one_o time_n it_o shall_v be_v also_o very_o commodious_a rather_o to_o strike_v with_o the_o edge_n when_o as_o sometime_o a_o man_n bear_v his_o sword_n in_o the_o strait_a line_n and_o the_o enemy_n there_o find_v it_o do_v with_o his_o hand_n beat_v it_o on_o this_o side_n or_o that_o side_n in_o which_o case_n if_o he_o will_v return_v it_o again_o into_o the_o say_a line_n of_o purpose_n to_o strike_v he_o shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o do_v it_o which_o great_a violence_n and_o much_o time_n for_o these_o reason_n i_o hold_v it_o better_a to_o let_v the_o sword_n sway_n to_o that_o side_n whereto_o the_o enemy_n beat_v it_o and_o to_o join_v unto_o it_o such_o force_n as_o he_o may_v to_o help_v the_o motion_n and_o fetch_v withal_o a_o compass_n to_o strike_v with_o the_o edge_n the_o which_o blow_n be_v so_o ready_a &_o strong_a that_o thenimie_n can_v hardly_o have_v time_n to_o withstand_v it_o be_v already_o occupy_v in_o beat_v aside_o the_o sword_n &_o pretend_v to_o strike_v nothing_o at_o all_o expect_v that_o thaduersaries_n sword_n will_v strike_v again_o either_o so_o quick_o or_o with_o the_o edge_n on_o that_o side_n from_o which_o it_o be_v beat_v the_o line_n of_o the_o edge_n be_v from_o a_o to_o b_o the_o line_n of_o the_o point_n from_o c._n to_o d._n and_o from_o d._n to_o e._n the_o mean_n to_o defend_v the_o mean_n of_o defend_v a_o blow_n give_v either_o with_o the_o edge_n or_o point_n of_o the_o sword_n be_v three_o one_o be_v when_o the_o weapon_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o blow_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o the_o weapon_n which_o come_v strike_v either_o at_o the_o head_n or_o at_o the_o body_n can_v hit_v home_o to_o the_o place_n whereunto_o it_o be_v direct_v but_o hinder_v by_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o then_o set_v against_o it_o be_v it_o sword_n dagger_z target_n bill_n javelin_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o at_o that_o instant_n a_o man_n have_v in_o his_o hand_n for_o it_o chance_v not_o always_o to_o wear_v or_o carry_v weapon_n of_o purpose_n or_o ordain_v to_o that_o intent_n
that_o to_o the_o dagger_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o shortness_n be_v assign_v the_o left_a side_n to_o defend_v down_o to_o the_o knee_n and_o to_o the_o sword_n all_o the_o right_a side_n &_o the_o right_a and_o left_a side_n joint_o downwards_o from_o the_o knee_n neither_o may_v it_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o only_a dagger_n ought_v to_o defend_v all_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o left_a side_n for_o it_o do_v most_o easy_o sustain_v every_o edgeblowe_v when_o it_o encounter_v the_o sword_n in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o part_n thereof_o but_o yet_o let_v no_o man_n assure_v himself_o to_o bear_v any_o blow_n with_o his_o only_a dagger_n when_o he_o meet_v with_o the_o sword_n on_o the_o third_o and_o four_o part_n thereof_o because_o that_o part_n carry_v more_o force_n with_o it_o then_o may_v be_v sustain_v with_o the_o only_a dagger_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o accustom_v himself_o to_o defend_v blow_n with_o the_o rapier_n and_o dagger_n both_o together_o which_o manner_n of_o defend_v be_v now_o common_o use_v because_o man_n believe_v that_o they_o stand_v more_o assure_o by_o that_o mean_n although_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o so_o for_o the_o rapier_n and_o dagger_n be_v so_o bind_v thereby_o that_o they_o may_v not_o strike_v before_o they_o be_v recover_v and_o therein_o be_v spend_v two_o time_n under_o the_o which_o a_o man_n may_v be_v strike_v when_o he_o that_o strike_v continue_v by_o the_o straight_a line_n increase_v forward_o perceive_v his_o enemy_n to_o be_v occupy_v and_o trouble_v in_o defend_v of_o himself_o and_o albeit_o this_o be_v not_o see_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v many_o time_n yet_o that_o be_v because_o the_o advantage_n be_v notknowen_a or_o be_v know_v man_n either_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o execute_v it_o either_o stand_v great_o in_o fear_n to_o do_v it_o therefore_o leave_v aside_o this_o manner_n of_o defence_n let_v each_o man_n use_n to_o oppose_v one_o only_a weapon_n against_o the_o enemy_n sword_n keep_v the_o other_o free_a that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o strike_v at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o it_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v note_v that_o not_o only_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o sword_n but_o also_o of_o any_o other_o weapon_n be_v it_o never_o so_o great_a may_v with_o the_o only_a dagger_n be_v sustain_v and_o defend_v when_o a_o man_n do_v bold_o encounter_v it_o towards_o the_o hand_n it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v know_v that_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o two_o weapon_n one_o may_v with_o less_o danger_n give_v a_o blow_n with_o the_o edge_n then_o at_o the_o single_a rapier_n for_o albeit_o the_o point_n of_o the_o rapier_n be_v move_v out_o of_o the_o straight_a line_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o there_o be_v not_o free_a power_n give_v to_o the_o enemy_n to_o strike_v consider_v there_o be_v a_o other_o weapon_n contrariwise_o prepare_v to_o defend_v but_o this_o do_v not_o so_o fall_v out_o at_o the_o single_a rapier_n which_o bear_v itself_o far_a off_o when_o it_o strike_v with_o the_o edge_n do_v present_a &_o give_v the_o mean_n to_o the_o enemy_n to_o hit_v home_o first_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o i_o will_v counsel_v no_o man_n either_o in_o this_o or_o in_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o weapon_n to_o accustom_v himself_o to_o give_v blow_n with_o the_o edge_n for_o that_o he_o may_v under_o they_o be_v most_o easy_o strike_v by_o a_o thrust_n of_o the_o ward_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o weapon_n man_n use_v to_o frame_v many_o ward_n all_o which_o because_o many_o of_o they_o carry_v no_o reason_n for_o that_o they_o be_v either_o out_o of_o the_o straight_a line_n either_o under_o they_o a_o man_n may_v easy_o be_v strike_v i_o will_v cast_v aside_o as_o impertinent_a to_o my_o purpose_n &_o restrain_v myself_o unto_o those_o three_o with_o the_o which_o a_o man_n may_v safe_o strike_v &_o defend_v whereunto_o all_o the_o rest_n may_v be_v reduce_v how_o to_o defend_v with_o the_o dagger_n i_o have_v say_v elsewhere_o that_o the_o left_a side_n of_o the_o person_n be_v that_o part_n which_o the_o dagger_n ought_v to_o defend_v that_o be_v to_o say_v from_o the_o knee_n upward_o the_o low_a part_n together_o with_o the_o right_a side_n ought_v whole_o to_o be_v ward_v with_o the_o sword_n concern_v the_o dagger_n that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v therewith_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o for_o great_a advantage_n it_o will_v be_v hold_v before_o with_o the_o arm_n streched_a forth_o &_o the_o point_n respect_v the_o evemie_n which_o although_o it_o be_v far_o from_o he_o yet_o in_o that_o it_o have_v a_o point_n it_o give_v he_o occasion_n to_o bethink_v himself_o now_o whether_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o hold_v his_o dagger_n with_o the_o edge_n or_o flat_a towards_o the_o enemy_n it_o may_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o he_o that_o handle_v it_o so_o to_o use_v it_o as_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o his_o advantage_n i_o have_v see_v some_o who_o bear_v it_o with_o the_o elge_fw-mi towards_o the_o enemy_n allege_v this_o to_o be_v their_o advantage_n that_o as_o they_o encounter_v the_o enemy_n sword_n which_o come_v with_o the_o edge_n or_o point_n in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o part_n thereof_o &_o therewithal_o do_v increase_v a_o pace_n forward_o of_o force_n the_o hand_n turn_v and_o place_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o dagger_n there_o where_o the_o flat_a be_v first_o so_o that_o they_o be_v to_o drive_v the_o enemy_n sword_n far_o from_o they_o without_o any_o great_a trouble_n because_o each_o little_a motion_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o sword_n cause_v very_o great_a variety_n in_o the_o point_n from_o whence_o principal_o proceed_v the_o hurt_n in_o which_o case_n it_o shall_v be_v very_o profitable_a to_o have_v a_o good_a large_a dagger_n there_o be_v other_o some_o who_o it_o please_v to_o carry_v their_o dagger_n with_o the_o flat_a towards_o the_o enemy_n use_v for_o their_o defence_n not_o only_o the_o dagger_n but_o also_o the_o guard_n thereof_o with_o the_o which_o they_o say_v they_o take_v holdfast_n of_o the_o enemy_n sword_n and_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v do_v it_o the_o more_o easy_o they_o have_v dagger_n of_o purpose_n which_o beside_o their_o ordinary_a hilt_n have_v also_o two_o long_a stert_n of_o iron_n four_o finger_n length_n and_o be_v distant_a from_o the_o dagger_n the_o thickness_n of_o a_o bowstring_n into_o which_o distance_n when_o it_o chance_v the_o enemy_n sword_n to_o be_v drive_v they_o sudden_o strain_v and_o hold_v fast_o the_o sword_n the_o which_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o i_o hold_v it_o for_o a_o thing_n rather_o to_o be_v imagine_v then_o practise_v the_o case_n so_o stand_v that_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o fight_n where_o disdain_n bicker_v with_o fear_n little_a do_v a_o man_n discern_v whether_o the_o sword_n be_v in_o that_o straight_a or_o no._n and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o premeditate_a and_o mark_v endeavour_v and_o strive_v in_o his_o lively_a judgement_n he_o must_v advise_v himself_o to_o perform_v it_o with_o the_o exquisite_a knowledge_n and_o perfect_a discern_v of_o the_o enemy_n motion_n his_o nearness_n and_o farrensse_n and_o to_o resolve_v himself_o to_o strike_v by_o the_o short_a way_n that_o may_v be_v for_o therehence_a spring_v the_o victory_n let_v every_o man_n therefore_o hold_v his_o dagger_n with_o the_o edge_n or_o flat_a towards_o the_o enemy_n as_o it_o shall_v most_o advantage_n he_o or_o as_o he_o have_v be_v most_o accustom_v true_a it_o be_v that_o by_o hold_v the_o edge_n towards_o the_o enemy_n there_o be_v this_o advantage_n get_v that_o with_o the_o dagger_n he_o may_v strike_v with_o the_o edge_n which_o he_o may_v not_o do_v the_o other_o way_n but_o let_v every_o man_n hold_v it_o as_o he_o will_v yet_o he_o ought_v to_o carry_v his_o arm_n stretch_v out_o before_o he_o with_o the_o point_n in_o manner_n aforesaid_a to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o find_v the_o enemy_n sword_n a_o great_a deal_n before_o it_o hit_v his_o person_n beside_o this_o he_o ought_v to_o observe_v for_o a_o infallible_a rule_n that_o when_o the_o point_n or_o edge_n come_v on_o the_o left_a side_n he_o must_v beat_v it_o from_o that_o side_n with_o the_o dagger_n and_o in_o like_a sort_n defend_v himself_o with_o the_o sword_n to_o drive_v it_o from_o the_o right_a side_n for_o do_v otherwise_o that_o be_v if_o he_o force_v the_o blow_v give_v on_o the_o left-side_n outwards_o on_o the_o right_a side_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o enemy_n sword_n have_v by_o that_o mean_n two_o motion_n the_o one_o cross_v which_o be_v already_o give_v the_o other_o straight_o which_o the_o enemy_n give_v it_o continue_v the_o one_o with_o
strike_v in_o like_a case_n when_o the_o enemy_n only_o to_o try_v and_o provoke_v do_v deliver_v a_o edgeblowe_v from_o the_o wrist_n of_o the_o hand_n let_v every_o man_n be_v advise_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o blow_n be_v deliver_v to_o increase_v a_o slope_n pace_n and_o deliver_v a_o thrust_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o straight_a pace_n before_o the_o enemy_n after_o his_o blow_n give_v do_v determine_v to_o discharge_v any_o more_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o handle_n of_o the_o rapier_n and_o dagger_n true_o with_o advantage_n the_o rapier_n and_o cloak_n that_o i_o may_v continue_v in_o the_o weapon_n which_o be_v most_o usual_a and_o most_o common_o wear_v after_o the_o dagger_n i_o come_v to_o the_o cloak_n the_o use_n whereof_o be_v first_o find_v out_o by_o chance_n and_o after_o reduce_v into_o arte._n neither_o be_v this_o for_o any_o other_o cause_n then_o for_o that_o nature_n do_v not_o only_a delight_n to_o invent_v thing_n but_o also_o to_o preserve_v they_o be_v invent_v and_o that_o she_o may_v the_o better_a do_v it_o she_o take_v for_o she_o help_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v commodious_a for_o she_o wherefore_o as_o man_n in_o diverse_a accident_n have_v casual_o prove_v that_o the_o cloak_n help_v great_o for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v to_o wear_v it_o daily_o they_o have_v devise_v how_o they_o may_v behave_v themselves_o in_o all_o that_o in_o which_o the_o cloak_n may_v serve_v their_o turn_n which_o accident_n because_o they_o be_v infinite_a &_o do_v not_o general_o serve_v for_o our_o purpose_n i_o will_v restrain_v myself_o and_o speak_v of_o those_o only_o which_o appertain_v to_o this_o art_n the_o which_o be_v such_o and_o so_o effectual_a that_o they_o may_v great_o help_v to_o the_o obtain_n of_o safe_a victory_n if_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v place_v in_o such_o a_o man_n as_o know_v how_o to_o use_v and_o handle_v they_o and_o for_o that_o in_o true_a art_n it_o do_v little_o prevail_v the_o use_n thereof_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n altogether_o deceitful_a i_o be_v resolve_v to_o put_v over_o all_o this_o to_o the_o treatise_n of_o deceit_n as_o unto_o his_o proper_a place_n notwithstanding_o to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v not_o seem_v strange_a to_o any_o man_n to_o read_v nothing_o of_o the_o cloak_n in_o all_o the_o handle_n of_o true_a art_n i_o be_o mind_v to_o lay_v down_o a_o certain_a few_o blow_n in_o the_o accustom_a ward_n refer_v the_o more_o abundant_a handle_n thereof_o unto_o the_o treatise_n of_o deceit_n the_o manner_n how_o to_o handle_v the_o cloak_n as_o the_o cloak_n in_o this_o art_n have_v in_o it_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v to_o wit_n length_n largeness_n and_o flexibility_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v weigh_v how_o far_o each_o of_o these_o will_v stretch_v to_o serve_v the_o turn_n of_o which_o three_o one_o do_v proper_o belong_v unto_o it_o and_o that_o be_v flexibility_n which_o may_v neither_o be_v increase_v nor_o diminish_v the_o other_o two_o may_v receive_v alteration_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v at_o any_o hand_n to_o be_v provide_v that_o these_o two_o also_o be_v not_o diminish_v for_o the_o cloak_n be_v no_o strong_a thing_n which_o of_o itself_o may_v withstand_v the_o blow_n of_o the_o weapon_n be_v direct_o oppose_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o shall_v prove_v himself_o but_o a_o fool_n who_o trust_v to_o the_o cloth_n wrap_v about_o his_o arm_n do_v encounter_v any_o right_n edgeblowe_v therewith_o for_o see_v the_o cloak_n be_v not_o flexible_a in_o that_o part_n which_o flexibility_n be_v his_o only_a strength_n little_a prevail_v either_o length_n or_o largeness_n wrap_v about_o a_o solid_a substance_n but_o be_v opposite_a in_o that_o part_n thereof_o where_o it_o have_v length_n largeness_n and_o flexibility_n which_o be_v from_o the_o arm_n downwards_o it_o be_v available_a for_o all_o three_o be_v join_v together_o will_v ward_v any_o edgeblow_n which_o manner_n of_o ward_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o sure_a if_o the_o cloak_n have_v only_a length_n and_o flexibility_n for_o have_v behind_o it_o little_a air_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o do_v strengthen_v it_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v beat_v too_o and_o cut_v by_o any_o great_a blow_n therefore_o if_o a_o man_n have_v so_o much_o leisure_n he_o ought_v to_o wrapp_v his_o cloak_n once_o or_o twice_o about_o his_o arm_n take_v it_o by_o the_o cape_n or_o collar_n and_o fold_v his_o arm_n therein_o up_o to_o the_o elbow_n and_o therewithal_o to_o ward_v all_o edgeblowe_n from_o the_o flank_n thereof_o downwards_o aswell_o on_o the_o right_a side_n as_o on_o the_o left_a side_n always_o remember_v to_o carry_v his_o foot_n differ_v from_o his_o arm_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o danger_n that_o may_v rise_v by_o bear_v his_o leg_n on_o the_o self_n same_o side_n near_o his_o cloak_n know_v the_o cloak_n ward_v not_o when_o there_o be_v any_o hard_a substance_n behind_o it_o thru_v also_o themselves_o may_v be_v give_v without_o if_o with_o the_o cloak_n or_o with_o the_o hand_n in_o the_o cloak_n the_o enemy_n sword_n be_v beat_v off_o one_o handful_n within_o the_o point_n thereof_o for_o the_o edge_n have_v but_o small_a power_n in_o that_o case_n be_v not_o able_a in_o so_o little_a time_n to_o cut_v the_o hand_n the_o blow_n also_o aswell_o of_o the_o point_n as_o of_o the_o edge_n from_o the_o slanke_a upwardes_o aught_o to_o be_v ward_v with_o the_o sword_n for_o to_o lift_v the_o arm_n so_o high_a be_v burden_v with_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o cloak_n which_o natural_o draw_v downward_o as_o it_o be_v a_o violent_a thing_n it_o be_v also_o perilous_a lest_o the_o arm_n be_v place_v in_o steed_n of_o the_o cloak_n and_o so_o rest_v wound_v or_o lest_o the_o arm_n or_o cloak_n be_v place_v before_o the_o eye_n which_o by_o that_o mean_n remain_v blind_v a_o advertisement_n concern_v the_o ward_n and_o wrap_v of_o the_o cloak_n there_o be_v two_o way_n in_o these_o day_n to_o wrap_v the_o cloak_n the_o one_o be_v when_o one_o have_v leisure_n take_v the_o cloak_n by_o the_o cape_n or_o collar_n and_o so_o fold_v it_o once_o or_o twice_o about_o his_o arm_n the_o other_o be_v as_o often_o time_n it_o fall_v out_o when_o let_v the_o cloak_n fall_v down_o from_o the_o shoulder_n it_o be_v happy_o take_v by_o one_o side_n &_o so_o be_v turn_v once_o or_o twice_o about_o the_o arm_n now_o as_o concern_v strike_v a_o man_n ought_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o weapon_n as_o he_o will_v strike_v first_o to_o increase_v and_o carry_v the_o one_o foot_n near_o to_o the_o other_o and_o then_o far_o to_o increase_v a_o half_a not_o a_o whole_a pace_n as_o in_o other_o weapon_n for_o at_o these_o weapon_n it_o be_v dangerous_a lest_o make_v a_o whole_a pace_n he_o entangle_v his_o foot_n or_o foot_n in_o the_o cloak_n and_o fall_v down_o therewith_o and_o this_o must_v be_v take_v heed_n of_o in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o fold_v but_o principal_o in_o the_o second_o because_o in_o it_o the_o cloak_n be_v long_o and_o therefore_o do_v more_o easy_o touch_v the_o earth_n &_o entangle_v his_o foot_n in_o the_o first_o fold_n although_o the_o cloak_n touch_v not_o the_o earth_n because_o the_o arm_n do_v orderly_o bear_v it_o yet_o by_o reason_n of_o werine_n the_o arm_n fall_v &_o cause_v the_o foresay_a effect_n the_o hurt_n of_o the_o high_a ward_n at_o rapier_n and_o cloak_n in_o these_o manner_n of_o weapon_n asin_n other_o i_o will_v frame_v three_o ward_n the_o first_o by_o the_o foresay_a reason_n shall_v be_v the_o high_a ward_n which_o in_o these_o kind_n of_o wepon_n more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o ward_n for_o the_o rapier_n something_o bend_n ward_v as_o far_o as_o the_o clok_n hand_n and_o the_o clok_n hand_n down_o to_o the_o middle_a leg_n so_o that_o in_o this_o ward_n a_o man_n be_v ward_v from_o the_o top_n of_o the_o head_n down_o to_o the_o foot_n therefore_o stand_v at_o this_o ward_n whether_o it_o be_v with_o the_o right_a foot_n before_o or_o behind_o he_o may_v deliver_v a_o thrust_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o half_a pace_n forward_o stay_v himself_o in_o the_o low_a ward_n the_o right_n edgeblowe_v aught_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o wrist_n without_o any_o motion_n of_o the_o foot_n rest_v in_o the_o low_a ward_n but_o in_o deliver_v of_o the_o reverse_a it_o be_v necessary_a to_o fetch_v a_o whole_a pace_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n straight_o if_o the_o enemy_n ward_v it_o with_o his_o sword_n than_o the_o encounter_n of_o the_o enemy_n sword_n must_v be_v stay_v sudden_o with_o the_o cloake-hand_n in_o the_o first_o part_n thereof_o and_o a_o thrust_v be_v deliver_v
square_a target_n in_o this_o ward_n likewise_o the_o enemy_n may_v be_v invest_v on_o the_o point_n of_o the_o sword_n by_o go_v forwards_o as_o straight_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o by_o strike_v quick_o before_o the_o enemy_n for_o the_o target_n who_o charge_n be_v only_o to_o defend_v be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o may_v easy_o ward_v all_o edgeblowe_n &_o those_o chief_o which_o come_v from_o the_o knee_n upwardes_o far_o when_o a_o blow_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v deliver_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o a_o thrust_n do_v enter_v by_o a_o more_o narrow_a straight_o than_o any_o edgeblowe_v do_v and_o therefore_o when_o one_o will_v strike_v the_o enemy_n stand_v at_o the_o lock_n or_o low_a ward_n he_o must_v remember_v that_o he_o approach_v as_o near_o he_o as_o he_o may_v possible_a and_o be_v so_o near_o that_o with_o his_o target_n put_v forth_o one_o handful_n more_o forward_o he_o may_v beat_v away_o the_o enemy_n sword_n then_o by_o so_o beat_v of_o it_o he_o shall_v increase_v a_o left_a pace_n and_o present_o after_o it_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n of_o the_o right_a foot_n deliver_v he_o a_o thrust_n if_o it_o so_o chance_n that_o at_o the_o first_o encounter_n he_o strike_v he_o not_o strong_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o broad_a ward_n at_o sword_n and_o square_a target_n stand_v at_o the_o low_a ward_n one_o may_v ward_v and_o defend_v the_o thrust_n of_o the_o broad_a ward_n diverse_a way_n among_o all_o which_o there_o be_v one_o way_n very_o easy_a and_o sure_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o this_o thrust_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o stand_v at_o the_o low_a ward_n his_o sword_n and_o arm_n be_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o that_o with_o his_o target_n something_o stretch_v out_o from_o his_o body_n he_o provoke_v the_o enemy_n who_o be_v determine_v in_o himself_o and_o come_v resolute_o to_o give_v a_o thrust_n he_o then_o ought_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n of_o the_o right_a foot_n to_o strike_v the_o enemy_n with_o a_o low_a thrust_n underneath_o both_o his_o own_o and_o his_o enemy_n target_n of_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o low_a ward_n at_o sword_n and_o square_a target_n there_o be_v many_o blow_n to_o be_v bestow_v stand_v at_o the_o low_a ward_n all_o which_o i_o esteem_v as_o vain_a &_o to_o no_o purpose_n consider_v the_o manifold_a and_o abundant_a defence_n of_o the_o target_n therefore_o i_o will_v restrain_v my_o self_n unto_o two_o only_a which_o be_v very_o strong_a and_o hardly_o to_o be_v ward_v and_o they_o be_v two_o thrust_n the_o one_o within_o the_o other_o without_o with_o the_o right_a foot_n both_o before_o and_o behind_o when_o one_o find_v himself_o within_o with_o his_o right_a foot_n before_o and_o so_o near_o his_o enemy_n that_o by_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o left_a pace_n he_o may_v with_o the_o right_a side_n of_o his_o target_n beat_v away_o the_o enemy_n sword_n in_o the_o middle_n thereof_o than_o he_o ought_v nimble_o to_o increase_v that_o left_a pace_n and_o close_v in_o the_o enemy_n sword_n between_o his_o target_n and_o his_o own_o sword_n to_o deliver_v a_o forcible_a thrust_n at_o the_o thigh_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n of_o the_o right_a foot_n he_o may_v also_o do_v the_o very_a selfsame_o when_o he_o find_v himself_o to_o stand_v with_o his_o right_a foot_n behind_o but_o then_o he_o must_v far_o increase_v a_o pace_n of_o the_o right_a foot_n first_o and_o then_o continue_v still_o force_v his_o sword_n and_o pace_n direct_o onward_o if_o he_o hit_v not_o the_o enemy_n as_o he_o will_v at_o the_o first_o but_o if_o it_o chance_v that_o he_o find_v himself_o without_o than_o he_o must_v have_v first_o find_v out_o fit_a opportunity_n to_o beat_v off_o the_o enemy_n sword_n with_o his_o target_n increase_v a_o left_a pace_n and_o place_v the_o high_a side_n of_o his_o target_n under_o the_o enemy_n sword_n and_o his_o own_o sword_n upon_o it_o close_v it_o in_o in_o the_o middle_n increase_v a_o pace_n of_o the_o right_a foot_n and_o discharge_v a_o forcible_a thrust_n at_o the_o breast_n or_o face_n and_o he_o may_v do_v the_o self_n same_o when_o he_o stand_v with_o the_o right_a foot_n behind_o of_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o high_a ward_n at_o sword_n and_o square_a target_n for_o the_o ward_n of_o those_o two_o thrust_n of_o the_o low_a ward_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o a_o man_n stand_v at_o the_o same_o ward_n and_o as_o the_o enemy_n come_v resolute_o determine_v to_o thrust_v within_o he_o must_v as_o soon_o or_o more_o ready_o than_o he_o increase_v a_o left_a pace_n and_o with_o the_o right_a side_n of_o his_o target_n close_o in_o the_o enemy_n sword_n between_o it_o and_o his_o own_o sword_n and_o then_o to_o enter_v perforce_o &_o thrust_v either_o between_o the_o two_o target_n or_o else_o under_o they_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n of_o the_o right_a foot_n but_o if_o the_o enemy_n come_v without_o he_o must_v increase_v the_o self_n same_o slope_n pace_n &_o with_o the_o right_a side_n of_o his_o target_n beat_v off_o the_o point_n of_o the_o enemy_n sword_n &_o then_o thrust_v either_o above_o either_o beneath_o as_o in_o that_o occasion_n it_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o his_o advantage_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o pace_n of_o the_o right_a foot_n and_o when_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o abundant_a defence_n of_o the_o target_n he_o may_v neither_o increase_v his_o pace_n nor_o deliver_v a_o thrust_n he_o must_v settle_v himself_o in_o the_o low_a ward_n with_o the_o right_a foot_n behind_o which_o ward_n i_o will_v large_o handle_v in_o the_o treatise_n of_o deceit_n or_o false_v be_v as_o it_o be_v his_o proper_a place_n here_o end_v the_o true_a handle_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o square_a target_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o round_a target_n the_o round_a target_n will_v require_v a_o long_a &_o a_o most_o exquisite_a consideration_n because_o it_o be_v of_o circular_a form_n most_o capable_a and_o most_o perfect_a of_o all_o other_o but_o for_o that_o my_o purpose_n in_o this_o my_o work_n be_v to_o write_v that_o only_o which_o i_o know_v do_v appertain_v to_o this_o art_n give_v leave_n to_o every_o man_n to_o busy_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o profession_n and_o leave_v a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o consideration_n to_o the_o mathematician_n &_o historiographer_n to_o reason_n of_o his_o diverse_a quality_n or_o passion_n either_o who_o be_v inventor_n thereof_o either_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o weapon_n of_o antiquity_n or_o of_o this_o our_o age_n and_o come_v to_o discourse_n of_o that_o wherein_o it_o profit_v in_o this_o our_o time_n be_v a_o weapon_n sogreat_o honour_v and_o esteem_v of_o prince_n lord_n &_o gentleman_n that_o beside_o those_n thereof_o in_o their_o affair_n as_o well_o by_o day_n as_o by_o night_n they_o also_o keep_v their_o house_n rich_o deck_v and_o beautify_v therewith_o and_o consider_v only_o that_o thing_n in_o the_o round_a target_n among_o all_o other_o weapon_n which_o may_v either_o profit_n or_o hurt_v in_o the_o handle_n thereof_o i_o say_v that_o the_o say_v round_a target_n have_v be_v diverse_o hold_v bear_v and_o use_v by_o diverse_a man_n in_o diverse_a age_n aswell_o as_o the_o other_o square_a target_n and_o other_o weapon_n of_o defence_n as_o well_o as_o of_o offence_n and_o there_o want_v not_o also_o man_n in_o our_o time_n who_o to_o the_o intent_n they_o be_v not_o weary_v bear_v it_o lean_v on_o their_o thigh_n as_o though_o that_o in_o this_o exercise_n in_o which_o only_a travail_n and_o pain_n be_v available_a a_o man_n shall_v only_o care_v for_o rest_n and_o quietness_n for_o by_o mean_n of_o these_o two_o strength_n and_o activity_n part_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o weapon_n both_o important_a and_o necessary_a be_v obtain_v and_o get_v other_o some_o hold_v their_o whole_a arm_n bow_v together_o have_v carry_v it_o altogether_o flat_a against_o their_o body_n not_o regard_v either_o to_o ward_v their_o belly_n or_o utterlie_o to_o lose_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o enemy_n but_o will_v at_o any_o hand_n stand_v as_o they_o think_v safe_a behind_o it_o as_o behind_o a_o wall_n not_o know_v what_o a_o matter_n of_o weight_n it_o be_v both_o to_o see_v the_o enemy_n and_o work_v other_o effect_n which_o by_o so_o hold_v it_o may_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v of_o the_o manner_n how_o to_o hold_v the_o round_a target_n if_o a_o man_n will_v so_o bear_v the_o round_a target_n that_o it_o may_v cover_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o yet_o nothing_o hinder_v he_o from_o see_v his_o enemy_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o bear_v it_o towards_o
right_a foot_n and_o far_o when_o the_o enemy_n shall_v perform_v that_o be_v first_o find_v the_o sword_n and_o beat_v it_o off_o see_v of_o necessity_n if_o he_o will_v enter_v and_o hit_v home_o his_o sword_n must_v pass_v by_o the_o circumference_n of_o the_o target_n near_o the_o hand_n then_o to_o withstand_v the_o entry_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o drive_v the_o enemy_n sword_n outward_o on_o the_o right_a side_n with_o his_o target_n and_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o say_a pace_n that_o he_o enter_v and_o strike_v he_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o low_a ward_n at_o sword_n &_o round_a target_n a_o man_n may_v strike_v in_o this_o ward_n the_o right_a foot_n be_v behind_o and_o before_o &_o in_o both_o way_n he_o may_v bear_v his_o sword_n either_o within_o or_o without_o if_o therefore_o he_o find_v himself_o to_o stand_v with_o the_o right_a foot_n behind_o and_o without_o he_o shall_v assay_v at_o any_o hand_n before_o he_o determine_v to_o strike_v to_o find_v the_o enemy_n sword_n with_o his_o own_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o find_v it_o shall_v clap_v to_o his_o target_n and_o strike_v perforce_o with_o a_o low_a thrust_n increase_a with_o the_o right_a foot_n but_o find_v himself_o to_o stand_v within_o no_o more_o with_o his_o sword_n than_o he_o do_v with_o his_o target_n he_o shall_v prove_v whether_o he_o can_v find_v the_o enemy_n sword_n and_o have_v find_v it_o shall_v strain_v it_o fast_o between_o his_o own_o sword_n and_o target_n &_o then_o shall_v deliver_v a_o thrust_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n of_o the_o right_a foot_n the_o which_o thrust_v of_o force_n speed_v this_o be_v perform_v he_o shall_v settle_v himself_o in_o this_o or_o in_o either_o of_o these_o way_n in_o the_o low_a ward_n with_o the_o right_a foot_n before_o and_o as_o he_o so_o stand_v in_o this_o ward_n he_o may_v after_o the_o same_o sort_n strike_v either_o within_o or_o without_o therefore_o find_v himself_o within_o he_o shall_v provide_v to_o meet_v with_o the_o enemy_n sword_n and_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o left_a pace_n shall_v clap_v to_o his_o target_n for_o the_o more_o safety_n and_o then_o drive_v on_o a_o forcible_a thrust_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n of_o the_o right_a foot_n and_o find_v himself_o to_o bear_v his_o sword_n within_o in_o the_o say_a ward_n and_o with_o his_o right_a foot_n behind_o he_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o find_v the_o enemy_n sword_n with_o the_o target_n and_o have_v find_v it_o shall_v close_v it_o in_o between_o his_o own_o sword_n and_o target_n &_o with_o theincrease_n of_o a_o left_a pace_n shall_v perforce_o hurt_v the_o enemy_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n of_o the_o right_a foot_n now_o all_o these_o thrust_n no_o doubt_n shall_v speed_v every_o time_n that_o the_o enemy_n either_o make_v no_o traverse_n motion_n with_o his_o body_n either_o as_o he_o strike_v come_v direct_o forward_o or_o else_o be_v fearful_a go_v direct_o backward_o for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o one_o man_n go_v so_o fast_o direct_o backward_o as_o a_o other_o may_v forwards_o it_o be_v therefore_o diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o ward_n never_o to_o determine_v to_o strike_v either_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o or_o of_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o weapon_n if_o with_o one_o of_o they_o he_o shall_v not_o first_o find_v the_o enemy_n sword_n the_o which_o redow_v to_o the_o great_a profit_n of_o every_o man_n but_o especial_o of_o those_o who_o have_v strong_a arm_n for_o that_o they_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o beat_v back_o the_o enemy_n weapon_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o low_a ward_n at_o sword_n and_o round_a target_n all_o the_o foresay_a thrust_n be_v ward_v by_o not_o suffer_v the_o sword_n to_o be_v find_v by_o the_o enemy_n with_o either_o of_o his_o weapon_n for_o the_o enemy_n not_o find_v it_o will_v not_o assure_v himself_o or_o presume_v to_o enter_v without_o first_o find_v of_o the_o sword_n may_v most_o easy_o be_v strike_v and_o not_o strike_v if_o a_o man_n increase_v a_o slope_n pace_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v void_v his_o body_n from_o hurt_n and_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o straight_a pace_n of_o the_o right_a foot_n do_v also_o discharge_v a_o thrust_v beneath_o and_o after_o this_o order_n he_o may_v strike_v safe_o not_o only_a when_o his_o sword_n be_v not_o find_v by_o the_o enemy_n but_o also_o when_o it_o chance_v to_o be_v find_v if_o he_o be_v ready_a and_o nimble_a to_o make_v his_o slope_n pace_n and_o to_o beat_v off_o as_o forcible_a as_o he_o may_v the_o enemy_n target_n with_o his_o own_o sword_n and_o target_n thereby_o force_v a_o low_a thrust_n to_o enter_v in_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n with_o the_o right_a foot_n and_o thus_o much_o concern_v the_o true_a strike_n &_o defend_v of_o the_o sword_n and_o round_a target_n of_o the_o case_n of_o rapier_n there_o be_v also_o use_v now_o adays_o aswell_o in_o the_o scholle_n as_o in_o the_o list_n two_o sword_n or_o rapier_n admit_v and_o approve_v both_o of_o prince_n and_o of_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o art_n for_o honourable_a and_o knightly_a weapon_n albeit_o they_o be_v not_o use_v in_o the_o war_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v not_o vary_v from_o my_o purpose_n if_o i_o reason_v also_o of_o these_o as_o far_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o to_o true_a art_n to_o he_o that_o will_v handle_v these_o weapon_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o can_v aswell_o manage_v the_o left_a hand_n as_o the_o right_n which_o thing_n shall_v be_v if_o not_o necessary_a yet_o most_o profitable_a in_o every_o other_o kind_n of_o weapon_n but_o in_o these_o principal_o he_o be_v to_o resolve_v himself_o that_o he_o can_v do_v no_o good_a without_o that_o kind_n of_o nimbleness_n and_o dexterity_n for_o see_v they_o be_v two_o weapon_n &_o yet_o of_o one self_o same_o kind_n they_o ought_v equal_o and_o indifferent_o to_o be_v handle_v the_o one_o perform_v that_o which_o the_o other_o do_v &_o every_o of_o they_o be_v apt_a aswell_o to_o strike_v as_o defend_v and_o therefore_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o accustom_v his_o body_n arm_n and_o hand_n aswell_o to_o strike_v as_o defend_v and_o he_o which_o be_v not_o much_o practise_v and_o exercise_v therein_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o this_o art_n for_o he_o shall_v find_v himself_o to_o be_v utter_o deceive_v the_o manner_n how_o to_o handle_v two_o rapier_n it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o both_o these_o weapon_n may_v strike_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n for_o there_o may_v be_v deliver_v joint_o together_o two_o downright_a edgeblowe_n on_o high_a and_o two_o beneath_o two_o reverse_n and_o two_o thrust_n and_o be_v so_o rich_a and_o plentiful_a in_o strike_v that_o it_o seem_v they_o may_v be_v use_v only_o to_o strike_v but_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v practise_v neither_o may_v it_o without_o great_a danger_n for_o all_o that_o whatsoeu_fw-fr er_fw-mi may_v be_v do_v with_o either_o of_o they_o be_v divide_v into_o strike_v and_o defendinge_v that_o this_o be_v true_a it_o may_v be_v perceive_v in_o the_o single_a sword_n which_o assay_v both_o to_o strike_v and_o defend_v and_o those_o who_o have_v take_v no_o such_o heed_n but_o have_v be_v bend_v only_o to_o strike_v be_v move_v either_o through_o collar_n either_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o ignorant_a person_n have_v remain_v thereby_o mighty_o wound_v of_o this_o there_o may_v be_v lay_v down_o infinite_a example_n which_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o intent_n i_o may_v not_o swerve_v from_o my_o purpose_n i_o say_v therefore_o that_o of_o the_o two_o rapier_n which_o be_v handle_v the_o one_o must_v be_v apply_v towards_o the_o other_o to_o strike_v regard_v always_o to_o use_v that_o first_o which_o ward_v then_o that_o which_o strike_v for_o first_o a_o man_n must_v endeavour_n to_o defend_v himself_o and_o then_o to_o strike_v other_o of_o the_o high_a ward_n at_o two_o rapier_n presuppose_v always_o that_o either_o hand_n be_v very_o well_o exercise_v aswell_o in_o strike_v as_o in_o defend_v this_o high_a ward_n shall_v be_v frame_v after_o two_o way_n which_o yet_o in_o a_o manner_n be_v all_o one_o the_o one_o with_o the_o right_a foot_n the_o other_o with_o the_o left_a so_o work_v continual_o that_o the_o hinder_a arm_n be_v aloft_o the_o former_a beneath_o in_o manner_n as_o when_o the_o low_a ward_n be_v frame_v at_o the_o single_a sword_n and_o as_o a_o man_n strike_v he_o must_v always_o maintain_v &_o continue_v this_o high_a ward_n which_o at_o the_o two_o rapier_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a &_o sure_a and_o he_o may_v easy_o perform_v &_o do_v it_o for_o
body_n open_a to_o the_o enemy_n for_o it_o be_v neither_o agreeable_a to_o true_a neither_o to_o false_a art_n consider_v that_o in_o each_o of_o they_o the_o endeavour_n be_v to_o overcome_v and_o this_o manner_n of_o lift_v up_o the_o arm_n be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n will_v of_o purpose_n be_v overcome_v therefore_o when_o in_o this_o deceitful_a and_o false_a art_n one_o be_v to_o use_v two_o weapon_n he_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o he_o bear_v the_o one_o continual_o at_o his_o defence_n and_o to_o handle_v the_o other_o every_o way_n to_o molest_v the_o enemy_n sometime_o frame_v one_o ward_n sometime_o a_o other_o and_o in_o each_o of_o they_o to_o false_a that_o be_v to_o feign_v a_o thrust_n and_o deliver_v a_o thrust_n to_o false_a a_o thrust_n and_o give_v a_o edgeblowe_n and_o otherwise_o also_o to_o false_a a_o edgeblowe_n and_o to_o deliver_v a_o edgeblowe_n and_o in_o all_o these_o way_n to_o remember_v that_o the_o blow_n be_v continual_o different_a from_o the_o false_a that_o be_v if_o the_o thrust_v be_v false_v above_o to_o drive_v it_o home_o below_o if_o within_o yet_o to_o strike_v it_o without_o and_o false_v a_o edgeblowe_v above_o to_o bestow_v it_o beneath_o or_o false_v a_o right_a blow_n to_o strike_v with_o the_o reverse_a or_o sometime_o with_o a_o right_a blow_n but_o yet_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o and_o after_o a_o edgeblowe_v on_o high_a to_o deliver_v a_o reverse_v below_o in_o fine_a to_o make_v all_o such_o mixture_n of_o blow_n as_o may_v bear_v all_o these_o contrariety_n follow_v to_o wit_n the_o point_n the_o edge_n high_a low_a right_a reverse_a within_o without_z but_o i_o see_v not_o how_o one_o may_v practice_v any_o deceit_n with_o the_o dagger_n the_o which_o be_v not_o open_o dangerous_a as_o for_o example_n to_o widen_v it_o and_o discover_v some_o part_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o enemy_n thereby_o provoke_v he_o to_o move_v and_o then_o ward_n to_o strike_v he_o be_v so_o disappoint_v but_o in_o my_o opinion_n these_o sort_n of_o false_n of_o discover_v the_o body_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v use_v for_o it_o behove_v a_o man_n first_o safe_o to_o defend_v himself_o and_o then_o to_o offend_v the_o enemy_n the_o which_o he_o can_v do_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o say_a false_n if_o he_o chance_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o enemy_n that_o be_v courageous_a and_o skilful_a but_o this_o manner_n of_o false_v next_o follow_v be_v to_o be_v practise_v last_o of_o all_o other_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o desperate_a case_n and_o it_o be_v either_o to_o feign_v as_o though_o he_o will_v forcible_o fling_v his_o dagger_n at_o the_o enemy_n face_n from_o the_o which_o false_a he_o shall_v doubtless_o procure_v the_o enemy_n to_o ward_v himself_o either_o by_o lift_v up_o his_o arm_n or_o by_o retire_v himself_o or_o by_o move_v towards_o one_o side_n or_o other_o in_o which_o travail_n &_o time_n a_o man_n that_o be_v very_o wary_a and_o nimble_a may_v safe_o hurt_v he_o or_o else_o in_o steed_n of_o false_v a_o blow_n to_o fling_v the_o dagger_n in_o deed_n at_o the_o enemy_n face_n in_o which_o chance_n or_o occasion_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o have_v the_o skill_n how_o to_o stick_v the_o dagger_n with_o the_o point_n but_o yet_o howsoever_o it_o chance_v the_o come_n of_o the_o dagger_n in_o such_o sort_n do_v so_o great_o trouble_v and_o disorder_v the_o enemy_n that_o if_o a_o man_n step_n in_o nimble_o he_o may_v safe_o hurt_v he_o these_o deceit_n and_o false_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o dagger_n may_v be_v ward_v according_a as_o a_o man_n find_v it_o most_o commodious_a either_o with_o the_o sword_n or_o else_o with_o the_o dagger_n not_o regard_v at_o all_o as_o in_o true_a art_n to_o defend_v the_o left_a side_n with_o the_o dagger_n and_o the_o right_a sid_n with_o the_o sword_n for_o in_o this_o false_a art_n man_n consider_v not_o either_o of_o advantage_n time_n or_o measure_n but_o always_o their_o manner_n be_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v find_v the_o enemy_n sword_n to_o strike_v by_o the_o most_o short_a way_n be_v it_o either_o with_o the_o edge_n or_o point_n notwithstanding_o the_o blow_n be_v not_o forcible_a but_o only_o touch_v weak_o &_o scarslv_n for_o in_o play_n so_o it_o touch_v any_o way_n it_o be_v account_v for_o victory_n concern_v take_n holdfast_n or_o seize_v the_o enemy_n sword_n i_o commend_v not_o in_o any_o case_n that_o seizure_n be_v make_v with_o the_o left_a hand_n by_o cast_v a_o way_n of_o the_o dagger_n as_o else_o where_o i_o have_v see_v it_o practise_v but_o rather_o that_o it_o be_v do_v keep_v the_o sword_n and_o dagger_n fast_o in_o hand_n and_o although_o this_o seem_v unpossible_a yet_o every_o one_o that_o be_v nimble_a &_o strong_a of_o arm_n may_v safe_o do_v it_o and_o this_o seizure_n be_v use_v aswell_o under_o a_o edgeblowe_v as_o under_o a_o thrust_n in_o manner_n follow_v when_o the_o edgeblowe_v or_o thrust_v come_v above_o it_o must_v be_v encounter_v with_o the_o sword_n without_o on_o the_o three_o or_o four_o part_n of_o the_o enemy_n sword_n and_o with_o the_o dagger_n bear_v within_o on_o the_o first_o or_o second_o part_n thereof_o have_v thus_o sudden_o take_v the_o enemy_n sword_n in_o the_o middle_n to_o turn_v forcible_o the_o enemy_n sword_n outwards_o with_o the_o dagger_n keep_v the_o sword_n steadfast_a and_o as_o straight_o towards_o the_o enemy_n as_o be_v possible_a by_o mean_n whereof_o it_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o be_v turn_v and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o enemy_n sword_n may_v be_v wrong_a out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o look_v how_o much_o near_o the_o point_n it_o be_v take_v so_o much_o the_o more_o easy_o it_o be_v turn_v or_o wrest_v outward_o because_o it_o make_v the_o great_a circle_n and_o the_o enemy_n have_v but_o small_a force_n to_o resist_v that_o motion_n of_o sword_n and_o cloak_n or_o rapier_n and_o cloak_n for_o to_o disceyve_v the_o enemy_n with_o the_o cloak_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v how_o many_o way_n it_o may_v serve_v the_o turn_n and_o to_o be_v skilful_a how_o to_o foul_v it_o orderly_o about_o the_o arm_n and_o how_o to_o take_v advantage_n by_o the_o largeness_n thereof_o and_o far_o to_o understand_v how_o to_o defend_v and_o how_o to_o offend_v and_o hinder_v the_o enemy_n therewith_o because_o it_o fall_v not_o out_o always_o that_o man_n fight_v with_o their_o cloak_n wrap_v about_o the_o arm_n and_o the_o sword_n in_o hand_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o know_v also_o how_o to_o handle_v the_o cloak_n after_o any_o other_o manner_n wherefore_o one_o may_v get_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o cloak_n both_o when_o it_o be_v about_o his_o body_n and_o when_o it_o be_v fold_v about_o his_o arm_n the_o cloak_n be_v about_o the_o arm_n in_o this_o manner_n when_o it_o chance_v any_o man_n to_o bicker_v with_o his_o enemy_n with_o who_o he_o be_v at_o point_n to_o join_v but_o yet_o happy_o wear_v about_o he_o at_o that_o instant_n no_o kind_n of_o weapon_n whereas_o his_o enemy_n be_v weapon_v &_o threaten_v he_o then_o by_o take_v both_o side_n of_o the_o cloak_n as_o near_o the_o collar_n as_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v draw_v it_o over_o his_o own_o head_n and_o throw_v it_o at_o his_o enemy_n face_n who_o then_o be_v in_o angle_a and_o blind_v there_o with_o may_v either_o be_v throw_v down_o or_o disfurnish_v of_o his_o weapon_n very_o easy_o by_o he_o that_o be_v nimble_a especial_o if_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v against_o one_o that_o be_v slow_a a_o man_n may_v after_o another_o manner_n take_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o cloak_n which_o the_o enemy_n wear_v by_o take_v with_o one_o hand_n both_o side_n thereof_o near_o the_o collar_n which_o side_n be_v strong_o hold_v cause_v the_o cloak_n to_o be_v a_o gin_n or_o snare_n about_o the_o enime_n neck_n the_o which_o gin_n be_v violent_o hale_v and_o pluck_v with_o one_o hand_n he_o may_v so_o forcible_o strike_v he_o with_o the_o other_o on_o the_o face_n or_o visage_n that_o he_o will_v go_v near_o hand_n to_o break_v his_o neck_n there_o be_v many_o other_o way_n whereby_o one_o may_v prevail_v with_o the_o cloak_n to_o the_o great_a part_n whereof_o man_n of_o mean_a judgement_n may_v easy_o attain_v unto_o therefore_o when_o one_o have_v his_o cloak_n on_o his_o arm_n and_o sword_n in_o his_o hand_n the_o advantage_n that_o he_o get_v thereby_o beside_o the_o ward_n of_o blow_n for_o that_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o true_a art_n be_v that_o he_o may_v molest_v his_o enemy_n by_o false_v to_o fling_v his_o cloak_n and_o then_o to_o fling_v it_o in_o deed_n but_o to_o false_a
foresay_a slope_n pace_n the_o body_n be_v move_v out_o of_o the_o straight_a line_n so_o that_o the_o enemy_n may_v not_o so_o commodious_o strike_v with_o his_o hinder_a sword_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v first_o strike_v on_o the_o face_n or_o on_o the_o arm_n wherefore_o let_v every_o man_n resolve_v himself_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v encounter_v the_o enemy_n sword_n with_o his_o own_o foresworde_n that_o he_o step_v in_o and_o strike_v with_o his_o hinder_a sword_n neither_o let_v he_o stand_v in_o fear_n of_o the_o enemy_n hinder_v sword_n for_o either_o it_o can_v hurt_v because_o the_o body_n be_v void_v as_o i_o have_v say_v or_o else_o if_o it_o may_v it_o must_v present_o provide_v to_o stand_v to_o his_o defence_n and_o thereto_o be_v so_o bind_v that_o it_o may_v do_v no_o manner_n of_o hurt_n of_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n for_o the_o deceit_n &_o false_n of_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n there_o be_v no_o more_o regard_n to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o handle_n thereof_o single_a that_o be_v one_o to_o one_o than_o there_o be_v when_o it_o be_v use_v among_o many_o only_o this_o end_n be_v to_o be_v purpose_v to_o wit_n to_o move_v and_o handle_v with_o all_o nimbleness_n and_o dexterity_n aswell_o the_o edge_n as_o the_o point_n fetch_v those_o great_a circular_a and_o unruly_a compassinge_n therewith_o as_o his_o form_n greatness_n and_o manner_n of_o hold_v require_v nether_a ought_v a_o man_n so_o much_o to_o regard_v to_o fetch_v a_o small_a or_o great_a compass_n or_o to_o strike_v more_o with_o the_o point_n then_o with_o the_o edge_n but_o must_v believe_v only_o that_o the_o victory_n consist_v in_o the_o nimble_a and_o active_a guide_n thereof_o any_o manner_n of_o way_n therefore_o there_o may_v be_v frame_v many_o ward_n of_o all_o the_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n superfluous_a to_o reason_n of_o i_o will_v handle_v only_o six_o of_o they_o which_o be_v most_o commodius_fw-la and_o usual_a whereof_o the_o first_o may_v be_v call_v the_o high_a ward_n the_o second_o the_o broad_a ward_n the_o three_o the_o low_a ward_n from_o which_o there_o spring_v all_o other_o three_o towards_o the_o other_o side_n make_v sixein_o all_o the_o high_a ward_n be_v frame_v by_o bear_v the_o sword_n and_o arm_n lift_v up_o on_o high_a and_o wide_o from_o the_o body_n with_o the_o point_n of_o sword_n turn_v towards_o that_o part_n as_o that_o arm_n be_v who_o hand_n be_v place_v by_o the_o cross_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o the_o right_a hand_n shall_v be_v at_o the_o cross_n &_o the_o right_a foot_n befoore_a to_o bear_v also_o the_o sword_n with_o his_o point_n towards_o that_o side_n there_o be_v a_o other_o high_a ward_n opposite_a to_o this_o &_o that_o be_v without_o move_v the_o foot_n at_o all_o to_o turn_v the_o point_n towards_o the_o other_o side_n that_o be_v towards_o the_o left_a side_n and_o to_o cross_v the_o arm_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o in_o this_o high_a ward_n be_v it_o on_o what_o side_n it_o will_v the_o sword_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v with_o the_o point_n turn_v downwards_o the_o second_o be_v the_o broad_a ward_n &_o must_v be_v frame_v with_o the_o arm_n widen_v from_o the_o body_n not_o high_a but_o straight_o and_o from_o this_o spring_v and_o be_v frame_v a_o other_o broad_a ward_n turn_v towards_o the_o other_o side_n by_o cross_v of_o the_o arm_n the_o three_o be_v the_o low_a ward_n and_o in_o this_o the_o sword_n will_v be_v bear_v with_o the_o point_n some_o what_o uppwardes_o and_o this_o ward_n have_v his_o opposite_a or_o contrary_n by_o turn_v the_o sword_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o cross_v the_o arm_n there_o may_v be_v frame_v many_o other_o ward_n as_o for_o example_n to_o bear_v the_o sword_n on_o high_a with_o the_o point_n backwards_o to_o the_o intent_n to_o drive_v a_o down_o right_a or_o cleave_v edgeblowe_n or_o else_o to_o bear_v it_o low_o with_o the_o point_n backward_o to_o the_o intent_n to_o drive_v it_o from_o beneath_o upward_o but_o in_o these_o ward_n false_n be_v to_o small_a purpose_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o one_o of_o they_o worth_n the_o use_n it_o shall_v be_v the_o false_a of_o a_o edgeblowe_v the_o which_o at_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v at_o all_o because_o there_o be_v much_o time_n lose_v consider_v that_o immediate_o after_o the_o false_a he_o must_v strike_v home_o with_o a_o edgeblow_n for_o it_o be_v not_o commodius_fw-la at_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n to_o false_a a_o edgeblowe_v &_o deliver_v home_o a_o thrust_n because_o the_o weight_n or_o swing_n of_o the_o sword_n in_o deliver_v a_o edgeblowe_n transport_v the_o arm_n beyond_o their_o strength_n so_o that_o they_o may_v very_o difficultlie_o withhold_v the_o blow_n to_o such_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a as_o it_o be_v in_o that_o instant_n to_o deliver_v a_o thrust_n therefore_o the_o false_a that_o shall_v be_v use_v at_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v frame_v with_o a_o thrust_n and_o then_o a_o edgeblow_n right_a or_o reverse_a to_o be_v deliver_v or_o else_o to_o false_a a_o high_a thrust_n and_o deliver_v it_o beneath_o or_o else_o where_o but_o yet_o if_o one_o will_v needs_o false_a a_o edgeblowe_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o the_o false_a edge_n of_o the_o sword_n then_o turn_v it_o in_o full_a circle_n to_o deliver_v home_o the_o edgeblowe_v and_o in_o strike_v always_o to_o increase_v a_o pace_n but_o when_o this_o false_a of_o the_o back_n or_o false_a edge_n be_v practise_v the_o arm_n be_v cross_v &_o that_o present_o after_o the_o false_a one_o will_v deliver_v home_o a_o reverse_a than_o he_o must_v increase_v a_o left_a pace_n and_o when_o he_o find_v in_o himself_o any_o other_o ward_n his_o hand_n not_o be_v cross_v then_o if_o he_o will_v step_v forward_o to_o strike_v he_o must_v increase_v a_o pace_n with_o the_o right_a foot_n and_o if_o in_o any_o of_o these_o ward_n he_o will_v false_a a_o thrust_n which_o be_v the_o best_a that_o may_v be_v use_v at_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n he_o must_v observe_v the_o very_a same_o note_n and_o rule_v concern_v increase_a of_o the_o pace_n further_o the_o thrust_n be_v false_v and_o the_o edgeblowe_n deliver_v home_o at_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n for_o no_o other_o cause_n or_o consideration_n then_o for_o that_o the_o say_v edgeblowe_v be_v far_o more_o forcible_a than_o the_o thrust_n for_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n be_v long_o by_o mean_n whereof_o in_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o edgeblow_n it_o make_v a_o great_a circle_n and_o moreover_o it_o be_v so_o weighty_a that_o very_o little_a and_o small_a strength_n make_v &_o force_v the_o blow_n to_o go_v with_o great_a violence_n but_o for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o strike_n with_o the_o edge_n be_v very_o dangerous_a consider_v it_o spend_v much_o time_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o great_a compass_v of_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n under_o which_o time_n wary_a &_o active_a person_n may_v with_o sword_n or_o other_o weapon_n give_v a_o thrust_n therefore_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o this_o danger_n he_o must_v before_o he_o determine_v with_o himself_o to_o strike_v with_o the_o edge_n first_o drive_v on_o a_o thrust_n rather_o resolut_a than_o false_a and_o as_o far_o forwards_o as_o both_o arm_n will_v stretch_v in_o do_v of_o the_o which_o he_o shall_v force_v the_o enemy_n to_o retire_v so_o much_o that_o he_o may_v easy_o thereupon_o deliver_v his_o edgeblowe_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n nothing_o dout_v that_o the_o enemy_n will_v strike_v home_n first_o with_o a_o thrust_n therefore_o when_o one_o stand_v at_o the_o high_a ward_n on_o either_o side_n he_o must_v false_a a_o thrust_n &_o increase_v a_o pace_n deliver_v there_o withal_o such_o a_o edgeblowe_v as_o shall_v be_v most_o commodius_fw-la to_o serve_v his_o turn_n either_o right_a or_o reverse_a and_o further_o may_v practice_v the_o like_a in_o the_o broad_a and_o low_a ward_n in_o either_o of_o the_o which_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o false_a the_o say_v thrust_v then_o in_o the_o other_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v when_o the_o edgeblow_n after_o the_o falced_a thrust_n be_v by_o a_o slope_n void_v that_o he_o suffer_v not_o his_o arm_n and_o sword_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o weight_n or_o swinge_n thereof_o to_o be_v so_o far_o transport_v beyond_o his_o strength_n that_o the_o sword_n light_v either_o on_o the_o ground_n or_o that_o he_o be_v force_v thereby_o to_o discover_v all_o that_o part_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v before_o therefore_o the_o best_a remedy_n be_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o shall_v perceive_v that_o he_o have_v deliver_v his_o blow_n in_o vain_a
that_o he_o suffer_v his_o sword_n to_o go_v not_o with_o a_o full_a thwarte_a circle_n and_o so_o about_o his_o head_n until_o the_o point_n be_v backward_o beneath_o in_o such_o sort_n that_o the_o circle_n or_o compass_n direct_v he_o to_o the_o high_a ward_n in_o the_o which_o he_o may_v present_o resolve_v himself_o and_o return_n either_o to_o strike_v again_o or_o else_o defend_v himself_o on_o either_o side_n so_o handlinghis_n weapon_n as_o shall_v in_o that_o case_n be_v most_o for_o his_o advantage_n the_o defence_n of_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n the_o defence_n of_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n require_v a_o stout_a heart_n for_o that_o the_o sustein_v of_o such_o great_a blow_n by_o reason_n whereof_o a_o man_n consider_v not_o the_o advantage_n of_o time_n be_v the_o most_o principal_a thing_n of_o all_o cause_v he_o to_o fly_v or_o retire_v back_o hold_v for_o a_o certainty_n that_o every_o blow_n give_v therewith_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v ward_v therefore_o when_o he_o deal_v against_o a_o enemy_n who_o use_v likewise_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n he_o shall_v appose_v himself_o in_o the_o low_a ward_n and_o when_o a_o false_a thrust_n come_v if_o it_o come_v so_o fare_v forwards_o that_o it_o may_v join_v home_o he_o ought_v first_o to_o beat_v it_o off_o and_o then_o to_o force_n a_o thrust_n at_o the_o enemy_n face_n or_o deliver_v a_o edgeblow_n downward_o at_o the_o arm_n but_o not_o lift_v up_o the_o sword_n in_o a_o compass_n but_o for_o that_o thief_n falce_v thrust_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v far_o off_o &_o come_v not_o to_o the_o body_n be_v use_v only_o to_o fere_n the_o enemy_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o retire_v that_o thereby_o one_o may_v have_v the_o more_o time_n to_o deliver_v a_o edgeblow_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n which_o pace_n cause_v the_o blow_n to_o go_v with_o great_a violence_n and_o far_o may_v discern_v &_o judge_v by_o nearness_n of_o the_o enemy_n whether_o the_o blow_n will_v hit_v home_o yea_o or_o no_o for_o it_o be_v easy_o know_v how_o much_o the_o arm_n may_v be_v stretch_v forth_o therefore_o when_o this_o false_a thrust_n do_v not_o join_v or_o hit_v home_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o endeavour_n to_o beat_v it_o off_o but_o to_o expect_v when_o his_o enemy_n deliver_v his_o edgeblowe_v &_o then_o to_o increase_v a_o pace_n and_o strike_v he_o with_o a_o thrust_n but_o if_o it_o happen_v he_o to_o deal_v against_o a_o two_o hand_n sword_n with_o a_o single_a sword_n or_o dagger_n assure_v himself_o that_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n can_v strike_v but_o with_o a_o thrust_n or_o a_o edgeblow_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o thrust_v he_o may_v beat_v it_o off_o and_o retire_v himself_o but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o edgeblowe_v then_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o two_o hand_n sword_n be_v lift_v up_o in_o the_o same_o time_n he_o must_v increase_v forward_o and_o deliver_v a_o thrust_n or_o else_o if_o he_o have_v no_o time_n to_o strike_v he_o must_v encounter_v &_o bear_v the_o blow_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o be_v near_o the_o hilt_n take_v hold_n thereof_o with_o one_o hand_n and_o strike_v with_o the_o other_o and_o this_o he_o may_v perform_v if_o he_o be_v nimble_a &_o active_a because_o the_o twohand_a sword_n carry_v but_o small_a force_n in_o that_o place_n of_o the_o partesan_n bill_n javelin_n and_o holberde_n deceit_n or_o false_n be_v all_o more_o manifest_a and_o evident_a in_o these_o then_o in_o short_a weapon_n which_o be_v handle_v only_o with_o one_o hand_n because_o both_o the_o arm_n be_v move_v more_o slow_o than_o one_o alone_a and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v that_o consider_v they_o be_v more_o long_o they_o therefore_o frame_v in_o their_o motion_n a_o great_a compass_n and_o this_o be_v perceive_v more_o in_o edgeblowe_n then_o in_o thrust_n therefore_o the_o best_a false_a that_o may_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o weapon_n be_v the_o false_a of_o the_o thrust_n and_o that_o the_o edgeblow_n ought_v never_o for_o seldom_o to_o be_v use_v except_o great_a necessity_n constrain_v as_o shall_v be_v declare_v wherefore_o in_o these_o weapon_n i_o will_v frame_v four_o ward_n three_o of_o they_o with_o the_o point_n forwards_o of_o which_o three_o the_o first_o be_v the_o point_n of_o the_o sword_n be_v bear_v low_o and_o the_o hinder_a arm_n be_v lift_v up_o the_o second_o be_v the_o point_n high_a the_o right_a arm_n be_v behind_o and_o bear_v alow_o the_o three_o the_o point_n equal_a and_o the_o arm_n equal_a and_o in_o every_o on_o of_o these_o a_o man_n must_v false_a without_o and_o drive_v it_o home_o within_o or_o false_a within_o and_o deliver_v it_o without_o or_o false_a aloft_o and_o strike_v beneath_o &_o so_o contrariwise_o but_o as_o he_o false_v within_o or_o without_o he_o ought_v to_o remember_v this_o note_n which_o be_v he_o must_v always_o to_o the_o intent_n he_o may_v go_v the_o better_o cover_v &_o ward_v compass_v the_o hinderfoot_o to_o that_o part_n to_o the_o which_o the_o weapon_n shall_v be_v direct_v to_o strike_v home_o after_o a_o false_a the_o four_o ward_n which_o be_v much_o use_v and_o especial_o with_o the_o bill_n shall_v be_v to_o bear_n the_o weapon_n with_o the_o bluntende_v or_o he_o will_v forwards_o the_o edge_n be_v lift_v up_o on_o high_a and_o this_o be_v much_o use_v to_o the_o intent_n to_o expect_v the_o enemy_n blow_n and_o that_o thereby_o a_o man_n may_v be_v better_a able_a to_o ward_v they_o either_o with_o the_o heel_n or_o middle_n of_o the_o staff_n &_o then_o to_o enter_v &_o strike_v deliver_v a_o edgblo_fw-mi with_o thencrea_n of_o a_o pace_n the_o which_o manner_n of_o strike_v be_v most_o ready_a and_o nimble_a the_o false_a which_o may_v be_v use_v in_o this_o ward_n be_v when_o he_o have_v ward_v thenimies_n blow_fw-mi with_o the_o heel_n of_o his_o weapon_n &_o they_o will_v increase_v forwards_o to_o deliver_v a_o edgeblowe_v if_o the_o enemy_n shall_v lift_v up_o or_o advance_v his_o weapon_n to_o defend_v himself_o from_o the_o say_a blow_n than_o he_o shall_v give_v over_o to_o deliver_v that_o blow_n by_o retire_v his_o weapon_n and_o give_v a_o thrust_n underneath_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o a_o pace_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o blow_n be_v very_o likely_a to_o work_v his_o effect_n without_o danger_n if_o it_o be_v apt_o and_o nimble_o use_v of_o the_o pike_n there_o may_v be_v use_v some_o deceit_n also_o in_o the_o pike_n although_o it_o be_v a_o weapon_n void_a of_o any_o crooked_a fork_n and_o be_v much_o more_o apt_a to_o show_v great_a valour_n then_o deceit_n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o have_v no_o other_o than_o a_o point_n to_o offend_v and_o length_n to_o defend_v for_o that_o cause_n there_o may_v be_v use_v no_o other_o deceit_n therewith_o then_o with_o the_o point_n &_o consider_v true_a art_n be_v not_o the_o mark_n that_o be_v shoot_v at_o in_o this_o place_n i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v bear_v after_o diverse_a fashion_n as_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o a_o man_n advantage_n as_o either_o at_o the_o end_n either_o in_o the_o middle_n either_o more_o backwards_o either_o more_o forwards_o as_o shall_v be_v think_v most_o commodius_fw-la to_o the_o bearer_n likewise_o one_o may_v frame_v three_o ward_n therewith_o to_o wit_n the_o first_o straight_o with_o the_o arm_n equal_a the_o second_o with_o the_o point_n low_a the_o three_o the_o point_n high_a false_v in_o each_o of_o they_o a_o thrust_n either_o within_o either_o without_o either_o high_a either_o low_a and_o then_o immediate_o force_v it_o on_o resolute_o but_o contrary_a to_o the_o false_a and_o carry_v always_o the_o hinder_a foot_n towards_o that_o side_n to_o the_o which_o the_o pike_n be_v direct_v to_o strike_v in_o handle_v of_o the_o pike_n a_o man_n must_v always_o diligent_o consider_v so_o to_o work_v that_o the_o hinder_a hand_n be_v that_o which_o may_v rule_v drive_v on_o draw_v back_o and_o govern_v the_o pike_n and_o that_o the_o before_o hand_n serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n then_o to_o help_v to_o sustain_v it_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o deceit_n of_o the_o weapon_n of_o the_o staff_n i_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o lay_v down_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o bill_n and_o the_o rest_n because_o they_o be_v all_o one_o with_o this_o of_o the_o pike_n and_o i_o mind_n to_o handle_v they_o brief_o all_o together_o consider_v that_o in_o these_o a_o man_n may_v not_o either_o render_v false_a for_o false_a or_o take_v holdfast_n of_o the_o weapon_n and_o although_o it_o may_v be_v do_v i_o commend_v it_o not_o because_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o extort_v a_o weapon_n that_o be_v hold_v fast_o
with_o both_o hand_n that_o therefore_o which_o one_o may_v do_v to_o defend_v himself_o be_v to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o true_a art_n remember_v so_o to_o ward_v the_o enemy_n false_a as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o true_a blow_n and_o to_o strike_v before_o the_o enemy_n spend_v a_o other_o time_n in_o deliver_v his_o resolute_a thrust_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n in_o delivery_n of_o his_o blow_n that_o he_o be_v nimble_a and_o carry_v his_o body_n and_o arm_n so_o apt_o and_o orderly_o apply_v that_o the_o weapon_n wherewith_o he_o strike_v may_v cover_v it_o whole_o and_o here_o i_o make_v a_o end_n of_o deceit_n in_o practise_v of_o the_o which_o there_o be_v this_o consideration_n to_o be_v have_v so_o always_o to_o false_a that_o if_o the_o enemy_n provide_v not_o to_o ward_v it_o may_v reach_v &_o hit_v home_o because_o be_v deliver_v in_o such_o order_n it_o lose_v but_o little_a time_n the_o end_n of_o the_o false_a arte._n how_o a_o man_n by_o private_a practice_n may_v obtain_v strength_n of_o body_n thereby_o if_o nature_n have_v bestow_v strength_n upon_o man_n as_o many_o believe_v in_o such_o sort_n as_o she_o have_v give_v sight_n hear_v and_o other_o sense_n which_o be_v such_o in_o we_o that_o they_o may_v not_o by_o our_o endeavour_n either_o be_v increase_v ordiminish_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o less_o superfluous_a then_o ridiculus_fw-la to_o teach_v how_o strength_n shall_v be_v obtain_v than_o it_o be_v if_o one_o shall_v say_v he_o will_v instruct_v a_o man_n how_o to_o hear_v and_o see_v better_o than_o he_o do_v already_o by_o nature_n neither_o albeit_o he_o that_o become_v a_o painter_n or_o a_o musician_n see_v the_o proportion_n much_o better_a than_o he_o do_v before_o or_o by_o hear_n lern_v the_o harmony_n and_o conformity_n of_o voice_n which_o he_o know_v not_o ought_v it_o therefore_o besaide_a that_o he_o see_v or_o her_v more_o than_o he_o do_v for_o that_o procee_v not_o of_o better_a hear_n or_o see_v but_o of_o see_v and_o hear_v with_o more_o reason_n but_o in_o strength_n it_o do_v not_o so_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o it_o be_v manifest_o see_v that_o a_o man_n of_o ripe_a age_n and_o strength_n can_v lift_v up_o a_o weight_n to_o day_n which_o he_o can_v do_v on_o the_o morrow_n or_o some_o other_o time_n but_o contrary_a if_o a_o man_n prove_v with_o the_o self_n same_o sight_n on_o the_o morroe_n or_o some_o other_o time_n to_o see_v a_o thing_n which_o yesterday_o he_o see_v not_o in_o the_o same_o distance_n he_o shall_v but_o trouble_v himself_o in_o vain_a and_o be_v in_o danger_n rather_o to_o see_v less_o than_o more_o as_o it_o common_o happen_v to_o student_n and_o other_o such_o who_o do_v much_o exercise_v their_o sight_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o but_o that_o man_n strength_n may_v be_v increase_v by_o reasonable_a exersise_n and_o so_o likewise_o by_o too_o much_o rest_v it_o may_v be_v diminish_v the_o which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o manifest_a yet_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o infinite_a example_n you_o shall_v see_v gentleman_n knight_n and_o other_o to_o be_v most_o strong_a and_o nimble_a in_o run_v or_o leap_v or_o in_o vault_v or_o in_o turn_v on_o horseback_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o able_a by_o a_o great_a deal_n to_o bear_v so_o great_a a_o burden_n as_o a_o country_n man_n or_o porter_n but_o contrary_a in_o run_v and_o leap_v the_o porter_n and_o cuntrieman_n be_v most_o slow_a and_o heavy_a neither_o know_v they_o how_o to_o vawte_a upon_o their_o horse_n without_o a_o ladder_n and_o this_o procee_v of_o no_o other_o cause_n then_o for_o that_o every_o man_n be_v not_o exercise_v in_o that_o which_o be_v most_o esteem_v so_o that_o if_o in_o the_o manage_n of_o these_o weapon_n a_o man_n will_v get_v strength_n it_o shall_v be_v convenient_a for_o he_o to_o exercise_v himself_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o shall_v be_v declare_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o this_o strength_n and_o activity_n three_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v to_o wit_n the_o arm_n the_o foot_n and_o the_o leg_n in_o each_o of_o which_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o every_o one_o be_v great_o exercise_v consider_v that_o to_o know_v well_o how_o to_o manage_v the_o arm_n and_o yet_o to_o be_v ignorant_a in_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o foot_n want_v skill_n how_o to_o go_v forwards_o and_o retire_v backwards_o cause_v man_n oftentimes_o to_o overthrow_v themselves_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o one_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o govern_n of_o his_o foot_n but_o be_v ignorant_a in_o the_o timely_a motion_n of_o his_o arm_n it_o fall_v out_o that_o he_o go_v forward_o in_o time_n but_o yet_o want_v skill_n how_o to_o move_v his_o arm_n he_o do_v not_o only_o not_o oftend_v the_o enemy_n but_o also_o many_o time_n remain_v hurt_v and_o oftend_v himself_o the_o body_n also_o by_o great_a reason_n ought_v to_o be_v bear_v and_o sustain_v upon_o his_o foundation_n for_o when_o it_o bow_v either_o too_o much_o backwards_o or_o forwards_o either_o on_o the_o on_o or_o other_o side_n straight_a way_n the_o government_n of_o the_o arm_n and_o leg_n be_v frustrate_a and_o the_o body_n will_n or_o will_v remain_v strike_v therefore_o i_o will_v declare_v the_o manner_n first_o how_o to_o exercise_v the_o arm_n secondliethe_v foot_n three_o the_o body_n foot_n &_o arm_n join_o of_o the_o exercise_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o arm_n let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o strong_a and_o lusty_a yet_o he_o shall_v deliver_v a_o blow_n more_o slow_a and_o with_o less_o force_n thâ—n_o a_o other_o shall_v who_o be_v less_o strong_a but_o more_o exercise_v &_o without_o doubt_n he_o shall_v so_o weary_a his_o arm_n hand_n and_o body_n that_o he_o can_v long_o endure_v to_o labour_v in_o any_o such_o business_n and_o there_o have_v be_v many_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o such_o sudden_a weariness_n have_v sudden_o dispair_v of_o themselves_o give_v over_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o weapon_n as_o not_o appertain_v unto_o they_o wherein_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o for_o such_o weariness_n be_v vanquish_v by_o exercise_n by_o mean_n whereof_o it_o be_v not_o long_o but_o that_o the_o body_n foot_n &_o arm_n be_v so_o strenghn_v that_o heavy_a thing_n seem_v light_a &_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o handle_v very_o nimble_o any_o kind_n of_o weapon_n and_o in_o brief_a overcome_v all_o kind_n of_o difficulty_n and_o hardness_n therefore_o when_o one_o will_v exercise_v his_o arm_n to_o the_o intent_n to_o get_v strength_n he_o must_v endeavour_n continual_o to_o overcome_v weariness_n resolve_v himself_o in_o his_o judgement_n that_o pain_n be_v not_o cause_v through_o debility_n of_o nature_n but_o rather_o hang_v about_o he_o because_o he_o have_v not_o accustom_v to_o exercise_v his_o member_n thereunto_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o exercise_n to_o wit_v the_o hand_n that_o move_v and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v move_v which_o two_o thing_n be_v orderly_o lay_v down_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v obtain_v as_o much_o as_o i_o desire_v as_o touch_v the_o hand_n and_o arm_n according_a as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v it_o be_v divide_v in_o the_o treatise_n of_o the_o true_a art_n in_o three_o part_n that_o be_v to_o say_v into_o the_o wrist_n the_o elbow_n and_o the_o shoulder_n in_o every_o of_o the_o which_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o it_o move_v most_o swift_o and_o strong_o regard_v always_o in_o his_o motion_n the_o quality_n of_o the_o weapon_n that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o hand_n the_o which_o may_v be_v infinite_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v leave_v they_o and_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o single_a sword_n because_o it_o bear_v a_o certain_a proportion_n and_o agreement_n unto_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o sword_n as_o each_o man_n know_v strike_v either_o with_o the_o point_n or_o with_o the_o edge_n to_o strike_v edgewise_o it_o be_v require_v that_o a_o man_n accustom_v himself_o to_o strike_v edgewise_o as_o well_o right_a as_o reverse_a with_o some_o cudgel_n or_o other_o thing_n apt_a for_o the_o purpose_n first_o practise_v to_o fetch_v the_o compass_n of_o the_o shoulder_n which_o be_v the_o strong_a and_o yet_o the_o slow_a edgeblowe_v that_o may_v be_v give_v next_o and_o present_o after_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o elbow_n then_o that_o of_o the_o wrist_n which_o be_v more_o press_v and_o ready_a than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n after_o certain_a day_n that_o he_o have_v exercise_v these_o three_o kind_n of_o compass_v edgeblow_n on_o after_o a_o other_o as_o swift_o as_o he_o may_v possible_a and_o when_o he_o fele_v in_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v as_o it_o be_v unlose_v all_o those_o three_o knit_n or_o jointe_n of_o the_o arm_n and_o can_v