Difference between revisions of "Pedro de Heredia"

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) ;

Revision as of 04:16, 8 June 2022

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

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^[1], and traversed somewhat within, 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^[2] 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 win 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 over-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^[3] properly speaking means going or twisting towards the part that one wants to offend whether it is inward or outward. Walk means going step by step both forward and backward. Snatch the foot means to bring the foot back to thereby break the measure with discretion. Over-thrust^[4] means a touch given with the point carried by the hand twisted with the nails upwards. Under-thrust^[5] also means a touch with the point taken with the hand twisted with the nails downwards. A stab means a touch both in under-thrust and over-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 over-thrust or under-thrust without passing. Riposte is the over-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. Void the body means to twist it to give way to the over-thrust that the enemy shoots. Round outers^[6], 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 lodge 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 over-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.

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 an over-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 an under-thrust outward, you will parry with your strong on his weak with the hand twisted into an under-thrust, and you will at the same time push an under-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 under-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 an over-thrust with firm foot to the right shoulder. Note that the arm and the body are still lodged before the foot step in order to push off.

Article 4

Being in third guard, you can also similarly hold your point below the middle of the strong of the enemy's sword a bit outward; then gathering it towards you at the height of the enemy's face, you will cover from the middle of your strong on the middle of his weak inward, pushing at the same time an over-thrust to the right shoulder without abandoning his blade so as not to receive at the same time, quickly recovering in 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 comes 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 an under-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 an over-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 an over-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 under-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 an under-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 an over-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 gather 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 an over-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 gather 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 gather your point inward, covering his weak with your strong, stepping forward with the right foot, then approaching the left foot, you will resolutely push an over-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 gather your point outward, twisting your hand in an under-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 an under-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 an under-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 an under-thrust, and when he shoots at you with a heavy-cut^[7] inward, you will parry him with the same, twisting the hand in an over-thrust with the strong of your sword on his weak, pushing him at the same time an over-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 an under-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 an under-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 over-thrust to the head or shoulder, at the same time as his arm advances to strike, you will twist your hand in an under-thrust, dodging 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 an under-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 under-thrust, straight to the right shoulder, dodging 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 an over-thrust; then twisting it into an under-thrust, you will lead his sword outward, pushing at the same time an under-thrust below his guard to the right side, with firm foot or with passing. The same is also done in an over-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 an under-thrust in the right shoulder, you will quickly twist your hand into an under-thrust and thus, leaning the body and the head, you will push from second the same under-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 an over-thrust below your guard, you will follow his sword, pushing with firm foot from below his guard an over-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 an over-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 an under-thrust outward towards the head, at the same time as he bends his arm to leave, you will twist your hand in an under-thrust, then dodging 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 an over-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 an under-thrust, the point a bit outward of his; then if he comes to shoot an under-thrust along your point, you will let him advance to your guard, then twisting your hand into an over-thrust and collecting your point a bit inward you will meet his weak with your strong, pushing an over-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 an under-thrust outward, with the intention, if you parry his under-thrust, redouble another below your guard, in doing so, you will parry his first under-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 an over-thrust, presenting your point to his belt and he will remain struck, retiring promptly into fourth guard.

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 lodge your point below the middle of his strong; from there, you will go to cover his sword outward, and at the same time that he wants to disengage his point, you will twist your hand into an over-thrust, striking him in the 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 lodge 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 an under-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 a third, putting yourself in the same way, you will lodge 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 with firm foot an over-thrust 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 an over-thrust to the right shoulder with firm foot, recovering into second.
	Article 5 If you are in second guard, having your hand twisted in an under-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 an under-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.

Illustrations

Draft Translation
by John Tse

Transcribed by

Section 1 The spreads.

Article 1

To perform the spreads well, you will hold your sword guard close to the belt, the legs widened to be in your strength; and if the enemy shoots an under-thrust to you, 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 spreading, note that it is necessary to remove or void the body, that the tips of the feet 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 over-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 subject 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 spreads that can be performed.

Article 1

If the enemy having gained your weak with his strong goes to shoot you with an over-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 an over-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 an over-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 an over-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 an over-thrust to the spine with firm foot or stepping the left foot backward.

Article 5

T With 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 an over-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 an over-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 an over-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 under-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 an over-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.

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

Additional Resources

References

↑ According to Lauvernay, "fourniment" is the powder case of arquebusiers and musketeers (sometimes extended to all the equipment carried). The word is only used once to indicate a place on the body, probably a bit below the shoulder.
↑ Droit can mean "right" (as in not left or not wrong) or "correct" (as in not incorrect) or "true" (as in not false). All are likely acceptable.
↑ Volter is an Italian loanword of "Voltare".
↑ Estocade is the French loanword for the Italian stoccata.
↑ Brocade is the French loanword for the Italian imbroccata.
↑ Lit. translated as "right-hands".
↑ Estramaçon is a loanword for the Italian stramazzare which means "to fall heavily". It is also French for greatsword.
↑ Credits to Alan Bloniarz for providing context to the word "garatusa".
↑ Écarté is the French word for the Italian technique "inquartata".
↑ Gannance is a loanword derived from the Spanish word "ganancia", which means "gain". It is used to describe a situation where your blade is used to restrict the opponent's blade movement. Credit to Tim Riviera for the explanation.
↑ The Spanish word "cortar" simply means "to cut".
↑ Chassement means "chasing". In this case, it is the back foot chasing the front. In modern fencing, this is known as advancing.
↑ Crèvement means "to burst or to puncture." In the treatise, it is used to describe breaking guards.

[1] According to Lauvernay, "fourniment" is the powder case of arquebusiers and musketeers (sometimes extended to all the equipment carried). The word is only used once to indicate a place on the body, probably a bit below the shoulder.

[2] Droit can mean "right" (as in not left or not wrong) or "correct" (as in not incorrect) or "true" (as in not false). All are likely acceptable.

[3] Volter is an Italian loanword of "Voltare".

[4] Estocade is the French loanword for the Italian stoccata.

[5] Brocade is the French loanword for the Italian imbroccata.

[6] Lit. translated as "right-hands".

[7] Estramaçon is a loanword for the Italian stramazzare which means "to fall heavily". It is also French for greatsword.

[8] Credits to Alan Bloniarz for providing context to the word "garatusa".

[9] Écarté is the French word for the Italian technique "inquartata".

[10] Gannance is a loanword derived from the Spanish word "ganancia", which means "gain". It is used to describe a situation where your blade is used to restrict the opponent's blade movement. Credit to Tim Riviera for the explanation.

[11] The Spanish word "cortar" simply means "to cut".

[12] Chassement means "chasing". In this case, it is the back foot chasing the front. In modern fencing, this is known as advancing.

[13] Crèvement means "to burst or to puncture." In the treatise, it is used to describe breaking guards.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

@@ Line 280: / Line 280: @@
 <p>'''Article 2'''</p>
-<p>You will also be in fourth guard, to subjugate the enemy's sword covering it as above; and if he changes his point and shoots outward a under-thrust, you will parry with your strong on his weak with the hand twisted into an under-thrust, and you will at the same time push an under-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.</p>
+<p>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 an under-thrust outward, you will parry with your strong on his weak with the hand twisted into an under-thrust, and you will at the same time push an under-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.</p>
 <p>'''Article 3'''</p>
@@ Line 310: / Line 310: @@
 <p>'''Article 9'''</p>
-<p>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 cover 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.</p>
+<p>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.</p>
 <p>'''Article 10'''</p>
-<p>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 cover your point outward pushing an over-thrust on his right shoulder, recovering in third.</p>
+<p>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 an over-thrust on his right shoulder, recovering in third.</p>
 <p>'''Article 11'''</p>
-<p>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 gather 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 cover your point below his guard, striking an over-thrust to his right shoulder, holding your guard well raised to counterguard your head, then you will return to second.</p>
+<p>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 gather 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 an over-thrust to his right shoulder, holding your guard well raised to counterguard your head, then you will return to second.</p>
 <p>'''Article 12'''</p>
-<p>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 gather your point inward, placing your strong on the middle of his weak to subdue it; then if he presses against it, you will cover your point below his guard, stabbing him in the right shoulder, having the guard well raised, to counterguard the head.</p>
+<p>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 gather 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.</p>
 <p>'''Article 13'''</p>
@@ Line 342: / Line 342: @@
 <p>'''Article 17'''</p>
-<p>If you find the enemy in second guard, you can put yourself in a 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 an under-thrust from second outward, over the middle of his strong to compel him to parry; in this time, you will cover your point below his elbow, striking him below the armpit, returning into second.</p>
+<p>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 an under-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.</p>
 <p>'''Article 18'''</p>
@@ Line 350: / Line 350: @@
 <p>'''Article 19'''</p>
-<p>If being on first guard, the enemy is going to cover your sword to shoot you with a first or second over-thrust to the head or shoulder, at the same time as his arm advances to strike, you will twist your hand in an under-thrust, dodging 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.</p>
+<p>If being in first guard, the enemy is going to cover your sword to shoot you with a first or second over-thrust to the head or shoulder, at the same time as his arm advances to strike, you will twist your hand in an under-thrust, dodging 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.</p>
 <p>'''Article 20'''</p>
@@ Line 374: / Line 374: @@
 <p>'''Article 25'''</p>
-<p>If being in second guard and the enemy in fourth, and you have covered his weak with the middle of your strong, then he shoots an under-thrust outward towards the head, at the same time as he bends his arm to leave, you will twist your hand in an under-thrust, then dodging 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.</p>
+<p>If being in second guard and the enemy in fourth, and having covered his weak with the middle of your strong, then he shoots an under-thrust outward towards the head, at the same time as he bends his arm to leave, you will twist your hand in an under-thrust, then dodging 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.</p>
 <p>'''Article 26'''</p>
@@ Line 481: / Line 481: @@
 | <p>'''Article 5'''</p>
-<p>If you are in second guard, having your hand twisted in an under-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 an under-thrust over his weak to the right shoulder; and if he goes to parry, you will cover your point below his guard, striking him to the right side, with firm foot.</p>
+<p>If you are in second guard, having your hand twisted in an under-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 an under-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.</p>
 |
@@ Line 507: / Line 507: @@
 | <p>'''Article 1'''</p>
-<p>Finding the enemy in third, you can go while holding your point outward with the hand twisted in an under-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 cover below, pushing him outward with firm foot.</p>
+<p>Finding the enemy in third, you can go while holding your point outward with the hand twisted in an under-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.</p>
 |
@@ Line 514: / Line 514: @@
 | <p>'''Article 2'''</p>
-<p>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 an over-thrust outward on his point to the right shoulder; and if he goes to parry, you will cover your point below his blade, striking him inward from fourth with firm foot to the right shoulder, retiring into fourth.</p>
+<p>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 an over-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.</p>
 |
@@ Line 542: / Line 542: @@
 <p>'''Article 1'''</p>
-<p>To perform the spreads well, you will hold your sword guard close to the belt, the legs widened to be in your strength; and if the enemy shoots an under-thrust to you, you will cover your point inward against the middle of his blade and removing the body, you will push with firm foot to the right shoulder.</p>
+<p>To perform the spreads well, you will hold your sword guard close to the belt, the legs widened to be in your strength; and if the enemy shoots an under-thrust to you, 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.</p>
 <p>Doing the spreading, note that it is necessary to remove or void the body, that the tips of the feet twist backward, and the heels forward, such that what was behind goes forward, and what was forward back, all at once.</p>
@@ Line 552: / Line 552: @@
 <p>'''Article 3'''</p>
-<p>You can still put yourself on high guard with your arm extended, and with the enemy going to subject your sword outward, you will cover 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, as it is necessary to twist in the same place because the enemy does not strongly extend the body when covering your sword like he does in stabbing.</p>
+<p>You can still put yourself in high guard with your arm extended, and with the enemy going to subject 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.</p>
 <p>'''Article 4'''</p>
-<p>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 cover your sword inward with the dodging of the body and twisting your foot without advancing it.</p>
+<p>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.</p>
 <p>'''Section 2 Remedy against all types of spreads that can be performed.'''</p>
@@ Line 578: / Line 578: @@
 <p>'''Article 5'''</p>
-<p>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 an over-thrust to the spine, with firm foot, or stepping with the left foot backward towards the right shoulder.</p>
+<p>T With 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 an over-thrust to the spine, with firm foot, or stepping with the left foot backward towards the right shoulder.</p>
 <p>'''Section 3 Remedy against fourth feints.'''</p>

Illustrations	Draft Translation by John Tse	Transcribed by
	Article 1 Finding your enemy in third guard, you can put yourself in the same, 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 an under-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 under-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 an under-thrust; you will pass at the same time with the left foot, striking his right shoulder from second.
	Article 3
	Article 4
	Article 5
	Article 6
	Article 7
	Article 8
	Article 9
	Article 10
	Article 11
	Article 12
	Article 13
	Article 14
	Article 15
	Article 16
	Article 17
	Article 18
	Article 19
	Article 20
	Article 21
	Article 22
	Article 23
	Article 24
	Article 25
	Article 26

Difference between revisions of "Pedro de Heredia"

Revision as of 04:16, 8 June 2022

Contents

Treatises

Preface

Single Sword Play

Chapter 1 - Simple lessons of the single sword.

Chapter 2 - The discard[8].

Chapter 3 - Double lessons of the single sword.

Chapter 4 - Feints.

Chapter 5 - Spreads[9] and remedies.

Chapter 6 - The passes.

Chapter 7 - Times and counter-times.

Chapter 8 - Lessons on sword attack.

Chapter 9 - On the use of the free hand.

Chapter 10 - On sword-taking and its remedy.

Chapter 11 - The gainings[10] or the subjections of the sword.

Chapter 12 - Slashes[11], reversals, and their remedies.

Chapter 13 - Single sword play in mathematics form.

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

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

Chapter 16 - Single sword play against sword and dagger.

Chapter 17 - On the short sword.

Chapter 18 - On the use of the cloak.

Chapter 19 - The grapples of the single sword.

Chapter 20 - Against the left-hander.

Sword and Dagger Play

Chapter 1 - First the dagger parries.

Chapter 2 - The simple lessons of sword and dagger.

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

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

Chapter 5 - On the long play.

Chapter 6 - The double intentions.

Chapter 7 - The passes and their remedies.

Chapter 8 - The spreads.

Chapter 9 - On times and counter-time.

Chapter 10 - The encroachment.

Chapter 11 - The advancing[12] on the long and short play.

Chapter 12 - On the breaking.[13]

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

Chapter 14 - Binding and unbinding.

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

Chapter 16 - Lessons of dagger cuts.

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

Chapter 18 - On the left foot.

Chapter 19 - Against the left-hander.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chapter 26 - The grapples of the sword and dagger.

Chapter 27 - The guard takes against dagger cuts.

Copyright and License Summary

Additional Resources

References

Navigation menu

Search

Chapter 2 - The discard^[8].

Chapter 5 - Spreads^[9] and remedies.

Chapter 11 - The gainings^[10] or the subjections of the sword.

Chapter 12 - Slashes^[11], reversals, and their remedies.

Chapter 11 - The advancing^[12] on the long and short play.

Chapter 12 - On the breaking.^[13]