Pedro de Heredia

Pedro de Heredia
Spouse(s)	unknown
Occupation	Governor Captain
Nationality	Spanish
Movement	Esgrima común Bolognese swordsmanship
Influences	Girolamo Cavalcabo
Genres	Fencing manual
Language	Middle French
Notable work(s)	Book of Lessons
Principal manuscript(s)	Traite des armes (MS E.1939.65.359) Traite des armes (MS E.1939.65.360) Traite des armes (MS X.911)

Pedro de Heredia was a 17th century Spanish governor of a region in Belgium and a cavalry captain from 1615-1645. He wrote three manuscripts.

De Heredia's Le Livre des Leçons ("The Book of Lessons") is influenced by Girolamo Cavalcabo's Nobilissimo discorso intorno il schermo ("Most Noble Discourse on Defense").

Treatises

Preface

Illustrations	Draft Translation by John Tse	Transcribed by
	The strong will be from the back half for defense. And the weak for offense from the point until the middle. The sword can also be divided into three as you see above. As for the guards on which I rest my foundation, I stand with the common opinion of those who have made a profession of handling arms well that there are four guards, in the order that they are consecutively attributed; which nevertheless can be reduced to two, joining the first and second in one, and the third and fourth in the other. So let's say before going over what it is to be perfectly on guard. To be on guard consists of two things, namely: the accommodation of the body and that of the sword.
	Section 1 - How one must accommodate the body to get into a good posture. Now the accommodation of the body to be on guard will be holding the body straight with the right side a bit forward, turning the left side a bit backward, leaning the body on the left leg, of which the knee must be bent; the left arm is raised near the face like a semi-circle, the right leg extended or slightly bent, the two heels face-to-face to one another showing only the flank; you will cover with your right arm well extended below and a bit in front above the right thigh, the sword point looking in front of the enemy's right shoulder a bit higher than the fittings, and traversed somewhat inward, properly going on all sides to the enemy's sword. It is the third guard that I hold to be the most perfect, and in which all observations of good technique can be better preserved, since everything that derives from the other guards can easily (at least in part) be accommodated by this one. However having previously spoken of the four guards, I want to explain each of them in their place, to show that it is not necessary to rest in only one, because I hold them all good when performed well. Before putting the said guards in effect, a good master must teach his disciples the steps which are called passing, turning, traversing, and linear following before putting the sword in their hand, to make them more agile and swift in all movements, which having understood, he will give them sword in hand, teaching them the ensuing guards from which all the others derive as their principal element.
	Section 2 - The four principle guards of the single sword. Article 1 The first guard is when one holds the arm at shoulder height. Article 2 The second will be when the hand is a bit lower than the shoulder. Article 3 The third is when the arm is a bit forward past the knee as it has been said above. Article 4 The fourth will be holding the sword forward from the left side.
	Section 3 - Counterguards to the aforementioned. The counterguard of the aforementioned first will be the fourth guard. The counterguard of the second will be the same. The counterguard of the third will likewise be the same in passing outward from the enemy's sword. The counterguard of the fourth will be the third, your sword covering that of the enemy's with your strong on your opponent's weak.
	Section 4 - It is also important to know how our body can operate. Our body can be divided in two parts, one for offense, the other for defense. The right part will be used for offense, and the left for defense.
	Section 5 - The most notable points of advice that must be observed in several places. First, note when you are on guard with the enemy that you have a view of his eye, so that you have the proper means to discover all of his intentions. If you see the enemy's foot narrow, it will be to offend, if it is wide it will be to wait.
	Section 6 - Knowing which is the sword's correct or false edge. The sword's correct edge is that which offends and the false edge is that which parries.
	Section 7 - Four ways of passing. The first passing is made outward from the enemy's sword. The second will be on the left side, the third will be narrowing the step going in a straight line. The fourth will pass one foot in front of the other; take heed that with this last passing, the left foot must move first.
	Section 8 - Knowing which are the kind of times. Time of the sword, time of the foot, and time of the body movement are those that one can take in measure, when one wants to offend his enemy.
	Section 9 - Which kind are being in and out of measure. The measure consists of the distance from which one can reach each other with a single extended step, for there are three kinds, namely: exact, narrow, and far measure. The exact measure is when one can reach one another in one step, the narrow measure is when one can reach one another solely by extending the sword or an unforced half-step. The far measure is when one cannot easily reach with only one step; so to perfect it, we put a half step forward with a forced follow-up, another step to reach at what is the true resolute cut. Out of measure means when one cannot reach one another.
	Section 10 - How to gain the measure. The measure, whatever it is, is gained by four kinds of accommodation of the foot which are called: advancing, approaching, joining, and chasing of the foot. The advancing of the foot is when, being in narrow or true step, you gain the measure advancing the right foot forward to double again with the right foot or go with the left foot as you see fit. The approaching of the foot is when, finding yourself in a wide step, you approach your left foot halfway to go to the right, then after with your right foot. Joining is when, finding yourself in true or narrow step, you join your left foot to the right to have means of advancing the right foot. The chasing of the foot is when, finding yourself in wide step, you approach with the left foot and chase the right further forward than it was. It is also curious to note and observe, before any accommodation of foot, to advance the sword a bit towards the enemy's weak and to have an eye on the lookout so as not to be caught by surprise, and that you can go in countertimes to your advantage. I in no way approve of the stamping of the feet being an improper and uncomfortable thing. As also I entirely blame those who shoot their high-thrust, stretch their bodies and hold their heads back, thinking that this makes a better cut, in which they are mistaken. On the contrary, they more often than not abandon themselves to the discretion of their enemy, for they are not assured of delivering their cut, which having just been parried, they find themselves so rushed and so committed that they cannot recover time without receiving. Also, it removes the protection of the left hand; therefore I cannot approve of these big steps, and I say that it is better to hold the body straight with strength by extending his cuts to be always prompt in the delivery.
	Section 11 - What is the strong and the weak of the sword. The strong will be for defense, from the back half; and weak for offense from point until the middle.
	Section 12 - Understanding when one is on guard with advantage. The advantage will be when you have the sword point right at the enemy's shoulder, and his sword does not face you.
	Section 13 - Some definitions of words that are noted to understand fencing. Pass means to always move without changing intention except when the opportunity arises. Rotate properly speaking means going or twisting towards the part that one wants to offend whether it is inward or outward. Step means going step by step both forward and backward. Collect the foot means to bring the foot back to therefore break the measure with discretion. High-thrust means a touch given with the point carried by the hand twisted with the nails upwards. Low-thrust also means a touch with the point taken with the hand twisted with the nails downwards. A stab means a touch both in low-thrust and high-thrust. Disengage means when one feints high and goes low, or feints low and goes high. Call means pulling a step or uncovering a part of the body, to provoke the enemy to attack, in order to execute what one desires. Firm foot means to give a long high-thrust or low-thrust without passing. Riposte is the high-thrust that the enemy shoots at he who shot first, whether a thrust or a hew. Straight line is to pursue the enemy without rotating or crossing anywhere. Dodge the body means to twist it to give way to the high-thrust that the enemy shoots. Round outers, and round reversals mean hitting with a reversal and with a hew without moving the hand from where it is except by twisting it. Hew the sword is to beat the enemy's sword with one's own. Cover the sword means to extend your sword onto that of the enemy's to subdue him or to compel him to disengage. Puncture the sword is to force the enemy to change guard. Sometimes if one is said to shoot a stab to the face or a cut to the head, that may be a feint, therefore, one must use discretion. Beating of the foot means feinting to push a resolute high-thrust with firm foot so that the enemy must parry and after he does to redouble to another where you will see him open. Flourish means to vary your point below the enemy's sword, both outward and inward, so that the enemy cannot know your intention, nor cover your sword. Recover or return in first, second, third, or fourth means to retire on guard with order.

Single Sword Play

Chapter 1 - Simple lessons of the single sword.

Illustrations	Draft Translation by John Tse	Transcribed by
	Since the single sword is held above all as the queen of weapons and is carried everywhere and in companies, I will put it first and I will show in order the principles or simple lessons that I am accustomed to instruct young students. Article 1 First finding yourself in the fourth guard and the enemy being in third or second, you will cover inward with the strong of your sword on the middle of his weak; and having gained, you will push a high-thrust straight from the correct edge to his right shoulder without abandoning his blade. And to perform this cut well, note that it is appropriate for the arm to be extended and the body extended before the foot steps to push, so that you are not surprised and the enemy cannot disengage on the raising of the foot. Article 2 You will also be in fourth guard, to subjugate the enemy's sword covering it as above; and if he disengages his point and shoots a low-thrust outward, you will parry with your strong on his weak with the hand twisted into a low-thrust, and you will at the same time push a low-thrust with the correct edge to the right side, fully extending the body and arms, without abandoning the enemy's sword, quickly recovering into third guard. Article 3 Finding the enemy camped in third guard, you will advance in second with the arm and body; and twisting the hand in low-thrust, you will cover his sword with your strong on the middle of his weak; and if he changes his point and shoots a stab inward, you will parry again with your strong to his weak, and you will push with the correct edge a high-thrust with firm foot to the right shoulder. Note that the arm and the body are still extended before the foot step in order to push off. Article 4 Being in third guard, you can also likewise hold your point a bit outward below the middle of the strong of the enemy's sword; then collecting it towards you at the height of the enemy's face, you will cover inward from the middle of your strong on the middle of his weak, pushing at the same time a high-thrust to the right shoulder without abandoning his blade so as not to receive at the same time, quickly recovering into fourth guard. Article 5 You can still with the same guard, hold your sword point inward below the enemy's hilt; and in case he goes to cover your sword, you will disengage and at the same time placing your strong on the middle of his weak, twisting the hand in a low-thrust, and thus you will shoot from second a straight line stab outward at the right shoulder extending first the arm and body, then returning to the same guard. Article 6 Finding the enemy in first guard, you will put yourself in second, pointing your sword point at opponent's the right eye; who coming to cover your weak with his strong, you will lower your point at the same time below his guard giving him a high-thrust below the armpit, carrying your sword guard well raised to protect the head against slashes that the enemy could shoot if you were caught off guard. This same cut can be done after your enemy has already covered your sword, provided that you take it at the time that it is strong enough to subdue it. Article 7 Finding the enemy in second guard, you will go from third to cover with the middle of your strong on the middle of his weak, always observing the extension of the arm and body by subduing the sword before stepping with the right foot; and having gained this measure, if the enemy disengages to push a stab outward, you can counter-disengage passing your sword below his; raising your point and meeting his weak with your strong, you will push with the correct edge a high-thrust from fourth along his blade to the right shoulder, retiring quickly on guard without abandoning the blade. Article 8 Finding the enemy in fourth guard, you will go from third to cover with your strong on his weak outward, twisting your hand in low-thrust; and if he disengages his point inward, you can make a counter-disengage, passing your point below his blade and returning to second; having found his weak with your strong, you will push a low-thrust to the right shoulder, retiring to second without leaving the enemy's blade. Article 9 Finding the enemy in third guard, you will go in fourth pointing the sword point toward his guard, making a feint outward, beating the front foot without advancing it. And if the enemy goes to parry, you will disengage inward over the sword guard, striking him at the right shoulder, returning quickly in third guard. Be warned that all feints must be done with a beat of the front foot, without moving the rear one, and that being on guard below the enemy's sword, your point remains two palms behind his guard, not advancing it, nor making the beating further than this, so as not to be taken by surprise. Article 10 On the aforementioned guard, you can still carry your point below the enemy's sword outward towards his right arm. From there, you will feint inward according to the above rule and if he goes to parry, you will disengage your point outward pushing a high-thrust on his right shoulder, recovering in third. Article 11 The enemy being in third guard, you can go into fourth; carrying your point below his sword a bit outward, corresponding to the middle of his strong, and having gained this measure, you will collect your point inward lodging your strong on the middle of his weak to subdue it. And if he wants to press against it, you will disengage your point below his guard, striking a high-thrust to his right shoulder, holding your guard well raised to counterguard your head, then you will return to second. Article 12 If you find the enemy in third, you can go into fourth; holding your point below his sword a bit outward, corresponding to the middle of his strong; and having gained this measure, you will collect your point inward, placing your strong on the middle of his weak to subdue it; then if he presses against it, you will disengage your point below his guard, stabbing him in the right shoulder, having the guard well raised, to counterguard the head. Article 13 If you still find the enemy in third guard, the arm forward, and you are in fourth with your point outward from his sword and corresponding to the middle of his strong as above, you will collect your point inward, covering his weak with your strong, stepping forward with the right foot, then approaching the left foot, you will resolutely push a high-thrust to the right shoulder, letting go only the right foot without moving the left, returning into third, still holding the enemy's blade subject as long as you can. Article 14 The enemy still being in third guard, and you in fourth with your point inward to oppose the middle of his strong, you will collect your point outward, twisting your hand in a low-thrust; and going into second, you will cover his weak with the middle of your strong, advancing the right foot and joining the left, you will push a low-thrust to the right shoulder quickly returning into second. Article 15 Being both in the same guard as above, and having covered the enemy's sword with yours, if he shoot a reversal outward, you will parry his first cut with your strong against his weak, twisting your hand in a low-thrust, shooting at the same time to his right shoulder with firm footing, returning into second. Article 16 If the enemy is in third and you, being in second, have covered his sword outward with your hand twisted in a low-thrust, and when he shoots at you with a heavy-cut inward, you will parry him with the same, twisting the hand in a high-thrust with the strong of your sword on his weak, pushing him at the same time a high-thrust from fourth to the right shoulder with firm foot, returning into fourth. Article 17 If you find the enemy in second guard, you can put yourself in third, holding your sword point raised below the middle of his strong; from there, advancing a step with the right foot, letting the left follow, you will push a low-thrust from second outward, over the middle of his strong to compel him to parry; in this time, you will disengage your point below his elbow, striking him below the armpit, returning into second. Article 18 If the enemy comes to cover your sword from second outward and having disengaged, he redoubles to again subdue it from third inward, you will advance your sword in fourth until the enemy's middle; come to your strong; and at the same time, you will twist the hand in a low-thrust, striking him from second towards the right shoulder, returning into third. Article 19 If being in first guard, the enemy is going to cover your sword to shoot you with a first or second high-thrust to the head or shoulder, at the same time as his arm advances to strike, you will twist your hand in a low-thrust, concealing or subtly lowering the body and head, lowering your point a bit, you will strike him from second to the right side below the armpit, returning after into second. Article 20 You can also put yourself in third guard, holding your sword guard near your belt, the hand half-twisted in a low-thrust, your point outward that of the enemy's corresponding to the middle of his strong; and if he comes from fourth with his arm extended to cover your weak, you will push a resolute low-thrust, straight to the right shoulder, concealing your head a bit, putting yourself back into second. Article 21 Your enemy being in first guard, his point and his guard of the same height, you will come from second to cover his weak with the middle of your blade, having the hand twisted in a high-thrust; then twisting it into a low-thrust, you will lead his sword outward, pushing at the same time a low-thrust below his guard to the right side, with firm foot or with passing. The same is also done in a high-thrust, depending on how you find the enemy's point disposed, putting you back into second. Article 22 If you are going into third to cover the weak of the enemy's sword and failing your intention, he disengages his point to shoot you from second a low-thrust in the right shoulder, you will quickly twist your hand into a low-thrust and thus, leaning the body and the head, you will push from second the same low-thrust to the enemy's right side; and having warned him, you will retire into second. Article 23 If you are in first or second guard with your body extended, and you find the enemy in third guard holding his point inward from your sword, and at the same time that you want to gain his weak with your strong, he pushes you a high-thrust below your guard, you will follow his sword, pushing with firm foot from below his guard a high-thrust from third to the right side, recovering promptly into third. Article 24 The enemy being in first guard, and that you are in second or third, and holding his point outward, he is going to push a thrust to your right shoulder, you will parry on his weak, and following the correct edge, you will push a high-thrust with firm foot to the right side, passing your point below his guard, returning quickly into second. Article 25 If being in second guard and the enemy in fourth, and having covered his weak with the middle of your strong, then he shoots a low-thrust outward towards the head, at the same time as he bends his arm to leave, you will twist your hand in a low-thrust, then concealing or leaning the body and the head, you will push a stab with firm foot below the right elbow, raising your guard well to guarantee your head; be advised to have the arm bent before the foot steps to push off, retiring into second. Article 26 Finding the enemy in fourth guard, you will go into third holding your point below his guard, marching a bit inward; then if the enemy extends his arm, you will carry your point outward, a bit raised above his blade, while knocking with the flat of yours against his false edge, you will push a high-thrust at him with firm and straight foot to the right shoulder, returning promptly into second. Article 27 Finding the enemy in second, you can put yourself in the same guard, holding your sword twisted in a low-thrust, the point a bit outward of his; then if he comes to shoot a low-thrust along your point, you will let him advance to your guard, then twisting your hand into a high-thrust and collecting your point a bit inward you will meet his weak with your strong, pushing a high-thrust to the right shoulder, beating the wrist, then you retire into fourth. Article 28 The enemy being in second, and when he shoots you a low-thrust outward, with the intention, if you parry his low-thrust, redouble another below your guard, in doing so, you will parry his first low-thrust with a bit of a retreat; and with the second you will follow his sword with the straight line to yours inward, twisting your hand in a high-thrust, presenting your point to his belt and he will remain struck, retiring promptly into fourth guard.

Chapter 2 - The discard.

Illustrations	Draft Translation by John Tse	Transcribed by
	Section 1 How one can throw the sword out of the hand, which one calls discard. Article 1 If the enemy is in second, and you in third, at the same time as he extends his arm in high-thrust, you will parry, covering his sword with your strong on his weak; then twisting your hand in low-thrust, you will shoot a reversal on his sword, pulling your false edge back towards you, and thus you can shoot the sword out of his hands. Article 2 The enemy having gained your sword inward and wanting to give you a high-thrust from fourth, you will parry with the strong of your sword close to his point; then twisting your hand in low-thrust, you will draw a reversal to you on his weak, and thus you will throw the sword from his hands. Article 3 The enemy also wants to shoot low-thrust inward at you, you will shoot him at the same time a slash from second long to the his sword point in order to throw it out of his hand. And if observing the aforementioned rules for throwing the sword out of the enemy's hand, and he wants to leave your sword, at the same time as his point binds, you will shoot a low-thrust to his chest, retiring into third. Section 2 Remedy against the discard. If the enemy having gained the weak of your sword inward on his strong, wants to throw it out of your hand, at the same time that he rotates it with a reversal, you will disengage your point outward, pushing from fourth a stab to his right shoulder; or else you will twist the hand in low-thrust, letting the sword hilt slide in your hand; or else at the same time that he wants to rotate his reversal, you will twist your hand in low-thrust, shooting a slash to his head.

Chapter 3 - Double lessons of the single sword.

Illustrations	Draft Translation by John Tse	Transcribed by
	Article 1 Being in third guard and finding the enemy in the same or in second, you will extend your point below the middle of his strong; from there, you will go cover his sword outward, and at the same time that he wants to disengage his point, you will twist your hand into a high-thrust, striking him in a straight line and firm foot to the right shoulder, retiring into second.
	Article 2 Still being in the same guard as above, you will be able to extend your point inward below the middle of the enemy's strong; from there, you will go with the middle of your strong to cover the middle of his weak, and if he disengages his point, you will twist your hand into a low-thrust, pushing a second stab outward with firm foot to the right shoulder, perform a step with the hand before the foot, then recover promptly back into second.
	Article 3 Finding the enemy still in third, putting yourself likewise, you will extend your point below the middle of his strong, and at the same time that he wants to advance his body or his arm towards you, you will beat his sword with your strong on his weak, and if he wants to disengage, you will push a high-thrust with firm foot to his right shoulder.
	Article 4 The enemy being still in third guard, you can likewise present your point inward having your guard a bit raised at the height of your belt; and if the enemy goes to cover your weak with his strong, you will collect your point, passing your blade over his point, cutting him with a high-thrust to the right shoulder with firm foot, recovering into second.
	Article 5 If you are in second guard, having your hand twisted in a low-thrust and your point below the middle of the enemy's strong, and if he goes with the same guard to cover your sword outward, retiring your point, you will push at the same time that he advances a low-thrust over his weak to the right shoulder; and if he goes to parry, you will disengage your point below his guard, striking him to the right side, with firm foot.

Chapter 4 - Feints.

Illustrations	Draft Translation by John Tse	Transcribed by
	Article 1 Finding the enemy in third, you can while holding your point outward with the hand twisted in a low-thrust, from there, collecting your point towards you, you will cut above his sword point towards his belt with a beat of the foot; and if he goes to parry, you'll disengage below, pushing him outward with firm foot.
	Article 2 Being both in third guard, you can put your point inward to the enemy's sword, and if he goes to cover it, you will collect your point towards yourself cutting a high-thrust outward on his point to the right shoulder; and if he goes to parry, you will disengage your point below his blade, striking him inward from fourth with firm foot to the right shoulder, retiring into fourth.

Chapter 5 - Voids and remedies.

Illustrations	Draft Translation by John Tse	Transcribed by
	Section 1 The voids. Article 1 To perform the voids well, you will hold your sword guard close to the belt, the legs widened to be in your strength; and if the enemy shoots a low-thrust, you will disengage your point inward against the middle of his blade and removing the body, you will push with firm foot to the right shoulder. Doing the voiding, note that it is necessary removing or dodging the body, that the toes twist backward, and the heels forward, such that what was behind goes forward, and what was forward back, all at once. Article 2 You can also hold your sword point outward opposite of the middle of the enemy's strong; with which you want to shoot a right high-thrust, you will shoot at the same time from fourth inward to the right shoulder above his guard, removing the body and foot as above. Article 3 You can still put yourself in high guard with your arm extended, and with the enemy going to subdue your sword outward, you will disengage your point below his guard to the right shoulder, dodging the body and twisting your feet; but this twist must be performed by advancing the forward foot, unlike the two previous lessons, where it is necessary to twist in place because the enemy does not strongly extend the body when covering your sword like he does in stabbing. Article 4 You can also hold the guard close to your belt, and with the enemy going to pass over you with your left foot outward, you will disengage your sword inward with the dodging of the body and twisting your foot without advancing it. Section 2 Remedy against all types of disappearances that can be performed. Article 1 If the enemy having gained your weak with his strong goes to shoot a high-thrust inward from fourth to the right shoulder, passing the left foot back beside the right leg, dodging entirely with the body, you will parry with your strong on his weak, taking his sword inward; you will push a high-thrust with firm foot at the spine, stepping with your left foot back towards the right shoulder. Article 2 The enemy having gained your sword as above, and performing the same fourth, he carries his point to strike you below your guard to the right side, you will parry with your strong on his weak, letting your point lower below his blade, striking him with a high-thrust to the spine with firm foot, or stepping well with the left foot back towards the right shoulder. Article 3 If the enemy finds you in third guard and having gained your weak with his strong, he is going to pass from fourth as above to strike outward on your right shoulder, you will parry, collecting your weak outward against his side, and leading his sword inward; you will strike him with a high-thrust on the spine with firm foot or stepping the left foot backward. Article 4 If you still find yourself in the same guard, the enemy goes to cover your sword outward, you will disengage your point inward at the same time without pushing; and if he comes to quarter inward towards your right shoulder, you will parry with the middle of your blade on his weak, leading his sword inward, striking him with a high-thrust to the spine with firm foot or stepping the left foot backward. Article 5 ith the enemy coming from long measure to cover your sword outward, passing with the left foot, you will disengage your point inward at the same time with firm foot without pushing; and if he goes to quarter inward towards the right shoulder, you will parry with the middle of your blade on his weak, leading his sword inward, striking him with a high-thrust to the spine, with firm foot, or stepping with the left foot backward towards the right shoulder. Section 3 Remedy against fourth feints. Article 1 Being in second guard and your enemy in fourth and he is going to show a feint outward, you will parry him with firm foot outward, so that he has an opportunity to quarter inward; doing so, you will parry with the middle of your blade on his weak, letting your point drop below his blade, striking his spine with a high-thrust with firm foot, or stepping the left foot back towards the shoulder. Article 2 Still being in the same guard, if the enemy shows you the feint inward towards the head, you will parry inward, and if he performs his fourth carrying his point below your guard to the right side, you will parry with the middle of your blade on his weak, dropping your point below his blade, striking his spine with a high-thrust with firm foot, or stepping forward with your left foot. Article 3 If you have gained the weak of the enemy's sword with your strong on the middle of his weak outward, you will push a second low-thrust to his right shoulder; and if the enemy parries with the same sword edge by quartering to give to your right shoulder, at the same time, twisting your hand in a high-thrust, you will strike his spine, keeping your guard well-raised, in order to protect your head. Be warned that when the enemy performs the fourth in short measure, you will parry with a retreating left foot, letting the right follow. I don't want to make any mention of the lessons that might be observed in performing the aforementioned fourths, instead only to show the remedies against these; especially since I do not approve of them as good, because of the great danger one incurs in performing them, as much for the twisting of the back as of the head, and even from the peril from being thrown down by wrestling.

Chapter 6 - The passings.

Illustrations	Draft Translation by John Tse	Transcribed by
	Article 1 Finding your enemy in third guard, you can put yourself likewise, holding your sword point inward to his, corresponding to the middle of his strong; then you will disengage your point outward, covering with your strong his weak near the middle of his blade and thus you will pass with the left foot from second in a low-thrust to the right shoulder. Note that to perform this cut well, the hand and the body must first be on the way before passing the left foot.
	Article 2 With the enemy in fourth or third guard, you will put yourself in the same and you will go to cover his sword with the middle of your strong on the middle of his weak; and if he disengages and shoots and low-thrust at you from second, you will parry with your strong on his weak with firm foot, extending your arm and body and twisting your hand in a low-thrust; you will pass at the same time with the left foot, striking his right shoulder from second.
	Article 3 Having likewise covered the middle of your strong with the middle of the weak of the enemy's sword, you will push with firm foot a high-thrust to the enemy's right shoulder, passing a bit above his guard; then going to press against your sword to parry it, you will twist your hand in a low-thrust, disengaging your point below his guard, you will pass with the left foot forward; but always observe to extend the arm and body before the foot steps to pass.
	Article 4 If you are in second guard, holding your sword in an outward low-thrust, and the enemy comes from the same guard to cover your sword outward with his strong on your weak, you will at the same time disengage your point inward below his elbow, passing with the left foot, striking his right shoulder; but let the arm and body be extended before the left foot passes.
	Article 5 Being in first guard, with your hand twisted in a high-thrust and holding your point outward straight to the enemy's eye and when he wants to cover your weak inward with his strong, at the same time as he is coming, you will twist your hand in a low-thrust, disengaging your point below his guard to the right side; passing with the left foot, you will strike him from second, extending the arm and body as above.
	Article 6 You can still from second guard, having the hand twisted in a low-thrust, extend your point inward opposite of the middle of the enemy's strong, in order to entice him to gain your weak with his strong; having done this you will disengage your point, extending your strong on his weak and passing with the left foot, you will push the same low-thrust to the right shoulder, extending the arm and body before the left foot moves.
	Article 7 Likewise, you can also extend your point outward, the hand twisted in a low-thrust, and the enemy going to gain your weak inward with his strong, at the same time that he advances to cover your weak, you will shoot a low-thrust towards the right eye; and if he goes to parry it, you will at the same time disengage below his guard to the right side, passing with the left foot, having first extended the hand and the body before the left foot steps.
	Article 8 Being in third guard, you can, holding your sword in a high-thrust, extend your point below the middle of the enemy's strong a bit outward from there, you will go cover his weak inward with your strong; and the enemy wanting to shoot a low-thrust outward, you will parry it with firm foot, and at the same time, you will pass with the left foot striking his right shoulder from second, extending the body and arm before moving the foot.
	Article 9 You can likewise go to cover the enemy's sword inward with your strong on the middle of his weak and when he goes to shoot an outward reversal, you will parry him with firm foot, going first, extending at the same time the arm and body; then passing with your left foot, you will strike him from second.
	Article 10 You can also from second, while twisting your hand in a low-thrust, cover with your strong the middle of the enemy's weak; and in case he shoots a slash inward during this, you will parry it with firm foot, extending your arm and body; and passing with your left foot you will push from fourth a high-thrust to his right shoulder.
	Article 11 With your enemy in second guard, you will go into first holding the hand in a low-thrust, you will cover his weak outward with your strong; and if he goes to disengage his point to give you a high-thrust inward, you will parry with the middle of your blade on his weak letting your point drop; then twisting the hand in a low-thrust, you will pass from left foot extending your point below the guard striking his right side.
	Article 12 You can also from second go with your body extended, cover the enemy's weak outward with your strong, the hand twisted in a low-thrust passing with the same edge from the left foot to the right shoulder.
	Article 13 You can still put yourself in third, and finding your enemy likewise, going into fourth you will cover the middle of his weak inward with the middle of your strong, having your arm and body extended; then passing the same edge with the left foot you will strike him with a high-thrust to the right shoulder.
	Article 14 Finding the enemy in third guard, you can likewise extend your point right below his guard; then collecting your point a bit high, you will beat your strong against his weak, and the enemy going to disengage, you will pass with your left foot, striking him with a high-thrust, beating your right wrist to the shoulder.
	Article 15 Likewise, you can also extend your point inward and the enemy going to cover it, you will collect it at the same time towards you and cut with the middle of your blade above his point; you will pass with the left foot in a high-thrust to the right shoulder.
	Article 16 You can still extend your point inward below the middle of your enemy's guard, then passing your point below his blade with your hand twisted in a high-thrust, you will cover with the same edge his weak outward with your strong; and if the enemy goes to disengage his point, you will twist your hand in a low-thrust and going into second, you will pass with left foot toward the right shoulder; and if he disengages again, you will quickly twist your hand in a high-thrust, striking his right shoulder in the same action.
	Article 17 Finding the enemy in fourth guard, you can likewise holding the hand in high-thrust to carry your point outward below his blade; and from there, with the same high-thrust collecting your point to yourself, you can cut on his presenting a high-thrust straight towards the head so that he goes to parry; performing this you will go at the same time twisting your hand in a low-thrust and passing the left foot with the same edge, you will strike him to the right shoulder.
	Article 18 If the enemy goes from fourth to cover your sword inward, you will collect your point to yourself, and cutting with the correct edge over his point, you will present the high-thrust towards his right eye; and the enemy going to parry outward, you will disengage the point of your sword below his elbow and, passing at the same time with your left foot, you will grab his right shoulder. Note that when cutting, the body should be extended.
	Article 19 Finding your enemy in third guard, you can put yourself in fourth holding the hand in low-thrust, your point outward; and the enemy going to cover your weak outward, you will twist your hand in high-thrust, and beating with your wrist, you will pass from the left foot outward to the right shoulder. This passing, you can do it while the enemy comes to the subjection of your sword.
	Article 20 If being in first guard and the enemy in third, and he presents you with a high-thrust going in fourth below your guard to the right side, following his point with your strong, you will lower your point below his guard twisting your hand in low-thrust and you will pass with the left foot striking to his right side.
	Article 21 Finding your enemy in third or fourth, you can from the same guard, extend your point below the enemy's guard; then collecting your point a bit above, you will gain the middle of his weak inward from the middle of your strong; and when the enemy goes to press against you, you will disengage below his guard outward to the right shoulder passing with the left foot.
	Article 22 Still being in the same guard, you can go cover the enemy's weak with your strong, and he is going to shoot a reversal outward to you, you will parry him with firm foot with the body extended, and you will shoot a low-thrust to his right shoulder passing with the left foot.
	Article 23 You can still gain the enemy's weak with your strong going into second having the hand twisted in low-thrust; and when the enemy is going to shoot an inward slash to you, you will parry him with firm foot with your body extended, and you will at the same time shoot a high-thrust to his right shoulder passing with your left foot. Be warned that no passing is performed except on the crossing of the body or the advance of the enemy's foot, otherwise one will run into danger.
	Article 24 You can still, with the same guard, extend your point below the middle of the weak of the enemy's sword; and when he is going to shoot a high-thrust inwards towards your right shoulder, you will parry him with a retreat of the left foot backward, raising his sword inward with the strong of yours; and at the same time passing with the left foot, you will give him a low-thrust below his guard to the right side.
	Article 25 You can still hold the sword point outward below the middle of the enemy's strong, and when he is going to shoot a low-thrust at you outward, you will parry him with a retreat with your left foot, covering his weak with your strong inward, raising it at the same time; and passing with the left foot you can give a low-thrust below his sword guard to his right side.
	Article 26 You can still put yourself in high third with your hand in high-thrust a bit crossed inward holding the point outward, and the enemy going to shoot you a high-thrust from high fourth inward, you will not parry him with the sword, thus only breaking the measure, retiring the left foot backward, and stealing or lowering the body at the same time; then you will push a low-thrust below his guard to the right side passing the left foot forward.

Chapter 7 - Times and counter-times.

Illustrations	Draft Translation by John Tse	Transcribed by
	Section 1 Observations on shooting at the time of the foot. Article 1 Finding your enemy in second third or fourth, and that you can gain the middle of his weak by covering him with the middle of your strong, you will perform a call retiring the left foot a bit, leaving very little to follow the right; and with the enemy going to advance the foot or the body to gain measure, you will resolutely push at the same time as he moves, a high-thrust to the right shoulder with firm foot.
	Article 2 Being in third or high fourth, and when the enemy goes into guard position in your presence, you will push at the same time that he wants to cross, a high-thrust to the right shoulder, with a firm foot.
	Article 3 Being in the same guard and when you have gained the exact measure, if the enemy still wants to gain a step at the same time that he raises his foot, you will resolutely push a high-thrust to the right shoulder surprising his raised foot; and with this, he will neither be able to countertime nor riposte.
	Article 4 Being in the exact measure, and when the enemy with his legs widened wants to approach with the left foot towards the right, you will shoot at the same time as he raises his foot a resolute high-thrust to the right shoulder with firm foot to surprise him.
	Article 5 Being both on guard with the same strength and in short measure, with the enemy wanting to extend his body, you will shoot at the same time a high-thrust to the right shoulder.
	Article 6 Being still in the same guard and in long measure, if the enemy happens to twist in presence, you will shoot a resolute high-thrust to the right shoulder at the same time as he raises his right foot to rotate; this can be taken whether the enemy is stepping in or out.
	Section 2 The time of the hand. Article 1 When you have gained with the middle of your strong the middle of the weak of the enemy's sword, and being both in exact measure, if the enemy happens to disengage his point to disengage in presence, you will shoot at the same time a resolute high-thrust to the right shoulder with firm foot.
	Article 2 Being in high third and when the enemy having gained your weak with his strong, and you want to shoot a high-thrust to the right shoulder, at the same time that he abandons the sword, you will push with counter-time to the right shoulder.
	Article 3 If being in third or high fourth guard, your enemy is going to perform some feint inward or outward with beating of the foot and hand, at the same time that he performs this movement, you will push a high-thrust with firm foot to the right shoulder.
	Article 4 On the aforementioned guards you can again cover the enemy's sword inward with your strong on his weak to oblige him to disengage; when the enemy is performing and is going to shoot a low-thrust at you from second outward, at the same time you will disengage your point to go to the right shoulder.
	Article 5 You can also gain the enemy's sword with your strong to his weak outward; and when the enemy is disengaging his point inward to subjugate you, you will at the same time disengage your sword, shooting a low-thrust from second to his right shoulder with firm foot. Being both in third and in exact measure, you will go with your strong to gain the enemy's weak; which wanting at this time to retire his own sword in your presence, at the same movement, you will push a resolute high-thrust to the right shoulder. All these times can be performed as much from high-thrust as from low-thrust, depending on how you will assess the proper occasion to your design.
	Section 3 The counter-time. Article 1 Finding first your enemy in high third, you will go from second to gain the middle of his weak with the middle of your strong; and when this one is going to shoot you a high-thrust inward, you will twist the hand in high-thrust striking with counter-time inward to his right shoulder. But note that with all counter-time, it is necessary that the hand and the body be extended before the foot steps, and that it is appropriate to execute these cuts well so that your strong in parrying passes over the enemy's weak.
	Article 2 Being in high third and the enemy having gained your weak with his strong, and you want to shoot a high-thrust to the right shoulder, at the same time that he abandons the sword, you will push from counter-time to the right shoulder.
	Article 3 Your enemy being in high third and you in low, you will hold your point below his blade around the middle of his strong; and if he shoots with a high-thrust inward, you will leave in counter-time to the right shoulder in the manner from above.
	Article 4 You can also hold your point outward below the middle of the strong of the enemy's sword and if the enemy shoots a second low-thrust outward at you, disengage your sword, you'll shoot a high-thrust at him in counter-time to the right shoulder in the manner as above.
	Section 4 The counter-time to the head. Article 1 If the enemy is going to gain your weak inward with his strong and when he wants to shoot a high-thrust to your right shoulder, abandoning your sword, you will push in counter-time straight to the head passing your strong on his weak.
	Article 2 You can also hold your sword outward with the point below the enemy's hilt; while going to shoot a high-thrust to your body, you will push with counter-time straight to the head with firm foot, passing the strong of your sword on the enemy's weak. Be advised not to shoot counter-time, except if the enemy is already committed with the arm extended.

Chapter 8 - Lessons on sword attack.

Illustrations	Draft Translation by John Tse	Transcribed by
	Article 1 If being in high third holding your sword point toward your enemy's right eye, and when he goes for the second time to subdue your sword with his strong on your weak inward pressing forcefully against it, at the at the same time that he presses, you will disengage your sword below his guard pushing outward to the right side with firm foot.
	Article 2 Being still in the same guard holding your sword point outward, if the enemy goes to subdue your sword outward, as soon as you feel that he presses your sword with his, you can disengage your point pushing a high-thrust to the right shoulder inward with firm foot.
	Article 3 You can also go subdue the enemy's sword by covering it with your strong on his weak; and at the same time that that you feel that he is performing strongly to resist the opposition, you will disengage your point below his guard pushing a high-thrust with firm foot to the right side.
	Article 4 Wanting to do the same subjection outward, as soon as the enemy presses to resist with his sword against yours, you will disengage your point at the same time, pushing from high-thrust to the right shoulder with firm foot.
	Article 5 If the enemy is going to gain your sword by turning or rotating inward or outward depending on what you can notice, you will push a high-thrust or a low-thrust at him, depending on what you prefer, at the same time that he raises the foot to rotate.
	Article 6 If you are finding both in short measure, with the enemy going to cover your sword by pressing or forcing it either with firm foot or with raised foot, you will let go at the same time his own striking it with a high-thrust to the right side outward or inward, whichever you think is most appropriate.

Chapter 9 - On the use of the free hand.

Illustrations	Draft Translation by John Tse	Transcribed by
	Section 1 Lessons of the hand. Article 1 Your enemy being in third or high fourth, you will lodge your sword inward; from there, you will shoot a feint outward over his hilt; and in case he goes to parry the feint, at the same time you will lodge your left hand on his weak one in order to keep his point out of your presence; disengaging your point below his guard, you will strike his right side with firm foot. Be advised that for all feints where the hand assists, it is necessary in performing the feint that the right foot advances and the left comes to join it. But when you shoot the real high-thrust, you will perform it with firm foot.
	Article 2 Finding the enemy camped in second or high third, you will hold your point inward; from there, going in second, you will push a low-thrust outward to his blade's middle; with this one wanting to parry it, you will jerk with your left hand to his weak, disengaging at the same time your point below his elbow striking with a low-thrust inward to his right shoulder with firm foot as above.
	Article 3 If being in second guard, as the enemy will want the same to come with the hand in low-thrust to gain your weak outward with his strong, you can at the same time beat his weak outward with the hand; in passing your sword below his guard, you will push from high-thrust inward with firm foot to the right shoulder.
	Article 4 You can also from the same guard or from high third hold your point toward the enemy's right eye, who meanwhile is going to gain your weak inward with his strong, you will beat his point with your left hand inward pushing at the same time a high-thrust below his guard to his right side with firm foot.
	Article 5 The enemy being in second or high third holding his point straight, you can hold your point below his guard outward; and at the same time that your enemy moves his foot to advance, you will lead his point outward with your hand; disengaging your point inward at the same time, you will push from low-thrust inward to the right shoulder with firm foot.
	Article 6 You can also hold your point below the middle of the enemy's strong, and from there, push a second low-thrust outward; and with the enemy going to parry, enter with your foot such that you nearly come guard to guard, you will disengage at this time your point below his arm, securing with the hand on his weak, pushing the low-thrust inward without moving the right foot. This lesson can be executed as soon as you shoot the low-thrust nearly to the guards, or else as the enemy shoots.
	Article 7 Finding the enemy still in high third, first or second, and when he goes to cover your weak with his strong, you will shoot at the same time an outward reversal; when the enemy wants to parry strongly, you will disengage your point below his arm, and securing with your left hand on his weak, you will push at the same time a low-thrust with firm foot to the right shoulder.
	Article 8 You can also from high third hold your point inward in order to invite the enemy to go cover it; which doing so, you will disengage with a call of the left foot backward; and the enemy wanting to continue a low-thrust outward, you will shoot a high-thrust inward to the right shoulder accompanying at the same time the hand.
	Article 9
	Article 10
	Article 11
	Article 12
	Section 2 Remedy against those who beat the sword with the hand. Article 1
	Article 2
	Article 3

Chapter 10 - On sword-taking and its remedy.

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Chapter 11 - The gainings or the subjections of the sword.

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Chapter 12 - Slashes, reversals, and their remedies.

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Chapter 13 - Single sword play in mathematics form.

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Chapter 14 - Discourse and advice of the single sword play, both for gaining land and other required subtleties.

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Chapter 15 - Rule to avoid being surprised on the time of the foot.

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Chapter 16 - Single sword play against sword and dagger.

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Chapter 17 - On the short sword.

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Chapter 18 - On the use of the cloak.

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Chapter 19 - The grapples of the single sword.

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Chapter 20 - Against the left-hander.

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Sword and Dagger Play

Chapter 1 - First the dagger parries.

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Chapter 2 - The simple lessons of sword and dagger.

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Chapter 3 - The feints of the said sword and dagger play.

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Chapter 4 - On the beats of both sword and dagger.

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Chapter 5 - On the long play.

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Chapter 6 - The double intentions.

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Chapter 7 - The passes and their remedies.

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Chapter 8 - The disappearances.

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Chapter 9 - On times and counter-time.

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Chapter 10 - The encroachment.

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Chapter 11 - The advancing on the long and short play.

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Chapter 12 - On the breaking.

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Chapter 13 - The slashes of the sword and dagger play.

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Chapter 14 - Binding and unbinding.

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Chapter 15 - Subjugation, disengagement, and avoidance of engagement.

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Chapter 16 - Lessons of dagger cuts.

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Chapter 17 - How one can throw the sword out of the hand.

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Chapter 18 - On the left foot.

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Chapter 19 - Against the left-hander.

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Chapter 20 - Discourse and advice of the sword and dagger play.

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Chapter 21 - Know who has more advantage being in a mountainous place, he who holds the top or the bottom.

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Chapter 22 - Know who has more advantage, the left-hander or the right-hander.

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Chapter 23 - Rule against those withdrawing that we want to catch off guard while you pursue.

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Chapter 24 - Know who has more advantage, the sword and cape or the sword and dagger.

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Chapter 25 - Advice on how a little man needs to control a big man.

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Chapter 26 - The grapples of the sword and dagger.

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Chapter 27 - The guard takes against dagger cuts.

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Copyright and License Summary

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

Work	Author(s)	Source	License
Illustrations
Transcription	Lionel Lauvernay, Olivier Dupuis, Philippe Errard, Didier de Grenier	Livre des Lecons