Kölner Fechtregeln (MS Best.7020 (W*)150)

Fechtregeln
MS Best.7020 (W*)150, Historisches Archiv Cologne, Germany
ff 1v - 2r
Hagedorn Leng —
Wierschin 20 Hils 25
Type	Fencing manual Wrestling manual
Date	ca. 1500
Language(s)	Early New High German (Ripuarian)
Author(s)	Unknown
Size	22 folia
Format	Double-sided
External data	Handschriftencensus
Treatise scans	Microfilm scans
Other translations	Traduction française

Fechtregeln ("Fencing Rules"; MS Bestand 7020 (W*)150) is an anonymous German fencing manual created around the turn of the 16th century. It resided in the holdings of the Historisches Archiv der Stadt Köln in Cologne, Germany, but was unfortunately housed in the wing of the Archive that collapsed in 3 March 2009; its current status is unknown, and it may be lost or destroyed. Fechtregeln, also sometimes called the "Kölner Fechtbuch" (Fencing Manual of Cologne), contains a few verses resembling Johannes Liechtenauer's Recital, but it has few other obvious parallels to the teachings of the high master. However, as James Wallhausen points out, it does bear a certain resemblance to the syllabus of the Marxbrüder fencing guild as described by Hans Sachs.

Provenance

The known provenance of the MS Bestand 7020 (W*)150 is:

• Created in ca. 1500 by an anonymous scribe; the dialect of German used in the text (Ripuarian) suggests an origin in Cologne, Germany.
• before 1824 – acquired by scholar and collector Ferdinand Franz Wallraf (donated upon his death, 1824).
• 1824-2009 – held by the Historisches Archiv der Stadt Köln (potentially destroyed, 2009).
• 2009-present – status unknown.

Contents

1r	Blank
1v	Metallurgical recipe Images No Translation Transcription by Dieter Bachmann [01v] Salamonias 1 loitt Wijßs victoriale 2 loitt Spanisgraen 2 loyt Salpeter 2 loytt Seyr nach anderhalpf so vyll sylbers als goltz ~
2r - 8r	Anonymous long sword devices Images Complete Translation by Christian Trosclair Transcription by Dieter Bachmann Here begins the text and recital of the long sword. Firstly, make good position and stretch your arms free. Whatever you then fence, prepare yourself thusly. [02r] Hyr hebet sich aen der text vnd zedell ym langen sweerd Zom eersten mach gudt bossenn vnd streck dy arm fry wastu dan fichts das wapent sich. Item. Understand the .5. hews as so: The over-hew from the right shoulder with the long edge and make [a] positioning with your left foot. Also similarly, the left over-hew make position with the right foot and hew with the long edge plunging through your opponent’s head, etc. Item dy .V. hewe vernym also, den ouer hewe van der rechter achselin myt langer snyden vnd mach bossen myt dem lincken voysz des glichen yst auch der linck ouer hewe mach bossen myt dem rechten voysz vnd hawe myt der langen snyden durch ym deen koff ym stortz :~ Item. Hew again around through to his head in the squintand around again through his head in the plunge and lay the sword upon your back, allow it to sink to the right side. Sweep out your pommel against your opponent and your point behind, thus you arrive in the right middle-hew. Hew before yourself, around the head into the left middle-hew and again around into the head into the right changer with the long edge down. [Hew] with the short edge up around the head into the left change. These are the four hews. One shall learn each if they otherwise wish to fence properly, etc. Item hewe veder vmb durch ym den koff yn schylt vnd vidder vmb durch ym den koff yn stortz, vnd lech das swert vff den ruck laysz esz syncken vff dy rechten syten Keer den knouff gegen den man vnd den ort hynder vsz so komstu yn den rechten myttel hewe Hewe vur ewech vmb den koff yn den lincken myttel hewe, vnd vidder vmb yn den koff yn dy rechte weschel myt der langenn snyden nydder myt der kortzen snydenn [02v] vff vmb den koff yn den lincken weschell. das synt dy .V. hewe dy eyn ycklinger leren sail der anders recht fechten wil :~ Item. The text and gloss follows hereafter [on how] one shall hew. Item hyr volgt nach der text vnd gloysz dar na man hewen sael. Item nach deser figuren sall man hewen, alle hewe durch das gesicht mit gestreckten armen vnd mach gut bossen yn allen dyngen so mach dir nyt misseligen. :~ Item. One shall hew according to these figures, all hews through the face with outstretched arms and make good position in all things, so you do not doubt yourself. Item. The recital of the longsword follows hereafter. Whatever you wish to deploy strongly, Fence that with your entire body, Both under and over. Execute the two things strongly, that I will praise. [03r] Item hyr nach volget der zedell des langenn swerts wastu starck wils dryben das fecht myt gantzem lebe beyd vnden vnd obenn dy zwei dyngdryb starck das will ich lobenn. Item. If you frighten easily, Do not learn any fencing. Whoever wishes to fence, they shall have a heart of a lion and shall also see as sharply as a falcon and shall also be as agile as a bird. Item erschrecks du gern keyn fechten nummer en lern, Wer fechten will der sall haben eyn hertz alsz eyn lewe vnd sall also scharff seen alsz eyn Valck vnd sall also behende syn alsz eyn vogel. Item. Understand the four openings in the sword thusly: The two over-openings on the head, the other two under-openings to both sides below the arms. Item dy vyer bloyß ym swerd vernym also, dy zwo ouer bloyß am haupt dy ander zwo vnderbloyß zo beyden syten vnder deen armen. Item. Also understand the four liers thusly: Lay your sword upon the right shoulder and set your body in the scales with good position, Also similarly is the left over-lier, place your right foot forward. Item dy veyr leger vernym also. lege das swert vff dy rechte aschel vnd setz dyn liff yn wage myt guden bossen des glychen yst auch der lynck ouer leger stell den rechten voyß vur. Understand the right under-lier thusly: place your left foot forward and lay the sword with the hilt upon the right leg, the point against the face of the opponent. Also similarly the left under-lier: turn the point of the sword against the face of the opponent. Das rechte vnder leger vernym also stell den lyncken voyß vur vnd lege das swert myt dem geholtz [03v] Vff das rechte beyn den ort dem man gegent das gesicht, des glich yst auch der linck vnder leger keer das swert denn ort dem mann gegen das gesicht. Item. Understand the four bindings-on in the sword thusly: Bind-on him with the short edge upon the left over-opening, tread forward and bind him with the long edge upon the right over-opening, tread forward and strike toward the left under-opening with the short edge and tread forward and strike toward the right under-opening with the flat. Item dy vyer an bynde ym swert vernym also bynde ym an myt der kortzen snyden an dy lincken ouer bloyß trydt vort vnd byndt ym myt der langen snyden an dy rechte ouer bloyß tryt vort vnd slage ym nach der lyncken vnder bloyß myt der kortzen snyden vnd tryt vort vnd slage ym nach der rechten vnder bloyß myt der flech. Item. One play called the wing. Bind him above with the short edge and strike him toward the right under-opening with the long edge and quickly with the short edge toward the over-opening and hew through from the man into the left under-lier. Item eyn stuck heyst der flogel bynde ym ouen mit der kortzen snyden vnd slage ym nach der rechten vnder bloyß mit langer snyden. vnd bald myt der kortzen nach der ouer bloyß vnd hewe durch van dem man yn das lyncke vnder leger. Item. One play called the enticement. Act as if you wish to bind-on him right and bind-on him left and act as if you wish to bind-on him left and bind-on him right and hew yourself from the man strongly with the long edge into the left under-lier so that you are not to be found open. Item eyn stuck heyst das verzocking. do als wul= [04r] stu ym rech anbinden vnd bynd ym lincks an vnd do als wulstu ym lyncks an bynden vnd bynde ym rechs an vnd hewe dich starck myt der langen snyden van dem man yn den lyncken vnder leger so bistu nicht bloyß zo vinden. Item. One play is called the changing-through. Freely from both sides, so that you make the opponent fully baited and hew freely from one opening to another with stepping, so that [you] may freely wander. Item eyn stuck heyst der durch weschell. fry van beyden syten so machs du des mans woel beyden vnd hewe myt schryden fry van eyner bloyß zoder andern so machs du frolich wandern. Item. One play is called the Iron Gate. Lay yourself in the left under-lier and let your point sink to the ground and hew the wing and sweep forward from the right side in the squint and from the left side again in the plunge, thus you come into the alley-hew from the iron gate. Item eyn stuck dy yser porte geheyssen. lege dich yn das lynck vnder leger vnd layß den ort synckenn vff dy erde vnd hewe den flogell hewe vnd strych vff vß der rechten syten vur yn schylt vnd vß der lincken syten widder vff yn stortz so komstu vß der ysern porten yn den gassen hewe. Item. One play is called the plow. Understand the plow thusly: Wind out from the right lier into the left and from the left again into the right, so that you see what the opponent wishes to deploy upon you or if he thrusts, you can break him. Item eyn stuck heyst der pluck. den pluck vernym [04v] also wendt vß dem rechten leger yn den lincken vnd vß dem lincken widder yn rechten so sichstu was der man vff dych dryben will ader stycht her du kanß ym brechenn. :~ Item. One play called the fool. Understand the fool thusly: Turn the point in the air and hold the shield before the head. Whatever the opponent strikes from-the-day, one can break with it. Item eyn stuck heyst der olber. den olber vernym also kere den ort yn dy lucht vnd halt den schilt vur den koff was der man slecht van dach das kan man dar myt brechenn :~ Item. One play named the squinter. Understand the squinter thusly: Squint left and slash right and squint left and slash left. Thus, you confound the opponent with a face of joy he does not see. Item eyn stuck heyst der schilder. den schilder ver nym also schyl lincks vnd slach rechs, vnd schil rechst vnd slach lincks. so veruerß du den man mit dem gesicht des frewet her sych nycht. Item. One play called the clanger. Understand the clanger thusly: Clang once, twice, thrice upon his edge so that you may find him open. Item eyn stuck heyst der scheller. den scheller ver nym also schelle eyn mael. Zwei. dry. vidder syme clyngen so machst du yn bloyß vynden :~ Item. One play called the inverter. Understand the inverter thusly: Lay your sword before your head. Allow your point to sink down behind and turn it to the right side and to the left quickly from one to the other so that he cannot hold himself before you. If you attempt to find him open quite quickly, then the inverter is correct, etc. Item eyn stuck heyst der verkerer. den verkerer [05r] vernym also lech dyn swerd vuer den koff. layß den ort hinder nidder sincken vnd kerre yn vff dy recht syten vnd vff dy lincken flucks van eyner zo der ander so kan er sich vur dyr nyt huden so machs du yn gare balde bloyß vynden so yst der verkerer gerecht :~ Item. One play called the ox. Understand the oxen thusly: Set the pommel upon the chest, the point against the opponent’s face and press strongly into him and hew in the winger and quickly from the right side in the squint. Slash from the squint to the left over-opening and disappear to the right, so that he must displace or become struck hard, etc. Item eyn stuck heyst der ocks. den ocksen vernym also sets den knouff an dy brust den ort dem man gegen dem gesycht vnd drynge starck zo ym vnd hewe yn den flogel vnd flucks vß der rechten syten yn schyll slach vß dem schylt nach der lincken ouer bloyß vnd swyndt nach der rechten so muß er versetzen ader wyrt hart geslagenn :~ Item. One play called the speaking window. Understand the speaking window thusly: Make a wind in front of the head, such that your arms are crosswise, so there-between you discern whatever the opponent wishes to deploy and deliver quite great sweeps thereafter. From the speaking window you can strike him to both sides, left or right, etc. Item eyn stuck heyst der sprech vinster. das vernym also mach eyn winde vur dem kopf das dyn armen krutzwerß synt so sychstu dar zußen vß was der man dryben will vnd gayn gare grosse streych dar nach [05v] vß dem sprech vinster du kanst yn zo beyden syten slagen lyncks ader rechs :~ Item a break coming out of the speaking window. When your opponent strikes you strongly, fall with the short edge before his blade, shove his sword away, thus you uncover his head, etc. Item eyn broch komt vß der sprech vinster. so dyr eyn man starck zom kopf sleget valle ym mit der kortzen snyden vuer syn clynge stoysz ym syn swerte weck so entbloyß du ym syn kopf :~ Item. A play called the golden-hews. Act as if you wish bind-on him right and bind-on him left. Strike him two or three strike after each other toward his right over-opening, thus are the golden-hews correct, etc. Item eyn stuck heyst der gulden hewe. do alß wolstu ym rechst an bynden vnd bynd ym lincks an slage ym zween ader dry slege nach en andern nach siner rechten ouer bloyß so yst der gulden hewe recht :~ Item. A break for the golden hews. When you see that someone wishes to break the golden hews, strike him with the short edge upon his left over-opening. Whatever he then strikes, you can displace and tread backwards and hew yourself through in the plunge from the opponent with the golden hews and place yourself in the left under-lier, thus you are again prepared, etc. Item eyn broch ouer den gulden hewe. Wan du suchs das eyner den gulden hewe bruchen wyll so slage ym mit der kortzen snyden an syn linck ouer bloiß was er dan slecht das kanstu versetzen vnd tryt zo ruck vnd hewe dich mit dem gulden [06r] hewe van dem man durch yn sturtz vnd lechs dich in das linck vnder leger so bistu widder gewapent :~ Item. One play called the triangle. Understand the triangle thusly: Lay yourself in the right changer and step with the right foot upon his right side and shove his sword up with the short edge and spring behind him with your left foot so you find him open on the head, etc. Item eyn stuck heyst der dryangel. den dryangel ver nym also lech dich in dy rechte weschel vnd schrydt myt dym rechten voyß vff syn rechte syt vnd stoß mit der kortzer snyden ym syn swert vff, vnd springe myt dynem lincken voyß hynder yn so vynstu yn bloyß am kopf :~ Item. A break for the triangle. when you see that one wishes to break the triangle, lay in the squint and tread backwards and displace it with the golden displacement, strike to the nearest front opening of his, etc. Item eyn broch vuer den dryangel. wan du sychs das eyner den dryangel bruchen will so lege yn den schylt vnd tryt zo ruck vnd versetz em myt der gulden versetzynge slage ym nach der neyster vuer bloyß :~ Item. The crooked-binding-on. Understand the crooked-binding-on thusly: Act as you wish to bind-on him right and bind-on him with the long edge left and yank as if you wish to bind-on right and remain on the same side. Strike to the right over-opening with the short edge, disappear to the left and hew yourself upon [him] with the golden hews so that he cannot free himself, etc. Item das krom anbyndung. dy krom anbyndung vernym [06v] also do wy du wuls ym recht anbynden vnd byndt ym myt der langen snyden lincks an vnd zock wy du ym wuls rechs anbynden vnd blyue an der seluer syten slage yn dy recht ouer bloyß mit der kortzen snyden swyn[dt] nach der lyncken vnd hewe dich aff myt der gulden hewe des mach er sich nyt frewen :~ Item. Whoever waits upon another’s hews, The permit their Art no joy. Hew-upon above whatever you wish No changer arrives in the shield To the head, to the body Do not omit the pull Alas, I say to you truthfully No man is without danger. If you frighten easily Never learn to fence There is no better displacement Than the one done with the strikes. Item wer sycht vff eyns ander hewe der darff syn konst nyt frewen, hewe ouen aff was du wylt, sich kompt keyn wescheler yn den schilt zo koff zo lybe dy zuck nyt vermide ych sach dyr verware schoen kyn man am faren. erschrecks du gerne keyn fechten nummer erlern. Es yst keyn besser versetzungk dan dy man myt den streyche duyt Item. A sword taking. Understand it thusly: Bind-on upon the opponent above and with the left hand grab into his hilt onto his arm with a inverted hand and move [it] towards you, so that you take the sword from him, etc. Item eyn swert nemen. das vernym also byndt dem mann ouen an vnd gryff myt der lyncker hant [07r] vszen vff syn arm mit verkerter hant yn syn gehultz vnd ruck nach dyr so nymstu ym das swert :~ Item. Another sword taking. Understand it thusly: Act as if you wish to bind-on him strongly and fall upon him with the hilt over his blade and move [him] with the left hand on his hilt strongly into you, so that you take his sword and stand in the struggle, etc. Item auer eyn swert nemen. das vernym also do als wuls du ym starck anbynden vnd valle ym myt dynem gehults vuer syn clynge vnd myt der lincken hant an syn gehultz ruck starck zo dyr so nymstu ym das swert vnd steyst ym kampff :~ Item. A free play. How one shall throw the opponent in the sword. Understand it thusly: Bind-on him strongly above and grab him on his right elbow with your left hand, shove him by his face strongly upwards, thus you throw him upon his back, etc. Item eyn fry stuck wy man den man werffen sall ym swerdt. das vernym also byndt ym starck ouen an vnd gryff yn mit dyner lincken hant an syn rechten elenbogen stoyß ym starck vff an syn gesicht so wyrff du yn vff syn ruck :~ Item. When you wish to smite your opponent upon the head, act as if you wish to bind-on strongly and grap amidst his hilt with your left hand and back [him] strongly to you, so that you make his head open, etc. Item wan du eyn man vff den koff wyls smißenn. do wy du ym starck wuls anbynden vnd gryff mit dyner lincker hant zußenn syn gehultz vnd ruck [07v] starck nach dyr so machs du ym den koff bloyß :~ Item. A running-over in the sword as you shall throw the opponent. Understand it thusly: Act as if you wish to bind-on right and bind-on him crooked. Wind upon his blade with the short edge. Grab onto the blade with your left hand, lay the sword upon his neck and tread with your left foot behind his left, move him strongly to you, so that he must fall, etc. Item eyn ouer lauff ym swerdt wy du eyn man werffen sals. das vernym also do we du ym wuls recht an bynden vnd byndt ym kromß an wynd myt der kortzen snyden vff syn klyngen gryff mit dyner lincker hant an dyn clynge lege ym das swertan den hals vnd tryt mit dynem lincken wyß hynder synen lincken, ruck yn starck nach dir so moyß er vallen :~ Item. A running-under in the sword. Understand it thusly: Act as if you wish to bind-on above and shove his hilt over itself with the cross, so that you grab him with that or whatever you may take hold of, etc. Item eyn vnder lauff ym swerdt. das vernym also do wy du ym wuls hoch an bynden vnd stoeß myt krutz ym syn gehultz ouer sych, so gryffs du yn da mit ader wa du yn geuaßen machs :~ Item. Weak and strong, short and long the entire art is of one origin. Thereupon firmly embrace: All art has length, measure, etc. [08r] Item swech vnd starck kortz vnd langk yst aller konst eyn anphanck dar vff dicht vast alle konst halt lengen mayß :~ Item. Weak and strong. Understand it thusly: High near the point is the weak and the midpart of the blade is the strong, that you shall drive well with the short edge, etc. [07v] Item swech vnd sterck vernym also oben by dem ort yst dy swech vnd der myttel deyl der cly[n]gen yst dy sterck das sulles du myt der kortzen snyden seer / dryuenn :~ Item. A play called the lion. Understand it thusly: Set yourself in the scales and with your head not too high, hew from the four points with strength, so you have made the lion and if you are before another, and is good before the other two in the confrontation, etc. [08r] Item eyn stuck heyst der leue. den vernym also setz dych yn dy wage vnd mit dynem koff nyt zo hoych hewe vß vyer orten myt stercken so hastu des leuen moyt vnd byst vur ander zween ym stryt guett :·:
10v - 12r	Anonymous wrestling devices Images Complete Translation by Christian Trosclair Transcription by Dieter Bachmann Item: Hereafter follows the wrestling. When you wish to wrestle, then set your body in the scales and make good position. If he grabs you low or high, then you can it with these following written plays, etc. [10v] Item hy na volgt das Ryngen. Wan du wylt ryngen so setz dyn lyb yn de wage vnd mach guytten bossen er gryff dych neder ader hoech so kanstu es yme brechen myt desen nach geschryffen stucken:- Item: four weaks and 4 strongs, understand them thusly. On both elbows and on both knees, there the opponent is weak and strong on the elbow by the knuckle[sic]. The back of the knee, these are the weaks[sic] and in front of the knee and in front of the elbow, these are the strongs, etc. Item vyer swech vnd iiij sterck dy vernym also an beyden elbogen vnd an beyden kneen da yst der man swach vnd starck an dem elbogen by den knuchell. hynden an dem knee bogen das synt de swech vnd vur dem knee vnd vur den elbogen das synt dy sterck:- Item: If an opponent grabs at you with his right hand for your over weak, then grab around his arms with your left hand and back him into you with the right hand on the under weak so you throw him hard or soft, etc. Item gryfft eyn man zo dyr myt syner rechter hant na der ouer swech so vmb gryff yme sinen arm myt der lincker hant vnd myt der rechter hant an dy vnder swech ruck yn zo dyr so wyrffs du yn hart ader weych:- Item: The same for the left. If the opponent grabs at you with the left hand for your over weak, then grab around him with the right hand around his left arm and back him into you with the left hand [on] the under weak, so you throw him as before, etc. [11r] Item des gelychen das linck. gryfft eyner zo dyr myt der lincker hant na dyner ouer swech so vmb gryff yn myt der rechter hant synen lincken armvnd myt der lincker hant dy vnder swech ruck yn zo dyr so wyrffs du yn we vur:- Item: A free play from the little weak. If an opponent grabs you on the left shoulder, then take him by the little weak with your right hand and with your left hand by the other weak, quickly shove his hand into his belly, so you throw him or the arm must break, etc. Item eyn fry stuck vß der kleynner swech. gryfft dyr eyn man vff dyn rechter lincke achsell so nym yn mit dyner rechter hant mit der kleyner swech vnd myt diner lincker hant by der anderenn swech stoes yme syne hant zom buch zo so wyrffs du yn ader der arm moeß brechen:- Item: In all wrestling grab the opponent with short fingers. Item in allen Ryngen gryff eynen man myt kurtzen fyngern. Item: If a strong opponent has grabbed you in the middle weak, then grab around the nearest weak with your right arm and sink yourself and grab with the other hand for the little weak. Yank the left foot back, so you throw him to the ground or the arm must break, etc. Item als dych eyn starck man gegryffen hayt ynder myttell swech so vmb gryff ym deine nechste swech myt dym rechten arm vnd senck dych vnd [11v] gryff myt der anderen hant na de klyner swech zuck den lincken voyß zoruck so wyrffs du yn zo der erden ader der arm moeß brechen :- Item: If you wrestle an opponent and they are stronger than you [and] he grabs for you with one hand, then grab him with the over middle weak, shove him from you and grab him by the left under weak with the inverted hand and set the elbow in theheart's-keel, back him and shove him each other, etc. Item so du myt eynem ryngen salt der starcker ist dan du myt eyner hant gryfft er na dyr so gryff yn mit der ober myttell swech stoeß yn van dyr vnd gryff yn myt der verkeyrder hant by der lincken vnder swech vnd setz ym den elbogen yn dat hertz kuyll ruck yn vnd stoeß yn myt eyn ander:- Item: Wrestling from the forks. Place yourself in the fork, if the opponent grabs at you with the right hand for an under weak, then hold him there with the forks and back him into you so he must fall or the arm must break, etc. Item ryngen vß der Gabelen. stell dych in dy gabell gryfft eyn myt der rechter hant zo dyr na eyner vnder swech so sytz ym dar vff myt der gabelen vnd ruck yn Zo dyr so moeß er vallenader der arm moeß brechen:- Item: Also the same. If he grabs you for the under weak with the left hand, hold him there with an inverted fork, move him into you so he must fall or the arm must break, etc. Item des gelychen yst auch. gryfft er dyr myt der [12r] lincker hant na der vnder swech sytz ym dar vff myt verkerder hant gabelen ruck yn zo dyr so moeß her vallen ader der arm moeß brechen:- Item: Whoever can make his art measured and it unforgotten [to himself] and holds his sword up high, they are good against four others in conflict, etc. Item wer macht syn konst gemessen. vnd dy vnuergessen.vnd helt syn swert yn hoyt. der yst vur ander .iij. ym streydt guett:-
13r - 16v	Anonymous Messer devices Images Complete Translation by Christian Trosclair Transcription by Dieter Bachmann Item. Hereafter follows the knightly art in the messer, etc. Item. The .f. hews. You shall hew freely through the face of the man and you shall not forget the four openings, etc. [13r] Item hy volget nach dy ritterliche konst ym messer:- Item dy .v. hewe solstu hewen fry dem man durch das gesycht vnd der vier bloyß solstu nyt vergeßen:- The over-hews hew from the right shoulder. The other from the left. Tread forwards and hew through into the long the stab. Lay the messer upon the back and tread forwards and hew in bowed and lay the messer again upon the back and hew again into the long stab and double out behind and stab in bowed with both feet forward and hew the left side forwards into the long stab. These are the five hews in the messer that one shall learn each correctly, if the others will be fenced correctly, etc. Thus strongly, etc. den ouer hewe hew van der rechten ascheln. Den ander van der linckenn. tryt vort vnd hewe durch yn den langen stych lech das messer vff den ruck vnd tryt vort vnd hewe yn bogell vnd lech das messer vydder vff den ruck vnd hewe vidder yn langen stych vnd dobellere hynder vß vnd stich by beyden voyßen vur yn bogell vnd hewe der linckenn syten vur yn den langen stych. das synt dy vunff hewe ym messer dy eyn yckelicher recht leren sallder anders recht vechten wyll:- das do starck:- Item. Whatever you wish to deploy strongly, Fence that with the entire body, Both below and above, Hit the two things strongly, that I will laud, etc. Item was du starck wyls dryben das fecht mit gantzem lybe beyde vnder vnd ouen dy zwey dynck dryff starck das wyll ych louenn:- Item. Understand the four liers thusly: Set your body from four points in the scales. Take the messer upon the right shoulder and set the left foot forward in position. Whatever one cuts or thrusts, so that you can break it, etc. [13v] Item dy veyr leger vernym also. setz dyn lyff vß vyer orten yn dy wage Nym das meßer vff dy rechte schulder vnd setz den lincken voyß vur yn bossen was der man slecht ader stycht das kanstu ym brechen:- Item. The left over-lier is also the same. Lay the messer upon the left shoulder and place the right foot forward in position, etc. Item des glychen yst auch das linck ouerleger lege das meßer vff dy linck aschel vnd stelle den recht voyß vur yn boßenn:- Item. Understand the right under-lier thusly: Place the left foot forward in position and lay the messer upon you right leg, the point against the face of the man, so that you see whatever he will deploy, etc. Item das recht vnder leger vernym also stell den lincken voyß vur yn boßen vnd lech das meßer vff das rechte beyn den ort dem man gegen das gesycht so sychstu was er dryben wyll:- Item. The left under-lier is also the same. Set the pommel upon the left leg, the point against the face of the man. Whatever one cuts or thrusts, so that you can break it and make good position thus are you prepared and no one can find you open, etc. Item des glychen yst auch das linck vnder leger setzden knauff vff das lincke beyn den ort dem man gegen das gesycht was er sleycht ader stycht das kanstu ym brechen vnd mach gut bossenn so bystu ge-wapent vnd dich kan keyn man bloyß vynden:- Item. Hereafter follows the four openings. Understand the four openings thusly: The over-opening, on the head; the under-opening, by the forward foot; the right-opening, outside the hand, the fourth opening inside the hand. These are the four proper openings that every fencer shall strike, if they will otherwise wish to fence correctly, etc. [14r] Item hyr nach volget dy vyer bloyß. dy vyer bloyß vernym also dy ouer bloyß am heupt dy vnder bloyß by dem vordern voyß dy rechte bloyß vß wyck an der hant dy vyerde bloyß ym wyck an der hant. das syntdy vyer rechte bloyß dar nach eyn ycklyger fechter slayn sall der anders recht fechten wyll:- Item. If you wish to freely wander, then cut from one opening to the other, so that he must displace or become struck, etc. Item wyltu frolych wandern so slach van eyner bloyß zo der andern so moyß er versetzen ader wyrt geslagen:- Item. A good play from the right over-lier. If someone strikes-in correctly to your right over-opening, then displace him from the bow and then strike for his outer opening, etc. Item eyn gŭt stŭck vß dem rechten oŭerleger, sleyt / eyn man dyr recht nach dyner rechten oŭerbloyß / so versetz ym vß dem bogell vnd dan slach ym na / der vßer bloyß:- Item. A play from the left over-lier. If the opponent strikes the wrath-hew at your displacment, then displace him with the long-stab and cut him through the face to the inside-opening, etc. Item eyn stŭck vß dem lincken oŭerleger, sleyt eyn man na dyr versatzŭnng dem zorn hewe. so versetz ym myt dem langen stych vnd slach ym dŭrch das gesycht nach ynwynicher bloyß:- Item. A play from the right under-lier. If the opponent stabs the wrath-stab into you, shove him off with the hanging-point and cut one, two or three strikes to his nearest opening, etc. [14v] Item eyn stuck vß dem rechten vnder leger, stycht derman den zorn stych zo dyr, stoyß ym abe myt hangenden ort vnd slach ym nach der nechsten bloyß eyn streych zween ader dry:- Item. A play from the left under-lier. If someone strikes-in into you, then displace him with the bow and cut to the nearest outside-opening, so he must flee or become struck, etc. Item eyn stuck vß dem linck vnder leger. sleyt eyn man zo dyr so versetz ym myt dem bogell vnd slach ym nach der nechsten vsenbloyß so moyß er wychen ader wyrt geslagen:- Item. A play called the alley-hew. If you see one or two stand before you, then freely hew from the right side and fresh off from the left, as freely [as can be] from one into the other, so they must flee or become struck, etc. Item eyn stuck heyst der gaßen hewer sychstu eyn ader zween vur dyr staen so hew fry v§ der rechtersyten vnd frysch vff vß der lincken als fry van eym ynden andern so moyßen sy wychen ader verdenn geslagen:- Item. A good play. When you fence with someone, should they be low, break the long-stab at his face strongly 2, 3 or 4 times and cut him to the next opening. Thus you have him how you yourself wishes, etc. Item eyn gut stuck wan du myt eym fechten sulß der nidich yst, bruch den langen stych na sym gesycht starck ij. iij ader iiij mael vnd slach ym nach der [15r] nechster bloyß so hastu yn wy du seluer wyls:- Item. A play called the misplaced foot. Break it with insight if you wish to win the prize, etc. Item eyn stuck heyst der verstell voyß den bruch myt synnen wyltu pryß gewynnen:- Item. A play called the little wheel. Break the wing-hews 4 times in one play. Item eyn stuck heyst das retlyn bruch den flogellhawe iiij mayl an eym stuck:- Item. A break for the unicorn. As you see that someone, they break the unicorn, then break the wing-hew, etc. Item eyn bruch vuer den eynhorn als du sychs das eyner der eyner den eynhorn brucht so bruch den flogell hew:- Item. A play from the oxen. Jab the point strongly against face of the man and cut him with the wing-hew under his right oxen, etc. Item eyn stuck vß dem ocksen stoeß den ort dem man starck gegen das gesycht vnd slach yn mit dem flogell hew vnder syn rechten ockßen:- Item a break for the same wing-hew. If you see the wing-hew broken, yank the right foot behind you and cut him to the outer-opening, etc. Item eyn stuck bruch vuer den seluigen flogell hew so du sicht den flogell hew bruchen. zuck denn rechten voyß hynder dych vnd slach ym nach der vßer bloyß:- Item. A play called the plow. Drive the plow from both sides and do not hesitate. Separate with steps and furiously work him from one opening to the other, etc. Item eyn stuck ym ployg. fuer den plogg van bey[15v]den syten vnd suem dych nyt. myt schryden scheyd vnd arbeyde ym swynde van eyner bloeß zo der andern:- Item. A play called the blooming removal. Bind the messer upon the right side and yank-out with an inverted hand and hew for the outer-opening, etc. Item eyn stuck heyst der brozße vß zuch bint das meßer vff dy rechte syt vnd zuch vß myt verkerter hant vnd hew na der vßer bloeß:- Item. When a person shall draw from the sheath. Let the opponent draw-out first before you. If he then hews the wrath-hew, then yank-out to the hand of his, follow-after him with the golden hew, etc. Item wy eyn man van scheiden zyn sall. layß den man eerst vß zehen dan du. hewet er den zorn hew zo zuck vß ym nach der hant volge ym nach mit dem gulden hew:- Item. A play from the oxen. Advance the oxen strongly and furiously cut 2 strikes into him from the wing one after the other. Item eyn stuck vß dem ocksen den ocksen ganck starck vnd slach zo ym vß dem flogel .ij. streych swynd na en nander:- Item. Ward whatever the plow deploys first. Cut furiously out with the long edge according to the scalper so you hit him from the plow. Do not allow yourself to go too high with the head at the break. Item wert was dry ployg eernt. slach swyn[d] vßer myt der langen snyden nach dem schedeler. so dryffs du yn vß dem ployg. zo dem broch layß dyr nyt zo ga[n]g mit dem kopf nyt zo hoyg:- Item. If you wish to examine the art, advance yourself left and right with hewing, etc. [16r] Item wyltu konst schauwen sych linck geen vnd recht myt hewenn:- Item. A play called the tringle. Step with the right foot upon his right side and turn-into him with the oxen. Step a great step swiftly behind him with the left foot, so you cut him behind upon the head, etc. Item eyn stuck heyst der dryangell. schryt myt dem rechten voyß vff syn rechte syt vnd ger ym yn myt dem ocksen schryt behende myt dem lincken voyß eyn groyßen schryt hynder yn so slechs du yn hynder vff den kopf:- Item. A break for the triangle. If you see that someone will break the triangle, then pull the right foot behind you and hew yourself strongly from the opponent to the next opening, that is no shame for you, etc. Item eyn broch vuer den dryangell. so du suchs das eyner den dryangell bruchen wyll. so zuck den rechten voyß hynder dich vnd hew dich starck van dem man das yst dyr keyn schande nach der nechster bloeß:- Item. If you seek the doubling above, then tread-aside, that I will laud. If you wish to reckon yourself and artfully break the four openings, then double above. Item so du suchs doppeleren oben, so tryt abe das wyll ych lobenn wyltu dych rechen vnd dy veyr bloeß kunstelich brechen so doppelere oben:- Item. When you will run-forward and have no weapon. If someone strikes a wrath-hew, then fall upon him with your left hand around his arm, so you may break his arm and take the messer from him. Item wan du vuerlauffen wurß vnd hayst keyn gewere. schleyt eyner eyn zorn hew so val myt dyner [16v] lincker hant ym vmb den arm so machstu ym den arm brechen vnd nymst ym das meßer:- Item. If one stabs into you, then fall thereupon him with the encapsuling and rapidly wind-up so that you break his arm and take the messer from him. Item stycht eyner zo dyr so val ym dar vff mit der gaffelen vnd wyndt fluck[s] vff so brychstu ym den arm vnd nymst ym das meßer:-
16v - 17r	Anonymous dagger devices Images Complete Translation by Christian Trosclair Transcription by Dieter Bachmann Item: A free play of the short dagger. If an opponent stabs at you with the under wrath-stab, then fall upon that with the encapsuling. Back him freely into you so the dagger or arm must break, etc. Item eyn fry stuck ym kortzen degen. stycht eyn man zo dyr mit dem vnder zorn stych so val ym dar vffmit der gaffelen. ruck yn fry zo dyr so moyß der degen ader arm brechenn:- Item: Again a play from the under stab. Hit him with the outer hand by the point. Set the point against his chest and grab him with the left hand on the hip so he must stab himself, etc. Item aber eyn stuck vß dem vnder stych dryff ym mit vßer hant byde ort setz ym den ort gegen dy brost vnd gryff yn mit der lincker hant an das hefft so moyß er sych seluer stechenn:- Item: If the opponent stabs the over wrath stab at you, then grab with the left hand inverted by the little weak so that you break his arm or the dagger must fall, etc. Item stycht eyner den ouer zorn stych zo dyr so gryff mit der lincker hant verkeret. by der kleyner swecht [17r] so brychstu ym den arm ader der degen moyß fallen:- Item: A good play for a throwing-spear. If an opponent stabs at you, then go beneath him with a hanging point and grab him with the left hand behind the ball of cord and strike at his hand with the messer so that you take the spear, etc. Item eyn gut stuck ouer eynen wyrfspeyß. stycht eyn man zo dyr so vnderganck ym myt hangenden ort vnd gryff ym myt der lincker hant hynder den kneuell vnd slach ym mit dem messer na der hant. so nymstu ym den speyß:-
20r	Abecedarium Images Draft Translation by James Wallhausen Transcription by Dieter Bachmann [Abecedarium] [20r] a a b c d e f g h h i k k l l m m n o o p p q r r r s s s s t t v v x y y y z z Z Z W α abccd effghyklmnopqrrssstŭvxyz Z
20v	Anonymous spear devices Images Complete Translation by Christian Trosclair Transcription by Dieter Bachmann Item: Hereafter follows a play of the swine-spear. Stand in position and turn your little finger against the pommel and the staff against the opponent. If he strikes or stabs at you with the swine-spear or halberd, then you can break his [attacks], etc. [20v] Item hy na volget eyn stuck ym swynspeyß. Stant yn bossen vnd kere den kleynnen fynger gegenden kneypfell vnd de stang gegen den man sleyt er ader stycht zo dyr mit dem swynspeyß ader helbartten. so kanstu es yme brechen:- Item: If he strikes, then break it with the staff in the outer weak. Tread into him with the battle, then you stab him and strike him. Item so er sleyt so brych ym myt der stangen yn de vßer swecht tryt zo ym myt dem kampff so stychstu yn vnd sleys yn:- Item: if he stabs at you, then break it toward the outer weak and strike for his forward hand, then exploit him in the battle so you have stabbed and struck for the best, etc. Item stycht er zo dyr so brych es ym na der vßer swech vnd slach ym nach der foder hant so buyt ym den kampff so hastu stych vnd streych zom besten:-
21v - 22r	Anonymous staff devices Images Draft Translation by Christian Trosclair Transcription by Dieter Bachmann Item the 4 bindings-on of the staff At first, bind-on him at the head with the right hand and thereafter with him, tread-in with the left hand against the head. Strike for his left leg with a tread in and thereafter strike for his right leg with the left hand with a tread in. Thus the 4 bindings-on are correct, etc. [21v] Item dy iiij anbynd ym stangen. Bynt ym zo eyrst oben an na dem kopf myt der rechter hant vnd dar na myt eyme zo tryt myt der lincker hant weder zom kopf. slach ym na dem lincken beynn myt eym zo tryt. vnd dar na slach ym na dem rechten beyn myt der lincker hant myt eynem zo tryt. so synt dy iiij anbynd gerecht:- Item: A play from the upper right binding-on. Act as if you will bind-on him to the right and bind-on him to the left so that you strike his staff up and tread into the battle, etc. Item eyn stuck vß dem rechten oberen anbyndunck. do wy du ym wylt recht anbynden vnd bynd ym lincks an so sleystu ym dy stangh vff vnd tryt ym zo ym kampfe.- Item: A good play of the other upper binding-on. Act as if you will bind-on him to the left and bind-on him to the right so that you strike his staff up and then fall into the battle. Item gut stuck ym anderen oberen anbyndunck. Do als wuls du ym lincks anbynden vnd bynt ym rechs an so sleys du ym dy stangh vff vnd dan vall yme zo ym kampf:- Item: After a play in the right under binding-on. Act as if you will bind-on him to the right and bind-on him to the left and thrust for his under opening. Item noch eyn stuck ym rechten vnder anbyndunck [22r] do as wuls du ym recht anbynden vnd bynt ym lincks an vnd stoeß ym na der vnder bloeß:- If you are thoughtful, Then strike impetuously for the opponent's hand. This play is not apparent to anyone, etc. Bystu bedanck So slach eyme swynde na der hant. Das stuck ist eyme icklichem neyt bekant:-

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Additional Resources

• Bauer, Matthias Johannes. Langes Schwert und Schweinespieß. ADEVA Graz, 2009. ISBN 978-3-201-01920-0

Copyright and License Summary

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

Work	Author(s)	Source	License
Images	Historisches Archiv	Historisches Archiv
Translation	Christian Trosclair	Wiktenauer
Translation	James Wallhausen	Paleoeskirmology Historical Combat Systems
Transcription	Dieter Bachmann	Index:Fechtregeln (MS Best.7020 (W*)150)