Girolamo Cavalcabo

Girolamo Cavalcabo
Born	16th century Bologna, Italy
Died	17th century London, England? (?)
Relative(s)	Zachara Cavalcabo (father?)
Occupation	Fencing master
Influences	Angelo Viggiani dal Montone
Influenced	André des Bordes (?)
Genres	Fencing manual
Language	Italian Middle French Early New High German
Notable work(s)	Traité ou instruction pour tirer des armes (1597)
Manuscript(s)	MS Italien 1527 (1580s)

Girolamo Cavalcabo (Hieronyme Calvacabo, Hieronimo Cavalcabo) was a 16th century Italian fencing master. He was trained in the Bolognese school of fencing, possibly under Angelo Viggiani dal Montone, and seems to have traveled to London, England in the 1580s or 1590s and set up a school.^{[citation needed]} During this period he also wrote a treatise on the use of the rapier entitled Nobilissimo discorso intorno il schermo ("Most Noble Discourse on Defense"), though it would not be published until 1597. In the early 17th century, he received a position in the court of Henry IV of France as fencing instructor to his son Louis (the future Louis XIII).^{[citation needed]}

Treatise

Preface and Introduction

Images	Draft Translation (from the German) by Kevin Maurer	Archetype (ca. 1580s)	French Translation (1597)	German Translation (1611)
	New Artful Fencing Book Of the widely famous and much traveled Italian Fencing Master Hieronymi Cavalcabo from Bononien Here forth from the writings of which instance through Mr. de Villamont, Knight of the Order of Jerusalem, and Kingly MT, in France as Cammer Junker, has transferred into the French language. Now however, to please all Lovers of the Praisworthy Fencing arts, Germanized from the reported French language by Conrad von Einsidell Mens in consilus valet in certamine dextra
	Forward The Serene and Highborn Princes and Lords, Lord Johan Phillip, Lord Friederich, and Lord Johan Wilhelm, Princes of Saxony, Eulich, Cleve and Bergk, Counts in Dueringen, Military Governors of Meissen, Dukes of the Marck and Ravensburg, and Lords of Ravenstein, Lordly Bretheren, My Gracious Princes and Lords. Serene Highnesses, high-born princes. Gracious men, thus by God the almighty's gracious power I was born of Christian Noble parents, in this world, in which I am not ever alone, of the true fear of God, and with assiduity learned the praiseworthy studies through learned Praeceptores I was compelled by all exercising of diligent study and to all Christian and noble Youths I persistently beseech? But rather also above this a considerable opportunity was presented to me,
	Therefore, I am First and foremost, Divine Majesty, cordially grateful to them, my loving Parents, for the times of my life, Than I also should and would have an eager guilt of obediance to myself. Such in truth, their preventive expenses incurred and the joys of their noble pleasures, was my most Artful and best opportunity that Humbly speaks to my age old family, well created, and next to the true fear of God, these two pieces make a pillar, therefore. "Salus reipubl: utroqtam pacis quam belli tempore," based on the testimony of the most highly praisworthy Emperor's desire, which also adorns the Nobility and does charge, that namely Attem and Martem, to some purpose were set before me, and with great pleasure allowed. In measure I resolved myself to such ends, and through childish and improper requests, received so much from my loving father, the he granted and allowed me to make a trip to France, England, and the Netherlands, Of this I praise God for evermore, after Five quarter years, I am again happy for coming home, and upon arriving here, I've further been sent to Jena, to continue my unfinished studies.
	Because however my loving Father earnestly urged me, firstly, so that I learned the French language, then by having traveled, learned and gathered together, kept and strengthened through diligent practice. Thus I have served an analysis of my meager project, and want to give it in the language of the day, in a current fencing book, put to our own Mother Language; and these things, and much more, because the Noble and Honorable Mr. Daniel Cachedenier, my new found friend and Tischwirt, has advised me on this fencing book and is such a blessing to me. Thus it is because of the Author (Villamont) and the paraphrasing, of those yonder Italians that he was found in Italy for several years, to be among the most excellent of fencers. However, he is but a Frenchmen, who was for ten years, a disciple of the original Author (Cavalcabo), and hereafter, because of his devotion was made a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre, and his further experience for the Noble youth's sake, and also because of the youthful death of the King of France, his considerable service has been required, and because of the usefullness of his published fencing booklets.
	But I do not doubt it myself, there are quite a few things, Your Royal Grace such that I humbly attribute, and hope that I am not judged untimely, or arrogant, Especially, however, because I myself am still meager in these fencing Arts, due to deficiencies of age, or rather, that I have no experience. But as I thought, thus it had to me such a great occasion to give the pleasure of such a version, tam Martis qua'm Artis, and that I was but rather pleased to watch in amazement, various skilled fencers, in many foreign places, therefore with the passing time and my increasing in age, also something of them was learned, when set before me. Thus well to the cost incurred by my loving parents, towards the practice of the French language, my dutiful guilt, I would like do a good thing. However, that I have in subservience attributed, such a booklet, to Your Royal Graces, and is namely from the causes mentioned, this has happened, that the same beloved lord and father, his late Serene Highness and Highlyborn Prince and Lord, Lord Frederick William, Duke of Saxony, Electorate of Saxony, etc, highpraise and in Christs' blessed memory, my loving ancestors and parents, in such Princely graces, have been weighed.
	so that His Royal Grace from high born princes and Christian ??????, by whose heartfelt loving Bride, who is also of Serene and Highborn Princes and Ladies, Lady Anna-Maria, born Palatine by Rhein, Princess of Bavaria, Duchess of Veldenz and Spanheim, Princess of Saxony etc. Your Royal Graces, Loving Lady Mother, my gracious Princess and Lady, and also the highborn Princess and young lady, Lady Dorothea-Sophia, Princess of Saxony, etc. also my gracious Princess and Young Lady, who so mercifully and graciously bestowed, when without risk on the 10th of May, year 1597 by Personally performing the Christian works of the Holy baptism, in the name of the Lord Christ, our all Redeemer and Saviour, deliver me, and his holy Christian Churches to help incorporate. Therefore, Your Royal Graces, then as their Princely beloved for all posterity, and also my Gracious Princes and Lords, Not only do I know the times in life when to serve most subserviently as possible, but rather also this Booklet with subservience and guilty gratefulness Your Royal Graces Suberviently Conradus von Einsiedell

Rapier and Dagger

Images	Draft Translation (from the German) by Kevin Maurer	Archetype (ca. 1580s)	French Translation (1597)	German Translation (1611)
	The Four most distinguished Guards in the Rappier alone, also in rappier and dagger The first guard is, when one holds the arm higher than the shoulder, The second, when one holds their arm the same height as the shoulder The Third, when one holds this same, a little forward of the knee The Fourth, when one Holds the Dagger and Rappier to the left side.
	The CounterGuards Of the first counterguard it is the fourth, as you have just seen above,. Of the second Counterguard is even the same, as seen before. Likewise also of the third, when one steps outside of the enemies point. Of the Fourth, it is the second or third, when one springs to the side, there the enemy has his Dagger.
	To what end the Body serves? Our body is divided in two parts: Of one itself to Defend, the other to attack the enemy. The right side is for the attack, the left side to the Defense. An Instruction, how one shall judge from his opponent's guards When your opponent shows that his feet are together, thus is he willing to thrust at you; But if he holds them wide from one another, thus will he wait for yours.
	How one best should parry or takeout The Best parrys come with the Rappier. The Dagger serves in addition, so that it comes with help to you. When you however, parry with the Rappier, thus should this happen with the strong. When you however, parry with the dagger, thus you must take out on the weak of your opponent's rappier, when he offers up a thrust to you. A rule, thereby one can know, how one should use the Rappier correctly. The correct Rappiers' edge is that with which you can harm your opponent. the false serves to take out, namely from the strong of the rappier on to the Hilt, while one must always use an edge, namely, the half edge to offend, the other helps to defend or take out. The Four manners to try. The first attempt happens outside of the Opponents rappier The second to the side where he has his dagger. The Third, how one shows the feet together, and remains in recta linea . The Fourth is, when one sets a foot in front of the other, and with the Left always steps forth.
	What is Tempus? the tempo in Rappier, Dagger, and the movement of the feet is, that one should not soon thrust, until one has the correct Measure, of his Opponent, to step to. What is Measure, and out of the Measure? The Measure is, when one can reach to the other with a thrust. By contrast, out of the Measure is, when you cannot reach the opponent without stepping to them, with a thrust or strike. What is there to be, the Strong or Weak of the Rappiers? The strong , which is beneficial to the Defense, is that part of the rappier from the middle to the Hilt. The weak is the other part of the Rappier (from middle) to the tip.
	How you may come to know, if you are with the advantage in the Guards. The advantage of the guards is, when you hold your Rappiers' point, exactly against your adversaries' shoulder, and this same point is turned out from you. You will however, hereby pay attention, that you step towards your opponent's right side in a quarten, holding your dagger close to the Rappier. Which Guard is the best, thus it well defends you, and to your opponent, is done harm The first , second and third serve to attack, with the half or whole thrust; The fourth however, to await on the enemy.
	How one shall attack his Adversary with advantage? When you will attack your opponent, you must be expecting his after thrust, to the side with which he is closest to you, Will he attempt this however, you must be in quarte, thereafter, with the left foot passing, and thrust straight to the Face, and any well brought thrusts to you, quickly again proceed in the Secunde , therewith, when your Adversary would step to you with the right foot, so you give him a thrust, and you again can be in the quarte, with this same, you must expect his Riposte or Afterthrust, which you thereupon take out with the Rappier, and you should step with the left foot to his right side, your Dagger, contrarily against the Rappier, and in doing so, dont forget, that he in turn, thrusts in secunde. But he who will not thrust, so then you can use these reported plays. (Stuecke)
	Counter to this, thus feints or half thrusts are used You should position yourself, as if you would take him out with the dagger or rappier, with this you give him reason to caviren. Thus if he does so, you can give a thrust, with a stiff arm, and without moving the feet or passing, provided that you are in the measure. Thus You can also do to him: In which he makes to you a feint, and you have the Measure, you can give him a hard thrust to the Body, and spring to the side of his dagger thus giving him reason for the afterthrust. This you can conveniently do, to those who would attempt a feint to you, namely that you parry with your Rappier, and in other tempore you thrust, and with diligent attention you expect his Riposte. Against those who stand still, or in stricta mensura thrust. You must hold the Dagger and rappier high, so that your rappier's tip is directed at the opponent's face, and you give a little opening of your body. Thus when your opponent thrusts to you, then you should take out his thrust, under your rappier, to your right side,with your dagger and at the same time, with a withdrawal of the body, thrust to the Chest or to the Face.
	Or However you should, in this, take out with the Dagger, and give to him a stiff cut to his right arm: when he will well bring his thrust, even while you are in the same Guard as his Thrust, how it is reported, Or however, you can suppress his rappier, and step with the left foot to his right side, and with the help of your Dagger, give him a secunde. Against those, who are first to thrust, and thereupon step back. Then the thrusts must be taken out with the Rappier or Dagger, and thereupon with the left foot step forth to the Adversary following in recta linea, and from the Guards always position yourself, as if you would attack him, until you see, that he gives you an opening. When this happens, thereupon you must give him a stiff thrust, and quickly step again in secunde, with this advantage, you can expect his afterthrust.
	Against those, who will not be the first to thrust. Such an attempt must be to the side, where he has gotten closest, again position yourself in secunde or quarte, and expect his Riposte. When he then does this, one must see, what will be best to break him with, a cut or a thrust, Against those, who take out with the Dagger or Rappier. To know, if one takes out with the Dagger or Rappier: You must give to him a thrust between the Dagger and Rappier, thereby he shall be caused to parry. If he takes out with the Rappier, you should go through in a tertien, and thrust him to the right side. If he offers the tip to you, then you can go through in Secunde with the weak, and with the right foot step forth, and use your Dagger, to give him a thrust in Secunde. Or however, you can also thrust in tertien when he parries, and with the right foot stepping forth, always pay attention to the dagger. If he takes out with the dagger, you can caviren over the point of the dagger, and thrust him to the left shoulder or to the face, and position yourself quickly again in Tertien, and hold the dagger close by the Rappier, expect his intentions.
	Against those, who always yield backwards, and won't hold a position: So it must be done, that when you would step forth with the feet, thereby he has reason to yield backwards, behind himself: Thereupon you can quickly caviren with the Rappier over the Dagger, and thrust with a Secunde to the left shoulder or to the face, expect his Riposte in Secunde. Against those, that hold too long with the rappiers binding You must do it thus; If you would surpress or strike away this binding, thereby he has reason to caviren. When such happens, you can at the same time, give him a Stoccade without movement of the feet. Or however you can position yourself, as if you would strike away his rappier with your dagger, thereby he will be caused by this same to again draw back. In that, he will do so, then you can postition yourself, so that when you would, give to him a thrust
	thereby he will be compelled to take you out with his dagger. When such happens, thus you should caviren over the point of his dagger, and give to him a stiff thrust to the left side/face or body. Further you can also position yourself, as if you would bind on with your rappier to his, thereby you caviren to him or give him reason to yield and draw back. If he prepares to caviren, thus you should take out with the rappier, and step with the left foot to his right side, also take help from your dagger, position yourself in Secunde, thereby you can make an end to him, where it will be convenient. Will he however yield his Rappier back, you can threaten , as if you would give to him a thrust, thereby you urge him to parry with the dagger, when he does this, you can give to him a thrust over the dagger, to the side his dagger is, and hold the dagger close to the rappier, your left side is open, thus anticipate his riposte.
	Against those, who hold forth the dagger too far from the rappier. You must proceed in Secunde or Tertien, and hold the dagger close to the rappiers' cross, or held near the right arm, and with the left foot step forth against the enemies left side, and with the right arm standing to the Toes, thrust to the closest part of the body, In the middle of the riposte, pay careful attention, what the enemy might do to you. Which, provided that he thrusts with unmoving feet, you can take him out with the dagger, and give to him a thrust in Secunde, to his right side. Whe he however would step forth, thus you should caviren over the point of his Dagger with your Rappier, and thrust to the body between his dagger and rappier, and takeout his thrust with your dagger. Also you can make a feint to him with the dagger and thrust him to the left side, also other thrusts or cuts are done, how it is to your best opportunity to bring it. How you can know your adversaries intentions.
	When you will break your opponent's actions, you must bind on a little with your rappier to his rappier or dagger, thereby he will be caused to be the first to thrust. When he does this, then you should parry, and give to him a Riposte, where to you it seems best. How you can bring in your foe, so that he thrusts to you, in the place that to you is most convenient. You should initiate it from such knowledge: Hold the rappier in tertien, and the Dagger close by the right arm or your rappier's cross, thereby your adversary has no other openings to the left side. You can also position yourself in Quarte, and hold your dagger by the rappier, thereby he has reason, to thrust to your right side. Item, you can also give an opening between the rappier and dagger, and yourself stay in a high guard in Prima or secunda, also holding the dagger to the left side
	In such guards you can anticipate his guards, or his attacks, and how the best will be suitable to you. Against those, who pass through. When you must present the rappier high, thereby they have reason to bind on and to pass through, From this, you must draw back your forward foot, and parry his thrust, then in Secunde or Tertien thrust. Or you can give him a thrust, stepping to his side, when you however are too slow, you can Riposte with the strong of your rappier, against your opponent's weak. You can also stringiren his rappier with the help of your dagger. You can also in Tertia yield back with your Rappier, and hold your dagger close by the rappier, and give him a stoccade. You can also caviren over the point of his Dagger, and yourself again in quarte be positioned. You will also position yourself long and low before him, thereby he will be caused to stringiren. Will he do this, then you should go through and around with your dagger over his dagger, and take out his rappier with your dagger, and in Secunde thrust.

Copyright and License Summary

For further information, including transcription and translation notes, see the discussion page.

Work	Author(s)	Source	License
Images
Translation	Kevin Maurer	Meyer Freifechter Guild
Archetype
French Translation
German Translation

Additional Resources

• Runacres, Rob. Treatise or Instruction for Fencing: By Hieronymus Calvacabo of Bologna and Patenostrier of Rome. Self-published, 2015.
• Text to copy over