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Difference between revisions of "Pedro de Heredia"
| Line 350: | Line 350: | ||
<p>'''Article 19'''</p> | <p>'''Article 19'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>If being in first guard, the enemy is | + | <p>If being in first guard, the enemy is trying 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.</p> |
<p>'''Article 20'''</p> | <p>'''Article 20'''</p> | ||
| Line 370: | Line 370: | ||
<p>'''Article 24'''</p> | <p>'''Article 24'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>The enemy being in first guard, and that you are in second or third, and holding his point outward, he is | + | <p>The enemy being in first guard, and that you are in second or third, and holding his point outward, he is trying 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.</p> |
<p>'''Article 25'''</p> | <p>'''Article 25'''</p> | ||
| Line 552: | Line 552: | ||
<p>'''Article 3'''</p> | <p>'''Article 3'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>You can still put yourself in high guard with your arm extended, and with the enemy | + | <p>You can still put yourself in high guard with your arm extended, and with the enemy trying 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.</p> |
<p>'''Article 4'''</p> | <p>'''Article 4'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>You can also hold the guard close to your belt, and with the enemy | + | <p>You can also hold the guard close to your belt, and with the enemy trying 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 disappearances that can be performed.'''</p> | <p>'''Section 2 Remedy against all types of disappearances that can be performed.'''</p> | ||
| Line 570: | Line 570: | ||
<p>'''Article 3'''</p> | <p>'''Article 3'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>If the enemy finds you in third guard and having gained your weak with his strong, he is | + | <p>If the enemy finds you in third guard and having gained your weak with his strong, he is trying 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.</p> |
<p>'''Article 4'''</p> | <p>'''Article 4'''</p> | ||
| Line 586: | Line 586: | ||
<p>'''Article 1'''</p> | <p>'''Article 1'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>Being in second guard and your enemy in fourth and he is | + | <p>Being in second guard and your enemy in fourth and he is trying 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 backward toward the shoulder.</p> |
<p>'''Article 2'''</p> | <p>'''Article 2'''</p> | ||
| Line 636: | Line 636: | ||
| <p>'''Article 3'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 3'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>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 | + | <p>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 trying 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.</p> |
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| Line 664: | Line 664: | ||
| <p>'''Article 7'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 7'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>Likewise, you can also extend your point outward, the hand twisted in a low-thrust, and the enemy | + | <p>Likewise, you can also extend your point outward, the hand twisted in a low-thrust, and the enemy trying 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 toward the right eye; and if he tries 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.</p> |
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| Line 713: | Line 713: | ||
| <p>'''Article 14'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 14'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>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 | + | <p>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 trying to disengage, you will pass with your left foot, striking him with a high-thrust, beating your right wrist to the shoulder.</p> |
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| Line 720: | Line 720: | ||
| <p>'''Article 15'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 15'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>Likewise, you can also extend your point inward and the enemy | + | <p>Likewise, you can also extend your point inward and the enemy trying to cover it, you will collect it at the same time toward 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. |
</p> | </p> | ||
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| <p>'''Article 18'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 18'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>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 toward his right eye; and the enemy | + | <p>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 toward his right eye; and the enemy trying 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.</p> |
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| <p>'''Article 19'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 19'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>Finding your enemy in third guard, you can put yourself in fourth holding the hand in low-thrust, your point outward; and the enemy | + | <p>Finding your enemy in third guard, you can put yourself in fourth holding the hand in low-thrust, your point outward; and the enemy trying 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.</p> |
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| <p>'''Article 22'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 22'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>Still being in the same guard, you can go cover the enemy's weak with your strong, and he is | + | <p>Still being in the same guard, you can go cover the enemy's weak with your strong, and he is trying 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.</p> |
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| Line 777: | Line 777: | ||
| <p>'''Article 23'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 23'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>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 | + | <p>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 trying 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.</p> |
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| <p>'''Article 24'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 24'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>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 | + | <p>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 trying to shoot a high-thrust inwards toward 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.</p> |
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| <p>'''Article 25'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 25'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>You can still hold the sword point outward below the middle of the enemy's strong, and when he is | + | <p>You can still hold the sword point outward below the middle of the enemy's strong, and when he is trying 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.</p> |
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| <p>'''Article 26'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 26'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>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 | + | <p>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 trying 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.</p> |
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<p>'''Article 1'''</p> | <p>'''Article 1'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>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 | + | <p>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 trying 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.</p> |
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| <p>'''Article 3'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 3'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>If being in third or high fourth guard, your enemy is | + | <p>If being in third or high fourth guard, your enemy is trying 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.</p> |
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| <p>'''Article 4'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 4'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>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 | + | <p>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 trying 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.</p> |
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<p>'''Article 1'''</p> | <p>'''Article 1'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>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 he is | + | <p>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 he is trying 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 fitting to execute these cuts well so that your strong in parrying passes over the enemy's weak.</p> |
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<p>'''Article 1'''</p> | <p>'''Article 1'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>If the enemy is | + | <p>If the enemy is trying 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.</p> |
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| <p>'''Article 2'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 2'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>You can also hold your sword outward with the point below the enemy's hilt; while | + | <p>You can also hold your sword outward with the point below the enemy's hilt; while trying 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.</p> |
<p>Be advised not to shoot counter-time, except if the enemy is already committed with the arm extended.</p> | <p>Be advised not to shoot counter-time, except if the enemy is already committed with the arm extended.</p> | ||
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| <p>'''Article 5'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 5'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>If the enemy is | + | <p>If the enemy is trying 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.</p> |
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| Line 1,035: | Line 1,035: | ||
| <p>'''Article 6'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 6'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>If you are finding both in short measure, with the enemy | + | <p>If you are finding both in short measure, with the enemy trying 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.</p> |
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| <p>'''Article 4'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 4'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>You can also from the same guard or from high third hold your point toward the enemy's right eye, who meanwhile is | + | <p>You can also from the same guard or from high third hold your point toward the enemy's right eye, who meanwhile is trying 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.</p> |
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| <p>'''Article 6'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 6'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>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 | + | <p>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 trying 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.</p> |
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|- | |- | ||
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| <p>'''Article 12'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 12'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>You can also hold your point below the enemy's guard, and when he is | + | <p>You can also hold your point below the enemy's guard, and when he is trying to pass in high-thrust with the left foot inward, you will parry his point with the hand inward and twisting your sword at the same time in low-thrust, you will push from second below his guard to the right side, retiring the left foot a bit backward, letting the right follow. All the above lessons can be executed, both in passing and with firm foot.</p> |
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| <p>'''Article 2'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 2'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>Likewise, when the enemy is | + | <p>Likewise, when the enemy is trying to beat your sword inward with the hand, you can still (disengaging your point below his left arm) hit him with a low-thrust below his arm to the left shoulder.</p> |
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| Line 1,208: | Line 1,208: | ||
<p>'''Article 1'''</p> | <p>'''Article 1'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>Being in third guard, holding your point inward opposite of the middle of the enemy's strong, you can from there, going in second, shoot a low-thrust outward; and with the enemy | + | <p>Being in third guard, holding your point inward opposite of the middle of the enemy's strong, you can from there, going in second, shoot a low-thrust outward; and with the enemy trying to parry it with the low-thrust, you will pass with the left foot forward in having grabbed his guard, you will snatch it with the hand twisting it above with his fist below. Be advised to stay with your sword in low-thrust until you have performed the taking. |
This lesson, you can perform it whether you shoot the low-thrust or the enemy shoots it to you.</p> | This lesson, you can perform it whether you shoot the low-thrust or the enemy shoots it to you.</p> | ||
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| <p>'''Article 6'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 6'''</p> | ||
| − | <p>The enemy being in high third or second, you can lodge your point below his guard; and when he is | + | <p>The enemy being in high third or second, you can lodge your point below his guard; and when he is trying to pass with the left foot inward, you will parry him with firm foot, and at the same time, you will perform the take to his guard with the left hand; and if he shoots with a firm foot, you will perform the taking [by] passing with the left foot. |
Note that if the enemy passes with the left foot forward, you will perform the take with firm foot, and if he pushes with firm foot, you will perform the taking by passing with the left foot.</p> | Note that if the enemy passes with the left foot forward, you will perform the take with firm foot, and if he pushes with firm foot, you will perform the taking by passing with the left foot.</p> | ||
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| <p>'''Article 6'''</p> | | <p>'''Article 6'''</p> | ||
| − | <p></p> | + | <p>The enemy being in high third or second, you can from third shoot him a high-thrust inward passing your blade over the weak of his sword; when he is wanting to parry, you will retire your point a bit toward you, and you will give him a slash below the guard at the arm joint with the left foot raised in the air, retiring it as said.</p> |
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Revision as of 22:02, 1 October 2022
| Pedro de Heredia | |
|---|---|
| Spouse(s) | unknown |
| Occupation |
|
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Movement |
|
| Influences | Girolamo Cavalcabo |
| Genres | Fencing manual |
| Language | Middle French |
| Notable work(s) | Book of Lessons |
| Principal manuscript(s) |
|
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").
Contents
- 1 Treatises
- 1.1 Preface
- 1.2 Single Sword Play
- 1.2.1 Chapter 1 - Simple lessons of the single sword.
- 1.2.2 Chapter 2 - The discard[9].
- 1.2.3 Chapter 3 - Double lessons of the single sword.
- 1.2.4 Chapter 4 - Feints.
- 1.2.5 Chapter 5 - Voids[10] and remedies.
- 1.2.6 Chapter 6 - The passings.
- 1.2.7 Chapter 7 - Times and counter-times.
- 1.2.8 Chapter 8 - Lessons on sword attack.
- 1.2.9 Chapter 9 - On the use of the free hand.
- 1.2.10 Chapter 10 - On sword-takings and their remedy.
- 1.2.11 Chapter 11 - The gainings[13] or the subjections of the sword.
- 1.2.12 Chapter 12 - Slashes[14], reversals, and their remedies.
- 1.2.13 Chapter 13 - Single sword play in mathematics form.
- 1.2.14 Chapter 14 - Discourse and advice of the single sword play, both for gaining land and other required subtleties.
- 1.2.15 Chapter 15 - Rule to avoid being surprised on the time of the foot.
- 1.2.16 Chapter 16 - Single sword play against sword and dagger.
- 1.2.17 Chapter 17 - On the short sword.
- 1.2.18 Chapter 18 - On the use of the cloak.
- 1.2.19 Chapter 19 - The grapples of the single sword.
- 1.2.20 Chapter 20 - Against the left-hander.
- 1.3 Sword and Dagger Play
- 1.3.1 Chapter 1 - First the dagger parries.
- 1.3.2 Chapter 2 - The simple lessons of sword and dagger.
- 1.3.3 Chapter 3 - The feints of the said sword and dagger play.
- 1.3.4 Chapter 4 - On the beats of both sword and dagger.
- 1.3.5 Chapter 5 - On the long play.
- 1.3.6 Chapter 6 - The double intentions.
- 1.3.7 Chapter 7 - The passes and their remedies.
- 1.3.8 Chapter 8 - The disappearances.
- 1.3.9 Chapter 9 - On times and counter-time.
- 1.3.10 Chapter 10 - The encroachment.
- 1.3.11 Chapter 11 - The advancing[15] on the long and short play.
- 1.3.12 Chapter 12 - On the breaking.[16]
- 1.3.13 Chapter 13 - The slashes of the sword and dagger play.
- 1.3.14 Chapter 14 - Binding and unbinding.
- 1.3.15 Chapter 15 - Subjugation, disengagement, and avoidance of engagement.
- 1.3.16 Chapter 16 - Lessons of dagger cuts.
- 1.3.17 Chapter 17 - How one can throw the sword out of the hand.
- 1.3.18 Chapter 18 - On the left foot.
- 1.3.19 Chapter 19 - Against the left-hander.
- 1.3.20 Chapter 20 - Discourse and advice of the sword and dagger play.
- 1.3.21 Chapter 21 - Know who has more advantage being in a mountainous place, he who holds the top or the bottom.
- 1.3.22 Chapter 22 - Know who has more advantage, the left-hander or the right-hander.
- 1.3.23 Chapter 23 - Rule against those withdrawing that we want to catch off guard while you pursue.
- 1.3.24 Chapter 24 - Know who has more advantage, the sword and cape or the sword and dagger.
- 1.3.25 Chapter 25 - Advice on how a little man needs to control a big man.
- 1.3.26 Chapter 26 - The grapples of the sword and dagger.
- 1.3.27 Chapter 27 - The guard takes against dagger cuts.
- 1.4 Copyright and License Summary
- 2 Additional Resources
- 3 References
Treatises
Illustrations |
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 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. |
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Section 4 - It is also fitting 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 curiously fitting to note and observe, before any accommodation of foot, to advance the sword a bit toward 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 toward 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 backward to therefore break the measure with discretion. High-thrust[4] means a touch given with the point carried by the hand twisted with the nails upwards. Low-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 low-thrust and high-thrust. Disengage[6] 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[7], 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. |
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For further information, including transcription and translation notes, see the discussion page.
| Work | Author(s) | Source | License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illustrations |  |
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| 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" or "correct" (as in not incorrect) or "true".
- ↑ Volter is an Italian loanword of voltare which means "to turn".
- ↑ Estocade is the French loanword for the Italian stoccata and is used in this treatise as "supination".
- ↑ Brocade is the French loanword for the Italian imbroccata and is used in this treatise as "pronation".
- ↑ Caver is the French loanword for the Italian cavare, which means "to dig or to excavate".
- ↑ 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" which is a Spanish card game where one discards their cards to win.
- ↑ Écarté is the French loanword for the Italian technique "inquartata" and means "discarded"
- ↑ "Derobement" is a modern fencing term to mean avoiding an entrapment of some sort.
- ↑ "Tirer" is normally translated as "shoot" but in this case I believe "pull" makes more sense.
- ↑ 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.
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