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Joachim Meyer/Manuscript Comparison

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Illustrations (from the Munich)

Illustrations (from the Lund)

Draft Translation (from the Munich) Draft translation (2022)
by Kevin Maurer

Draft Translation (from the Lund) Draft translation (2012)
by Kevin Maurer

Munich Manuscript (1561) [edit]
Transcribed by Olivier Dupuis

Lund Manuscript (1563-8) [edit]
Transcribed by Olivier Dupuis and Dierk Hagedorn

MS A.4º.2 05r.jpg

[1]

Firstly will each one of the actions in Fencing be divided into three parts which are particularly good to note. Attacking, following after, withdrawal or ending, then to the first in the onset send your attacks through the guards and cuts like they follow afterwards here, however to the other parts and the middle work, this will be reprinted with the handworks, and a mixture of convenient cuts. And lastly to the ending, or the withdrawal, how orderly each one will hereafter be diligently written and taught.

[1] Sword Fencing

Firstly will each one of the actions in Fencing be divided into three parts which are particularly good to note. In the Sword this is namely attacking, followed by the withdrawal or other than to the first to reach it, send your attacks through the guards and cut like they follow afterwards here, however to the other parts and the middle work, this will be reprinted with the handworks, and a mixture of convenient cuts. Onwards to the last, or the withdrawal, how orderly each one will hereafter be diligently written and taught.


[2] Further, you should note the Before and After, Weak and Strong. The Before is when you drive with your Stücken so that he cannot come to his senses, especially by positioning yourself as close as he is, and how he defends before your Stücken and these same wants to break and bar, with this, he runs off the Before to you. The After is, when you have been rushed upon by your opponent how it is reported above. Thus you should respond Indes quickly with convenient work, with this, you are strongest on his Stücken, when you go on with your work in the Before, and in this you are crowded so that you must displace him After, thus is a constant changing with the Before and After, now you have it, then he does, but he who does not pay attention to it, he will never learn to fence.

[2] Secondly one should note the Before and After, Weak and Strong. The Before is when you drive with your Stücken so that he cannot come to his senses, especially by positioning yourself close, and how he defends before your Stücken and these same would like to break and bar, with this, he runs off the Before to you. The After is, when you have been rushed upon by your opponent how it is reported next and above. Thus you should respond Indes quickly with convenient work, with this, you are strongest on his Stücken, when you lay on with your work in the Before, and in this you are crowded so that you must displace him after, thus is a constant changing with the Before and After, now you have it, then he does. But he who does not pay attention to it, he will nonetheless never learn to fence.

[1r.2] Weitter sol man mercken vff das, vor, vnd Nach, schwech, vnd Stercke, Das vor ist so du den man mit deinen stucken dahin treibest, das er zu seinem furnhemen nit khan khommen, sonder mit versetzen sich engsten, wie er sich vor dir schitzen, deine stuck brechen, vnd sperren moge, damit er dir das, vor, ablauffe. Das nach ist, wan du also von deinem gegen man vber eylt wurst, wie oben gemeldt so soltu Indes behendt mit füglicher arbeit Im begegnen, damit du Ihn steckest In seinen stucken vnd also mit deiner arbeit, Ihm das, vor, abiagest, vnd ihn also tringst dir zu versetzen Im, Nach, Also ist ein stetter Wechsel mit dem Vor, vnd mit dem Nach, das es itst disser, dhan Jenner hatt, welcher auch nit [1v.1] Achtung darauff hatt wurdt nimmer nichs gewisses lernnen khennen. ⁋

MS Bibl. 2465 001v.jpg
MS A.4º.2 06v.jpg

[3] Divisions of the sword to the Weak and Strong

The Sword is firstly divided in two parts, namely from the grip to the middle of the blade which is known as the Strong, from the middle to the most forward, is the Weak.

[3] Divisions of the sword to the Weak and Strong

The Sword is firstly divided in two parts, namely from the grip to the middle of the blade which is known as the Strong, from the middle to the most forward, is the Weak.

[4] Item: The sword is further divided in four parts how the figure shows. With the inward part, that is the haft, and (with it) the work with the pommel and cross and haft will be understood, in the next part, thereafter will the work with cutting and pushing and what belongs to the Strong be understood, to the third part of the sword should be noted the alterable work of the Weak and Strong after opportunity and liking. Which alone is extremely weak for you to work properly to the Openings.

[4] Furthermore is the sword divided in four parts how the figure below this shows. With the inward part, that is the haft, and [with it] the work with the pommel and cross and haft will be understood, in the next part, thereafter will the work with cutting and pushing and what belongs to the Strong be understood, to the third part of the sword should be noted the alterable work of the Weak and Strong after opportunity and liking. Which alone is extremely weak for you to work properly to the Openings.

[5] Hard and Soft

Thus you shall mark in the binding of the swords, as you shall feel if he has become hard or soft in the bind, with the cut.

Item: If he is yet again, Strong or Weak, and is usually more watchful of the Weak binding before the Strong, how hereafter in the fencing it can be seen.

[5] Hard and Soft

Thus you shall mark in the binding of the swords, as you shall feel if he has become hard or soft in the bind, with the cut.

[6] Item: If he is yet again, strong or weak, and is usually more watchful of the weak binding before the strong, how hereafter in the fencing it can be seen.

[6v.3] Hert unnd weich.

Das soltu merkenn in banden des schwerts, do wirstu fulenn ob er hert oder weich angebundenn hab mit hewenn. Item ob er starck oder weich in widerhaltenn sey und ist sich gewonlich mehr zu hutenn vor denn weichenn dan vor denn starcken banden, wie hernach in fechtenn zu sehenn ist. Domit aber das schwert fechtenn unnd nachgeschribene stuck desto verstendtlicher sey so wil ich meinen nachgesetztenn zedel erklerenn wie ich die wort verstanden wil haben, nach oberzelter ordnung nemblich anfang, mittel, unnd endt.

[6] In order that the sword fencing and the following Stuck are understandable, I will explain my following Zedel, how I want the words to have understanding, according to the order N (namely) beginning, middle and end.

[7] With this however the Sword fencing and the following written Stuck is more understandable thus as I explain my Zedel according to the rules, as I want the words to have understanding so I have named the order; the Beginning, Middle and End.

[7] Zedel

The 4 Main Guards,

namely Tag, Fool, Ox, Plow.

[8] Follow the Sword Zedel

The Four Main guards

From the Roof, Fool, Ox, Plow

[8] The 8 Secondary Guards,

Long Point, Iron Gate, Hanging Point, Speak Window, Key, Side Guard, Barrier Guard and Wrath Guard.

[9] The Eight Secondary Guards

Long-point, Iron Gate, Hanging Point, Speak Window, Key, Side Guard, Barrier Guard, Wrath Guard

[9] The 5 Master Cuts,

Wrath Strike, Crooked Strike, Thwart Strike, Scalp Strike, Squinter Strike.

[10] The Five Master-Cuts

Wrath Cut, Crooked Cut, Thwart Cut, Squinting Cut, Scalper

[10] The 6 forbidden Cuts,

Blind Cut, Rebound Cut, Short Cut, Joint Cut, Clashing Cut, Winding Cut.

[11] The Six Covert Cuts

Blinding Cut, Bouncing Cut, Short Cut, Knuckle Cut, Clashing Cut, Wind Cut

[11] Handworks

Binding on, Remaining, Slicing, Striking around, Chasing after, Snapping around, running off, Doubling, Deceiving, Flitting, Failing, Circle, Looping, Winding, Winding through, Reversing, Changing through, Running over, Setting off, Cutting away, Pulling, Hand pushing, Sliding, Hanging, Barring, Blocking, Wrenching out, Gripping over, Weak pushing.[2]

[12] Handworks in the Sword

Bind On, Remain, Cut, Strike Around, Travel After, Snap Around, Run Off, Doubling, Leading, Flying, Feeling, Circle, Looping, Winding, Winding Through, Reverse, Change Through, Run over, Set Off, Cut Off, Pull, Hand Press, Displace, Hanging, Blocking, Barring, Travel out, Grab over, Weak pushing

[12] Of the 4 Guards

First of all, the ancients not only used the 4 guards for good in attacking, but also hid our so-called fencing summarily in them, that namely they had told and intended with all high guards the cuts from above. With the Fool, however, all cuts from below were therefore called Fool, because all things from below are to be regarded as contrary to what comes from above. They have therefore composed their whole fencing in two cuts namely from above and from below so that no cut can be thrown, for it must be from above or from below and even if one cuts a Middle or Thwart Strike, then that cut still has a common name with the High or Low Cut, then just as no Middle Cut can be made, unless it will go somewhat from below or above. So by the Ox and the Plow they intended the thrust, that is, the upper and lower thrust, which, however, in our present time is not in the fencing for several reasons, I will then save Oxen and Plow together with the thrusts until the rapier, where I will then extensively cover it.

[13] But how each guard is to be made or understood will be recorded in figures.

[14] Wrath Cut

Wrath Cut is done thus, when you are in Zufechten, then come in the Ox or take the sword onto the right shoulder so that the left foot stands forth, step and cut with the long edge from the right diagonally to his left whether to the head or body.

[15] Crooked Cut

Stand with the left foot forward, hold the sword to the right, if one cuts at your opening from above, then step with your right foot well out from his strike to his left side, and cut Crooked Indes with crossed arms between his sword and head with the long edge to his arm.

[16] Thwart Cut

Stand how it is described above and hold the sword to the right like before, if one cuts at you from above then step and cut with the short edge to his strike so that the hands are high and point hangs slightly downwards and the thumb is placed under the shield.

[17] Scalp Cut

The Scalp Cut is a straight cut from above to the head.

[18] Squinter Cut

In the Zufechten come as described before and hold the sword as described before, if one cuts at you then step and cut in with crossed hands from above simultaneously with him like all things from the Crooked Cut are told.

[19] Scalper

Is done thusly, stand in the Ox like the figure of the Ox shows and cut from below with the half edge through the scalp line so that the weapon flies upwards into the Roof Guard.

[20] Blind Cut

In Zufechten come into the right Plow, instantly step and heave the hands upwards to the hanging on the right side, threaten him to the right with the haft, instantly flick with the flat and crossed hands to his left ear.

[21] Rebound Cut

So, in the Zufechten come into the right Ox, instantly pull the sword around the head step and cut with the inside flat horizontally onto his sword, allow the hands to rebound and strike in again with the flat overhand.

[22] Short Cut

So, stand with the right foot forward in Hanging Point, pull upwards and around your head and cut with the short edge from your lower left to his right ear or arm, in the strike your thumb shall face up.

[23] Wrist Cut

Item: If one stands in Speak Window and the other is too, or otherwise comes high so that his blade hangs down to the lower left, then cut with a horizontal strike up from below between the pommel or behind the pommel to the hands.

[24] Clash Cut

In the Zufechten go with your sword through the Ox, step and strike overhand with the flat to his left ear so that your half edge slides downwards to his right shoulder.[3]

[25] Winding Cut

If one stands before you with outstretched arms in the Long Point, then come in the Zufechten with the right foot forward, the sword in Hanging Point. Instantly pull around the head and cut with the long edge from the left outside and over his right arm so that your sword appears to swing between his head and sword to his left shoulder, pull back around again to the horizontal cut or Long Point.

[26] Middle or handworks in the following after

Binding on may have no other explanation than that every fencer knows well when the swords come together and have bound.

[27] Remaining

Is thus understood when one cuts into an opening with the long edge and at once would pull back to himself as if to cut to another opening, but does not, and instead cuts again with the short edge on the same line, that is called remaining, when one remains with cutting on one opening.

Item: One remains in the binding of the swords and waits on the next action until he gets his opportunity to work further.

[28] Slicing

If one has bound on to your sword’s blade, then note when he strikes around and goes away from your sword, then slice him strongly with the long edge to his arm, there are four slices; two from above, from below and to both sides.

[29] Cutting around

Is when one cuts around to another opening from the bind.

[30] Chasing after

Chasing after is following after his sword to the next opening, so namely of this you should know, when one cuts from above at you, and in the meantime draws up his sword for the strike then you hurry in before he fully springs his stroke, the work is rather good against those who strike around widely.

[4v.5] Nachreissen.

Nachreissen ist seinem schwert nachvolgen der nechsten blöß zu nemlich vff disse weiß wan dir einer oben zuhauet, vnd dieweil er das schwerdt aufziht zu dem [5r.1] streich so ereilestu in eche dan er sein streich volpringt die arbeit ist fast gut gegenn denenn die weitt vmb sich hawenn ⁋

[31] Snapping around

Note: When one has bound on your sword, and is hard in the bind, then let your sword fall down below you, then instantly heave your bind upwards and snap around to another opening.

[32] Running off

Running off is when I allow it to run off to one side or another and is self explanatory.

[33] Doubling

Doubling is when you allow it once or twice to run off, and also to double.

Item: One cut done twice or doubled, thus in the approach I cut from my right to his left ear, once it clashes I take it away again, to my right and cut once again inside and halfway through, allowing it to snap in again.

[34] Deceiving

That is when you look at an opening and make as if you would cut there, but you don’t and instead cut somewhere else, this is the second Squinter with the face.

Item: The fencer who will willingly parry, or slice away, so there you should work quickly with failing, flying around, circling or looping, so he does not know where to go and gets lost.

[35] Flying

Note when you have cut in to an opening, once it touches then pull around your head in a flight in the air to the next opening, if he slips in after then do not allow it to touch but rather let it fly from one opening to another until you have an opening, or otherwise come to comparable work.

[36] Failing

In the approach cut him to an opening, once you note that he will parry, then do not allow it to touch, rather allow it to fail, run off and cut instantly to another opening.

[37] Circling

Thus you stand before one in the Speak window, then cut from above with the half edge and crossed arms and fail (with it) beside his right ear, in the failing, cut again with the long edge to the same target, namely his right ear.

[38] Looping

Looping is when one jerks back from an opening in a swing and in the air lets it run off one time, and from this running off cuts in there again to both sides with a flight above the head.

[39] Winding

When you have bound with him, then remain with the edge on his blade, turn the half edge inwards to his head.

Item: When you have thus wound in with the half edge then turn with the pommel again out to the other side upwards and wind the half edge outwards to his head from below through the horizontal.

[40] Winding through

When you have cut at him with a Wrath Cut, and when it clashes wind with the hilt down through, instantly reach over with the pommel above his blade or arms and wrench downwards or work further to your favor.

[41] Reversing

Reversing is when two have bound together and in the bind, one thrusts his pommel through below his right arm, thus he comes with his hands crossed over both his arms, or one comes with the half edge on the other, so that you can constrain him or allow it to run through.

[42] Changing - Changing through

Change belongs to the fencers who cut to the sword and not to the body. the same, one should change through, so when you note that he wants to meet your oncoming strike, then jerk and cut to the other side, that is called Changing.

Item: Act as if you would cut at him from above, but don’t do it, instead... drive down through to the other side, to the next opening.

[6r.4] Wechseln duchwechselnn

Wechselnn gehörtt gegen die Fechter, die zum schwert hawen vnnd nit zum leib denn selbenn soll mann durchwechselnn, also wann du merckest das dir einer deim herkummenden streich begegnen will so zuck vnnd haw zur anndern seiten das heist wechselnn, Ittem thu als woltest obenn ein hawen thu es nit sonnder [6v.1] sonnder[!] far vnndenn durch zur anndernn seittenn der nechstenn plöß zw ⁋

[43] Running over

Running over works from the low cuts, when one will cut at you from below, then fall on it from above with the long edge, as soon as he drives out from you to defend, then let your cut run over and work to the next opening from which he came.

[44] Setting off

Note when you stand in Long Point and he goes to fight you, then set him off from both sides one strike to another, work to him Indes with the half edge.

[45] Cutting off

Cutting off is when one is hard on you with the long edge and you cut them away from you.

[46] Pulling

Pulling is like it’s reported in the Remaining, that if one has bound on you to an opening and pulls off again, and still strikes around again there, or threatens to where he has pulled away.

[47] Hand pushing

Note when one pulls off from you and drives upwards, then follow after him with the long edge on his hands and push him away from you.

[48] Sliding

If you stand in Wrath Guard and one cuts at you from above then drive out with the arms and raise the blade over your head and catch the strike on the flat of your blade. That is called Sliding.

[49] Hanging

Hanging is various, namely to constrain while hanging over.

Item: Stand in Plow if one strikes at you, then drive up with the arms and catch the strike on the flat of your blade on the Strong, that is Hanging.

[50] Blocking

Note when one comes forth at you with quick running off, deceiving, or flitting in order that I may prevent him from reaching me, thus I fall on him with the slice on his sword or arms, and I block his (sword) so that he cannot work well, and I follow after with convenient work.

[51] Barring

Then if one stands in Changer or the Fool before you, fall on him quickly thereafter with the long edge.

Item: If one strikes out before you, then bar him also with setting off.

[52] Wrenching

If someone binds you on your sword in whatever way that happens, reverse it and wrench out.

Item: Wrench with the pommel between his two arms from below to your left side and yank out to your right side.

[53] Grabbing over

Note when two come close together and both have their arms up high, reverse your right hand on the sword and reach over both his arms with the blade and wrench downwards to one side. You may also reach over with the pommel.

[54] Weak pushing

When two come close together and are once again high with the arms, then release your left hand from the sword and grab him behind his right elbow and push him away from you.

[55] Therefore, I have for this reason slightly explained another, so that the following Stuck are better understood, which are not only in the sword, but rather also in other weapons to be noted and understood.

MS Bibl. 2465 008r.jpg

[56] Of the four openings and divisions of the man how one should use (them) in the Sword[5]

First, the man is divided into two parts namely left and right as shown by the (vertical) line in the above figure[6] from above to below but then into two parts namely in the lower and upper, which the two upper parts are divided in the Ox the other two to the Plow.

[57] First, notice to which opening he leads his sword, lower or upper, to the right or to the left, and when you have seen that, then attack it as soon as possible, be it to an upper opening or elsewhere, of this, take an example.

[58] In the Onset when you both come together and you see that he holds his sword to his upper right, whether it is in the Ox or Wrath Cut, then attack to his left lower opening, not with the intent to hit, but rather to incite him to meet you, as soon as it clashes or touches, then pull around your head and strike above to the opening from which he came, namely to his right ear with the half edge and crossed hands, that is the correct Squinting Cut.

[59] Another

In the Zufechten when the opponent holds his sword on the left, then go through before him from your right, and cut with strength to his right. As soon as he slips after the strike, then pull in a loop to the left opening, if he slips after it again, then let it fly back around, thus going from one opening to the other, crosswise and against each other according to opportunity. Every fighter should be accustomed to be promptly heedful in all hits, from whichever opening the cut has come, instantly to follow after there. And before I conclude I will add the teaching concerning parrying. It is written in the ancient Zedel, "Who often parries is often hit".

[60] Item: Liechtenauer says in his secret words "Guard yourself against parrying, if need befalls you it will hurt you". Therefore every fighter should be accustomed to be the first to attack and finish, then if every fighter is accustomed to watch and wait for another, this same rarely comes away without harm, or at the least does not achieve very much. A proper fighter however does not parry much unless he has a great advantage. And when the opponent strikes so he strikes too, if the opponent thrusts then he thrusts too, if the opponent steps, he steps also. For when two like strokes come together, they bring their parrying with them, and when someone cuts from above and you cut against it with a Thwart, then you parry and hit at the same time. Likewise you shall pay attention to simultaneous cutting and take good heed of your advantage in it. Therefore, every fencer should know that he should quickly consider, as mentioned above, when two good fencers come together, which I consider is the same as shown before.[8]

[8v.4] Ittem der Liechtenauer sagt in seiner verborgenen wortten, für versezenn [9r.1] hiet dich, Geschicht es dier nott, es micht ⁋ dorumb soll sich ein Ider fechter gewönen das Er den erst sej mit angreiffen vnnd volenden, dann ein Ider Fechter der sich gewont auf ein anndern zusechenn vnnd warttenn, der selbig kumpt selten ochnn schadenn darumb oder auff daß wenigst richt er nit viel auß, Ein rechten Fechter aber versezt nit viel er habe dann großenn vorteill, So man aber schlecht so schlecht er auch, sticht mann so sticht er auch, tritt mann so thrit er auh, dann wo zwen gleich streich zusamen kumen so pringenn sie Ir versazung mit, wann aber einer obenn hawett, vnnd der annder hawet dargegenn mit einer Zwierch so verseze er vnnd triefft mit ein ander. Also vnnd dergleichenn soll mann ein auff sechenns habenns auff die gleiche hew, vnnd seines vorteils darinen gut acht nemen ⁋ Deren halbenn soll sich Ider fechter gwonen das er bald bedecht sej wie obenn auch gemelt, dann wo zwenn guther fechter zu samen kummen welcher eche bedacht ist der selbig zeicht vor ⁋

[61] Thus I have briefly summarized and presented sword fencing and all needful techniques, and also explained the somewhat obscure words in part, and thereafter integrated them into an attack combination, dividing it into three parts, namely (as I said initially) the beginning or attack, the followup or middle-work, the last withdrawal or end. So that you may understand it better I will repeat briefly, as follows: for the attack I have presented the guards, in which you should not tarry and wait, but through which you should attack to the uttermost with one or two of the described cuts according to opportunity. Now when you have attacked and the Before has run off from you, then in the second part you shall follow up with all kinds of proper handworks, so you keep the Before, these handworks are also presented above. Thirdly you should crowd and confine him with handworks so that you can come to the withdrawal without harm.

[9r.2] Also hab ich das schwert fechtenn vnnd alle nottwendige stuck doch kurtz vnnd sumarischer weis gesezt, vnnd auch die wertter, welche zum theill finster ettlicher maßen erklert vnnd demnoch in eingang, vnnd denn genug in drej will, nemlich wie annfenglich gemelt, Annfanng oder Anngreiffenn Nachtruckenn oder mittelarbeit, das leztst abziehen oder enndenn, Domit mann es aber beßer verstande will ichs kurzlich widerfelenn Also zum anngrieff hab ich gesezt, die leger welchenn mann nit verhewen soll, vnnd darinnen warttenn, sonnder dardurch, auff daß furdenlichst anngreiffenn mit dem obgemeltenn hewenn einen oder zwenn nach gelegennheit, so er nun also angrifen vnnd daß, vor Im abgeleffen ist, soll mann im ander will noch trucken mit [9v.1] mit allerlej fieglicher henndtarbeüt, dz vor, zubehaltten, welche handt arbeit auch Obenn gesezt ist, zum drüttenn Inn mit der hanndtarbeit also betrenngen, vnnd engstenn, das mann ann schadenn zum abzug moge kummenn ⁋

[62] Of this I will give an example

When someone fights against you from the Roof Guard, then come in the Zufechten into the Side Guard, you shall not wait there longer than until he pulls up his sword for the stroke, as soon as he brings his sword up in the air, then meet him with a Thwart Strike, once it clashes, then cut quickly again back around with a long Thwart to the other side on his sword, that is the Attack. If he strikes around, then slice after, if he parries, then deceive him, if he escapes then chase him, if he is hard then you are soft, if he strikes then counter it, if he parries then strike. Thirdly, also pay attention instantly for your opportunity to withdraw.

MS Bibl. 2465 010r.jpg

[63] Follow several Stücke which one otherwise cannot understand without using figures.

Note when you are in the Zufechten so come in the Ox, and as soon as you can reach him, then make like you would stab him in the face, but pull and cut from below to the left Plow, so that he must parry, then instantly release your hand from the grip and use it to grab your blade in the middle, and with the pommel above over his right arm, wrench downwards, drive with the blade around his neck, step with the left behind his right, throw him over your forward most leg.

MS Bibl. 2465 010v.jpg

[64] Sword Taking

Note if he binds on the middle of your sword blade, then release your left hand from the pommel and grab the middle of both blades with it, then drive the grip or pommel above and over both his arms jerk with the bind to you, how it is shown here.</p.

MS Bibl. 2465 011r.jpg

[65] Note: Position yourself in the Iron Gate, if he cuts at you, then drive up with crossed hands and catch his strike on the Strong of your blade, and drive with the pommel over his left arm, instantly release your left hand from the hilt and grab Indes quickly with your left hand onto the middle of your blade, push it from you, thus you strike him Indes to the face.

MS Bibl. 2465 011v.jpg

[66] In the Zufechten, come in the Hanging Point, take his blade away from the ground with the half edge from your left, Indes strike with the long (edge) horizontally over his hands to his right ear, Indes wind the half edge inwards to the head and again back out.[9]

MS Bibl. 2465 012r.jpg

[67] [When] you are positioned in the Barrier Guard to the left side, the right foot forward, if one cuts at you then step with your left foot well around to his right and throw the half edge
??? against with the Weak to the head, wrench out to your right, allow the sword
????? the half edge again under and into the head at the same left side.

MS Bibl. 2465 012v.jpg

[68] Lang ort
 Shieler

When someone does that to you, then drive with your blade against his, Indes push ????
through below your right arm, drive up with crossed hands, strike ????
ear, and then further to the next opening with deceiving.

MS Bibl. 2465 013r.jpg

[69] Note If one binds on you from the right, then push away with the sword, if he strikes around with his sword, then grab your shield with your hand and reach over both his hands with your sword, wrench downwards to your right side, push the pommel from you.

[70] Because it happens at the present time that people will run in together with each other, and strike deliberately at the fists, fingers and wrists, and yet only a few will know how to guard and protect themselves, therefore, I want to give a short and good lesson on how such things are to be changed and countered.

[71] First of all, you should notice when someone comes near to you in such a way that you are in a bind or standing close, and you have the (sword) above the head in the speaking window or Roof, and one cuts directly at your fingers or fists, then cut against his incoming strike with a Thwart Cut, and step well out from his strike, to the side to which you have cut the Thwart, then Thwart again at once back around to the other opening. When you are well prepared for it and understand it well, then you can always hit him as often as he cuts at your fingers.

[72] Item: You may also strike over with the same Crown Cut when he strikes after from his right at your fingers, then strike in with the flat from your right to his left simultaneously with him so that your long edge comes onto his sword, and your cross is put horizontally, step well out from his cut to the side to which you have cut, that is call the Crown Cut.

[73] But if he cuts at you from his left to your fingers, then also cut in simultaneously with the flat and crossed hands, so that the long edge of the blade clashes in on his blade, and your cross is put horizontally in the Crown, when you make this Crown Cut correctly, then always hit with the sharp edge by the half edge, however if you are too far from him and he cuts after at your hands, then cut him to the head, and with that you protect yourself in parrying, thus you have defended your fingers from damage, but if he cuts in simultaneously with a step, then spring with every cut to his parrying with closing.

[13v.4] Hauwett er dier aber vonn seiner lincken zu deinen fingern, so schlag auch mit der flech mit gecreutzigtenn henndenn gleich mit Im hinein daß die Lang schneidt ann seiner cling eim Ruzett, vnnd dein kreutz überzwerch steche Inn der kronn wann du diese kronn hew recht machst, so thriefft alweg dj scharpff Eecke [14r.1] neben der halbenn schneidenn, büstu aber weitt von im hawett er dir nach denn henndenn, so hewe Im nach dem kopff, Dorumb hiet dich vor versezenn, so bistu sicher vor finger lezenn, haw aber gleich In mit dem mitt so pringt ein Jeder haw sein versazung mit ende ⁋

  1. This word overwrites an initial die.
  2. Up to this point, the text matches the Lund manuscript, folia 6r to 7r.
  3. Note: this translation could be interpreted to mean “so that your half edge slides downward [presumably on his blade], hitting his right shoulder”. Meyer used the words mit Glitschen = to slither, to slide, to glide, to move with sliding.
  4. A number in the margin refers to the illustration in page number 13.
  5. The text starts matching the Lund manuscript again here (beginning on folio 7v), continuing until the Figures.
  6. Note: The Lund also mentions “the figure above” yet that figure does not appear in the Lund! Here it does, and it could be a representation of Meyer himself?
  7. The "l" appears to be written over another letter, perhaps a "b".
  8. Note: here I have included this line for clarity from Dr. Forgeng’s 1568 Lund translation: “Therefore every fighter shall know as has been said above, for when two good fighters come together, whoever thinks quicker triumphs quicker.”
  9. Note: the image shows the opponent on the left in Barrier Guard with point to the ground, hence Meyer’s advice to “take his blade away from the ground”.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Torn page on left.
  11. 11.0 11.1 Torn page on right.
  12. To help illuminate the connections to Liechtenauer's teachings, I've added the verse numbers used in the Johannes Liechtenauer article and the various glosses to Kevin's translation. I've also added a few footnotes, and included my initials to distinguish them from Kevin's notes. Note all the verses in this section are found in Christian Egenolff's 1531 edition of Andre Paurenfeyndt's treatise—except the "First Rhyme", verses 17-20. ~Michael Chidester
  13. Note: the interpretation here is a generalized summary found in the 1570 at Ⅰ.45v—46r
  14. These two lines are a paraphrase of verse 77 of Liechtenauer's Zedel. ~MCC
  15. This rhyming section is reminiscent of the eight-line Indes poem found in several of the 15th century glosses (despite not being part of Liechtenauer's Zedel), but only the last two lines are the same. ~MCC
  16. This rhyme found in Egenolph's 1531 Frankfurt edition of Pauernfeindt, page 4v.
  17. Unclear.
  18. This rhyme found in Egenolph's 1531 Frankfurt edition of Pauernfeindt, page 7r.
  19. Note: gesechen = may be gesehen ENHG
  20. Unclear.
  21. This is a reference to Liechtenauer verses 56 and 79. ~MCC
  22. Liechtenauer verse 57. ~MCC
  23. This is the fourth of Paurnfeyndt's Twelve Rules for the Beginner Fencer, found on page 4r of Egenolff 1531. This is particularly odd because the first line comes from Egenolff, but the second line seems to be from Liechtenauer verse 11, which the rule was based on. The version in the fourth rule is Der darff sich kunst nit frewen. ~MCC
  24. The above text appears somewhat synonymous with pages 44-45 of the Lund Dussack section, except that in the Lund Meyer says there are 12 cuts and yet here he says there are 16.
  25. This text also appears in the Lund pg 45, yet there Meyer gave an alternate name to the Watch guard as Luginslandt, here he does not mention Luginslandt. Additionally, Meyer does not include the Blind Cut in the Lund, yet here he does and it also appears in 1570 Dussack. In addition, here Meyer names the Slice and the Bow as guards. Yet in the 1560 he lists them with the guards but says they are the two parrys. Here he gives a separate paragraph about these two.
  26. Above text also appears in Lund 47v.1.
  27. The translation for this paragraph is incomplete. The missing part says something like "thus trap his hand as is drawn here, step behind him, and". ~MCC
  28. Lund 57v.1 Zornhau.
  29. The first paragraph “A good attack from the Steer” is synonymous in the 1560 57v.2. Last two paragraphs here are not found there.
  30. Unclear.
  31. Found in Lund 60v.1.
  32. Abrauschen = to shoot off.
  33. The second rule omits this sentence found in the Lund, “so that your Dussack comes onto your left shoulder”, and rather Meyer says here, “lift simultaneously your body together with the Dussack to your left side”. Then the Lund synonymously says “turn your body well after your Dussack upon your left side”.
  34. These two paragraphs found in Lund 61v.1 and 62r.1; with above noted differences.
  35. The 4th rule and other paragraph synonymous with Lund 62r.2, 62r.3
  36. The Counter to the Bow is synonymous with Lund 62v.1, except that here Meyer added the target of striking besides his parry to the face, ad also changed last line to read: “This technique often works as has been shown previously in the Bow”, while in the Lund he says “This technique often works as has been shown previously in the Bow and Change.” So he omitted the word Wechsel or Changer here.
  37. It refers to the picture set at the page with the number 31.
  38. Found in Lund 63r.1 63r.2 63r.3.
  39. Above paragraph “Breaking in over the Bow” is found in Lund 63v.1. Here Meyer added schenkel (thigh), also he added another line to the next; “zum gesicht das dein versatzung hoch pleibt” The third paragraph here is not found in the Lund.
  40. First paragraph here found as last and separate para in 63v.1 Lund. Meyer changed words here on the last line of the second paragraph from hand to haft, “so that your haft remains high”.
  41. Durcken Zug = this may mean Turkish Cut. A slice using a drawing motion, usually with a curved blade.
  42. Kniebugen = crook of knee, bend of knee.
  43. These descriptions differ in wording from the Lund.
  44. Apicem id from Latin: Apex Cut or a Scalp Cut; as also used in the Lund.
  45. Possible translation of anckell: “back of head”, as the image clearly shows a strike there.
  46. Curious typographical sign.
  47. Unclear.
  48. Note: The first paragraph of Two Constrainers appears in Lund 55v.1, but it does not include second paragraph found here from left steer.
  49. This paragraph is from Lund 56r.1, but is titled there: "a Good Stuck from the Constrainer"; here Meyer calls it an “Example”.
  50. The Rose Cut's first paragraph above is found in the Lund 56r.2, but the 2nd paragraph here is not found in Lund.
  51. Feler hau description here is mostly synonymous with the Lund 50r.1, but here Meyer ends with “how it is reported in the Boch hau”, which is not found in the Lund.
  52. Synonymous with Lund 56v.3.
  53. Synonymous with Lund 57r.1.
  54. Synonymous with Lund 57r.2.
  55. Unclear.
  56. Arbeit im einlauffen from Lund 60r.2; last 3 lines do not appear in Lund. Item etc.
  57. The isolated “s” seems a mistake and not the beginning of an unfinished word.
  58. The Drivings also appear in Lund 64v.1 – 65r.1.
  59. Note this line is missing from 6th driving here, but found in Lund 65r.1: sonderlich einem starcken zum schlachtschwert, "particularly for someone who is strong with a Battlesword".
  60. Note: The handwriting appears closer together with less spacing between sentences and words, so that maybe the author had a lot to share and yet was bound to limit the page space used? Appears Crammed together more.
  61. Unclear.
  62. Unclear.
  63. This paragraph here is from Lund 76v.1.
  64. These paragraphs found in Lund 77v.1 and 78v.1. These paragraphs found in Lund Rapier prior to this poem: Drei Lauffende Stich auss dem linken Pflug von einer seitten.
  65. Paragraph found in Lund 78v.2.
  66. From Lund 79r.1.
  67. Unclear.
  68. Gleich einer Rinder = like a Rinde or Looping technique.
  69. Found in Lund 81v.2, 82r.1, and 82r.2; changed Last line of first para 81v.2, added “den undern in obern”, the lower into the upper. 82r.1 paragraph title ox and plow different: den ochsen und pflug ineinander stechen to new Den ochsen und pflug zusamen stechen. The Ox and Plow thrusting into one another, changed to Thrusting the Ox and Plow together.
  70. This paragraph found in Lund pg 81 but without para title as above and no image. Angehest changed to mogest; several other changes with word additions. Part of paragraph titled: A Deceiving.
  71. 71.0 71.1 Section of translation missing. ~MCC
  72. Handwriting appears to change here, first use of umlauted a and also the lower case g are different here, overall may be a new penman. Definitely a different person's handwriting!
  73. Second and third paragraphs here are from Lund 72v.1, 72v.2 and titled there as Change.
  74. Note: This is found in Lund 73v.3.
  75. Sprungsweise translates to “by leaping” “by skipping” drei schrit = 3 steps.
  76. In the last Stuck, Meyer actually gives units of measurement i.e., 3 schrit, a shritt is an obsolete unit of measurement roughly equal to 75 cm or 29.5 inches, so that 3 schritt would equal roughly 90 inches or 7.5 feet. Meyer also uses 2 shoe lengths, and then actually uses the word Klaffter which was: “derived from the span of a man's outstretched arms and was traditionally about 1.80 meters or 5.9 feet” (Wikipedia).
  77. Unclear.
  78. Unclear.
  79. Kelen = throat, Ancken = back of neck/head.
  80. Uchsen = armpit (grimms), Koll = Head.
  81. Ancken = back of head/neck.
  82. Offenern Schulen- this word is synonymous with the Fechtschulen, “Offenen” basically means public or Open schools. See Wassmansdorff, many original examples.
  83. Genick=neck, fingerlössen=finger severing, Mauss=ball of the hand below thumb.. Schlöff=may be Swiss variation of schläfe or temple.
  84. Ceci fait suite à la page de gauche
  85. 85.0 85.1 85.2 orig. dolchen; all instances of "dagger" in this document are dolchen excepy when footnoted.
  86. orig. ararmschirleinn
  87. orig. stichen, "thrust"/"stab" (context dependent); instances of stabbing that use other verbs will be footnoted.
  88. orig. Armschiene - seemingly a part of the armour
  89. orig. geordinirtt
  90. orig. schießen; see here
  91. orig. findt
  92. orig. spis
  93. orig. schwertt
  94. orig. sebell
  95. 95.0 95.1 orig. kempff degen; it can mean either “combat sword” or “combat dagger” (Source 1, Source 2). See here for a painting with kempffdegen in its caption
  96. 96.0 96.1 orig. Anngreiffen; "attacking" or "grappling"; cf. angreifen
  97. orig. zimlich
  98. alt. "endure"
  99. Ittem has many potential meanings: "further", "likewise", "the same as", and also simply as a means of 'bullet-pointing' numerous items. I've found that "likewise" works as an apt translation most of the time, but for clarity I will leave it untranslated. See this article.
  100. orig. noch eines Idenn woll gefalen
  101. orig. Reren; cf. Rohre/Röhre
  102. orig. lest
  103. orig. Schranckenn
  104. orig. dringen/thringen; refers to pressing one's point into an opponent['s armour/mail], cf. modern sense of "pushing through a crowd". See this glossary for more information
  105. orig. donerschlag; a strike with the hilt of the longsword while holding the blade
  106. orig. vnnd las Inn vorverthobenn; messy ink makes it difficult to transcribe; possible alt. "and read above beforehand"
  107. A blunt strike, as opposed to a cut or slice. See here.
  108. orig. versezen; alt. "parrying"
  109. Unclear.
  110. orig. ansezen; most likely means "pinned", "planted" (in the sense of placing your weapon or hand against an opponent, in a grappling sense); alt. "attacking" (cf. modern ansetzen). See this glossary for more information
  111. orig. erlang
  112. see nachreissen
  113. 113.0 113.1 113.2 113.3 113.4 113.5 113.6 orig. stehenn; often coupled with ansezen in this section; alt. "stand against"
  114. orig. uchsen
  115. orig. Gelenck. Refers to joints in armour, but also body parts - in the context of armoured fencing, it is most likely referring to the joints in the armour
  116. orig. greifest
  117. 117.0 117.1 117.2 117.3 orig. brich
  118. orig. anbrichen
  119. 119.00 119.01 119.02 119.03 119.04 119.05 119.06 119.07 119.08 119.09 119.10 119.11 orig. stos
  120. orig. goch
  121. 121.0 121.1 121.2 121.3 121.4 121.5 121.6 orig. schlag
  122. 122.0 122.1 122.2 see absetzen
  123. orig. drissel; cf. thrissel
  124. orig. schlag dein beidt vnder dein Recht achsell. From interpretation, the word schlag here doesn't make much sense: it's possible that beidt was intended to be said or written as bindt, as in "put your grip under your right shoulder".
  125. orig. Achsell
  126. 126.0 126.1 see Ringen
  127. 127.0 127.1 see arbeiten
  128. 128.0 128.1 128.2 128.3 128.4 128.5 orig. streich, cf. schlag
  129. 129.0 129.1 129.2 129.3 129.4 129.5 129.6 129.7 orig. inndes
  130. alt. "attacks"
  131. orig. last Er dür die seitten
  132. 132.0 132.1 orig. Ring; alt. lists
  133. orig. vergesezsten
  134. 134.0 134.1 134.2 see abzucken
  135. orig. fies
  136. 136.0 136.1 see gleich
  137. unclear transcription; possibly nim, ergo "take the weight"
  138. Unclear.
  139. orig. zwerchs
  140. 140.0 140.1 orig. degen; see kempffdegen
  141. orig. hawen. A cut or slice, as opposed to a blunt strike. See see here.
  142. 142.0 142.1 142.2 orig. bickell; most likely referring to the artificial, "mason's hammer", pickaxe shape of the crossguard in armoured fencing
  143. orig. klos
  144. orig. Stuck
  145. orig. knefftiglich, interpreted as krefftiglich
  146. orig. verfelen - described earlier in 1561 as a feint whereby you wait for your opponent to react to a strike, then change the direction of the strike
  147. orig. entgehenn
  148. orig. faren/auffaren; cf. fahren
  149. originally transcribed as knefftiglich, but krefftiglich (lit. "powerfully") seems more likely, in my opinion
  150. orig. gerecht; possible mistranscription/misspelling of gemecht, lit. "groin" or "genitals"
  151. 151.0 151.1 151.2 orig. las dein bindt fahren, lit. "let your grip drive"; alt. "release your grip and drive"
  152. Possibly "hauberk"(?).
  153. 153.0 153.1 orig. ausnemen; alt. "take out [the blade with a parry]"; "deflect"(?)
  154. orig. verzoblen; cf. verzögern
  155. lit. oben hutt; contrast Oberhutt
  156. orig. heutt; possible verb form of hutt
  157. orig. überwegest
  158. 158.0 158.1 orig. schlagen. Probably means "place" in this context.
  159. orig. sez; no accompanying adposition but I assume he means ansezen
  160. listen
  161. orig. Bundtschlag, lit. "grip strike"
  162. orig. fertt
  163. orig. wie nechst
  164. orig. oder Aber fus gesicht, lit. or but foot face, possible alt. "or his foot or face"
  165. orig. wendt
  166. orig. Reüb
  167. orig. geschmidt, lit. smithed. Possibly misspelling of Geschmeidt, which means "jewellery" - perhaps slang for gemecht ("genitals)".
  168. orig. steßen
  169. orig. abgewünnen
  170. Note that he uses the word degen but seems to refer to the aforementioned "threefold" dagger, which he referred to using the word dolchen.
  171. orig. feder
  172. orig. spietzen
  173. Reference in the left margin to picture on page 61.
  174. orig. auf dz schlos am Rucken; alt. "clasp of the back"
  175. orig. Wappenrock
  176. Unclear whether die refers to the dagger or the heart, here
  177. orig. kurz halbenn; alt. "short edge"
  178. orig. concordiren