experience_n be_v in_o the_o staffe-man_n but_o a_o little_a skill_n be_v a_o great_a help_n at_o a_o time_n of_o need_n which_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o obtain_v in_o thy_o youth_n then_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o learn_v when_o thou_o be_v old_a for_o as_o in_o a_o school_n of_o learning_n there_o be_v some_o in_o grammar_n and_o some_o in_o the_o crosse-row_n so_o the_o great_a judge_n in_o the_o land_n be_v in_o the_o crosse-row_n first_o even_o so_o into_o a_o school_n of_o defence_n there_o come_v as_o well_o bad_a player_n as_o good_a and_o he_o which_o be_v the_o good_a player_n ought_v not_o nor_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n usual_a to_o mock_v or_o scoff_n at_o he_o which_o be_v the_o bad_a player_n and_o what_o of_o all_o this_o nothing_o but_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o learn_v late_o than_o never_o i_o mean_v especial_o any_o good_a exercise_n or_o quality_n which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v profitable_a for_o a_o commonwealth_n healthy_a to_o the_o body_n and_o commendable_a to_o to_o the_o world_n for_o we_o be_v not_o bear_v altogether_o for_o ourselves_o but_o our_o parent_n friend_n and_o country_n have_v interest_n in_o our_o birth_n now_o although_o some_o will_v talk_v of_o this_o and_o that_o and_o say_v that_o they_o have_v fight_v with_o four_o or_o six_o man_n at_o once_o yet_o i_o can_v conceive_v no_o reason_n how_o any_o man_n shall_v defend_v two_o man_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v both_o willing_a to_o spoil_v or_o kill_v for_o when_o thy_o eye_n be_v direct_o upon_o one_o of_o they_o the_o other_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n may_v kill_v thou_o if_o he_o be_v dispose_v for_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o eye_n be_v flower_n then_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o hand_n for_o a_o man_n can_v cast_v his_o eye_n about_o so_o quick_a but_o that_o he_o which_o be_v behind_o thou_o or_o on_o the_o one_o side_n of_o thou_o may_v kill_v thou_o if_o they_o be_v both_o willing_a as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o but_o indeed_o if_o one_o skilful_a man_n have_v two_o or_o three_o upon_o he_o and_o be_v in_o a_o narrow_a place_n that_o they_o can_v not_o get_v about_o he_o then_o may_v he_o defend_v himself_o a_o long_a time_n without_o hurt_n a_o left_a hand_n skilful_a have_v odds_n against_o a_o right_a hand_a man_n one_o reason_n be_v that_o a_o leave_v hand_v man_n be_v continual_o use_v to_o a_o right_a hand_n but_o a_o right_a hand_n do_v seldom_o meet_v with_o a_o left_a hand_a man_n another_o reason_n be_v a_o right_a hand_a man_n when_o he_o do_v open_v his_o right_a side_n of_o his_o head_n by_o offer_v play_n although_o he_o bear_v his_o dagger_n to_o the_o right_a ear_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o defend_v that_o side_n so_o sure_a nor_o so_o strong_a as_o it_o do_v the_o left_a side_n but_o indeed_o so_o long_o as_o the_o right_a hand_a man_n lie_v in_o his_o guard_n of_o defence_n upon_o his_o backsword_n for_o the_o backsword_n be_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o defence_n against_o a_o left_a hand_a man_n therefore_o when_o you_o encounter_v against_o a_o left_a hand_a man_n you_o must_v be_v careful_a and_o heedy_a if_o you_o do_v offer_n play_v to_o recover_v your_o guard_n again_o present_o and_o be_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o your_o backsword_n guard_n but_o of_o this_o i_o will_v speak_v more_o at_o large_a hereafter_o chap._n vii_o that_o fear_n and_o fury_n be_v both_o enemy_n to_o true_a valour_n i_o have_v take_v upon_o i_o a_o very_a hard_a question_n to_o decide_v for_o i_o can_v not_o well_o set_v out_o the_o office_n of_o the_o one_o but_o with_o disgrace_n of_o the_o other_o the_o one_o be_v so_o clean_a contrary_n to_o the_o other_o first_o that_o fear_n be_v a_o enemy_n unto_o valour_n i_o need_v not_o to_o make_v any_o long_a discourse_n for_o every_o one_o will_v say_v that_o the_o fearful_a man_n will_v never_o attempt_v any_o thing_n worthy_a the_o name_n of_o valour_n but_o always_o bear_v a_o load_n of_o injury_n upon_o his_o broad_a shoulder_n excuse_v all_o the_o wrong_n which_o be_v do_v he_o say_v that_o they_o be_v do_v with_o no_o intent_n of_o wrong_n and_o so_o himself_o first_o crave_v pardon_n of_o those_o which_o offend_v he_o but_o yet_o bear_v a_o injury_n in_o his_o mind_n until_o he_o can_v revenge_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o office_n or_o one_o way_n or_o another_o also_o he_o be_v a_o raiser_n of_o mutiny_n and_o love_v to_o see_v other_o together_o by_o the_o ear_n and_o yet_o keep_v himself_o out_o of_o danger_n but_o some_o i_o have_v know_v which_o have_v be_v timersome_a and_o cowardly_a show_v great_a valour_n but_o indeed_o it_o be_v when_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o that_o they_o must_v needs_o fight_v again_o i_o have_v know_v many_o simple_a cowardly_a man_n who_o be_v well_o experience_v with_o skill_n and_o be_v practise_v therein_o do_v wax_v bold_a and_o valorous_a for_o when_o by_o often_o trial_n they_o see_v that_o they_o can_v save_v and_o defend_v themselves_o what_o need_n have_v they_o to_o fear_v for_o there_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o defence_n and_o he_o which_o have_v it_o may_v be_v as_o sure_o without_o make_v any_o doubt_n or_o question_n as_o it_o be_v for_o arithmetitian_n to_o cast_v up_o several_a sum_n just_a to_o a_o penny_n even_o so_o certain_a may_v a_o skilful_a man_n be_v in_o his_o defence_n and_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o make_v a_o fearful_a or_o cowardly_a man_n perfect_a in_o knowledge_n and_o so_o by_o knowledge_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o be_v valorous_a yea_o more_o easy_a it_o be_v then_o to_o make_v a_o hasty_a man_n of_o valour_n and_o stomach_n to_o forbear_v his_o former_a resolution_n for_o as_o no_o persuasion_n will_v make_v a_o drunkard_n forsake_v his_o drunkenness_n but_o only_a poverty_n or_o death_n even_o so_o there_o be_v almost_o no_o mean_n to_o persuade_v the_o furious_a and_o hasty_a man_n from_o this_o sudden_a quarrel_v and_o stab_v but_o only_o many_o dangerous_a wound_n imprisonment_n or_o death_n yet_o if_o such_o a_o one_o do_v run_v through_o many_o brawl_n and_o so_o continue_v until_o his_o own_o rod_n have_v beat_v he_o by_o cross_n and_o trouble_n if_o all_o these_o can_v not_o make_v he_o live_v civil_a and_o in_o sober_a fashion_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v yet_o old_a age_n will_v bring_v experience_n and_o will_v make_v he_o as_o tame_v as_o a_o sheep_n for_o when_o he_o be_v old_a than_o he_o will_v say_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o adventure_v further_o than_o skill_n be_v temper_v with_o discretion_n do_v allow_v for_o observe_v i_o pray_v you_o if_o you_o chance_v to_o see_v two_o skilful_a man_n play_v or_o fight_v and_o if_o these_o two_o fall_n into_o choler_n and_o fury_n so_o that_o like_o two_o wild_a bull_n they_o go_v to_o it_o pell_o mell_o than_o it_o be_v chance_v noddy_n to_o hit_v or_o miss_v for_o where_o fury_n have_v the_o upper_a hand_n it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o sight_n to_o the_o beholder_n for_o they_o can_v show_v no_o true_a art_n except_o they_o observe_v distance_n for_o distance_n be_v break_v they_o cut_v or_o hurt_v one_o another_o which_o be_v a_o great_a disgrace_n unto_o true_a art_n and_o a_o discouragement_n to_o many_o which_o will_v learn_v skill_n but_o that_o they_o see_v by_o such_o hasty_a fool_n that_o skill_n avail_v not_o and_o indeed_o it_o do_v little_o avail_v such_o as_o can_v bridle_v their_o hasty_a affection_n but_o yet_o many_o will_v say_v it_o be_v true_a yet_o they_o can_v beware_v of_o the_o devil_n until_o they_o be_v plague_v with_o his_o damn_n for_o after_o a_o skilfuil_a man_n have_v receive_v hurt_v he_o present_o condemn_v his_o own_o folly_n for_o receive_v that_o which_o he_o may_v have_v avoid_v if_o his_o mind_n have_v be_v on_o his_o business_n now_o as_o i_o will_v have_v no_o man_n turn_v coward_n but_o to_o answer_v a_o good_a quarrel_n so_o likewise_o i_o will_v most_o earnest_o wish_v all_o man_n to_o forbear_v and_o not_o maintain_v such_o light_n and_o idle_a brawl_n which_o either_o spring_n from_o lewd_a woman_n as_o that_o be_v pot_n fray_n for_o drunkenness_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o most_o quarrel_n that_o be_v yet_o still_o i_o do_v allow_v and_o commend_v any_o man_n to_o answer_v his_o enemy_n upon_o a_o good_a quarrel_n and_o to_o stand_v against_o he_o if_o he_o do_v assault_v thou_o for_o that_o will_v make_v other_o to_o fear_n to_o do_v thou_o wrong_v or_o thy_o friend_n wrong_v think_v that_o thou_o will_v rite_n it_o now_o he_o which_o be_v valorous_a by_o nature_n and_o have_v no_o skill_n and_o yet_o have_v a_o good_a strength_n courage_n and_o stomach_n many_o time_n do_v adventure_v rash_o without_o
if_o the_o captain_n be_v ignorant_a then_o do_v the_o soldier_n march_v disorderly_a or_o if_o the_o pilot_n be_v unskilful_a the_o ship_n sail_v in_o danger_n but_o as_o i_o be_v about_o to_o tell_v you_o of_o a_o sort_n of_o loggerheaded_a ass_n which_o further_o more_o will_v persuade_v their_o familiar_a friend_n by_o tell_v they_o that_o skill_n will_v do_v they_o no_o good_a for_o when_o they_o have_v learned_a skill_n and_o afterward_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o use_v their_o weapon_n than_o such_o dunce_n will_v say_v that_o skill_n will_v be_v forgoten_a &_o little_a thought_n upon_o also_o they_o say_v that_o a_o man_n with_o a_o sword_n will_v cut_v off_o thy_o rapier_n at_o one_o blow_n but_o i_o say_v this_o be_v a_o most_o cowardly_a kind_n of_o ignorance_n for_o if_o a_o skilful_a man_n do_v hold_v the_o rapier_n it_o be_v not_o a_o hundred_o blow_n with_o a_o sword_n can_v do_v a_o rapier_n any_o harm_n no_o although_o they_o light_v upon_o he_o therefore_o those_o which_o will_v persuade_v any_o from_o learning_n skill_n with_o weapon_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o body_n may_v fit_o be_v compare_v unto_o the_o false_a prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o fear_v nothing_o but_o peace_n peace_n peace_n when_o the_o assyrian_n be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o cut_v their_o throat_n as_o in_o the_o 6_o of_o jeremy_n the_o 14_o there_o you_o may_v read_v it_o therefore_o a_o provident_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v as_o jehosaphat_n do_v when_o he_o fear_v the_o moabit_n to_o come_v upon_o he_o 2_o chron._n 20.3_o david_n live_v secure_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o without_o fear_n which_o make_v he_o forget_v god_n as_o in_o the_o 2._o sam._n 11._o the_o whole_a chapter_n be_v worth_a the_o read_n do_v not_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o ever_o write_v say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o war_n and_o a_o time_n of_o peace_n eccle._n 3.8_o if_o a_o man_n do_v know_v what_o hour_n the_o thief_n will_v come_v he_o will_v sure_o watch_v wherefore_o be_v advise_v to_o deal_v wise_o but_o not_o like_a unto_o pharaoh_n for_o he_o say_v let_v we_o deal_v wise_o when_o he_o deal_v most_o foolish_o exodus_fw-la 1.10_o and_o so_o we_o will_v go_v on_o in_o read_v over_o diverse_a history_n i_o thereby_o understand_v the_o noble_a act_n and_o also_o note_v the_o manly_a mind_n of_o these_o who_o live_v many_o hundred_o year_n ago_o who_o fame_n shall_v never_o die_v whereas_o cowardly_a dastard_n which_o never_o bend_v their_o study_n in_o martial_a exploit_n such_o i_o say_v at_o their_o death_n their_o fame_n die_v with_o they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v quick_o rake_v up_o in_o the_o ash_n of_o forgetfulness_n and_o bury_v in_o the_o valley_n of_o oblivion_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n will_v go_v search_n for_o the_o pedigree_n of_o their_o gentility_n they_o shall_v find_v it_o lay_v up_o in_o a_o beggar_n box_n or_o as_o the_o charter_n of_o a_o city_n write_v in_o dust_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o valiant_a and_o gallant_a mind_a man_n although_o they_o die_v yet_o in_o their_o life_n time_n their_o manly_a act_n and_o valiant_a deed_n which_o they_o worthy_o perform_v some_o in_o the_o war_n and_o some_o at_o single_a combat_n and_o some_o at_o other_o honourable_a and_o laudable_a exercise_n whereby_o they_o merit_v to_o themselves_o immortal_a fame_n for_o ever_o for_o to_o some_o no_o exercise_n nor_o weapon_n come_v amiss_o as_o in_o stead_n of_o many_o example_n these_o two_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v sufficient_a david_n with_o his_o sling_n as_o hercules_n with_o his_o club_n and_o samson_n with_o his_o jawbone_n or_o any_o other_o weapon_n which_o come_v next_o to_o his_o hand_n but_o loath_a i_o be_o to_o trouble_v you_o with_o so_o long_a a_o epistle_n or_o preface_n yet_o for_o a_o introduction_n to_o the_o rest_n something_o i_o must_v say_v and_o most_o of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v and_o will_v say_v be_v so_o necessary_a as_o the_o rest_n although_o it_o be_v long_o than_o i_o will_v but_o we_o will_v now_o to_o the_o matter_n then_o thus_o by_o reason_n of_o diverse_a error_n which_o be_v in_o sundry_a man_n teach_v of_o this_o noble_a art_n of_o defence_n i_o therefore_o be_v prick_v forward_o by_o the_o earnest_a request_n of_o some_o of_o my_o friend_n to_o describe_v the_o rule_n of_o weapon_n which_o i_o by_o my_o study_n have_v invent_v and_o by_o practice_n bring_v to_o perfection_n and_o likewise_o for_o my_o country_n benefit_n i_o mean_v to_o better_v the_o unskilful_a in_o knowledge_n i_o have_v think_v it_o good_a to_o open_v plain_o the_o best_a ground_n which_o belong_v to_o our_o english_a weapon_n that_o be_v now_o in_o use_n so_o far_o as_o my_o simple_a invention_n by_o great_a practice_n have_v attain_v unto_o another_o reason_n which_o move_v i_o hereunto_o be_v where_o some_o do_v find_v out_o many_o hide_a secret_n which_o they_o bury_v in_o the_o earth_n again_o with_o their_o body_n or_o else_o if_o they_o make_v it_o know_v it_o shall_v be_v to_o such_o a_o faithful_a friend_n as_o they_o love_v and_o affect_v dear_o all_o writer_n that_o ever_o write_v do_v write_v either_o for_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n some_o to_o profit_v other_o and_o some_o to_o pleasure_v themselves_o and_o some_o have_v write_v common_a and_o necessary_a thing_n for_o their_o own_o posterity_n after_o they_o i_o write_v but_o of_o common_a thing_n yet_o not_o so_o common_a as_o necessary_a and_o therefore_o my_o meaning_n be_v to_o make_v my_o secret_a study_n know_v so_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v unto_o all_o the_o world_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o many_o thousand_o yet_o unborn_a for_o every_o man_n have_v or_o shall_v have_v skill_n in_o his_o weapon_n the_o reason_n shall_v follow_v as_o occasion_n shall_v serve_v hereafter_o more_o at_o large_a but_o as_o yet_o i_o know_v the_o great_a number_n be_v blind_v in_o a_o ignorant_a conceit_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o do_v think_v to_o overcome_v their_o enemy_n if_o occasion_n do_v serve_v by_o quickness_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o valorous_a resolution_n which_o for_o the_o avoid_v of_o this_o and_o such_o like_a abuse_n i_o have_v here_o and_o there_o put_v down_o sundry_a reason_n in_o this_o book_n although_o they_o be_v not_o in_o order_n yet_o take_v a_o little_a pain_n to_o seek_v they_o out_o for_o i_o write_v this_o book_n at_o such_o leasurable_a fit_n as_o time_n will_v permit_v i_o now_o for_o affection_n sake_n some_o will_v say_v it_o be_v well_o do_v and_o other_o again_o will_v say_v it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o indifferent_a and_o so_o i_o pray_v you_o let_v it_o pass_v for_o if_o i_o shall_v perceive_v it_o shall_v go_v for_o stark_a nought_o then_o shall_v i_o account_v my_o time_n and_o labour_n very_o ill_o bestow_v but_o yet_o this_o i_o know_v if_o it_o be_v ten_o time_n worse_o than_o it_o be_v yet_o will_v it_o be_v welcome_a to_o a_o number_n of_o my_o old_a friend_n and_o familiar_a acquaintance_n such_o as_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o my_o idle_a time_n spend_v who_o be_v earnest_a with_o i_o for_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o this_o work_n lo_o this_o be_v the_o anchor_n whereon_o my_o hope_n depend_v but_o yet_o i_o make_v a_o doubt_n lest_o that_o my_o book_n may_v light_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o envious_a mate_n who_o never_o know_v i_o yet_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v upon_o the_o very_a first_o fight_n oh_o this_o be_v such_o a_o man_n work_n i_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o he_o can_v do_v and_o yet_o will_v not_o full_o give_v up_o their_o verdict_n but_o only_o shake_v the_o head_n with_o a_o wry_a mouth_n and_o a_o smile_a countenance_n throw_v it_o from_o they_o and_o so_o seem_v by_o their_o silence_n that_o they_o can_v further_o disgrace_v i_o but_o will_v not_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o more_o easy_a matter_n for_o such_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o a_o part_n of_o my_o book_n then_o to_o amend_v the_o whole_a but_o i_o can_v wish_v such_o learn_v before_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o control_n but_o those_o which_o be_v wise_a and_o kind_a will_v accept_v of_o my_o good_a will_n for_o i_o have_v give_v out_o this_o but_o as_o a_o theme_n let_v a_o wise_a than_o i_o rhyme_n upon_o it_o and_o although_o it_o seem_v but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o glimpse_n of_o the_o noble_a art_n of_o defence_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o substance_n yet_o some_o will_v perceive_v day_n at_o a_o little_a hole_n wherefore_o travel_n further_a in_o it_o till_o you_o find_v out_o the_o substance_n like_o a_o good_a surgeon_n search_v the_o wound_n to_o the_o bottom_n before_o thou_o
serve_v thou_o for_o thy_o true_a defence_n while_o thou_o live_v against_o all_o other_o guard_n it_o be_v but_o little_a available_a to_o thou_o if_o thou_o see_v a_o good_a scrivener_n write_v except_o thou_o take_v the_o pen_n and_o practice_n to_o write_v as_o he_o do_v even_o so_o it_o boot_v thou_o but_o little_a that_o will_v be_v skilful_a of_o thy_o weapon_n if_o thou_o do_v see_v two_o skilful_a man_n play_v except_o thou_o take_v weapon_n and_o practice_v to_o do_v as_o they_o have_v do_v before_o thou_o again_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o he_o that_o will_v write_v well_o to_o write_v his_o copy_n but_o once_o over_o and_o so_o leave_v no_o more_o must_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v have_v skill_n in_o thy_o weapon_n thou_o must_v not_o give_v over_o with_o play_v of_o one_o bout_n but_o thou_o must_v exercise_v it_o many_o time_n and_o practice_v it_o often_o and_o if_o a_o man_n write_v well_o and_o exercise_v it_o never_o so_o much_o yet_o he_o can_v never_o exceed_v well_o write_v even_o so_o in_o skill_n of_o weapon_n a_o man_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o play_v well_o but_o when_o thou_o have_v learn_v the_o true_a and_o perfect_a skill_n with_o thy_o weapon_n thou_o may_v exercise_v for_o thy_o health_n and_o recreation_n but_o thou_o shall_v never_o pass_v that_o word_n well_o play_v also_o he_o which_o write_v much_o and_o do_v not_o regard_v his_o copy_n but_o write_v after_o his_o own_o will_n i_o think_v it_o be_v strange_a for_o such_o a_o scholar_n to_o write_v well_o but_o he_o will_v always_o write_v a_o ragged_a hand_n even_o so_o he_o that_o get_v he_o hilt_n and_o cudgel_n and_o go_v about_o to_o learn_v of_o his_o own_o head_n without_o direction_n of_o one_o that_o be_v skilful_a it_o be_v better_a that_o he_o have_v never_o play_v if_o afterward_o he_o go_v to_o learn_v for_o he_o must_v first_o unlearne_v that_o which_o he_o have_v learned_a which_o will_v be_v very_o hard_o to_o be_v do_v without_o great_a pain_n take_v now_o he_o which_o write_v a_o good_a secretary_n hand_n and_o then_o afterward_o he_o go_v to_o learn_v roman_a hand_n or_o court_n hand_n or_o any_o other_o the_o like_a he_o do_v not_o thereby_o loose_v his_o secretary_n but_o if_o he_o can_v write_v all_o kind_n of_o hand_n then_o may_v he_o use_v most_o that_o which_o he_o like_v best_o or_o think_v fit_a even_o so_o he_o which_o have_v by_o his_o practice_n get_v good_a skill_n and_o yet_o be_v of_o a_o other_o man_n teach_v it_o be_v of_o a_o other_o manner_n of_o teach_v and_o i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o good_a or_o better_a than_o i_o yet_o he_o which_o learn_v my_o rule_n or_o follow_v my_o direction_n it_o can_v not_o hinder_v he_o any_o whit_n at_o all_o but_o if_o he_o have_v once_o get_v they_o by_o good_a and_o perfect_a practice_n if_o he_o like_v they_o not_o may_v go_v to_o his_o old_a fashion_n again_o or_o learn_v of_o any_o other_o afterward_o yet_o again_o as_o the_o observe_n of_o a_o true_a distance_n in_o a_o scrivener_n between_o every_o line_n be_v commendable_a in_o his_o writing_n so_o it_o be_v do_v without_o rule_v of_o it_o which_o come_v by_o much_o practice_n even_o so_o in_o true_a skill_n in_o sight_n distance_n be_v a_o most_o excellent_a thing_n and_o the_o principall_a thing_n of_o all_o next_o unto_o the_o guard_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o keep_v and_o it_o must_v be_v get_v by_o great_a practice_n again_o when_o you_o learn_v to_o write_v at_o the_o first_o you_o write_v leisurely_o but_o with_o much_o practice_n your_o hand_n come_v to_o be_v swift_a even_o so_o with_o often_o use_v of_o thy_o weapon_n thy_o hand_n will_v come_v to_o defend_v either_o blow_n or_o thrust_v more_o ready_o or_o more_o speedy_o then_o at_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o thy_o practice_n albeit_o thou_o be_v show_v how_o to_o defend_v and_o though_o thou_o have_v the_o reason_n perfect_o in_o thy_o head_n and_o know_v when_o a_o other_o do_v it_o well_o yet_o without_o practice_n thou_o can_v never_o be_v skilful_a in_o defence_n of_o thyself_o also_o he_o which_o write_v and_o with_o his_o pen_n do_v sputter_n his_o paper_n with_o ink_n a_o scholar_n will_v think_v if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o great_a blot_n it_o be_v a_o small_a matter_n but_o a_o scrivener_n will_v say_v it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n even_o so_o if_o thy_o weapon_n or_o any_o part_n of_o thy_o body_n be_v out_o of_o the_o right_a place_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a yet_o it_o will_v seem_v to_o he_o that_o have_v skill_n as_o much_o as_o a_o great_a blot_n do_v to_o a_o scrivener_n in_o a_o copy_n book_n moreover_o he_o which_o learn_v to_o write_v must_v continual_o look_v to_o his_o copy_n and_o must_v write_v according_a to_o it_o for_o one_o letter_n or_o one_o line_n well_o write_v be_v better_a than_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o ink_n and_o paper_n spoil_v and_o not_o one_o letter_n well_o make_v even_o so_o one_o blow_n or_o one_o thrust_v perform_v orderly_o i_o mean_v in_o his_o due_a time_n and_o likewise_o to_o the_o right_a place_n be_v better_a than_o a_o hundred_o unorderly_o do_v furthermore_o if_o in_o write_v a_o obligation_n a_o scrivener_n do_v write_v one_o letter_n of_o roman_a hand_n and_o another_o of_o secretary_n another_z of_o court_n hand_n it_o will_v not_o be_v seemly_a nor_o commendable_a but_o with_o what_o hand_n you_o begin_v with_o to_o end_v with_o the_o same_o even_o so_o you_o may_v frame_v yourself_o sometime_o into_o one_o guard_n and_o sometime_o into_o a_o other_o take_v heed_n always_o that_o you_o observe_v the_o same_o defence_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o guard_n for_o if_o you_o be_v in_o one_o guard_n and_o you_o use_v the_o defence_n of_o another_o so_o you_o may_v deceive_v yourself_o for_o every_o guard_n differ_v in_o defence_n and_o offence_n and_o betwixt_o every_o blow_n and_o every_o thrust_n and_o every_o guard_n which_o i_o have_v here_o describe_v in_o this_o book_n there_o be_v as_o great_a odds_n as_o be_v betwixt_o secretary_n hand_n court_n hand_n and_o roman_a hand_n nay_o the_o several_a difference_n of_o guard_n be_v more_o in_o number_n then_o there_o be_v several_a kind_n of_o hand_n in_o writing_n yea_o many_o more_o than_o any_o fiddler_n can_v play_v lesson_n upon_o his_o instrument_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o guard_n do_v differ_v as_o much_o as_o one_o lesson_n from_o another_o wherefore_o those_o that_o think_v one_o defence_n serve_v for_o defence_n of_o all_o guard_n be_v asmuch_o deceive_v as_o they_o that_o think_v there_o be_v but_o one_o kind_n of_o lesson_n to_o be_v play_v upon_o all_o instrument_n for_o that_o several_a kind_n of_o lesson_n be_v to_o be_v play_v upon_o all_o instrument_n be_v infinite_a even_o so_o the_o several_a guard_n for_o defence_n and_o offence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v number_v for_o between_o the_o true_a skill_n in_o weapon_n and_o the_o false_a be_v a_o hundred_o of_o each_o at_o the_o least_o and_o the_o contrary_a and_o the_o most_o unseemly_a every_o man_n have_v by_o nature_n but_o the_o best_a and_o sure_a way_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v by_o art_n of_o they_o that_o be_v skilful_a wherefore_o see_v every_o man_n judgement_n for_o as_o thou_o may_v hear_v at_o one_o sermon_n that_o which_o thou_o shall_v never_o hear_v again_o even_o so_o thou_o may_v learn_v of_o one_o teacher_n that_o thou_o can_v not_o learn_v of_o another_o for_o every_o one_o that_o practise_v natural_a play_n without_o direction_n of_o one_o that_o be_v skilful_a such_o a_o one_o in_o his_o practice_n will_v have_v one_o foolish_a trick_n or_o other_o which_o when_o they_o have_v by_o common_a practice_n long_o use_v will_v hardly_o be_v withdraw_v from_o it_o as_o for_o example_n some_o will_v be_v set_v their_o foot_n upon_o their_o weapon_n as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o stretch_v he_o when_o he_o be_v right_o before_o but_o they_o do_v it_o of_o a_o foolish_a custom_n that_o they_o learn_v of_o themselves_o likewise_o some_o will_n puff_n and_o blow_n like_o a_o break_a wind_v horse_n when_o they_o be_v at_o play_n and_o some_o will_v dance_v and_o keep_v a_o trample_n with_o their_o foot_n and_o some_o will_v flourish_v and_o waver_v with_o their_o weapon_n some_o will_v whistle_v and_o some_o will_v be_v blabbr_a of_o spittle_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o put_v out_o their_o tongue_n and_o some_o again_o will_v run_v about_o as_o though_o they_o can_v stand_v on_o no_o ground_n and_o it_o be_v as_o hard_a to_o wrest_v or_o drive_v they_o from_o such_o unseemly_a custom_n as_o it_o be_v to_o drive_v a_o dog_n from_o a_o piece_n of_o bread_n yet_o many_o do_v
passage_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o thrust_n nor_o blow_n nor_o passage_n but_o by_o skill_n and_o cunning_a it_o be_v to_o be_v defend_v and_o avoid_v for_o a_o man_n shall_v deserve_v the_o come_n of_o a_o passage_n so_o plain_a as_o a_o hawk_n when_o she_o intend_v to_o fly_v at_o check_n sit_v upon_o the_o perch_n a_o man_n may_v very_o easy_o perceive_v by_o the_o settle_n of_o herself_o to_o fly_v indeed_o it_o be_v dangerous_a and_o deadly_a except_o your_o mind_n be_v upon_o your_o business_n for_o when_o you_o be_v at_o your_o play_n you_o must_v expect_v a_o passage_n and_o false_a play_n aswell_o as_o true_a play_n or_o plain_a thrust_n for_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o passage_n be_v most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o and_o most_o mortal_a for_o with_o a_o passage_n a_o man_n can_v say_v i_o will_v hurt_v my_o enemy_n but_o a_o little_a as_o you_o may_v with_o any_o other_o thrust_v be_v put_v in_o at_o the_o length_n i_o mean_v observe_v a_o true_a distance_n for_o he_o that_o otherwise_o break_v distance_n may_v be_v assoon_o hit_v himself_o as_o he_o hit_v another_o therefore_o the_o passage_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o use_v in_o fight_n although_o they_o be_v both_o never_o so_o skilful_a in_o put_v forth_o a_o passage_n or_o if_o one_o can_v pass_v and_o the_o other_o can_v but_o he_o that_o can_v pass_v will_v be_v doubtful_a leave_v the_o other_o will_v entrap_v he_o in_o his_o own_o assault_n for_o why_o may_v not_o thy_o enemy_n be_v as_o skilful_a as_o thyself_o once_o if_o he_o meet_v thou_o in_o the_o field_n he_o show_v himself_o valorous_a therein_o and_o if_o it_o be_v thy_o fortune_n to_o hurt_v he_o by_o want_n of_o skill_n in_o a_o manner_n among_o man_n he_o be_v report_v to_o be_v as_o good_a a_o man_n as_o thyself_o in_o regard_n he_o adventure_v himself_o with_o that_o small_a skill_n he_o have_v and_o then_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o honest_a mind_n ought_v of_o show_v he_o some_o favour_n if_o he_o be_v not_o too_o forward_o whereby_o he_o be_v like_a to_o endanger_v thou_o but_o yet_o rather_o hurt_v then_o be_v hurt_v and_o rather_o kill_v then_o be_v kill_v if_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n false_a play_n at_o rapier_n and_o dagger_n you_o must_v proffer_v or_o fain_o a_o thrust_v a_o foot_n above_o your_o enemy_n head_n but_o present_o pluck_v back_o your_o hand_n again_o and_o put_v home_o your_o thrust_n which_o you_o mean_v to_o hurt_v your_o enemy_n withal_o under_o his_o dagger_n arm_n either_o unto_o his_o body_n or_o thigh_n as_o you_o will_v yourself_o but_o step_v not_o forth_o with_o your_o foot_n when_o you_o fain_o a_o thrust_n but_o with_o the_o second_o thrust_v which_o you_o mean_v to_o speed_v your_o enemy_n withal_o let_v then_o your_o foot_n and_o hand_n go_v together_o for_o in_o feign_v it_o over_o his_o head_n it_o will_v seem_v to_o he_o that_o you_o mean_v to_o hit_v he_o in_o the_o face_n so_o that_o sudden_o he_o will_v lift_v up_o his_o dagger_n think_v to_o save_v his_o face_n but_o he_o can_v put_v he_o down_o so_o quick_o again_o but_o that_o you_o may_v hit_v he_o as_o aforesaid_a again_o if_o you_o proffer_n or_o feign_v a_o thrust_n to_o your_o enemy_n knee_n i_o mean_v more_o quick_a than_o i_o can_v speak_v it_o thrust_v it_o into_o his_o dagger_n shoulder_v or_o to_o his_o face_n whether_o you_o listen_v for_o you_o shall_v find_v they_o both_o ungarded_a for_o when_o he_o put_v down_o his_o dagger_n to_o defend_v the_o feign_a thrust_n he_o can_v lift_v he_o up_o again_o before_o you_o have_v hit_v he_o as_o beforesaid_a if_o his_o dagger_n arm_n be_v never_o so_o strong_a nor_o never_o so_o ready_a he_o must_v put_v down_o his_o dagger_n and_o so_o he_o will_v or_o else_o you_o may_v hit_v he_o in_o the_o breast_n for_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v whether_o the_o feign_a thrust_n will_v come_v home_o or_o not_o but_o he_o which_o do_v thrust_v it_o if_o the_o defence_n be_v never_o so_o skilful_a but_o now_o the_o only_a way_n to_o defend_v a_o false_a thrust_n be_v with_o the_o single_a rapier_n for_o when_o that_o the_o dagger_n fall_v to_o clear_v the_o feign_a thrust_n from_o the_o body_n than_o the_o rapier_n must_v save_v the_o upper_a part_n i_o mean_v the_o face_n and_o shoulder_n by_o bear_v he_o over_o your_o body_n as_o you_o do_v at_o the_o single_a rapier_n and_o so_o by_o that_o mean_v the_o rapier_n will_v defend_v all_o the_o body_n so_o low_a as_o your_o knee_n by_o false_a play_n a_o rapier_n and_o dagger_n may_v encounter_v against_o a_o sword_n and_o buckler_n so_o that_o the_o rapier_n man_n be_v provident_a and_o careful_a of_o make_v of_o his_o assault_n that_o he_o thrust_v not_o his_o rapier_n into_o the_o other_o buckler_n but_o the_o false_a play_n to_o deceive_v the_o buckler_n be_v by_o offer_v a_o feign_a thrust_n at_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o have_v the_o buckler_n and_o then_o present_o put_v it_o home_o to_o his_o knee_n or_o thigh_n as_o you_o see_v occasion_n for_o he_o will_v put_v up_o his_o buckler_n to_o save_v his_o face_n but_o can_v not_o put_v he_o down_o again_o before_o you_o have_v hit_v he_o as_o aforesaid_a likewise_o you_o may_v proffer_v or_o feign_v a_o thrust_n to_o the_o knee_n of_o the_o buckler_n man_n and_o put_v it_o home_o to_o his_o buckler_n shoulder_n or_o face_n for_o if_o he_o let_v fall_v his_o buckler_n to_o save_v below_o he_o can_v not_o put_v he_o up_o time_n enough_o to_o defend_v the_o upper_a part_n of_o his_o body_n with_o his_o buckler_n but_o must_v trust_v for_o his_o defence_n to_o his_o single_a sword_n wherefore_o it_o behoove_v every_o man_n to_o be_v skilful_a in_o the_o backsword_n the_o best_a way_n to_o make_v a_o false_a thrust_n be_v to_o strike_v it_o down_o by_o the_o outside_n of_o your_o enemy_n rapier_n hand_n but_o not_o to_o thrust_v it_o home_o and_o so_o present_o bring_v up_o the_o point_n of_o your_o rapier_n and_o thrust_v it_o home_o to_o his_o left_a shoulder_n for_o if_o you_o thrust_v the_o feign_a thrust_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o dagger_n than_o it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v hit_v the_o point_n of_o your_o rapier_n in_o offer_v to_o break_v the_o feign_a thrust_n and_o if_o he_o do_v but_o touch_v your_o rapier_n in_o your_o first_o proffer_n than_o you_o can_v recover_v your_o point_n to_o put_v home_o your_o second_o thrust_n before_o he_o have_v recover_v his_o guard_n and_o so_o will_v prevent_v you_o therefore_o if_o you_o do_v make_v a_o false_a thrust_n present_v it_o without_o the_o circle_n or_o compass_v of_o his_o dagger_n that_o in_o his_o defence_n he_o may_v miss_v the_o hit_v of_o your_o point_n then_o have_v he_o but_o the_o single_a rapier_n to_o defend_v your_o second_o thrust_n and_o he_o must_v make_v his_o preparation_n first_o before_o hand_n with_o his_o rapier_n if_o such_o a_o occasion_n be_v offer_v otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v defend_v now_o there_o be_v diverse_a other_o guard_n to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o rapier_n and_o dagger_n but_o most_o of_o they_o will_v ask_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o practice_n to_o be_v perfect_a in_o than_o this_o first_o guard_n and_o yet_o not_o any_o one_o of_o they_o more_o severe_a for_o defence_n both_o of_o blow_n and_o thrust_v then_o this_o first_o guard_n be_v and_o therefore_o i_o do_v account_v it_o the_o master_n guard_n of_o all_o other_o yet_o in_o a_o school_n to_o make_v change_n of_o your_o play_n than_o the_o more_o guard_v the_o more_o commendable_a so_o they_o be_v perform_v with_o discretion_n and_o judgement_n therefore_o i_o have_v describe_v those_o which_o i_o think_v necessary_a although_o not_o so_o at_o large_a as_o hereafter_o you_o shall_v have_v they_o in_o a_o second_o book_n for_o at_o some_o time_n and_o for_o some_o purpose_n one_o guard_n may_v better_o serve_v then_o another_o for_o change_v of_o guard_n may_v cross_v some_o man_n play_n whereas_o if_o you_o use_v but_o one_o guard_n may_v in_o often_o play_v be_v wear_v threadbare_a therefore_o learn_v as_o many_o fashion_n of_o lie_v with_o thy_o weapon_n as_o thou_o can_v and_o then_o in_o thy_o often_o practice_n make_v trial_n which_o thou_o do_v fit_v best_a withal_o and_o that_o repose_v thyself_o upon_o at_o thy_o most_o need_n for_o i_o have_v know_v many_o that_o can_v well_o defend_v themselves_o at_o one_o guard_n better_o than_o at_o another_o although_o he_o be_v a_o cunning_a teacher_n yet_o he_o can_v make_v all_o his_o scholar_n frame_v themselves_o unto_o true_a defence_n all_o use_v one_o guard_n wherefore_o there_o must_v be_v trial_n make_v for_o if_o the_o scholar_n be_v dull_a of_o conceit_n in_o one_o guard_n yet_o it_o
may_v be_v he_o will_v fit_v better_o unto_o another_o so_o those_o which_o i_o have_v find_v by_o my_o trial_n and_o practice_n to_o be_v guard_n of_o defence_n i_o put_v they_o down_o brief_o as_o follow_v but_o i_o think_v it_o be_v as_o good_a leave_v they_o undo_v as_o begin_v and_o not_o end_v they_o yet_o thou_o shall_v have_v a_o taste_n for_o by_o a_o taste_n man_n shall_v see_v what_o wine_n be_v in_o the_o butt_n the_o cross_a guard_n carry_v the_o point_n of_o your_o dagger_n upright_o and_o the_o hilt_n so_o low_a as_o your_o girdlestead_n without_o put_v your_o thumb_n against_o the_o blade_n of_o your_o dagger_n but_o gripe_v he_o fast_o in_o your_o hand_n and_o the_o point_n of_o your_o rapier_n under_o your_o dagger_n hand_n according_a to_o the_o picture_n lie_v thus_o in_o your_o guard_n your_o belly_n or_o breast_n will_v seem_v to_o be_v open_a or_o unguarded_a so_o that_o he_o will_v make_v no_o doubt_n but_o to_o speed_v you_o in_o his_o first_o assault_n but_o he_o charge_v you_o with_o a_o thrust_n for_o your_o defence_n if_o it_o be_v above_o the_o girdlestead_n then_o carry_v your_o dagger_n steady_a over_o your_o body_n keep_v the_o point_n upright_o and_o bear_v he_o towards_o your_o right_a side_n but_o in_o your_o defence_n do_v not_o turn_v the_o point_n of_o your_o dagger_n downward_o but_o present_o bring_v he_o into_o his_o right_a place_n again_o and_o then_o upon_o his_o offer_n or_o make_v of_o play_n if_o he_o charge_v you_o above_o the_o gerdle-stead_n then_o defend_v it_o with_o the_o dagger_n and_o present_o step_v in_o with_o your_o left_a foot_n and_o thrust_v withal_o unto_o what_o part_n of_o his_o body_n you_o listen_v but_o if_o he_o charge_v you_o under_o the_o gerdle-stead_n then_o defend_v it_o with_o your_o rapier_n strike_v it_o downward_o now_o you_o must_v make_v yourself_o ready_a to_o take_v your_o time_n of_o advantage_n in_o your_o answer_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o very_a motion_n of_o your_o enemy_n assault_n defend_v and_o offend_v both_o with_o one_o time_n if_o you_o both_o lie_n upon_o this_o guard_n look_v who_o shall_v make_v play_n first_o then_o make_v you_o a_o short_a thrust_n but_o present_o clap_v into_o your_o guard_n again_o and_o so_o you_o shall_v draw_v he_o to_o make_v play_n and_o yet_o be_v firm_a and_o ready_a in_o your_o guard_n to_o take_v your_o great_a advantage_n which_o must_v be_v do_v upon_o your_o enemy_n charge_n for_o when_o he_o have_v charge_v you_o with_o his_o thrust_n and_o you_o defend_v yourself_o as_o beforesaide_a then_o step_v in_o with_o your_o left_a foot_n to_o answer_v his_o assault_n present_o upon_o your_o defence_n now_o if_o your_o enemy_n lie_v in_o this_o guard_n and_o will_v not_o make_v play_n than_o the_o best_a advantage_n which_o you_o have_v of_o your_o enemy_n be_v charge_v he_o in_o a_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o wrist_n or_o a_o drop_a blow_n to_o his_o face_n breast_n or_o knee_n put_v it_o in_o slope_n wise_a by_o turn_v your_o knuckle_n inward_a and_o when_o it_o be_v light_v on_o the_o place_n which_o you_o determine_v to_o hit_v then_o thrust_v it_o home_o withal_o and_o this_o thrust_v be_v put_v in_o slope_n wise_a be_v the_o best_a thrust_n to_o hit_v he_o which_o lie_v in_o the_o cross_a guard_n and_o the_o defender_n must_v be_v ready_a and_o nimble_a with_o his_o dagger_n for_o his_o defence_n or_o otherwise_o to_o be_v prevent_v but_o for_o a_o stroke_n or_o a_o foreright_o plain_a thrust_n it_o be_v with_o more_o ease_n defend_v by_o he_o which_o have_v the_o perfectness_n of_o this_o guard_n than_o it_o be_v by_o lie_v in_o any_o other_o guard_n now_o if_o your_o enemy_n do_v lie_v on_o this_o cross_a guard_n you_o may_v proffer_v a_o feign_a thrust_n at_o his_o breast_n and_o present_o put_v it_o into_o his_o dagger_n shoulder_n on_o the_o outside_n of_o his_o dagger_n arm_n this_o false_a thrust_n may_v be_v defend_v with_o a_o quick_a bring_v back_o of_o the_o dagger_n again_o but_o then_o the_o defender_n must_v not_o over_o carry_v his_o dagger_n to_o defend_v the_o false_a thrust_n yet_o he_o must_v carry_v he_o against_o every_o offer_n another_o defence_n belong_v to_o this_o guard_n be_v lie_v in_o this_o cross_a guard_n if_o your_o enemy_n charge_v you_o under_o the_o gerdle-stead_n with_o a_o thrust_n strike_v it_o by_o with_o your_o rapier_n by_o let_v fall_v your_o rapier_n point_n towards_o the_o ground_n but_o if_o it_o come_v above_o then_o defend_v it_o with_o your_o dagger_n as_o before_o but_o do_v not_o carry_v your_o dagger_n above_o half_a a_o foot_n for_o if_o you_o over-carry_a your_o dagger_n you_o may_v be_v endanger_v by_o the_o false_a play_n again_o if_o you_o make_v the_o first_o proffer_n and_o your_o enemy_n lie_v in_o this_o guard_n then_o so_o soon_o as_o you_o have_v make_v your_o thrust_n at_o he_o present_o let_v fall_v the_o point_n of_o your_o rapier_n to_o the_o ground-ward_n lift_v up_o your_o rapier_n hand_n and_o defend_v his_o answer_n with_o your_o rapier_n by_o strike_v it_o outward_a i_o mean_v towards_o your_o right_a hand_n so_o that_o his_o thrust_n may_v go_v clear_a on_o your_o right_a side_n for_o your_o dagger_n will_v not_o defend_v your_o enemy_n answer_v so_o well_o as_o your_o rapier_n especial_o upon_o this_o guard_n many_o have_v have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o stokata_n guard_n but_o in_o my_o mind_n it_o be_v more_o wearisome_a unto_o the_o body_n and_o not_o so_o defensive_a for_o the_o body_n as_o the_o first_o guard_n follow_v the_o first_o picture_n my_o reason_n be_v these_o the_o hilt_z and_z rapier_z hand_n be_v bear_v so_o far_o back_o behind_o the_o body_n it_o can_v defend_v a_o blow_n for_o the_o blow_n will_v light_v before_o you_o can_v bear_v out_o your_o rapier_n to_o bear_v the_o blow_n back_o sword-way_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v neither_o can_v the_o rapier_n defend_v a_o false_a thrust_n and_o a_o false_a thrust_n must_v be_v defend_v with_o the_o rapier_n only_o also_o the_o point_n of_o the_o rapier_n be_v bear_v so_o low_o as_o this_o guard_n restrain_v they_o the_o face_n and_o breast_n lie_v open_a or_o else_o unto_o a_o single_a defence_n which_o be_v not_o sure_a therefore_o keep_v two_o string_n to_o thy_o bow_n it_o be_v safe_a ride_v at_o two_o anchor_n a_o head_n but_o if_o a_o man_n be_v put_v to_o a_o extremity_n than_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v half_o a_o loaf_n than_o no_o bread_n better_o to_o defend_v it_o single_a then_o to_o take_v it_o on_o the_o skin_n and_o so_o i_o will_v with_o word_n describe_v this_o guard_n and_o some_o other_o the_o stokata_n guard_n you_o must_v if_o you_o will_v frame_v yourself_o into_o this_o guard_n keep_v the_o dagger_n point_n outright_o and_o so_o high_a as_o your_o cheek_n and_o your_o rapier_n hand_n so_o far_o back_o and_o something_o low_a as_o you_o can_v and_o your_o foot_n three_o foot_n distance_n at_o the_o least_o and_o this_o guard_n many_o professor_n do_v teach_v as_o the_o chief_a and_o master_n guard_n of_o all_o other_o now_o the_o reason_n which_o they_o show_v to_o draw_v man_n into_o this_o guard_n be_v first_o say_v they_o the_o head_n bow_v back_o than_o the_o face_n be_v further_a from_o danger_n of_o a_o thrust_n or_o blow_v now_o to_o answer_v this_o again_o i_o say_v that_o although_o the_o face_n be_v something_o further_o from_o the_o enemy_n yet_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o belly_n and_o the_o fore_a leg_n be_v in_o such_o danger_n that_o it_o can_v be_v defend_v from_o one_o that_o be_v skilful_a and_o to_o be_v hurt_v in_o the_o belly_n be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o the_o face_n whereas_o if_o thou_o frame_v thy_o guard_n according_a unto_o my_o direction_n follow_v the_o first_o picture_n then_o shall_v thou_o find_v that_o thy_o belly_n be_v two_o foot_n at_o the_o least_o further_o from_o danger_n of_o a_o thrust_n and_o so_o be_v the_o foot_n likewise_o and_o the_o leg_n safe_a and_o out_o of_o danger_n both_o of_o blow_n and_o thrust_v and_o now_o thy_o face_n will_v seem_v to_o be_v and_o be_v the_o near_a part_n towards_o ward_n thy_o enemy_n but_o then_o thou_o have_v thy_o dagger_n be_v in_o his_o right_a place_n near_a unto_o thy_o face_n ready_a to_o defend_v he_o again_o he_o which_o stand_v abroad_o with_o his_o foot_n will_v always_o be_v in_o jealousy_n of_o his_o fore_a leg_n the_o which_o must_v be_v defend_v by_o pluck_v he_o up_o nimble_o at_o every_o blow_n and_o thrust_v and_o yet_o that_o will_v not_o sure_o defend_v he_o from_o a_o thrust_n but_o admit_v you_o do_v defend_v the_o leg_n by_o pluck_v he_o up_o then_o do_v you_o loose_v your_o time_n of_o
and_o except_v a_o man_n do_v expect_v it_o it_o can_v be_v so_o defend_v neither_o a_o other_o thrust_v call_v a_o reverse_n a_o reverse_n be_v to_o be_v make_v when_o your_o enemy_n by_o gather_v in_o upon_o you_o cause_v you_o to_o fall_v back_o with_o your_o right_a foot_n and_o then_o your_o left_a foot_n be_v foremost_a keep_v up_o your_o dagger_n to_o defend_v and_o have_v once_o break_v your_o enemy_n thrust_v with_o your_o dagger_n present_o come_v in_o again_o with_o your_o right_a foot_n and_o hand_n together_o and_o so_o put_v in_o your_o reverse_a unto_o what_o part_n of_o his_o body_n you_o please_v for_o it_o will_v come_v with_o such_o force_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v prevent_v a_o thrust_v call_v a_o mountanto_n the_o mountanto_n be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o with_o a_o good_a celerity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n you_o must_v frame_v your_o guard_n when_o you_o intend_v to_o charge_v your_o enemy_n with_o this_o thrust_n bear_v your_o rapier_n hard_o upon_o or_o so_o near_o the_o ground_n as_o you_o can_v lie_v very_o low_o with_o your_o body_n bow_v your_o left_a knee_n very_o never_o the_o ground_n also_o and_o either_o upon_o your_o enemy_n thrust_v or_o in_o lie_v in_o his_o guard_n you_o may_v strike_v his_o rapier_n point_n towards_o your_o right_a side_n with_o your_o dagger_n so_o that_o it_o may_v pass_v clear_a under_o your_o rapier_n arm_n and_o with_o the_o same_o motion_n as_o you_o strike_v his_o rapier_n so_o daine_o mount_v up_o your_o rapier_n hand_n high_o than_o your_o head_n turn_v your_o knuckle_n upward_o but_o turn_v the_o point_n of_o your_o rapier_n downward_o over_o his_o rapier_n arm_n into_o his_o breast_n or_o shoulder_n and_o you_o must_v be_v quick_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o thrust_n and_o likewise_o nimble_o you_o must_v leap_v out_o again_o this_o thrust_n must_v be_v put_v in_o by_o the_o step_v forward_o of_o your_o left_a leg_n now_o if_o you_o use_v this_o thrust_n more_o than_o once_o your_o enemy_n will_v expect_v your_o come_n a_o loft_n with_o he_o as_o you_o do_v before_o but_o then_o put_v it_o in_o the_o second_o or_o three_o time_n underneath_o and_o you_o shall_v hit_v he_o about_o the_o girdle_n stead_n and_o so_o because_o at_o this_o time_n i_o will_v not_o be_v over_o tedious_a i_o leave_v to_o speak_v of_o many_o other_o thrust_v the_o best_a way_n for_o the_o hold_n of_o a_o dagger_n either_o to_o break_v blow_n or_o thrust_v and_o four_o way_n bid_v as_o follow_v first_o if_o you_o hold_v your_o dagger_n too_o high_a you_o may_v be_v hit_v under_o the_o dagger-arme_n second_o and_o if_o to_o low_a you_o may_v be_v hit_v over_o the_o dagger-arme_n either_o in_o the_o arm_n shoulder_n or_o face_n three_o &_o if_o you_o bear_v your_o dagger_n too_o much_o towards_o your_o rapier-shoulder_n than_o you_o may_v be_v hurt_v on_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o arm_n by_o bear_v narrow_a for_o so_o we_o call_v the_o carriage_n of_o he_o be_v bear_v in_o this_o manner_n before_o speak_v of_o four_o if_o to_o wide_a from_o your_o body_n you_o may_v be_v hurt_v on_o the_o inside_n of_o the_o arm_n face_n or_o breast_n if_o the_o dagger-elboe_n joint_n be_v crooked_a then_o there_o be_v small_a force_n in_o the_o dagger-arme_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o blow_n or_o thrust_v but_o the_o dagger_n be_v bear_v out_o stiff_o at_o the_o arm_n end_n defend_v a_o blow_n strong_o as_o you_o shall_v hear_v by_o and_o by_o four_o way_v naught_o to_o break_v a_o thrust_n first_o if_o you_o break_v a_o thrust_n downward_o it_o may_v hit_v you_o in_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o belly_n second_o if_o you_o break_v he_o upward_o it_o may_v endanger_v you_o in_o the_o face_n three_o and_o if_o you_o break_v your_o enemy_n thrust_v towards_o your_o rapierside_n it_o may_v hit_v you_o in_o the_o rapier-arme_n four_o or_o in_o break_v a_o thrust_n if_o you_o let_v the_o weight_n of_o your_o dagger_n carry_v your_o dagger-arme_n back_o behind_o you_o than_o your_o enemy_n may_v with_o a_o double_a thrust_n hit_v you_o before_o you_o can_v recover_v up_o your_o dagger_n in_o his_o place_n again_o a_o good_a way_n to_o defend_v a_o thrust_n or_o blow_v the_o best_a hold_v of_o a_o dagger_n be_v right_a out_o at_o the_o arm_n end_n and_o the_o hilt_n even_o from_o your_o left_a cheek_n and_o the_o point_n compass_v your_o body_n i_o mean_v bow_v towards_o your_o rapier-shoulder_n and_o when_o you_o break_v a_o thrust_n turn_v but_o only_o your_o handwrist_n about_o let_v fall_n the_o point_n of_o your_o dagger_n downward_o but_o keep_v out_o your_o dagger-arme_n so_o stiff_o as_o you_o can_v so_o shall_v you_o be_v ready_a to_o defend_v twenty_o thrust_n one_o after_o another_o if_o they_o come_v never_o so_o thick_a and_o likewise_o you_o be_v as_o ready_a for_o a_o blow_n whereas_o if_o you_o fall_v your_o arm_n when_o you_o break_v your_o thrust_n your_o enemy_n may_v hit_v you_o with_o a_o second_o thrust_v before_o you_o can_v recover_v your_o dagger_n in_o his_o place_n to_o defend_v it_o for_o a_o thrust_n go_v more_o swift_a than_o a_o arrow_n shoot_v out_o of_o a_o bow_n wherefore_o a_o man_n can_v be_v too_o ready_a nor_o too_o sure_a in_o his_o guard_n now_o both_o for_o defence_n and_o offence_n of_o every_o blow_n and_o thrust_v thou_o must_v turn_v thy_o knuckle_n up-ward_n or_o downward_o inward_a or_o outward_a always_o turn_v your_o hand_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o guard_n that_o you_o frame_v yourself_o unto_o or_o according_a as_o when_o you_o see_v enemy_n guard_v than_o you_o must_v determine_v before_o you_o charge_v your_o enemy_n either_o with_o blow_n or_o thrust_v in_o what_o manner_n to_o turn_v your_o hand_n in_o your_o offence_n or_o defence_n sometime_o after_o one_o manner_n and_o sometime_o after_o another_o as_o both_o before_o and_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v more_o at_o large_a the_o true_a guard_n for_o the_o single_a rapier_n keep_v your_o rapier_n point_v something_o slope_v towards_o your_o left_a shoulder_n and_o your_o rapier_n hand_n so_o low_a as_o your_o girdlestead_n or_o low_a and_o bear_v out_o your_o rapier_n hand_n right_a at_o the_o arm_n end_n so_o far_o as_o you_o can_v and_o keep_v the_o point_n of_o your_o rapier_n something_o lean_v outward_o towards_o your_o enemy_n keep_v your_o rapier_n always_o on_o the_o outside_n of_o your_o enemy_n rapier_n but_o not_o join_v with_o he_o for_o you_o must_v observe_v a_o true_a distance_n at_o all_o weapon_n that_o be_v to_o say_v three_o foot_n betwixt_o the_o point_n of_o your_o weapon_n and_o twelve_o foot_n distance_n with_o your_o fore_a foot_n from_o your_o enemy_n before_o foot_n you_o must_v be_v careful_a that_o you_o frame_v your_o guard_n right_a now_o you_o must_v not_o bear_v the_o rapier_n hand-wide_a of_o the_o right_a side_n of_o your_o body_n but_o right_o forward_o from_o your_o girdlestead_n as_o beforesaid_a the_o reason_n of_o this_o guard_n in_o keep_v your_o point_n something_o slope_v or_o compass_v your_o face_n your_o enemy_n can_v offend_v you_o with_o a_o wrist_n blow_n which_o if_o you_o keep_v your_o point_n direct_o upright_o you_o may_v very_o easy_o be_v hit_v in_o the_o face_n be_v guard_v as_o beforesaid_a if_o your_o enemy_n discharge_v a_o thrust_n at_o you_o carry_v your_o rapier_n hand_n over_o your_o body_n towards_o you_o left_a side_n keep_v your_o point_n direct_o in_o his_o place_n until_o you_o have_v defend_v your_o enemy_n assault_n then_o present_o after_o let_v fall_v the_o point_n of_o your_o rapier_n turn_v your_o knuckle_n inward_o and_o discharge_v your_o thrust_n at_o your_o enemy_n thigh_n or_o body_n as_o you_o see_v occasion_n there_o be_v likewise_o many_o other_o guard_n to_o be_v frame_v at_o single_a rapier_n as_o that_o one_o of_o the_o short_a sword_n be_v a_o good_a guard_n at_o some_o time_n and_o for_o some_o purpose_n if_o a_o man_n be_v perfect_a in_o it_o by_o skill_n and_o practice_v aforehand_o as_o hereafter_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o manner_n thereof_o more_o at_o large_a when_o i_o come_v to_o that_o weapon_n now_o another_o fashion_n be_v by_o hold_v your_o left_a hand_n upon_o the_o blade_n and_o so_o with_o the_o strength_n of_o your_o forefinger_n and_o thumb_n of_o your_o left_a hand_n you_o may_v break_v your_o enemy_n thrust_v clear_a off_o your_o body_n by_o turn_v of_o your_o rapier_n point_n downward_o or_o up-ward_n according_o as_o your_o enemy_n charge_v you_o and_o then_o charge_v your_o enemy_n again_o with_o a_o quick_a answer_n now_o another_o be_v by_o stand_v upon_o the_o stock_n ready_a to_o chop_n in_o upon_o your_o enemy_n assault_n but_o you_o must_v turn_v in_o
your_o left_a shoulder_n to_o your_o enemy_n near_o than_o the_o right_n only_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o bait_n unto_o he_o but_o when_o he_o do_v thrust_v at_o you_o wheel_n about_o your_o body_n fall_v back_o with_o your_o left_a foot_n but_o withal_o thrust_v out_o your_o rapier_n and_o so_o you_o may_v hit_v and_o defend_v only_o with_o the_o shift_n of_o the_o body_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o oppressor_n will_v come_v upon_o his_o own_o death_n by_o proffer_v at_o that_o shoulder_n which_o you_o make_v show_v to_o be_v open_a unto_o he_o but_o you_o must_v not_o offer_v to_o defend_v it_o with_o your_o rapier_n but_o only_o trust_v unto_o the_o shift_n of_o your_o body_n false_a play_n at_o the_o single_a rapier_n if_o your_o enemy_n do_v lie_v in_o this_o guard_n according_a to_o this_o picture_n than_o proffer_n or_o feign_v a_o thrust_n unto_o his_o left_a side_n but_o present_o pluck_v back_o your_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o home_o unto_o his_o right_a arm_n shoulder_n or_o face_n for_o he_o will_v carry_v his_o rapier_n over_o his_o body_n to_o defend_v the_o feign_a thrust_n but_o can_v hardly_o bring_v he_o back_o again_o to_o save_v your_o second_o or_o determine_a thrust_n except_o he_o be_v very_o skilful_a active_a or_o nimble_a now_o if_o he_o do_v not_o bear_v his_o rapier_n to_o defend_v the_o feign_a thrust_n when_o you_o proffer_v it_o than_o you_o may_v hit_v he_o with_o a_o plain_a thrust_v the_o second_o time_n if_o you_o put_v it_o home_o without_o false_v it_o at_o all_o another_o deceit_n likewise_o you_o may_v proffer_v or_o feign_v a_o thrust_n two_o foot_n wide_a of_o your_o enemy_n his_o right_a side_n and_o present_o thrust_v it_o home_o to_o his_o breast_n for_o he_o will_v bear_v his_o rapier_n beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o true_a defence_n by_o reason_n it_o will_v seem_v unto_o a_o cunning_a player_n that_o your_o intention_n be_v to_o hit_v he_o on_o the_o out_o side_n of_o the_o rapier_n arm_n so_o that_o when_o he_o think_v to_o strike_v your_o point_n from_o offend_v his_o arm_n by_o that_o mean_v he_o will_v open_v his_o body_n although_o he_o open_v himself_o but_o a_o little_a yet_o with_o your_o second_o thrust_v you_o may_v hit_v he_o as_o aforesaid_a the_o defence_n of_o this_o false_a play_n you_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o you_o do_v not_o over-carry_a your_o rapier_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o any_o manner_n of_o thrust_n yet_o you_o must_v carry_v he_o a_o little_a against_o every_o proffer_n which_o your_o enemy_n do_v make_v for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v very_o skilful_a yet_o be_v he_o not_o certain_a when_o his_o enemy_n do_v charge_v his_o point_n upon_o he_o and_o proffer_v a_o thrust_n whether_o that_o thrust_n will_v come_v home_o or_o no_o wherefore_o as_o i_o say_v you_o must_v bear_v your_o rapier_n against_o every_o thrust_n to_o defend_v it_o but_o bear_v he_o but_o half_o a_o foot_n towards_o the_o left_a side_n for_o that_o will_v clear_v the_o body_n from_o danger_n of_o his_o thrust_n and_o so_o quick_a back_n again_o in_o his_o place_n whereby_o to_o meet_v his_o weapon_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o he_o charge_v you_o with_o a_o second_o thrust_v think_v to_o deceive_v you_o as_o aforesaid_a a_o slip_n at_o single_a rapier_n now_o if_o your_o enemy_n do_v charge_n you_o with_o a_o blow_n when_o as_o you_o see_v the_o blow_n come_v pluck_v in_o your_o rapier_n and_o let_v the_o blow_n slip_v and_o then_o answer_v he_o again_o with_o a_o thrust_n but_o be_v careful_a to_o pluck_v in_o your_o rapier_n to_o that_o cheek_n which_o he_o charge_v you_o at_o so_o that_o if_o the_o blow_n do_v reach_v home_o you_o may_v defend_v he_o according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o backsword_n the_o defence_n of_o this_o slip_n be_v to_o forbear_v strike_v at_o all_o but_o if_o you_o do_v strike_v not_o to_o over-strike_a your_o sword_n but_o so_o trick_v your_o blow_n as_o you_o may_v recover_v he_o into_o his_o place_n hasty_o again_o for_o in_o sight_n if_o you_o do_v strike_v you_o must_v forbear_v strong_a blow_n for_o with_o a_o strong_a blow_n you_o may_v fall_v into_o diverse_a hazard_n therefore_o strike_v a_o easy_a blow_n and_o do_v it_o quick_a but_o to_o thrust_v and_o not_o strike_v at_o all_o it_o to_o thy_o best_a advantage_n another_o slip_n put_v your_o thumb_n long_a way_n or_o forward_o upon_o the_o handle_n of_o your_o rapier_n according_a unto_o the_o natural_a fashion_n and_o your_o enemy_n lie_v in_o this_o guard_n join_v your_o rapier_n according_a as_o the_o picture_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o you_o have_v join_v turn_v the_o heel_n of_o your_o hand_n upward_o and_o your_o point_n downward_o and_o so_o bring_v you_o point_n compass_v under_o your_o enemy_n right_a elbow_n and_o then_o with_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o thumb_n turn_v it_o into_o his_o breast_n the_o like_v you_o may_v do_v if_o your_o enemy_n offer_v to_o close_v with_o you_o at_o single_a rapier_n for_o if_o be_v come_v hasty_o upon_o you_o you_o can_v not_o draw_v out_o your_o point_n whereby_o to_o offend_v he_o but_o by_o turn_v it_o in_o as_o before-said_a you_o may_v hit_v the_o skilful_a man_n that_o be_v in_o his_o come_n in_o now_o if_o he_o do_v defend_v your_o point_n below_o you_o may_v by_o a_o sudden_a turn_v up_o your_o point_n thrust_v it_o home_o to_o his_o right_a shoulder_n or_o face_n whether_o you_o will_v yourself_o the_o defence_n of_o this_o slip_n if_o your_o enemy_n do_v join_v his_o weapon_n with_o you_o to_o close_v or_o to_o turn_v in_o a_o slip_n then_o make_v yourself_o ready_a quick_o by_o put_v your_o thumb_n upon_o your_o rapier_n as_o aforesaid_a when_o he_o fall_v his_o point_n towards_o his_o left_a hand_n to_o fetch_v the_o compass_n of_o your_o rapier_n arm_n then_o fall_v your_o point_n the_o contrary_a way_n i_o mean_v towards_o your_o left_a hand_n so_o shall_v you_o meet_v with_o his_o weapon_n below_o again_o and_o this_o will_v defend_v yourself_o and_o when_o he_o raise_v his_o point_n again_o then_o do_v you_o raise_v you_o likewise_o into_o his_o place_n again_o another_o slip_n if_o your_o enemy_n do_v join_v his_o rapier_n with_o you_o and_o do_v bear_v he_o strong_o against_o you_o think_v to_o overbeare_v you_o by_o strength_n of_o arm_n than_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o begin_v to_o charge_v you_o strong_o bear_v your_o rapier_n a_o little_a against_o he_o and_o then_o sudden_o let_v fall_v your_o point_n so_o low_a as_o your_o gerdle-steed_n and_o thrust_v it_o home_o withal_o and_o so_o you_o may_v hit_v he_o for_o by_o let_v his_o rapier_n go_v away_o sudden_o he_o sway_v away_o beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o defence_n so_o that_o you_o may_v hit_v he_o and_o fall_v away_o again_o before_o he_o can_v recover_v his_o rapier_n to_o endanger_v you_o a_o dazzle_a thrust_n at_o single_a rapier_n or_o backsword_n proffer_n or_o feign_v a_o thrust_n at_o the_o fair_a part_n of_o your_o enemy_n body_n with_o lie_v most_o unguarded_a and_o then_o more_o quick_a than_o i_o can_v speak_v it_o thrust_v it_o in_o one_o the_o other_o side_n and_o so_o change_v three_o or_o four_o time_n and_o then_o chop_n it_o home_o sudden_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v his_o body_n unguarded_a by_o reason_n that_o he_o will_v carry_v his_o rapier_n or_o sword_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n think_v to_o defend_v the_o false_a thrust_n because_o he_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v true_a thrust_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o cunning_a that_o know_v if_o a_o thrust_v be_v proffer_v within_o distance_n but_o that_o it_o may_v hit_v he_o or_o whether_o it_o will_v be_v a_o false_a thrust_n or_o no_o the_o defender_n know_v not_o and_o therefore_o he_o must_v prepare_v his_o defence_n against_o every_o thrust_n that_o be_v proffer_v a_o close_a at_o single_a rapier_n or_o at_o backsword_n first_o charge_v your_o enemy_n with_o a_o thrust_n aloft_o with_o a_o over-hand_n thrust_v direct_o at_o your_o enemy_n face_n and_o withal_o follow_v it_o in_o close_a bear_v your_o your_o enemy_n point_n over_o your_o head_n by_o the_o carry_v up_o of_o your_o rapier_n hand_n and_o then_o may_v you_o make_v seizure_n on_o the_o hilt_n of_o your_o enemy_n rapier_n or_o sword_n or_o on_o his_o handwrist_n with_o your_o left_a hand_n and_o then_o have_v make_v seizure_n of_o his_o weapon_n you_o may_v then_o use_v what_o execution_n you_o will_v i_o mean_v either_o blow_n or_o thrust_v or_o trip_v up_o his_o heel_n the_o guard_n for_o the_o backsword_n carry_v your_o sword-hilt_n out_o at_o the_o arm_n end_n and_o your_o point_n lean_v or_o slope_v towards_o your_o left_a shoulder_n but_o not_o join_v with_o your_o enemy_n
weapon_n as_o this_o picture_n seem_v but_o so_o long_o as_o you_o lie_v in_o your_o guard_n let_v there_o be_v three_o foot_n distance_n betwixt_o your_o weapon_n but_o if_o your_o enemy_n do_v charge_n you_o either_o with_o blow_n or_o thrust_v carry_v your_o sword_n over_o your_o body_n against_o your_o enemy_n assault_n and_o so_o cross_a with_o he_o according_a to_o the_o picture_n bear_v also_o your_o point_n steady_a over_o your_o body_n something_o slope_v towards_o your_o left_a shoulder_n i_o mean_v the_o point_n must_v go_v so_o far_o as_o the_o hilt_n but_o not_o turn_v your_o point_n the_o contrary_a way_n but_o carry_v they_o both_o together_o i_o will_v make_v it_o plain_o by_o and_o by_o because_o i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o understand_v it_o wise_o for_o have_v with_o a_o true_a defence_n defend_v your_o enemy_n blow_n or_o thrust_v by_o cross_v with_o he_o or_o by_o bear_v your_o weapon_n against_o his_o assault_n as_o before_o say_v the_o danger_n be_v past_a then_o present_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n and_o with_o one_o motion_n turn_v down_o the_o point_n of_o your_o sword_n turn_v your_o knuckle_n inward_a and_o so_o thrust_v it_o home_o to_o our_o enemy_n thigh_n but_o with_o all_o step_v forth_o with_o your_o foot_n and_o hand_n together_o but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a observation_n to_o be_v have_v in_o your_o practice_n concern_v the_o true_a carriage_n of_o your_o point_n for_o in_o your_o defence_n if_o you_o do_v not_o carry_v your_o sword_n true_a than_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o defend_v either_o blow_n or_o thrust_v for_o if_o you_o carry_v the_o hilt_n of_o your_o sword_n against_o either_o blow_n or_o thrust_v as_o do_v not_o carry_v the_o point_n withal_o level_a even_o as_o you_o lay_v in_o your_o guard_n according_a to_o the_o picture_n then_o your_o hand_n and_o face_n be_v endanger_v but_o bear_v the_o hilt_n and_o the_o point_n about_o a_o foot_n over_o your_o body_n towards_o your_o left_a side_n and_o likewise_o to_o bear_v your_o sword_n stiff_o out_o at_o the_o arm_n end_n without_o bow_v of_o your_o elbow_n joint_n provide_v always_o that_o your_o sword_n be_v in_o your_o right_a hand_n you_o must_v look_v with_o both_o your_o eye_n on_o the_o inside_n of_o your_o sword_n for_o than_o you_o have_v but_o one_o kind_n of_o defence_n so_o that_o the_o point_n of_o your_o sword_n be_v slope_v towards_o the_o left_a shoulder_n but_o otherwise_o if_o you_o keep_v the_o point_n of_o your_o sword_n uprigth_n than_o your_o enemy_n have_v three_o way_n to_o endanger_v you_o especial_o if_o you_o carry_v your_o sword_n right_a before_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o belly_n with_o the_o point_n upright_o as_o i_o have_v know_v some_o hold_n a_o opinion_n of_o that_o way_n to_o be_v good_a but_o i_o say_v he_o that_o trust_v to_o that_o guard_n may_v be_v hit_v in_o the_o head_n with_o a_o sudden_a wrist-blow_n if_o his_o practice_n be_v never_o so_o good_a and_o likewise_o both_o his_o arm_n be_v unguarded_a and_o to_o be_v danger_v either_o with_o blow_n or_o thrust_v but_o if_o you_o guard_v yourself_o after_o my_o direction_n than_o your_o enemy_n have_v but_o only_o the_o left_a side_n of_o your_o head_n and_o your_o leg_n open_a and_o they_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v defend_v the_o leg_n by_o pluck_v he_o up_o the_o which_o you_o must_v do_v upon_o every_o blow_n which_o your_o enemy_n charge_v you_o withal_o and_o with_o the_o same_o defend_v the_o head_n and_o body_n carry_v your_o sword_n over_o your_o body_n towards_o your_o left_a side_n the_o point_n and_o hilt_n both_o steadie_a as_o i_o have_v before_o say_v now_o although_o i_o here_o speak_v altogether_o of_o a_o backsword_n it_o be_v not_o so_o mean_v but_o the_o guard_n be_v so_o call_v and_o therefore_o whether_o you_o be_v weapon_v with_o a_o two_o edge_a sword_n or_o with_o a_o rapier_n yet_o frame_v your_o guard_n in_o this_o manner_n and_o form_n as_o before_o say_v another_o very_a sure_a and_o dangerous_a guard_n at_o the_o backsword_n call_v the_o unicorn_n guard_n or_o the_o forehand_n guard_n bear_v the_o sword_n hilt_n so_o high_a as_o your_o face_n keep_v he_o out_o at_o the_o arm_n end_n without_o bow_v of_o your_o elbow_n joint_n and_o always_o keep_v your_o point_n direct_o upon_o your_o enemy_n face_n and_o your_o knuckle_n of_o your_o sword_n hand_n upward_o but_o if_o your_o enemy_n do_v charge_n you_o with_o a_o blow_n to_o the_o right_a side_n of_o your_o head_n then_o turn_v but_o your_o sword_n hilt_n and_o your_o knuckle_n outward_a still_o keep_v your_o sword_n arm_v stiff_o in_o his_o place_n turn_v but_o only_o your_o wrist_n and_o your_o hand_n this_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a guard_n to_o your_o enemy_n be_v carry_v with_o a_o strong_a arm_n for_o by_o reason_n that_o you_o keep_v he_o out_o at_o the_o point_n end_n be_v so_o direct_o in_o his_o face_n that_o he_o can_v come_v near_o you_o without_o great_a danger_n either_o of_o blow_n or_o thrust_v but_o indeed_o if_o your_o sword_n be_v not_o carry_v out_o with_o a_o strong_a arm_n than_o your_o enemy_n may_v endanger_v your_o head_n by_o strike_v of_o two_o blow_n together_o the_o one_o be_v strike_v at_o the_o point_n of_o your_o sword_n to_o strick_v he_o down_o and_o the_o other_o to_o your_o head_n but_o they_o must_v be_v strike_v both_o together_o very_o sudden_o or_o else_o there_o be_v small_a danger_n in_o they_o now_o if_o you_o be_v wary_a in_o watch_v when_o he_o make_v his_o first_o blow_n sudden_o pluck_v in_o the_o point_n of_o your_o sword_n to_o you_o and_o so_o by_o that_o slip_n his_o first_o stroke_n he_o will_v over_o carry_v he_o so_o that_o if_o you_o turn_v a_o over-hand_n blow_v to_o his_o head_n you_o may_v hit_v he_o before_o he_o can_v recover_v his_o sword_n to_o strike_v his_o second_o blow_n or_o defend_v himself_o lie_v in_o this_o long_a guard_n you_o may_v slip_v every_o blow_n that_o be_v strike_v pluck_v in_o your_o sword_n even_o as_o you_o see_v your_o enemy_n strike_v and_o turn_v it_o over_o to_o the_o right_a side_n of_o his_o head_n a_o close_a at_o backsword_n lie_v in_o thy_o guard_n according_a unto_o the_o picture_n at_o single_a rapier_n and_o when_o you_o mean_v to_o close_v lift_v up_o the_o hilt_n of_o thy_o word_n so_o high_a as_o thy_o cheek_n and_o charge_v thy_o enemy_n with_o a_o thrust_v direct_o at_o his_o face_n and_o with_o the_o same_o motion_n step_n in_o with_o thy_o hind_n most_o foot_n turn_v the_o knuckle_n of_o thy_o sword-hand_n inward_a and_o so_o bear_v thy_o enemy_n point_n over_o thy_o head_n and_o then_o catch_v hold_v on_o thy_o enemy_n sword-hilt_n or_o on_o his_o handwrist_n with_o thy_o left_a hand_n but_o on_o his_o hilt_n be_v the_o sure_a to_o hold_v and_o then_o you_o may_v either_o trip_v up_o his_o heel_n or_o cut_v or_o thrust_v he_o with_o your_o weapon_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n you_o may_v close_v with_o a_o rapier_n also_o if_o you_o can_v make_v your_o party_n good_a at_o the_o gripe_n or_o close_v for_o your_o enemy_n in_o bear_v over_o his_o sword_n over_o his_o body_n to_o defend_v his_o face_n from_o your_o thrust_n he_o there_o by_o carry_v away_o his_o point_n so_o that_o he_o can_v endanger_v you_o if_o you_o follow_v it_o in_o close_a and_o quick_a false_a play_n with_o the_o backsword_n your_o enemy_n be_v in_o his_o guard_n and_o lie_v at_o watch_n for_o advantage_n you_o may_v feign_v a_o blow_n at_o the_o rightside_n of_o his_o head_n and_o present_o with_o the_o turn_n of_o your_o handwrist_n strike_v it_o home_o to_o his_o left-side_n which_o be_v do_v quick_a you_o may_v hit_v a_o reasonable_a good_a player_n for_o he_o will_v bear_v his_o sword_n against_o the_o feign_a blow_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n unguard_v his_o left-side_n but_o at_o no_o hand_n you_o must_v not_o let_v the_o feign_a blow_n touch_v your_o enemy_n sword_n but_o give_v your_o sword_n a_o sudden_a check_n and_o so_o strike_v it_o to_o the_o contrarieside_n for_o if_o your_o feign_a blow_n do_v join_v with_o your_o enemy_n sword_n it_o will_v stay_v his_o sword_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o true_a defence_n so_o that_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o defend_v your_o false_a blow_n but_o otherwise_o if_o you_o touch_v not_o his_o sword_n he_o will_v carry_v he_o beyond_o the_o true_a compass_n of_o defence_n of_o the_o second_o blow_n which_o you_o determine_v to_o hit_v he_o withal_o so_o likewise_o you_o may_v feign_v your_o blow_n at_o the_o left-side_n of_o your_o enemy_n head_n but_o present_o strike_v it_o home_o to_o the_o rightside_n of_o his_o head_n in_o manner_n as_o aforesaid_a another_o false_a play_n again_o you_o may_v join_v
defence_n of_o his_o left_a side_n if_o it_o be_v strike_v in_o with_o a_o quick_a hand_n all_o manner_n of_o false_a blow_n slip_n and_o thrust_v at_o what_o weapon_n soever_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o defend_v with_o the_o true_a carriage_n of_o thy_o weapon_n as_o at_o rapier_n and_o dagger_n if_o a_o false_a thrust_v be_v make_v below_o it_o must_v be_v defend_v with_o the_o dagger_n below_o and_o with_o the_o rapier_n above_o and_o if_o either_o blow_n or_o thrust_v be_v falsify_v at_o the_o backsword_n or_o at_o sword_n and_o dagger_n thou_o must_v bear_v thy_o sword_n against_o every_o proffer_n but_o be_v sure_a thou_o do_v not_o overcarrie_a he_o but_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v quick_a back_n again_o to_o meet_v his_o second_o blow_n on_o the_o other_o side_n as_o bring_v thy_o weapon_n into_o his_o place_n by_o practice_n thou_o shall_v find_v thyself_o sure_o guard_v as_o in_o some_o place_n in_o this_o book_n thou_o shall_v find_v the_o defence_n after_o the_o false_a play_n at_o every_o weapon_n although_o i_o have_v not_o set_v down_o the_o defence_n of_o every_o slip_n nor_o of_o every_o fault_n which_o have_v be_v very_o necessary_a for_o as_o every_o lesson_n on_o a_o fiddle_n have_v a_o several_a tune_n even_o so_o every_o guard_n and_o every_o falsify_v have_v a_o several_a kind_n of_o offence_n and_o defence_n but_o here_o thou_o shall_v find_v the_o defence_n that_o belong_v unto_o many_o of_o they_o and_o the_o rest_n i_o leave_v out_o for_o want_v of_o leisure_n to_o write_v they_o but_o they_o shall_v follow_v in_o the_o next_o impression_n the_o true_a guard_n for_o the_o staff_n which_o we_o will_v call_v the_o low_a guard_n keep_v the_o point_n of_o your_o staff_n right_a in_o your_o enemy_n face_n hold_v one_o hand_n at_o the_o very_a butt_n end_n of_o the_o staff_n and_o the_o other_o a_o foot_n and_o a_o half_a distant_a look_v over_o your_o staff_n with_o both_o your_o eye_n and_o your_o foot_n a_o foot_n and_o a_o half_a distance_n or_o thereabouts_o according_a to_o this_o picture_n always_o stand_v cross_n with_o your_o enemy_n i_o mean_v if_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o foot_n be_v foremost_a let_v you_o be_v so_o likewise_o and_o if_o his_o left-hand_a and_o foot_n be_v foremost_a then_o make_v you_o your_o change_n and_o cross_v with_o he_o also_o now_o if_o your_o enemy_n do_v charge_n you_o either_o with_o blow_n or_o thrust_v you_o lie_v in_o the_o guard_n as_o above_o show_v than_o your_o defence_n be_v thus_o and_o if_o he_o charge_v you_o above_o the_o gerdle-steade_n either_o with_o blow_n or_o thrust_v strike_v yourself_o against_o it_o keep_v up_o the_o point_n of_o your_o staff_n so_o high_a as_o your_o head_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o you_o have_v defend_v whether_o it_o be_v blow_n or_o thrust_v present_o answer_v your_o enemy_n again_o with_o a_o thrust_n and_o then_o hasty_o recover_v your_o guard_n again_o and_o in_o give_v of_o a_o thrust_n you_o may_v let_v go_v your_o forehand_n from_o off_o your_o staff_n but_o hold_v the_o butt_n end_v fast_o in_o one_o hand_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o you_o have_v discharge_v your_o thrust_n pluck_v back_o your_o staff_n and_o clap_v both_o your_o hand_n on_o he_o again_o and_o recover_v your_o guard_n but_o yet_o stay_v not_o long_o to_o see_v whether_o your_o enemy_n will_v begin_v with_o you_o but_o begin_v with_o he_o first_o with_o a_o false_a thrust_n as_o anon_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o manner_n how_o to_o do_v it_o and_o when_o you_o can_v do_v it_o what_o need_v you_o to_o stand_v long_o about_o that_o which_o may_v be_v do_v present_o and_o without_o danger_n now_o if_o he_o proffer_v either_o blow_n or_o thrust_v unto_o your_o low_a part_n under_o your_o gerdle-stead_n if_o it_o be_v a_o thrust_n strike_v it_o away_o by_o turn_v the_o point_n of_o your_o staff_n towards_o the_o ground_n but_o be_v sure_a to_o strike_v it_o with_o that_o large_a compass_n that_o the_o point_n of_o your_o staff_n may_v pitch_v not_o in_o the_o ground_n for_o so_o you_o may_v deceive_v yourself_o in_o your_o defence_n if_o he_o charge_v you_o so_o low_a with_o a_o blow_n than_o you_o may_v strike_v it_o as_o you_o do_v a_o thrust_v or_o you_o may_v pitch_v the_o point_n of_o your_o staff_n into_o the_o ground_n two_o or_o three_o foot_n wide_a of_o that_o side_n which_o he_o charge_v you_o at_o and_o you_o may_v in_o the_o pitch_v down_o of_o your_o staff_n let_v go_v your_o sore-hand_n that_o he_o do_v not_o hit_v he_o and_o then_o all_o part_n be_v defend_v so_o high_a as_o your_o head_n so_o that_o you_o always_o have_v a_o care_n to_o keep_v your_o staff_n in_o his_o right_a place_n that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o your_o right_a hand_n and_o foot_n be_v foremost_a then_o leave_v all_o your_o body_n open_a so_o that_o your_o enemy_n can_v not_o endanger_v you_o on_o the_o outside_n of_o your_o staff_n but_o if_o he_o will_v hit_v you_o he_o must_v needs_o strike_v or_o thrust_v on_o the_o inside_n of_o your_o staff_n and_o then_o you_o must_v defend_v all_o blow_n or_o thrust_v by_o bear_v your_o staff_n over_o your_o body_n towards_o the_o left_a side_n for_o this_o we_o call_v the_o before_o hand_n defence_n and_o this_o defence_n consume_v no_o time_n but_o if_o in_o hold_v your_o staff_n in_o the_o right_a hand_n as_o before_o be_v say_v and_o yet_o for_o your_o guard_n do_v bear_v your_o staff_n over_o towards_o the_o left_a hand_n than_o you_o leave_v your_o right_a shoulder_n arm_n or_o face_n open_a or_o unguarded_a the_o which_o must_v be_v defend_v backward_o but_o you_o may_v defend_v twenty_o thrust_n or_o blow_n before_o hand_n better_a than_o one_o backward_o for_o the_o back_n defence_n be_v nothing_o so_o ready_a nor_o so_o certain_a as_o the_o forehand_n defence_n be_v and_o therefore_o keep_v and_o continue_v your_o guard_n according_a unto_o the_o picture_n for_o than_o if_o he_o proffer_v a_o thrust_n on_o the_o outside_n of_o your_o staff_n you_o need_v not_o to_o fear_v nor_o offer_v to_o defend_v it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o place_n in_o any_o danger_n but_o all_o be_v guard_v especial_o from_o the_o gerdle-stead_n upward_o and_o in_o your_o defence_n have_v always_o a_o care_n to_o the_o true_a carriage_n of_o your_o staff_n that_o you_o do_v not_o carry_v he_o beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o true_a defence_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o false_a play_n for_o if_o you_o overcarrie_a your_o staff_n i_o mean_v further_o than_o need_n do_v require_v you_o can_v not_o recover_v he_o back_o again_o quick_a enough_o to_o defend_v the_o false_a now_o if_o your_o enemy_n do_v assault_v you_o upon_o the_o contrary_a side_n you_o must_v change_v both_o your_o foot_n and_o hand_n to_o cross_v with_o he_o as_o before_o but_o take_v heed_n when_o you_o change_v you_o do_v not_o come_v in_o with_o your_o hinder_a foot_n but_o let_v he_o stand_v firm_a and_o fall_v back_o with_o the_o fore-most_a foot_n upon_o every_o change_n and_o have_v defend_v your_o enemy_n assault_n with_o a_o little_a increase_n in_o answer_v he_o with_o a_o thrust_n thrust_v out_o your_o staff_n with_o your_o hindermost_a hand_n and_o step_v forth_o withal_o with_o your_o foremost_a foot_n and_o in_o the_o same_o instant_n of_o your_o proffer_n let_v go_v your_o forehand_n but_o after_o your_o offence_n present_o recover_v your_o hand_n upon_o your_o staff_n again_o now_o if_o your_o staff_n be_v short_a than_o your_o enemy_n than_o for_o your_o better_a advantage_n step_v in_o with_o your_o hinder_a foot_n with_o your_o answer_n but_o at_o no_o hand_n never_o strike_v one_o blow_n with_o your_o staff_n for_o he_o that_o do_v but_o lift_v up_o his_o staff_n to_o strike_v may_v easy_o be_v hit_v by_o the_o defender_n with_o a_o thrust_n for_o in_o the_o same_o motion_n that_o the_o oppressor_n do_v lift_v up_o his_o staff_n to_o strike_v the_o defender_n may_v with_o a_o speedy_a thrust_v hit_v he_o in_o the_o breast_n and_o hold_v he_o off_o upon_o the_o point_n of_o his_o staff_n if_o the_o defender_n thrust_v out_o his_o staff_n with_o his_o hinder_a hand_n especial_o if_o their_o staff_n be_v both_o of_o one_o length_n than_o he_o that_o strike_v can_v endanger_v the_o other_o with_o a_o blow_n for_o he_o that_o strike_v hold_v both_o his_o hand_n upon_o his_o staff_n until_o he_o have_v discharge_v his_o blow_n whereby_o he_o that_o thrust_v have_v two_o foot_n odds_n of_o he_o in_o length_n that_o strike_v so_o that_o he_o put_v out_o his_o staff_n to_o his_o most_o advantage_n as_o beforesaid_a it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o which_o use_v the_o staff_n shall_v have_v use_n of_o both_o his_o hand_n alike_o for_o thereby_o he_o may_v the_o
better_o shift_v his_o staff_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n whereby_o to_o lie_v cross_a always_o with_o your_o enemy_n change_v your_o hand_n and_o foot_n as_o he_o change_v for_o lie_v the_o one_o with_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o foot_n foremost_a and_o the_o other_o with_o the_o left_a than_o he_o that_o strike_v first_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o endanger_v the_o other_o hand_n but_o if_o you_o can_v change_v your_o staff_n to_o lie_v cross_a with_o your_o enemy_n staff_n then_o for_o your_o defence_n of_o a_o blow_n pitch_v the_o point_n of_o your_o staff_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o let_v go_v your_o forehand_n and_o when_o you_o have_v discharge_v the_o blow_n with_o as_o much_o speed_n as_o you_o can_v answer_v his_o blow_n with_o a_o thrust_n for_o the_o great_a secret_n of_o all_o most_o chief_o to_o be_v remember_v at_o this_o weapon_n be_v if_o your_o enemy_n do_v but_o once_o offer_v to_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n to_o strike_v then_o present_o chop_n in_o with_o a_o thrust_n at_o his_o breast_n shoulder_n or_o face_n for_o so_o you_o may_v hit_v he_o as_o you_o will_v yourself_o so_o that_o you_o take_v your_o time_n of_o answer_v if_o your_o enemy_n strike_v with_o his_o staff_n he_o hold_v he_o fast_o in_o both_o his_o hand_n when_o he_o deliver_v his_o blow_n by_o reason_n thereof_o he_o which_o thrust_v and_o lose_v his_o forehand_n when_o he_o discharge_v his_o thrust_n or_o draw_v in_o the_o forehand_n close_o unto_o the_o hinder_a hand_n which_o hold_v the_o butt_n end_n of_o his_o staff_n and_o so_o thrust_v he_o out_o withal_o you_o may_v keep_v the_o striker_n upon_o the_o point_n of_o your_o staff_n so_o that_o with_o his_o blow_n he_o can_v not_o reach_v you_o be_v equal_o match_v in_o length_n but_o must_v come_v upon_o his_o own_o death_n or_o danger_n himself_o great_o the_o high_a guard_n for_o the_o staff_n look_v under_o your_o staff_n with_o both_o your_o eye_n with_o the_o point_n hang_v slope-way_n downward_o by_o your_o side_n bearing_z out_o your_o staff_n at_o the_o arm_n end_n high_a than_o your_o head_n a_o little_a according_a to_o this_o picture_n in_o look_v under_o your_o staff_n it_o will_v seem_v to_o your_o enemy_n that_o your_o defence_n be_v only_o for_o your_o head_n than_o he_o will_v think_v to_o hit_v you_o in_o the_o body_n with_o a_o thrust_n for_o the_o body_n seem_v to_o lie_v very_o open_a unto_o he_o and_o if_o he_o do_v charge_v you_o with_o a_o thrust_n carry_v the_o point_n of_o your_o staff_n over_o your_o body_n close_o by_o the_o ground_n towards_o the_o other_o side_n and_o have_v defend_v the_o thrust_n turn_v up_o the_o point_n of_o your_o staff_n present_o towards_o your_o enemy_n breast_n and_o charge_v he_o with_o a_o thrust_n again_o if_o your_o enemy_n charge_v you_o with_o a_o blow_n at_o your_o head_n lift_v up_o the_o point_n of_o your_o staff_n &_o meet_v the_o blow_n half_a way_n and_o withal_o draw_v back_o your_o hand_n for_o fear_n of_o endanger_v your_o finger_n have_v strike_v away_o his_o staff_n answer_v he_o again_o with_o a_o thrust_n as_o beforesaid_a now_o if_o your_o enemy_n charge_v you_o with_o a_o blow_n at_o your_o side_n either_o pitch_n the_o point_n of_o your_o staff_n into_o the_o ground_n to_o defend_v it_o or_o else_o change_v into_o thy_o low_a guard_n and_o so_o cross_a with_o he_o if_o your_o enemy_n do_v strike_v a_o full_a blow_n at_o your_o head_n you_o need_v not_o fear_n neither_o of_o your_o hand_n but_o by_o strike_v with_o your_o staff_n to_o meet_v his_o blow_n you_o shall_v defend_v it_o upon_o the_o middle_n or_o near_o the_o point_n of_o your_o staff_n although_o he_o do_v strike_v purposely_o at_o your_o hand_n yet_o can_v he_o not_o touch_v your_o hand_n not_o anyother_n part_n of_o your_o body_n but_o upon_o the_o defence_n of_o your_o body_n draw_v back_o your_o hand_n now_o it_o behove_v you_o to_o be_v perfect_a not_o only_o in_o this_o guard_n but_o also_o in_o change_v your_o staff_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n according_a to_o your_o enemy_n lie_v to_o do_v well_o you_o shall_v change_v as_o he_o change_v sometime_o the_o point_n of_o your_o staff_n shall_v be_v hang_v down_o by_o the_o right_a side_n of_o your_o body_n and_o sometime_o by_o the_o left_a according_a to_o your_o enemy_n lie_v the_o best_a way_n to_o make_v your_o change_n be_v to_o let_v your_o staff_n slip_v through_o your_o hand_n like_o a_o weaver_n shuttle_n for_o this_o be_v a_o more_o speedy_a change_n then_o to_o shift_v he_o after_o the_o common_a manner_n and_o by_o a_o little_a practice_n you_o may_v grow_v perfect_a in_o it_o the_o best_a guard_n for_o a_o dark_a night_n at_o staff_n if_o thou_o meet_v with_o thy_o enemy_n in_o the_o night_n and_o he_o charge_v upon_o thou_o the_o best_a mean_n for_o thy_o defence_n be_v present_o to_o chap_v up_o into_o this_o high_a guard_n except_o thy_o staff_n be_v of_o a_o sufficient_a length_n to_o keep_v he_o off_o with_o charge_v the_o point_n upon_o he_o or_o else_o the_o three_o mean_n be_v to_o trust_v to_o thy_o heel_n but_o if_o thou_o will_v trust_v to_o thy_o hand_n then_o either_o keep_v he_o off_o with_o thy_o point_n or_o else_o above_o all_o part_n chief_o defend_v thy_o head_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v but_o only_o by_o this_o guard_n except_o a_o man_n may_v see_v the_o blow_n before_o it_o do_v light_a now_o thou_o must_v put_v thy_o hand_n alittle_o further_o asunder_o than_o thou_o do_v for_o the_o day_n that_o the_o blow_n may_v be_v defend_v by_o take_v he_o upon_o thy_o staff_n betwixt_o both_o thy_o hand_n if_o it_o light_v at_o your_o head_n as_o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n of_o most_o man_n to_o strike_v at_o the_o head_n as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o rather_o then_o to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o body_n now_o have_v take_v the_o blow_n betwixt_o your_o hand_n withal_o run_v in_o and_o close_a with_o he_o for_o if_o you_o stand_v off_o at_o the_o length_n in_o fight_n any_o time_n be_v in_o the_o night_n it_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v very_o dangerous_a if_o you_o suffer_v he_o to_o discharge_v many_o blow_n but_o either_o answer_v he_o with_o a_o thrust_n or_o else_o close_a with_o he_o and_o turn_v the_o butt_n end_n of_o your_o staff_n into_o his_o breast_n or_o face_n as_o you_o see_v occasion_n now_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n or_o that_o you_o can_v see_v the_o blow_n before_o it_o light_n if_o your_o enemy_n charge_v you_o with_o a_o blow_n at_o the_o side_n meet_v his_o blow_n by_o carry_v over_o to_o the_o other_o side_n &_o pitch_v the_o point_n of_o your_o staff_n in_o the_o ground_n and_o loose_v your_o foremost_a hand_n for_o danger_n of_o your_o finger_n but_o hold_v the_o hinder_a hand_n fast_o at_o the_o butt_n end_n of_o your_o staff_n but_o now_o upon_o this_o high_a guard_n you_o can_v not_o defend_v the_o false_a so_o well_o nor_o so_o sure_a as_o when_o you_o lie_v on_o the_o low_a guard_n for_o if_o your_o enemy_n do_v proffer_v a_o thrust_n on_o the_o one_o side_n your_o staff_n and_o present_o chap_v it_o home_o to_o the_o other_o side_n he_o may_v endanger_v nay_o he_o may_v hit_v a_o skilful_a and_o cunning_a player_n especial_o if_o you_o overcarrie_a your_o staff_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o feign_a blow_n or_o thrust_v wherefore_o if_o you_o lie_v on_o the_o low_a guard_n with_o your_o staff_n or_o pike_n you_o shall_v defend_v a_o thrust_n with_o the_o point_n of_o your_o weapon_n long_o before_o it_o come_v near_o you_o &_o yet_o your_o point_n be_v ready_a to_o answer_v more_o speedy_o than_o it_o be_v when_o you_o lie_v on_o any_o other_o guard_n but_o he_o which_o lie_v with_o his_o point_n of_o the_o staff_n or_o pike_n on_o the_o ground_n have_v very_o little_a space_n to_o his_o body_n no_o more_o than_o the_o length_n of_o his_o arm_n wherein_o he_o hold_v his_o weapon_n therefore_o he_o which_o suffer_v a_o thrust_n to_o come_v so_o near_o it_o will_v quick_o come_v to_o the_o face_n or_o body_n yet_o because_o most_o soldier_n heretofore_o have_v use_v this_o fashion_n of_o lie_v and_o be_v not_o experience_v in_o the_o low_a guard_n according_a to_o the_o first_o picture_n of_o the_o staff_n but_o if_o in_o your_o practice_n you_o use_v both_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o benefit_n thereof_o the_o better_a now_o if_o you_o frame_v yourself_o into_o the_o high_a guard_n your_o staff_n must_v not_o be_v in_o length_n above_o eight_o foot_n at_o the_o most_o but_o rather_o short_a for_o else_o in_o defend_v your_o enemy_n thrust_v a_o long_a staff_n will_v hit_v in_o the_o ground_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n your_o enemy_n
thrust_n may_v endanger_v you_o therefore_o for_o this_o high_a guard_n you_o must_v look_v that_o your_o staff_n be_v of_o that_o length_n that_o you_o may_v carry_v the_o point_n clean_o from_o the_o ground_n in_o defend_v of_o a_o thrust_n but_o for_o the_o low_a guard_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o what_o length_n your_o staff_n be_v question_n and_o answer_n betwixt_o the_o master_n and_o scholar_n concern_v the_o staff_n the_o scholar_n you_o have_v give_v i_o direction_n for_o two_o sort_n of_o guard_n which_o do_v you_o commend_v best_a that_o i_o may_v repose_v myself_o upon_o the_o master_n i_o commend_v the_o low_a guard_n best_o for_o that_o it_o serve_v with_o the_o quarterstaff_n of_o seven_o or_o eight_o foot_n or_o for_o the_o long-staffe_n of_o twelve_o foot_n and_o for_o the_o pike_n of_o eighteen_o foot_n for_o i_o have_v make_v trial_n with_o man_n of_o good_a experience_n which_o have_v lie_v in_o other_o guard_n according_a to_o their_o practice_n as_o some_o at_o quarterstaff_n will_v lay_v their_o point_n upon_o the_o ground_n overthwart_v their_o body_n hold_v the_o butte-end_n of_o their_o staff_n so_o low_a as_o their_o girdlestead_n he_o that_o thus_o lie_v the_o best_a way_n to_o hit_v he_o be_v to_o proffer_v or_o fain_o a_o thrust_n at_o his_o face_n and_o present_o put_v it_o home_o below_o for_o he_o will_v carry_v his_o staff_n up_o to_o save_v his_o face_n but_o can_v put_v he_o down_o again_o before_o you_o have_v hit_v he_o underneath_o as_o beforesaid_a but_o with_o quickness_n you_o may_v hit_v he_o in_o the_o face_n or_o breast_n and_o never_o falsify_v your_o thrust_n but_o put_v it_o in_o sudden_o turn_v the_o heel_n of_o hinder_a hand_n upward_o withal_o and_o if_o your_o enemy_n lie_v at_o halfe-staffe_n hold_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n his_o hand_n that_o so_o lie_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o every_o blow_n that_o come_v but_o the_o best_a way_n to_o hit_v he_o that_o so_o lie_v without_o danger_n to_o thyself_o be_v with_o a_o false_a thrust_n and_o that_o be_v to_o proffer_v it_o on_o the_o one_o side_n of_o his_o staff_n and_o to_o put_v it_o home_o on_o the_o other_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o false_a play_n that_o follow_v but_o first_o let_v i_o make_v a_o end_n of_o that_o which_o i_o have_v begin_v and_o so_o we_o will_v proceed_v some_o will_v lie_v with_o the_o long-staffe_n or_o pike_n with_o the_o point_n on_o the_o ground_n and_o the_o butt_n end_v so_o high_a as_o his_o head_n or_o high_o indeed_o this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v common_a fight_n with_o the_o pike_n among_o the_o soldier_n and_o the_o defence_n of_o this_o guard_n either_o for_o blow_n or_o thrust_v be_v to_o swerve_v his_o uper-hand_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n according_a as_o he_o see_v the_o danger_n of_o the_o oppressor_n assault_v and_o then_o present_o launch_v out_o the_o staff_n or_o pike_n by_o lift_v they_o up_o upon_o the_o outside_n of_o their_o foot_n or_o else_o by_o gather_v he_o upon_o their_o left_a arm_n and_o so_o launch_v he_o out_o as_o aforesaid_a he_o that_o use_v this_o guard_n must_v be_v strong_a and_o very_o active_a and_o nimble_a but_o whatsoever_o he_o be_v high_a or_o low_o weak_a or_o strong_a the_o low_a guard_n be_v best_a the_o scholar_n if_o the_o low_a guard_n be_v so_o strong_a for_o my_o defence_n what_o need_n have_v i_o to_o learn_v any_o other_o the_o master_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n can_v be_v but_o sure_a if_o he_o practise_v all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n but_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o for_o thou_o to_o know_v more_o than_o ever_o thou_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o use_v for_o have_v the_o perfect_a use_n of_o the_o low_a and_o high_a guard_n you_o may_v close_v with_o any_o staff_n man_n if_o you_o think_v you_o can_v make_v your_o party_n good_a with_o he_o when_o you_o have_v close_v the_o scholar_n i_o pray_v you_o direct_v i_o the_o best_a manner_n of_o close_v the_o master_n when_o you_o encounter_v with_o any_o man_n that_o have_v a_o staff_n a_o welch-hooke_n or_o a_o halberd_n and_o yourself_o be_v arm_v with_o any_o one_o of_o these_o weapon_n present_v a_o thrust_n to_o the_o face_n of_o your_o enemy_n and_o withal_o follow_v it_o in_o with_o your_o hindmost_a foot_n also_o and_o as_o you_o encroach_v in_o clap_v up_o your_o staff_n into_o the_o high_a guard_n and_o you_o shall_v carry_v your_o enemy_n point_n over_o your_o head_n by_o that_o mean_n but_o you_o must_v not_o be_v slack_a in_o follow_v of_o it_o in_o for_o he_o will_v bear_v the_o point_n of_o his_o weapon_n so_o high_a to_o defend_v his_o face_n that_o he_o can_v recover_v his_o staff_n by_o no_o mean_n to_o endanger_v you_o and_o when_o you_o have_v make_v your_o close_n you_o may_v turn_v the_o butt-end_n of_o your_o staff_n in_o his_o face_n if_o you_o listen_v or_o you_o may_v trip_v up_o his_o heel_n if_o you_o be_v cunning_a in_o wrestle_v but_o if_o he_o have_v any_o short_a weapon_n about_o he_o than_o i_o wish_v you_o to_o take_v he_o about_o the_o middle_n and_o unarm_n he_o of_o it_o or_o else_o to_o hold_v he_o fast_o that_o he_o hurt_v you_o not_o but_o if_o you_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o bill_n or_o a_o hook_n then_o in_o your_o halfe-close_a you_o may_v fall_v away_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o your_o bill_n or_o hooke_n towards_o his_o leg_n and_o so_o by_o a_o draw_a blow_n rake_v he_o over_o the_o shin_n and_o keep_v up_o the_o butt-end_n of_o the_o staff_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o your_o own_o head_n and_o so_o you_o may_v fall_v out_o of_o his_o distance_n and_o recover_v your_o guard_n before_o he_o can_v any_o way_n endanger_v you_o if_o your_o enemy_n close_o with_o you_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o do_v offer_v the_o butt-end_n of_o his_o staff_n unto_o your_o face_n or_o breast_n then_o fall_v back_o with_o your_o fore_a foot_n and_o make_v a_o quick_a change_n and_o you_o shall_v have_v he_o at_o great_a advantage_n both_o for_o defence_n and_o likewise_o to_o turn_v in_o the_o butt-end_n of_o your_o staff_n unto_o his_o face_n or_o breast_n and_o if_o you_o listen_v this_o be_v a_o sure_a defence_n for_o such_o a_o assault_n believe_v it_o for_o i_o know_v it_o he_o that_o be_v perfect_a in_o the_o low_a guard_n may_v with_o a_o staff_n encounter_v against_o the_o welch-hooke_n holbert_n partisan_n or_o gleave_n and_o i_o hold_v that_o a_o staff_n with_o a_o pike_n to_o have_v odds_n against_o any_o such_o long_a weapon_n be_v equal_o match_v in_o length_n for_o odds_n in_o length_n with_o any_o weapon_n be_v very_o much_o advantage_n where_o i_o wish_v if_o any_o do_v appoint_v the_o field_n with_o any_o of_o these_o aforesaid_a weapon_n it_o be_v not_o amiss_o for_o the_o one_o of_o they_o to_o condition_n to_o bring_v a_o hatchet_n or_o some_o other_o edge_a tool_n into_o the_o field_n to_o cut_v the_o long_a staff_n except_o you_o match_v they_o before_o hand_n the_o scholar_n i_o pray_v you_o let_v i_o here_o your_o reason_n for_o many_o think_v that_o the_o hook_n or_o any_o edge_a weapon_n have_v great_a odds_n against_o the_o staff_n the_o master_n indeed_o without_o cunning_a and_o skill_n the_o welch-hooke_n and_o these_o other_o weapon_n be_v more_o fearful_a unto_o the_o ignorant_a but_o he_o that_o be_v cunning_a in_o the_o false_a play_n and_o slip_n belong_v unto_o the_o staff_n may_v with_o a_o false_a thrust_n or_o with_o drip_v his_o blow_n endanger_v any_o other_o be_v weapon_v with_o any_o other_o of_o these_o weapon_n aforesaid_a for_o if_o you_o falsify_v your_o thrust_n according_a to_o my_o direction_n in_o the_o false_a play_n that_o be_v to_o proffer_v your_o thrust_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o then_o to_o put_v home_o the_o second_o determine_v thrust_v unto_o the_o other_o side_n of_o his_o weapon_n and_o then_o if_o your_o enemy_n have_v a_o hook_n halberd_n or_o bill_n in_o defend_v the_o false_a the_o head_n of_o his_o weapon_n will_v so_o overcarrie_a he_o by_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o weight_n that_o he_o can_v command_v he_o nimble_o back_o again_o whereby_o to_o defend_v the_o false_a if_o your_o enemy_n be_v arm_v with_o a_o hook_n holbert_n or_o partisan_n or_o gleave_n if_o he_o charge_v you_o with_o a_o blow_n then_o slip_v his_o blow_n either_o by_o pluck_v in_o of_o your_o staff_n keep_v of_o the_o point_n upright_o until_o his_o blow_n be_v past_a and_o then_o you_o may_v answer_v he_o again_o either_o with_o blow_n or_o thrust_v for_o by_o drip_v a_o blow_n the_o weight_n of_o the_o head_n of_o any_o of_o these_o aforesaid_a weapon_n will_v go_v with_o such_o a_o swing_n that_o it_o will_v turn_v his_o body_n in_o
for_o when_o you_o see_v your_o enemy_n charge_v you_o with_o a_o blow_n there_o be_v no_o rule_n to_o be_v show_v to_o know_v where_o the_o blow_n will_v light_v until_o it_o do_v light_a but_o this_o assure_v yourself_o the_o blow_n must_v have_v a_o light_v place_n for_o when_o the_o sword_n be_v up_o where_o he_o will_v fall_v there_o be_v no_o rule_n to_o be_v show_v for_o when_o the_o blow_n be_v charge_v it_o come_v so_o swift_a and_o light_v where_o the_o striker_n think_v good_a wherefore_o arm_n yourself_o to_o defend_v every_o place_n whether_o it_o come_v above_o or_o below_o for_o if_o you_o turn_v down_o the_o point_n of_o your_o sword_n beforehand_o think_v the_o blow_n will_v light_v at_o your_o leg_n for_o so_o you_o must_v do_v it_o you_o will_v defend_v he_o with_o your_o sword_n otherwise_o you_o can_v be_v down_o quick_a enough_o for_o the_o blow_n will_v pass_v more_o speedy_a than_o the_o turn_n of_o a_o hand_n wherefore_o i_o wish_v you_o to_o save_v your_o leg_n by_o pluck_v of_o he_o up_o and_o open_v not_o your_o head_n in_o hope_n to_o save_v your_o leg_n and_o so_o save_v neither_o of_o they_o for_o the_o head_n be_v the_o principal_a place_n that_o your_o enemy_n will_v strike_v at_o therefore_o keep_v your_o point_n always_o upright_o and_o in_o their_o place_n according_a to_o my_o direction_n follow_v the_o first_o picture_n and_o likewise_o as_o here_o i_o have_v describe_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o know_v the_o place_n of_o your_o weapon_n but_o always_o to_o continue_v they_o in_o their_o place_n except_o it_o be_v at_o the_o very_a instant_a time_n of_o your_o defence_n and_o offence_n but_o if_o you_o make_v play_v to_o offend_v your_o enemy_n recover_v your_o weapon_n into_o your_o guard_n speedy_o again_o whether_o you_o hit_v or_o miss_v now_o in_o strike_v thy_o blow_n let_v not_o thy_o sword_n swing_n under_o thy_o arm_n by_o ove-striking_a thy_o blow_n but_o wind_v he_o up_o present_o into_o his_o place_n again_o always_o keep_v the_o point_n close_o and_o defend_v the_o blow_n double_a for_o so_o do_v the_o point_n of_o your_o sword_n will_v be_v a_o great_a strengthen_n unto_o your_o dagger_n for_o he_o that_o do_v trust_v to_o defend_v a_o blow_n with_o the_o dagger_n only_o may_v be_v deceive_v if_o his_o cunning_n be_v never_o so_o good_a for_o if_o the_o blow_n shall_v light_v never_o the_o point_n of_o your_o dagger_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o sharpness_n and_o weakness_n of_o the_o dagger_n it_o may_v glide_v over_o and_o hit_v he_o that_o be_v skilful_a if_o his_o cunning_n be_v never_o so_o good_a likewise_o the_o blow_n may_v hit_v he_o under_o the_o dagger-arme_n which_o trust_v to_o the_o dagger_n except_o he_o use_v the_o defence_n of_o his_o backsword_n for_o which_o both_o together_o a_o weak_a man_n yea_o a_o boy_n may_v defend_v a_o strong_a man_n with_o both_o for_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o charge_v a_o blow_n with_o one_o hand_n if_o his_o force_n be_v never_o so_o great_a but_o one_o that_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o skilful_a of_o the_o backsword_n may_v defend_v himself_o double_a as_o aforesaid_a for_o he_o that_o charge_v with_o one_o hand_n a_o very_a wretch_n be_v able_a to_o defend_v with_o both_o have_v skill_n and_o practice_v in_o all_o fashion_n for_o when_o one_o can_v hit_v thou_o yet_o another_o who_o fashion_n thou_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o may_v hit_v thou_o but_o be_v experience_v in_o many_o weapon_n and_o in_o many_o guard_n and_o practise_v with_o many_o man_n then_o if_o thou_o have_v a_o occasion_n to_o answer_v any_o one_o which_o thou_o never_o see_v before_o thou_o will_v present_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o he_o can_v but_o strike_v and_o thrust_v therefore_o be_v prepare_v before_o hand_n than_o so_o soon_o as_o thou_o see_v his_o guard_n and_o charge_n thou_o know_v thy_o defence_n now_o as_o i_o have_v say_v before_o you_o must_v be_v careful_a in_o your_o defence_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o you_o come_v within_o the_o reach_n of_o your_o enemy_n prepare_v yourself_o into_o your_o guard_n to_o defend_v every_o part_n both_o from_o blow_n and_o thrust_v defend_v the_o blow_n with_o the_o backsword_n so_o low_a as_o your_o knee_n and_o the_o point_n help_v to_o strengthen_v the_o point_n of_o your_o dagger_n then_o if_o your_o enemy_n charge_v you_o with_o a_o blow_n you_o must_v not_o prepare_v to_o strike_v with_o he_o for_o so_o you_o may_v be_v hurt_v and_o then_o say_v afterward_o i_o think_v he_o will_v have_v strike_v at_o my_o head_n and_o so_o never_o reckon_v upon_o your_o side_n nor_o your_o leg_n or_o if_o you_o shall_v think_v he_o will_v have_v strike_v at_o your_o leg_n and_o so_o never_o regard_v your_o head_n but_o i_o say_v you_o must_v not_o deal_v upon_o thought_n but_o upon_o a_o sure_a guard_n and_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o know_v your_o guard_n of_o defence_n but_o you_o must_v keep_v he_o for_o if_o your_o enemy_n have_v once_o hit_v you_o for_o want_n of_o keep_v your_o guard_n it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o for_o you_o to_o remember_v your_o defence_n afterward_o therefore_o look_v to_o it_o afore_o the_o blow_n do_v light_a or_o if_o you_o fight_v at_o rapier_n and_o dagger_n you_o must_v look_v for_o both_o blow_n and_o thrust_v for_o your_o enemy_n may_v strike_v with_o his_o rapier_n and_o hit_v you_o if_o you_o do_v not_o look_v for_o a_o blow_n and_o when_o you_o be_v hit_v it_o be_v too_o late_o to_o say_v i_o think_v he_o will_v not_o have_v strike_v with_o his_o rapier_n again_o at_o sword_n and_o dagger_n it_o may_v be_v your_o enemy_n will_v thrust_v and_o you_o must_v not_o say_v i_o think_v he_o will_v not_o thrust_v for_o every_o one_o will_n in_o a_o quarrel_n do_v what_o his_o affection_n lead_v he_o best_o unto_o except_o he_o alter_v his_o affection_n by_o practice_n here_o follow_v the_o chief_a blow_n at_o sword_n and_o dagger_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o to_o perform_v they_o now_o for_o thy_o best_a advantage_n in_o as_o plain_a manner_n as_o by_o word_n i_o can_v express_v they_o among_o many_o other_o blow_n we_o will_v here_o observe_v these_o three_o the_o first_o a_o wrist_z blow_n a_o half_a blow_n and_o a_o quarter_n blow_n every_o one_o of_o these_o must_v be_v use_v in_o their_o time_n and_o place_n as_o this_o sometime_o with_o a_o wrist_n blow_n thou_o may_v speed_v thy_o enemy_n when_o thou_o can_v not_o hit_v he_o with_o a_o half_a blow_n nor_o with_o a_o quarter_n blow_n because_o there_o be_v in_o the_o deliver_v of_o either_o of_o the_o two_o last_o blow_n more_o time_n spend_v for_o every_o blow_n exceed_v each_o other_o in_o force_n and_o in_o quickenesse_n this_o wrist_n blow_n will_v hit_v thy_o enemy_n either_o head_n or_o face_n if_o his_o point_n lie_v any_o thing_n open_a or_o on_o either_o side_n of_o his_o head_n if_o he_o do_v look_v over_o either_o of_o his_o weapon_n for_o although_o he_o do_v see_v it_o come_v never_o so_o plain_a yet_o he_o can_v prevent_v it_o if_o he_o have_v argus_n eye_n if_o his_o weapon_n be_v but_o a_o inch_n too_o low_o but_o if_o your_o enemy_n do_v lie_v more_o open_a than_o you_o may_v charge_v he_o with_o a_o half_a blow_n or_o a_o full_a quarter_n blow_n but_o the_o quarter_n blow_n serve_v best_a for_o the_o leg_n if_o thy_o enemy_n do_v encroach_v or_o gather_v in_o upon_o thou_o then_o strike_v down_o to_o his_o leg_n and_o bear_v up_o thy_o dagger_n over_o thy_o head_n with_o the_o point_n something_o slope_v towards_o thy_o right_a shoulder_n for_o so_o thy_o dagger_n will_v save_v thy_o head_n and_o the_o point_n of_o thy_o sword_n will_v hit_v he_o on_o the_o leg_n in_o his_o own_o come_n and_o the_o upper_a part_n of_o thy_o sword_n will_v defend_v thy_o own_o leg_n if_o he_o charge_v thou_o in_o thy_o own_o assault_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o thou_o have_v strike_v thy_o blow_n recover_v thy_o guard_n hasty_o again_o the_o quarter_n blow_n do_v fetch_v a_o compass_n about_o the_o head_n that_o although_o he_o come_v strong_a it_o be_v not_o so_o quick_a as_o many_o other_o now_o there_o be_v a_o wash_a blow_n which_o the_o unskilful_a do_v use_n much_o and_o with_o that_o blow_n thou_o may_v hit_v thy_o enemy_n under_o the_o dagger_n arm_n if_o he_o be_v not_o skilful_a with_o his_o backsword_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o defence_n for_o it_o but_o the_o backsword_n only_o then_o there_o be_v a_o whirl_a blow_n &_o that_o be_v after_o thou_o have_v waif_n thy_o sword_n or_o flourish_v he_o over_o thy_o head_n twice_o or_o thrice_o thou_o may_v deliver_v thy_o blow_n either_o to_o the_o head_n or_o leg_n or_o to_o
what_o place_n thou_o see_v most_o for_o thy_o advantage_n for_o it_o be_v such_o a_o uncertain_a blow_n that_o he_o must_v be_v a_o good_a player_n that_o defend_v it_o also_o there_o be_v a_o back_n blow_v which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v two_o way_n the_o one_o be_v a_o plain_a dunstable_n way_n that_o be_v to_o fetch_v thy_o sword_n from_o off_o thy_o left_a shoulder_n &_o so_o to_o strike_v it_o to_o the_o right_a side_n of_o thy_o enemy_n head_n or_o to_o the_o outside_n of_o his_o right_a leg_n but_o the_o cunning_a way_n be_v to_o bow_v thy_o sword-elbow_n joint_n &_o with_o thy_o knuckle_n upward_o and_o thy_o sword_n hilt_n so_o high_a as_o your_o ear_n and_o then_o by_o turn_v of_o your_o sword_n hand_n wrist_n bend_v or_o proffer_v the_o point_n of_o thy_o sword_n with_o a_o blow_n towards_o your_o enemy_n dagger_n ear_n but_o present_o turn_v your_o wrist_n bring_v the_o midst_n of_o your_o sword_n close_o over_o the_o crown_n of_o thy_o head_n and_o with_o a_o compass_n blow_n strike_v it_o home_o to_o his_o sword_n ear_n or_o to_o the_o outside_n of_o his_o leg_n i_o can_v with_o word_n make_v this_o blow_n so_o plain_a as_o i_o will_v for_o i_o will_v glad_o the_o ignorant_a shall_v understand_v it_o for_o of_o all_o the_o blow_n of_o true_a play_n this_o be_v the_o best_a for_o you_o may_v likewise_o feign_v it_o unto_o the_o outside_n of_o your_o enemy_n head_n and_o strike_v it_o home_o to_o the_o other_o or_o unto_o his_o side_n here_o follow_v the_o false_a play_n at_o sword_n and_o dagger_n if_o your_o enemy_n be_v in_o this_o guard_n as_o i_o have_v here_o describe_v by_o false_a play_n you_o may_v cause_v he_o to_o open_v his_o guard_n but_o if_o he_o lie_v upon_o any_o other_o guard_n than_o you_o need_v not_o to_o falsify_v for_o you_o may_v hit_v he_o with_o true_a play_n if_o you_o will_v hit_v your_o enemy_n on_o the_o right_a side_n of_o the_o head_n then_o strike_v a_o blow_n to_o his_o foot_n but_o strike_v it_o somewhat_o short_a then_o present_o bring_v it_o with_o a_o back_n blow_n to_o his_o right_a ear_n the_o which_o will_v be_v unguarded_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o carry_v his_o sword_n to_o save_v his_o left_a side_n if_o he_o be_v not_o the_o better_o ground_v with_o experience_n and_o if_o you_o will_v hit_v he_o on_o the_o side_n of_o his_o head_n than_o thrust_v a_o full_a thrust_n at_o his_o belly_n turn_v your_o knuckle_n inward_a and_o he_o will_v put_v down_o his_o dagger_n to_o defend_v it_o but_o then_o so_o soon_o as_o you_o have_v offer_v your_o thrust_n present_o bring_v up_o your_o sword_n close_o up_o by_o the_o outside_n of_o his_o dagger_n elbow_n and_o with_o a_o wrist_n blow_n strike_v he_o on_o the_o ear_n or_o head_n keep_v your_o knunckle_n inward_a till_o the_o blow_n be_v deliver_v with_o this_o blow_n you_o may_v hit_v a_o good_a player_n but_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o a_o very_a strong_a blow_n now_o to_o hit_v thy_o enemy_n in_o the_o foot_n be_v to_o thrust_v two_o or_o three_o thrust_n short_a at_o his_o face_n and_o then_o fall_v it_o down_o to_o the_o leg_n or_o the_o foot_n with_o a_o blow_n for_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o daunger_a of_o his_o face_n with_o a_o thrust_n will_v make_v he_o forget_v his_o leg_n another_o way_n be_v to_o strike_v a_o back_n blow_v strong_o to_o his_o sword_n ear_n and_o present_o fall_v it_o down_o to_o his_o foot_n for_o he_o see_v it_o come_v to_o his_o head_n not_o one_o in_o twenty_o but_o will_v wink_n and_o before_o he_o open_v his_o eye_n again_o you_o may_v hit_v he_o upon_o his_o foot_n or_o leg_n but_o the_o chief_a blow_n of_o all_o for_o the_o leg_n be_v to_o lift_v up_o the_o heel_n of_o your_o sword_n hand_n high_o than_o your_o head_n and_o tip_n in_o the_o point_n over_o your_o enemy_n sword_n as_o though_o you_o will_v hit_v he_o in_o the_o right_a eye_n but_o present_o bring_v down_o your_o sword_n with_o a_o full_a blow_n to_o the_o inside_n of_o his_o leg_n for_o this_o blow_n in_o offer_v aloft_o loft_n will_v sure_o make_v he_o wink_v and_o deceive_v a_o skilful_a man_n and_o if_o in_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o your_o sword_n you_o say_v beware_v your_o foot_n it_o will_v serve_v to_o he_o that_o you_o go_v about_o to_o hit_v he_o on_o the_o head_n so_o he_o will_v lift_v up_o his_o weapon_n to_o save_v the_o head_n but_o this_o blow_n be_v cunning_o deliver_v come_v down_o to_o the_o leg_n with_o such_o celerity_n and_o violence_n that_o he_o can_v prevent_v it_o except_o he_o have_v be_v use_v to_o it_o with_o much_o practice_n but_o it_o seldom_o miss_v if_o it_o be_v cunning_o deliver_v yet_o there_o be_v another_o deceitful_a blow_n for_o the_o leg_n or_o foot_n that_o be_v to_o strike_v a_o back_n blow_n to_o the_o sword_n care_n as_o beforesaide_a step_v out_o your_o foot_n with_o our_o blow_n alittle_o and_o see_v that_o your_o blow_n reach_v but_o to_o his_o sword_n it_o be_v enough_o but_o hasty_o pluck_v back_o your_o foot_n and_o your_o sword_n in_o their_o place_n and_o provide_v to_o charge_v he_o with_o a_o blow_n to_o the_o foot_n as_o he_o come_v in_o to_o answer_v your_o first_o blow_n now_o in_o strike_v at_o his_o leg_n be_v alittle_o before_o hand_n for_o as_o he_o make_v a_o motion_n of_o lift_v up_o his_o sword_n to_o charge_v you_o step_z in_o with_o the_o same_o motion_n and_o in_o fall_v your_o point_n to_o his_o leg_n you_o save_v your_o own_o leg_n if_o he_o do_v strike_v at_o your_o leg_n than_o the_o dagger_n must_v at_o such_o a_o time_n defend_v your_o head_n single_a which_o you_o may_v very_o well_o do_v if_o you_o bear_v he_o alittle_o the_o high_a but_o withal_o turn_v the_o dagger_n point_v down_o towards_o the_o right_a shoulder_n also_o you_o may_v deceive_v some_o with_o cast_v your_o eye_n down_o and_o look_v to_o his_o foot_n and_o present_o strike_v it_o home_o to_o his_o head_n for_o with_o your_o eye_n you_o may_v deceive_v he_o which_o be_v not_o perfect_a in_o this_o deceit_n certain_a reason_n why_o thou_o may_v not_o strike_v with_o thy_o weapon_n in_o fight_n the_o first_o danger_n be_v describe_v follow_v the_o first_o picture_n in_o this_o book_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n the_o defend_v or_o be_v to_o take_v the_o blow_n double_a or_o on_o the_o backsword_n only_o and_o then_o present_o to_o charge_v he_o again_o with_o the_o point_n with_o the_o which_o the_o defender_n may_v hit_v the_o striker_n in_o the_o face_n breast_n or_o thigh_n as_o he_o will_v himself_o the_o like_a may_v be_v do_v with_o a_o staff_n first_o defend_v the_o blow_n and_o answer_v quick_a with_o a_o thrust_n the_o next_o danger_n if_o it_o be_v with_o a_o sword_n be_v this_o thou_o may_v break_v or_o bow_v he_o or_o he_o may_v slip_v out_o of_o the_o hilt_n any_o of_o these_o danger_n may_v happen_v at_o the_o very_a first_o blow_n that_o thou_o strike_v and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o staff_n it_o may_v likewise_o be_v break_v or_o the_o pike_n may_v fly_v out_o and_o then_o thou_o be_v not_o assure_v whether_o thy_o enemy_n upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n will_v take_v the_o advantage_n upon_o thou_o if_o such_o a_o chance_n do_v fall_v out_o therefore_o beware_v of_o strike_v an_o other_o hazard_n by_o strike_v be_v unto_o the_o striker_n if_o his_o enemy_n the_o defender_n do_v but_o slip_v his_o blow_n by_o a_o little_a withdraw_a of_o his_o body_n back_o even_o as_o he_o see_v the_o blow_n come_v and_o so_o i_o say_v by_o a_o little_a withdraw_a the_o body_n and_o also_o by_o pluck_v in_o his_o weapon_n he_o that_o strike_v the_o blow_n will_v oversway_n his_o body_n beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o true_a defence_n and_o so_o the_o blow_n be_v past_a charge_v he_o present_o with_o a_o thrust_n for_o he_o that_o strike_v his_o blow_n will_v carry_v his_o body_n in_o a_o manner_n round_o so_o that_o the_o blow_n be_v not_o defend_v but_o let_v slip_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o then_o you_o may_v hit_v he_o in_o the_o back_n either_o with_o a_o blow_n or_o thrust_v if_o you_o take_v your_o opportunity_n in_o make_v a_o quick_a answer_n as_o more_o at_o large_a of_o this_o slight_a i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o false_a play_n at_o each_o weapon_n also_o diverse_a reason_n here_o and_o there_o in_o this_o book_n concern_v the_o disadvantage_n of_o a_o blow_n the_o author_n opinion_n concern_v the_o odds_n betwixt_o a_o left-handed_a man_n and_o a_o right-banded_n man_n a_o left-handed_a man_n be_v skilful_a have_v odds_n against_o a_o right-handed_a man_n be_v skilful_a likewise_o one_o reason_n be_v a_o left-hand_a man_n be_v always_o