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Joachim Meyer/Manuscript Comparison

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Sword

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.

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.

[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.

[6] 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.

[7] 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.

[8] 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.

[9] 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.

[10] 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]

[11] 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
MS A.4º.2 07v.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.

[12] From the Four Openings and Divisions

Firstly will the opponent be divided in two sections, namely left and right, how the lines in the figure above is shown, thereafter in two more divisions namely under and over, the above two openings would be the Ox, to divide the under two, 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.

[13] Whose use one should thus firstly note, in which division he leads his sword under or above, to the right or the left/ when you have seen that, thus attack against him at once from above, it is about the location, otherwise, take a general example of this:

[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.

[14] In Zufechten, thus both of you have come together, and you see that he leads his sword to his right in the high opening, in Ox or Wrath Guard, thus attack in to his lower left opening, if not, then it is much more important that you provoke him to meet you. As soon as this clashes, or will, thus pull around your head and strike him high to the opening from which he came. This is namely to his right ear, with the half edge and crossed hands. This is the correct Squinting Cut.

[7v.2] Deren sol man sich also gebrauchenn, erstlich merck in welchem theil er sein schwert furt unden oder oben, zur rechten oder lincken, wan du das ersehenn hast. So greiff als baldt gegenn uber an es sey uber eck oder sonst des nim ein exempel. [8r.1] das ist der recht Schilhaw.

[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".

[15] Another

Thus when one holds his Sword to the left in Zufechten, then go through before him from your right and cut with strength to his right, as soon as he swipes after to the strike thus pull a looping to the left opening, if he swipes after this, however, thus allow it to fly around again, thus drive each opening to the other, crosswise and against one another after your opportunity.

It is every fencer's [desire] that he quickly knows from all strikes, to which opening the cut is coming, Indes quickly there and follow after, if I however can decide, then I want to instruct about the displacing upwards in hanging.

It is stated in the ancient Verses, who often displaces, will often be injured.

[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.[10]

[16] Item Liechtenauer said in his secret verses, that "displacing hurts you, if you wish it on yourself", therefore shall every fencer know that he is to be the first with attacking and following, then to every fencer that is known to watch and wait on another, from this he shall come to no harm, or at the least, if he does not fight much.

A proper fencer, who does not displace much, will have the greatest advantage. Thus, when he strikes you also strike, when he thrusts you also thrust, when he steps you also step. Where two equal strikes come together, thus they bring you to displacing, when however one will cut from above, and then next he goes against with a Thwart, thus he sets off, and steps with one another, thus simultaneously should one have a step out, with the same cut and therein with advantage also pay attention to his openings. Thus should every fencer know that he is soon attentive how it is also shown above, that where two good fencers have come together, which I have attentively married together in the illustrations.

[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 ⁋

[8r.3] Item der Liechtenawer sagt in seinen verborgnenn wortenn fur versetzenn huet dich, geschicht es dir noth es muth dich. Darumb sol sich ein jeder fechter gewonenn das er der erst sey mit angreiffenn unnd folenden, dan ein jeder fechter der sich gewent auf ein andern zu sehenn unnd wartenn, derselbig khompt seltenn ohn schaden darvon oder auf das wenigst richt er nit fil auß ein rechter fechter aber versetzt nicht vil er hab dan grossen vortheil. So man aber schlecht so schlecht er auch. Sticht man so sticht er auch. Thrit man, so trit er auch. Dan wo zween gleich streych zu samen khomen, so bringen sie ihre [8v.1] versatzung mit, wan aber einer von oben hawet, unnd der ander hawet dargegenn mit einer zwirch. So versetzt er unnd thrift mit ein ander. Also und dergleichenn sol man ein aufscheus haben, auf die gleich hew unnd seines vortheils[11] darinnen guth acht nemen. Dernhalben sol sich ein jeder fechter gewenen das er baldt bedacht sey wie oben auch gemelt dan wo zwen guter fechter zu samen khomen welcher iehe bedacht der zeugt ehe 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.

[17] Thus have I put forth a short and summary knowledge of sword-fighting and all noteworthy Stücken and also the translations of which the divisions that are obscured, are clarified in measure and thereafter it enters and then next goes in three divisions, namely how it was previously reported, Onset or Attacking, Pressing After or the middle work, the last is to Withdraw or end and therefore so that one may better understand I will shortly reiterate.

Thus, to the attacks have I put forth the guards in which one should not delay, or wait in them, but rather as a result must your necessary courage with whose reported cuts, go once or twice to your opportunity, so that he must then engage and that the Before has escaped Him, thus to another opening should one work after with various offensive handworks, beholding with the Before, as such handworks are stated above as a three in one handwork, thus to crowd and close so that one may come to the withdraw without shame.

[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.

[18] Of this, I will give an example

If one fights against you in the guard of the Roof, thus you come in Zufechten into the Side Guard, you must above all not wait in that long, then when he bears witness to the strike and as soon as he brings his sword into the air, thus lay on against him with a Thwart strike, instantly as it clashes, thus cut quickly again around with the long Thwart, to the other side of his sword, that is now attacking, if he strikes around, thus you cut after, if he displaces, then deceive him with the weak, so that you cut him in the After.

If he is hard thus you are soft
If he cuts, so you counter,
If he displaces, then you cut

Thirdly; also have instant attention for your opportunity to Withdraw.


At this point, the Lund includes the bulk of the text that appears as Part Three of the sword section of the 1570, which isn't in the Munich. That material will be included in a different concordance. The two plays in Lund that come after that section appear below.

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.

[118] A Sword Taking

Mark when one strongly binds to you on the blade, so remove your left hand from the pommel and grab there with both blades in the middle, and drive with the haft or pommel over besides his both arms. Pull to you, thus must he lose his sword.

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.[14]

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
MS A.4º.2 40r.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.

[117] Over-gripping

Mark thusly when one binds on you from the right thus he presses weakly from you with the slice, with the sword, thus grab with your hand on your shield and cast with your blade over his both hands downwards and to your right, press 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 ⁋


At this point, the Munich sword section continues on to a Part Two that primarily glosses some of Liechtenauer verses; none of this is reflected in the Lund, which instead glosses Meyer's own Freyfechter verses in the same manner as the 1570, as mentioned above.

Dusack

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

[1.1] Fencing in Dussack and the use of all types of single hand weapons

First of all, there are the guards, of which there are six, which are not made to be waited in, as mentioned above in part, but rather for the sake of division, so that one knows how to distinguish one from the other, when one fights from Steer, he should or must use the usual cut and Stuck that are assigned to the Steer, if one wants to fence with someone, he shall take care of which or by which part he fights against him, so that he may know with which cut or Stuck he should attack him most effectively, so that he may deprive him of the Before, because the fencers who carelessly strike their blows and Stucke are soon hit and usually have to go away with damage.

[1] Fencing in Dussack, techniques in all Kinds of One handed Weapons Thorough Descriptions

Firstly are the guards, therein are namely Four which are not made so that one should wait in them how it is previously and partially reported above in the sword. But rather has more divisions there with one knows One from the other to distinguish, namely thus, when one fights from the Steer, he will generally use such Strikes and Stücken, that are assigned to the Steer therefore he who will fight with them, thus should he pay attention from which or through which division he goes against in fighting, thus that he may know best, with what cuts or Stücken he should lay on against him, in that he in the Before runs off, then your fighting and your cuts to him and techniques will be correctly cut in and soon put, it must usually give way to harm.

[44r] Fechtenn in Dusekenn zu brauchen in allerley wehrenn zu einer handt grundtlich beschribenn.

Erstlich seindt die Leger, derenn seindt furnemblich vier, welche nicht darumb gemacht seindt, das man darin wartenn soll wie obenn im schwert auch zum theil gemelt, sonder vil mehr der theylung halben damit man wisse eines vom andern zu unnderscheidenn nemblich also, wan einer durch den Stier ficht, soll oder braucht er gewonlich solche hew unnd stuck, die dem Stier zu gedeilt seindt, darumb so Einer mit einem Fechten wil, so soll er acht habenn wenn welcher oder durch welches theil er gegenn in Ficht, domit er desto baß wissenn muge mit was hewenn oder stuckenn er in am fugligstenn angreyffenn soll auf das er in das vor ablauffe dan die Fechter die ihr hew unnd stuck also unachtsam hinin schlagen [44v.1] seindt baldt gesteckt, mussen gewonlich mit schaden weichenn.

[2] And should you know thus with the four guards that the opponent is divided into four parts, how in the above figure it is shown, the two from High are called the Ox, the other two are called the Plow take an example, when you hold the weapon high, to the right or the left thus you stand in Ox or Steer, what cuts and strikes you do from the Ox, you can also do from the other high guards. And you should yourself not mistake that more than four are known. Steer, Watch, Wrath whose names spring from their intentions and take this first as not only an example, I Hold my weapon above, prepared to strike over my head, that the point is behind me, which I call the Watch, not that he is always in Ox, but rather because my plan is to have prepared or ready strikes and pay attention and watch where he will give cuts to me, then be very ready to cut into the openings, thus I would like to say he who stays in Ox, holds good watch.

[44v.2] Und helt sich mit den vier Legernn also, Der man wirdt ge theilt in vier theil wie obenn die Figur ausweist, die Obernn zwo heyssenn der Ochs, die undern zwo heyssenn der Pfluog Nun wan du die wehr oben hast zur rechtenn oder Linckenn so stehestu in Ochsenn oder stier, was du also fur stuck oder hew auß dem Ochsenn machst oder hawest, die selbenn kanstu auch auß allen andern legernn oder huotenn (die du obenn brauchst, ha- wenn oder Fechtenn und soll dich derhalben nicht irren das mehr als vier Leger genent werdenn als Stier, Wacht, Zornn Leger welche namenn entspringenn vom furhabenn unnd nimpst doch dem ersten nicht als zum Exempel ich halt mein wehr obenn zum gefastenn streych uber dem haupt das die spitz hinder [45r.1] mihr austeht/ welches ich heiß die wacht, nicht das es nimmer in Ochsenn sey, sonder dweil mein furhaben ist, also mit gefastem oder gefertigtem streich acht habenn unnd wachen wo er sich mit hawen vorgibt schon fertig sey in zur bloeß zu hawenn, also moecht ich sagenn, er steht in Ochsenn und helt gutt wacht.

[3] Item Thus one in Wrath Guard stays, may I say, he opposes you wrathfully in Ox, from which comes the name's use, but this is premature and will further, as much as, hereafter, needfully enough, and understandingly be given and taught.

[1.2] Next there are the cuts, which, although I will tell you there are sixteen, you will not have more than 4 Main Cuts, from which the others have their origins, namely the first, the High Cut, the second the Wrath Cut, the third is the Middle Cut, and fourth is a Low Cut. Yet none will ever cut or deliver any so rare or crooked, but that he must bring from above or diagonally, athwart or from below. And the many names and variations of the cuts come from the diverse intentions of the one who delivers them. Of this I'll give an example, when I stand before someone in the same work, and cannot at all come to his openings, then I strike in strongly to him from above with a Knocking Cut, not so that I would hit, but so that I would attack him and provoke him to cut so that he would then open up for me, and give me room for the opening, and although it is a High Cut, the cut is still called the Knocking Cut, because my intent is only to knock onto him to see whether he will open up for me.[17]

[4] Next are the cuts, which even if I would set forth and report to you, of all twelve, yet there are still not more than four main cuts, from which the others all have sprung from, namely, first the High Cut, second the Wrath Cut, third the Middle Cut, and the fourth an Low Cut, than slashing or Crooked so that no one can make cuts, or cut him usefully either from above, or diagonally, Item athwart, or bring from under, thus there are many kinds of names and alterations to the cuts, hence, so named that quite a few are carried out during the cuts, for example, thus I stand before one in the same work, and can't come at all to the openings, thus I cut strongly from above a Knock Strike not that I intend to hit or strike through but rather that I crash on to him and wrench into a cut and with this he will also do this to me, and would thus give room to the openings, from which a High Cut comes nicely. This cut has the name Knock Cut, therefore that my naming this is only about the clashing on that is to be done.

[45r.3] Zum andern seindt die hew, welche ob ich ihr woll bey den zwelffenn setzen oder melden wil, so seindt ihr doch nicht mehr dan vier haupt hew, auß welchenn die andernn alle ihrenn ursprung habenn nemblich der erst der Oberhaw, der ander der Zornnhaw, der drit der mittelhaw, der viert ein Unnderhaw, dan so seltzam oder krumb [45v.1] wirdt keiner kein haw machen, oder hawenn er muß ihn entweders vonn obenn oder schlims, Item uberzwerch oder vonn unden bringen Das aber so vilerley namen unnd enderungen der hew seinndt kompt daher, oder benamet sey das mancherley furnemen des der in hawet Des zum Exempel, so ich vor eim standt in gleicher arbeit, und kan im nirgenndt zur bloeß khomenn so haw ich mit sterck vonn obenn ein Bochhaw hinein nicht das ich treffenn wulle oder khunne, sondern das ich ihnn also anboch, und ihnn domit reytzenn zu hawen domit er mihr auff thue, und mir also raum gebe zur bloeß, welches ob es schonn ein Oberhaw ist, hat der haw doch den namen Boch haw, darum das mein furnemen ist nur an zu bochen ob mir aufgethonn wurde.

[1.3] From the Openings

Thirdly, you should take note of the openings and learn to recognize them by the man's arms with which he leads the weapon. So you should note if he stands too high with the arm, then he is open below.

[5] From the Four Openings

And thirdly, should one protect the openings, and learn to recognize them on the arms of the man, therein one should be aware, of he who leads diligently the defense when each are up high, thus he is open below.

[1.4] If he falls in too deep, then he is just open above, likewise, if he goes too far to the sides.

Further as to the four parts of the man, the Before and After, the Weak and the Strong, item: the Rounding and the Circle Cut, slicing and the like and all kinds of hand works have been explained at length previously in the Sword, which one should also use here.

[6] Item Thus he who is low is even likewise open high, as is he who proceeds too far to the side, further but more importantly, the four divisions of the man, the Before and the After, strong and weak, Item the looping round, and the Circle, slices, and likewise, how it is previously in the long sword presented and taught and should be used here, as before.

[1.5] Follow the guards

First of all there are the guards, namely, the Watch, Boar, Steer, Wrath, Side Guard, Slice, Changer and Bow.

[7] Follow the Guards and they are given these Names

Watch or Luginslandt, Steer, Wrath, Boar, Changer, Side Guard.

[8] Item: The Slice, the Bow, which are the two displacings, one from under, the other from above.

[1.6] After that are the cuts

High Cut, Wrath Cut, Middle Cut, Low Cut, Crooked Cut, Whacker Cut, Roarer Cut, Winding Cut, Blind Cut, Knock Cut, Short Cut, Striking Over, Danger Cut, Constrainer Cut, Rose Cut, Failer Cut.

[9] The Cuts

High Cut  Middle Cut  Knock Cut
Low Cut  Whacker  Failer Cut
Wrath Cut  Buzzer Cut  Short Cut
Crooked Cut  Wind Cut  Constrainer Cut

[1.7] The Two Displacements

The first is available in the Slice which comes from the High Cuts, the other is the Bow and comes from Low Cuts.[18]

MS Bibl. 2465 023v.jpg
MS A.4º.2 47r.jpg

[1.8] These are the four routes through the opponent, to which or through which one cuts, the first line has three parts namely to the head, to the arm so that the opponent sweeps around with the cuts. Then also the Wrath Cut will be displaced mainly three ways, firstly through the face the next through the middle of the opponent, thereafter through the legs and it is still only one cut from he who cuts it, whether it is through the face, or through the middle of the opponent, or through the legs.

[10] These figures painted here are the paths through the man to which and through which one Cuts, the first line has three parts, namely on the Head, on the Arm and thus that one strikes Outright. Thus also the Wrath Guard winds, displaces, namely the three depictions, firstly through the face, to the other, through the Middle of the man, and thereafter through to the Legs and is nevertheless just a cut from one of the inward cuts, through his face or through the Middle of the man or through the Legs.

[1.9] In summation, whatever goes from above, that is cut to the head or arms or feet, so it is called a High Cut. Then those from the shoulder that are cut diagonally to the opponent, be it to the face or body, high or low so it is called a Wrath Cut. You may also do the cut using the crooked or straight edge, for which reason the names of the cuts are diverse, as well as the limbs to which they are cut, they take their names, how it follows hereafter in Rapier, and still the cut remains basically a Wrath Cut or Middle Cut. And so it is created with all.

[11] In summation: What comes from above, or that which cuts to the head or arms and feet thus is called from the High Cuts, thus that which would be cut from the Shoulder diagonally to the man, whether to the face or Body, high or from under, are called the Wrath Cuts and may also be done with the crooked or straight edge from which reason the cuts are well named for the limbs that they will be cut to. In Rappier hereafter follows and remains that the cut is still basically a Wrath Cut or a Middle Cut and thus it is created with all four cuts.

[46v.3] Summa was vonn oben gehet, es werde nach dem Kopff oder armenn und Fuß [47r] gehawenn so heist es ein oberhaw also was von der Achsel schlims auf den man wurt gehawenn, es sey zum gesicht oder Leib, hoch oder nider heist es ein Zornn haw man mag auch den haw mit Krummer oder gerader schneiden thun, auß welcher vrsach auch die namen der hew verenndert werdenn wie wol auch die glider zu welchen gehawen wurt die namen verendenn, wie in [47v.1] im Rapier hernach folgt und bleibt doch der haw in grundt ein Zornnhaw oder Mittelhaw also ist es geschaffenn mit allen vier hewenn.

[1.10] Further you shall note that when you cut one of the four cuts through the relevant line, whether above or middle, then you shall always strike back up the next line to displace.

[12] Further, one should note when one cuts one of the four cuts through the stated line, and he is High or Middle, thus should one always cut out to the next line to the displacing.

[1.11] Thus in the Zufechten if I come in the Steer and strongly strike a Middle Cut in through his face, I at once cut from my left up through the lower line to parry against his hand.[19]

[13] Thus in Zufechten I come into the Steer and cut a Middle Cut through his face strongly, at once I cut from my left through the under weakly on his right line, displacing against his hand.

[14] Meanwhile, I have given here to you a general rule throughout the whole of Dussack fencing, thus will I now as before, set forth an example of the technique which without the togetherness of the guards and cuts, together with the Pulled cuts, namely deceiving, no defeat comes, for they are based on the cuts from the shortest explanation (which is necessary) and their counters.[20]

[15] High Cut

The High Cut breaks all other cuts with suppressing or extra length and always goes through the Watch or from the Luginslandt and is a blissful and still artful cut to use.

[16] Wrath Cut

Wrath Cut is also from above, but in those from the first it is differentiated of those from straight from above, this goes however diagonal from the shoulder and is known as the correct Father Strike, Wrath Cut or also the Battle Cut for this reason then, he who is strongest is greatest amongst all.

[17] Middle Cut

Middle Cut is an athwart cut wherein one should know as common.

[18] Low Cut

Low Cut is a weak cut, but where he with cleverness will use it, it is very useful.

[19] Crooked Cut

Crooked is thus, grab around the grip well so that you have the Dussack crooked, thus if he cuts or not, so step immediately out and cut with the crooked edge, through the Diagonal Wrath or Middle Athwart Line.

[20] Whacker

Whacker is thus, in the onset cut a strong cut onto his displacement and in that it clashes, or rests thus wind the cut into a thrust over his displacement line, that's called the Whacker.

MS A.4º.2 49r.jpg

[21] Buzzer

The Buzzer is thus, take hold of your grip crooked as the first figure here shows, in those cuts that he would give to you from somewhat on high, then cut through in a stroke from under and athwart to his arm, so that the Dussacks are both in the wind above, and again you shoot around to the displacement. It is or is called therefore a Buzzer, because of the sound from the fast rushing wind that it makes.

[22] Wind Cut

Wind Cut is thus when one would cut athwart well outside his right arm over his arm line, thus quickly in a rip, wind out again. You can do the Wind Cut through a High, Middle or Low Cut.

[23] Knock Cut

Knock Cut is here sufficiently clarified by examples.

[24] Constrainer

Constrainer is a strong taking away from your left to his right it is with the Flat or the Long, also I wind a special technique afterwards about the Constrainer.

[25] Short Cut

Short Cut is a throwing in from the left against or over his right, which will also be clarified afterwards in a special Stück.

[26] Failer Cut

Mark when you come near to him, and the both of you are standing high in the displacing, thus cut from his right shoulder a circle so soon as he is convinced and will strike, thus cut him beside the hilt to the head.

[27] Now follow the techniques on the guards together with the cuts, and have diligence with the cuts when they again make you open, even though he doesn't seem far. While I amply teach next, but follow firstly the Quick Cut.

MS A.4º.2 51r.jpg

[28] Quick Cut

Mark thus when you stand before one in the Bow, and he will not cut so pull upwards into the Watch as if you would cut from high especially if he does nothing, wind in the air and cut with the long edge from under to his right arm quickly and jerk the Dussack again around to your left shoulder, from there cut a defense strike through his right, to the arm or above the arm through to his face, and then cut Cross or a Driving Cut.

[29] Item If he cuts from above in the Before, thus displace upwards towards your left and cut through quickly from your left to his right it is under or above the Dussack thus you come with your Dussack beside your right side, from there cut again athwart from under with the Long edge strongly through his arm, or if he cuts against your strike so that your Dussack comes to your left shoulder, cut away directly from the over line.

[50v.3] Item hawt er aber vonn oben vor so versetze ubersich gegen deiner linckenn und haw behenndt von deiner Lincken gegen seiner rechtenn. [51v.1] durch es sey unden oder uberhalb dem Dusekenn, so kumbstu mit deim Dusekenn nebenn dein rechte seytenn, von dannen haw wider uberzwerch von unden auf mit Langer schneidt starck durch sein Arm, oder so Er hawt gegenn deim streich das dein Dusekenn auf dein Linck Achsel khom von dannen haw gerichts vonn oben hinein.

MS Bibl. 2465 024v.jpg

[1.12] Boar
 Watch

Take note when you stand in the Watch Guard, and he cuts through at your face, then step with your left foot behind your right and cut him diagonally through his face and against his hand. Also, Indes step around to his left with your right foot, and cut the next also through his face from your right, quickly drive out to the displacement, or take away his cut from below and cut afterwards with a Middle Cut, also when he cuts at you from under or through the middle, from his right to your left.

[1.13] If he cuts at you from outside to your right, whether the flicker or with the flat, then step with your left foot in to his right side and cut him two High Strikes from outside over his right arm, if he winds this however, then cut him forward to the face.

[1.14] Rule

Take note that the Watch is a good one, from it you should extend over him with long cuts, so that if someone cuts at you from outside or inside, then step out from his strike and cut him with the long edge to his head and his hand. Inside with a straight Scalp Cut, outside with a Winding Cut.

[1.15] Counter to the Watch

Boar

Take note when you find him in the Watch Guard, then position yourself in the Guard of the Boar, as soon as he brings his Dussack into the air, then step with your right foot between you and him through to his right side, cut Indes outside and over his right arm to his head with a Winding Cut, then quickly step back and cut a High Cut to his head or through the face.

[1.16] Another Counter

If you stand in the Guard of the Boar, then step and cut from your right through his face but fall with your Dussack down into the left Changer Guard, Indes cut strongly from your lower left, upwards diagonally to his wrist, if he cuts simultaneously then all the more he hurts himself, then third from your right through his face.

[1.17] A good Stuck to the After Cuts from the Watch

Item: If you stand in the Guard of the Boar, step and cut him through like it is reported above, as soon as he cuts after, then quickly drive above and capture the strike on the Strong of your Dussack, Indes grasp simultaneously with your open left hand under your Dussack onto his hilt with it you hold him off and then cut him to his forward set leg.

MS Bibl. 2465 026r.jpg

[1.18] Item: If someone cuts you from above, then displace like before and drive underneath your displacement with your open left hand onto his hilt as described above, cut Crooked over to his left ear, instantly drive down through the nose and flick from the outside over his right arm to the head, allowing it to run off by his right, then with an over hand, wrench his arm to your right side and cut long after.

[1.19] Or when you have hung over or flicked over his right like before, then grasp with your left hand over your right around his Dussack again onto your blade and [...][21] wrench to your right, instantly release your left, thrust and cut him long to the head.

[1.20] The Boar counter with the Whacker.

MS Bibl. 2465 026v.jpg
MS A.4º.2 58r.jpg

[1.21] Steer
 Wrath Guard

Note: When you find someone in left Wrath Guard, then come into Steer and thrust him to the face, so that he must defend himself with parrying, then cut him quickly through the face, the other is a High Strike to the head.[22]

[50]
Wrath Strike

Mark when you find someone in left Wrath Guard how this figure shows, thus come into Steer and thrust him to the face with displacing, that he must defend, thus cut him nimbly through the face the other is a High strike to the head.


[57v.1] Zornnhaw.

Merck wan du einenn in Lincken Zornhaw findest wie disse Figur anzeigt so kum in Stier und stich in zum gesicht mit versatzung das muß er wehrenn, so haw in behendt durch das gesicht den andern ein hohen streich zum Kopff.

[1.22] A good attack from the Steer

Take note in the Zufechten when you come in the Steer against the left Wrath or some other guard, then cut the first from your right from below Crooked through his left side with a step forward, the second also from your right from above, so that your Dussack shoots around before your left above your head into the Plunge, instantly cut strongly with your long edge from your left from below through the Scalp Line and a Middle Cut after, or step to him with parrying.

[51] A Good Attack from the Steer

Mark thus in Zufechten that you come into the Steer against the left Wrath or a similar guard, thus cut the first Crooked in from your right from below with a step to, through to his left side the other also from your right from above so that your Dussack shoots around from your left, over your head, into the Plunge, instantly cut hard with the Long edge from your lower left through the Scalp Line, and then a Middle Cut after or step with displacing to him.

[57v.2] Ein guter angruff aus dem Stier.

Merck so du in zu fechtenn in Stier komest gegen dem Lincken Zornn oder sonnst einem Leger, so hawe denn Erstenn vonn deiner rechten von unden krump mit einem zu trit durch sein Lincke seitenn den andern auch vonn deiner rechtenn von Obenn das dein Dusekenn vor dey- [58v.1] ner Lincke ob dem Haupt zum sturz umb schiesse indes hawe starck mit Langer[23] schneidt von deiner Linckenn von unden von undenn [!] durch die Schedel Linie und ein Mittelhaw nach oder trit mit versatzung zu in.

[1.23] Item: When you stand in the Steer, then step in at him with your right foot, turn the steer from your left to your right, take out those from below from your left, how it is taught above.

[1.24] If you encounter him low in parrying, then rush in from the steer from your right with a Crooked Cut over his displacement strongly through his face, the next cut in from your right through his left to the face, be quick again to the parrying.

MS A.4º.2 52r.jpg

[30] High Cut on the Steer

Item: Thus when you may reach him, in the on going, in the Bow thus cut a long cut through his displacement to the face and cut quickly to the displacing, upwards from outside against his weapon, right away work inside and outside to the Openings.

[31] Item In every cut are three things to think about, that namely you provoke, take, and cut after or hit.

[32] Example

He who stands before you in the Bow, now may you not be unmindful of striking to his advantage, thus he makes you rush while he after is not weakened, so do to him now thus, when one stands before you in the Bow, thus cut him the first through his Bow not that you would, but rather, with it you cut him where he is open, when he goes out to cut. and when he has cut, then you must suppress or ground his strike with a High Cut, as soon as you have cut the first the second is taken, then cut the third long after.

[33] Item Go at him with a cut and displace his strong cut with the Bow from under, the third, cut him after to the Openings, if he cuts, however without strength, then take his cut with a Suppressing strike and cut after to the next opening.

[34] Item Take note when he goes out to strike, thus cut him after besides his hilt to the face and that must happen, while he has his Dussack in the air to strike.

[35] Item Cut him a Buffalo Cut, as soon as he cuts after, thus displace and cut after him through to his forward limb and come quickly again in the displacing.

[36] Item Cut him initially a long High Cut to his head near by his hilt and allow this quickly to run off besides his right, and cut a long cut after to his face, and the two cuts should go hand in hand.

MS A.4º.2 54r.jpg

[1.25] A good Stuck from the Steer[24]

If someone approaches you in the Slice, then step and cut through from your right Crooked and from below to his right arm, so that you can reach his knuckles with the tip of the short edge (crooked tip), the next strongly take him away with the flat above his right arm from your left, so that your weapon again flies over your head, with this, thrust over his right arm to the face, if he wards this, then hit him in the face with a swift blow.

[37] A Good Stuck from the Steer how it follows

If you encounter one who is in the Slice how this figure shows, thus step and cut from your right Crooked under his right arm through so that you connect near his knuckles with the crooked point, the other take him strongly away with the flat upwards through his right arm from your left, so that your weapon again flies around your head, with this thrust over his right arm to the face, if he defends this, thus cut him to the face.


[52] A Good Stuck from the Steer

If you are approached by one who is in the Slice, thus step and cut Crooked from your right under and through his right arm so that you connect on his knuckles with the crooked point, the other, take him out strongly from your left with the Flat over his right arm, so that your weapon again flies around over your head and with your cut going over his right arm to his face, if he defends this, thus cut him to the face.

[1.26] Another

In the approach cut him with long edge strongly through his face, so that your Dussack shoots across over your head to the displacement by your right, step Indes quickly with your left around to his right and cut Crooked over his right arm to his head, if he wards this then cut forward to his face, or cut over to his head with crooked from the left.

[38]

Item In the onset cut in with Long edge strongly through his face, so that your Dussack again shoots over your head athwart to the displacement from your right, step instantly and quickly with your left around his right and cut him Crooked over his right arm to the head if he defends, thus cut him forwards to the face or cut him Crooked to the left at the head.


[53v.2] Item in zugang haw in mit Langer schneidt starck durch sein gesicht, das dein Dusekenn wider uber dein haupt schiesse vberzwerch zur versatzung von deiner rechtenn, thrit indes behendt mit deinem lincken umb sein rechte und haw in krumb uber sein rechten arm zum Kopf wehrt er so haw in [54v.1] so haw in vornenn zum gesicht oder haw in krumb uber zur Linckenn auff denn Kopff.

[53] Low Cut

Item: When you have warded a strike twice, thus catch his strike in the air on the Bow, Indes wrench with the short edge from below, to your right through his displacement, then at once Cut Crosswise through his face.

MS Bibl. 2465 028r.jpg

[1.27]

Note: When he cuts Crooked over to your head, then set him off with the slice from your right, Indes grab with your left hand over your right to his right hand by the wrist, drive up with the hilt from under and break above you as depicted hereafter.

[54] A Stuck

Mark when one strikes over, Crooked to your head, thus set him off with your slice, from your right, grab with your left hand over your right down onto his right hand by the joints and drive with your hilt from under and break upwards.


[1.28]

Or when you have caught him by the hand how it is shown above, heave upwards and go through under his right, bend yourself over and grasp with your right hand together with your Dussack behind his leg, and as quick as you can grab him, heave upwards, thus he falls on his head how it is depicted hereafter.

[55] Plunging to the Head

Or when you thus have caught one's hand as described above, then heave upwards and go through under his right, stoop down to the ground and grab with your right hand and your Dussack around behind his Leg, how you may do in all Grabbing, heave upwards, thus he falls on his head.


[59r.3] Kopff sturtzenn.

Oder wan du also eim die handt gefast hast wie oben so heb ubersich [59v.1] unnd gehe under sein rechte durch bucke dich zur Erdenn und greyff mit dein rechte handt sampt deim Duseken hinden umb sein bein wie du die in eil begreiffenn kannst, heb ubersich so felt er auf den Kopf.

MS Bibl. 2465 028v.jpg

[1.29] Follow left Wrath Guard

Note when you are positioned in the left Wrath Guard, then drive up through the strike line from your lower left, and then cut from your right through his middle line, with one to three strikes strongly in at the opponent, see that you have your Dussack somewhat crooked, spring Indes with the right foot well to him, and cut Crooked overhand, and over his displacement to the head, quickly snap Indes back around Crooked below to his arm or face, cut away with a strong Middle Cut, or cut from outside to the right.

[28v] Folg Zornnhaw Linck ⁋

Merck, wann du im Linckenn Zornnhaw stehest, so threib vonn deiner Lincken durch die strüch Linie vonn vnndenn, vnnd vonn deiner rechtenn durch sein mittel Linie haw ein haw oder drej ⁋ starck zum mann hinein, schaw das du dein dusacken etwas krumbt habest, sprinng Inndes mit dem rechtenn woll zu im, vnnd hawe krumpt vber [29r.1] vber[!] deinn hanndt, über sein versazung zum kopff, schnap Inndes behenndt wider vmb krumpt vnndenn zum arm oder gesicht, hawe ein starckenn Mittelhaw wegk, oder haw außwenndig zum Rechtenn ⁋

[1.30] Item: Drive strongly over your right thigh through to the opponent's face, Indes step with the left foot to him, and take him away from your left so that your weapon shoots around your head, stab him to the right and then cut at once to his left.

[1.31] Item: If he cuts to your opening, then cut with a Winding Cut over his right arm simultaneously with him, follow then to the next opening.

[1.32] Follow the Correct Wrath Cuts

A good Stuck with 6 cuts.

Note: If you are positioned in the right Wrath Guard, then step and cut your first from below through his left, the second also from below through his right, with both of these use the crooked edge. The third from above through his left, the fourth from above through his right, so that your Dussack shoots back again above your head into the Plunge, the fifth is a Middle Cut through his left and the sixth is a High Cut (Scalp).

[57]


Item Mark thus when you stand in right Wrath Guard, thus step and cut the first from under through his left, the second also from under through his right, both Crooked, the third, from above through his left, the fourth also from above through his right so that your Dussack again stays over your head in the Plunge, the fifth a Middel Cut through his left, the sixth a High Cut.

[29r.4] Folg Zornnhaw Rechts

Einn gutt stuck mit 6 hewenn

Merck so du im Rechtenn Zornhaw stehest so thritt vnnd hawe denn erstenn von vnden durch seinn Linnck, denn anndern auch vonn vnndenn durch sein recht alle beidt [29v.1] krumpt gefaßett. Denn drüttenn vonn obenn durch sein Linnck, Denn vierttenn auch vonn obenn durch seinn recht, das dein dusackenn wüder über dein haupt schieben zum sturz, denn fünfftenn ein mitelhaw, durch seinn Linck den sechstenn ein oberhaw



[59v.3] Item Merck so du in rechtenn Zornhaw stehest so trit unnd [60r.1] haw denn Erstenn vonn unden durch sein Lincke, den andernn Auch vonn undenn durch sein rechte alle beyde krumb gefasset den dritten vonn Oben durch sein Lincke den vierten auch vonn obenn durch seinn rechte, das dein Dusekenn wider uber dein haupt schieß zum Sturtz, denn funften ein Mittelhaw durch sein Lincke denn Sechsten ein Oberhaw.

[58] In Zufechten cut from your lower left, out to his right arm, as soon as he clashes, then thrust into his face, if he parries that, thus grab his Dussack in the Middle and take him downwards to your left side.

[1.33] The Wrath together with the Steer are two primarily Earnest Guards to attack from, and have no differences other than the Wrath threatens the cut and the Steer threatens the thrust.

[1.34] Note firstly when you are positioned in Wrath or Steer on your right, that you ward off what he attacks or cuts, if he cuts at your left side, whether from below or above, then step and cut away his incoming strike close by his hand and cut quickly to his opening or come again thereafter into displacement outside of his right.

[1.35] Next, if he cuts at your right from outside to your body, whether it is from below or above, then step with your left foot to his right and cut from outside over his right arm to his head or with a Suppressing Cut from above hard to his hand, as soon as it clashes then shove the point in at his face, if he wards this thrust, then cut him to the face or pay attention to when he pulls his arm back into the air, then cut a Roarer to his arm.

[1.36] However, when he will not cut, then drive over his forward set leg with a fast Driving Cut through his face and with it, you compel him to cut or move, so that you can see your advantage.

[1.37] Item: If you are positioned in right Wrath, then shift (your Dussack) over your head to displace, Indes step in at him with your right and hurl two forceful cuts with the half edge from below and then quickly thereafter a Middle Cut, catch his right arm then with your Dussack.

MS Bibl. 2465 030v.jpg
MS A.4º.2 55r.jpg

[39] Middle strike with the Throwing In

Item If you encounter one who is in the Slice or Straight Parrying how this figure shows. Thus send yourself in the Middle Guard to your left side and throw at him your crooked edge from outside over his right arm and Pull the Long edge to your left, through his face, if he defends this, and he drives above you thus cut before him long to the face.

[1.38] Note In the Zufechten, when he is positioned before you in straight parrying or in Slice, then come in the Side Guard on the left, then first throw the half edge* over his right arm to the face. Then next pull through to his face from below with the long edge, the third is a Middle Cut after from your right, if he wards then throw the cut quickly to the face.

[40] Item Mark when you encounter one who is in Straight parrying or in the Slice thus come in the Zufechten into the Side Guard on your left side, throw the Half edge over his right arm to his face, the second proceeds from under with the Long edge through his face. The third a Middel Cut after from your right, if one defends these thrown strikes, thus cut nimbly to the face.

[54v.3] Item Merck wan dir einer in gerader versatzung oder in schnit begegnet so kum in zu fechtenn in die Nebenhuot auf dein Lincke seytenn, wurf in die halb schneidt uber sein rechten arm zum gesicht, den andern zihe von unden auf mit Langer schneidt durch [55v.1] sein gesicht den drittenn ein Mittelhaw nach von deiner rechten wehrt er dem wurff, so haw behennd zum gesicht.

[1.39] If he cuts at you when you are in the Side Guard, then take away his strike with your flat from your left, Indes step with your left foot to his right side and thrust over his right arm to his face, then cut quickly after through his face or to the next opening.

[41] But if one cuts to you when you thus stand in the Side Guard so take away the strike from your left with the Flat Instantly step with the left foot to his right side and thrust him over his right arm to the face, cut quickly after through his face or to the Next opening.

[1.40] Slicing

Note when you are positioned in the straight parrying and he fights to you, then set him off, once he recovers, then follow after him with the Slice onto his arm, and cut him Indes through the face, then let fly to the next opening.

[1.41] Item: When you displace him from your right to his left, as soon as the parry happens or when he has set off, then cut with the short edge from the lower left to his arm, conversely, when you parry from your left to his right then cut with the short edge from your lower right through to his left and then fight to the next opening.

MS Bibl. 2465 031v.jpg
MS A.4º.2 61r.jpg

[1.42] Follow several good rules in fighting from the Bow[27]

The first rule: when someone cuts onto your Bow, then step with your left foot behind your right and follow with your right to his left and instantly lift your hilt upwards, so let his stroke shoot off[28] of your weapon and pull the weapon through his face, so that your Dussack flies over your head; step and cut from your left outside and over his right arm. From this rule many agile tricks are increased with deception.

[61] Follow Several Good Rules from the Fencing in Bow

The first Rule is when someone strikes to you from the Bow, thus step with your left foot behind you right and follow with to his left and have instantly let your haft go above you Then when his strike clashes on your weapon Hoist the weapon(s) through his face, so that your Dussack flies above your head step and cut outside from your left over his right arm from this Rule are many nimble Lists to use with deception.

[31v] Folgenn ettliche gutte Regell aus dem Bogenn zuu Fechtenn

Die erst regell so dür einer auff dein bogenn hawett, so thritt mit deinem Lincken fuß, hinder dein rechtenn, vnnd folg mit deiner rechten zu seiner Lincken, vnnd heb Indes dein gehiltz übersich, las also sein streich auff deinem wechr abrauschen, vnnd ziege Im dein wechr durch seinn gesicht, das dein dusacke über dein haupt fliege, thrit vnd haw [32r.1] vonn deiner linckenn, vber sein rehten arm außzwendig, aus dieser regell sindt viel behender list zunemmen mit verfierenn ⁋

[60v.3] Folgen etliche gutte Regeln auß dem Bogenn zu Fechtenn.

Die Erst Regel, so dir einer auff dein Bogenn hawet so trit mit deinem Linckenn fuß hinder dein rechten unnd folg mit [61v.1] deiner rechtenn zu seiner Linckenn und heb indes dein hefft ubersich laß also sein streich auf deinem wehr abrauschenn und zihe in die wehr durch sein gesicht, das dein Dusekenn uber dein haupt fliege thrit unnd haw vonn deiner Linckenn uber sein rechtenn Arm Auswenndig. auß disser Regel seindt vil behender List zu nemen. mit verfierenn.

[1.43] The second rule is as follows, when someone cuts at you from above, drive up with the Bow against his strike, then turn his blow away to your left side, thus lift your body well after with your Dussack to your left side, Indes step quickly back to him and cut outside over his right arm, pull the hilt quickly back upwards to you and cut him through his face.[29]

[62] The Second Rule is thus when one strikes to you from above, thus drive with the Bow upwards against his strike, wind out his strike to your left side, thus come with your Dussack on your left shoulder wind after likewise with your Body and Dussack to your left side Indes step nimbly again to him and cut him outside over his right arm, pull the hilt nimbly upward to you and strike him through the face.

[61v.2] Die ander Regel ist also wan dir einer zu hawet vonn Oben, so far mit dem Bogenn ubersich gegenn seinem streich, wende in also den schlag auf dein Lincke seytenn ab, so kumpt dein Duseken auff dein Lincke Achsel, wende gleich mit deim Leib wol dem Dusekenn nach auf dein Linck seytenn, indes trit behendt wider zu ihm unnd schlag in auswendig uber sein rechten Arm zuck [62r.1] das gehuls behendt wider ubersich zu dir und haw in durch das gesicht.

[1.44] The third rule is this, if someone cuts at you, then see that he is not too close to you, so that you trust you can avoid his strikes, then pull your weapon upwards to you and yield your forward foot to the rear out from his cut, and thus take his stroke without any parrying, as soon as his stroke has failed toward the ground, then follow after to his opening with a long step toward him, thus many can be reached.[30]

[63] The Third Rule is thus; When one would cut to you, thus Note however that you are not too close, and that you move out from his Cut, then Pull your weapon upwards to you and yield your forward foot back to the rear foot and out from his cut, and take then his strike with out displacing, as soon as his strike falls to the ground, so follow with a cut and with a step to him. Thus the attacker has been attacked instead.

[1.45] The fourth rule, note whenever someone strikes on the Weak of your Dussack, then drive up and cut a Roar Cut from your right to his arm.

[64] The Fourth Rule, note then when one is weak to you on your Dussack thus drive out and cut a Buzzer from your right to his arm.

[1.46] Item: If he cuts at you on your Strong, then turn the point upwards against his Dussack and thus turn away his Weak to your right side and cut a Roarer from your left from outside to his arm, or do the flicking. These are four especially good rules that are well to note when fighting in the Bow.[31]

[65] Item When one strikes to you on the strong, so wind the point upwards against his Dussack and wind in on his weak on your right side and cut to him a Buzzer from your left outwards to his arm or cut the Quick Cut. These are four good rules the better to mark, when you are Fighting in the Bow.

[62r.4] Item hawet dir einer auf die sterck so wendt die spitz ubersich gegenn [62v.1] seinem Dusekenn und wende in also sein schwech ab auf dein rechte seitenn und haw in ein Brummer von deiner Lincken von aussen zu seim Arm oder mach die schnellenn. Dis seindt vier guter Regeln die wol zu mercken seindt in Bogen zu Fechtenn.

[1.47] Counter to the Bow

Firstly note when someone approaches you in the Bow, then position yourself in the Change on your left, with your right foot forward step and thrust up from below under his parrying to his face or chest, as soon as you find that your point is set towards him, then instantly drive your hilt up before your head and keep your point towards his body, so that he will ward off or strike this, so take heed as soon as he goes up to strike, then step to his left and strike in beside his parry to his face. This technique often works how it has been shown previously in the Bow.[32]

[66] Stück with the Bow

Firstly mark when you meet one who is in the Bow, so send yourself into the Changer to your left, the right foot forwards. Step and thrust from under his displacement to the face or chest as soon as you find that you are in the After, so drive instantly and nimbly out with your hilt before the head and remain with the Point at his Body so that he must defend or strike, thus have care as soon as he goes on to strike, then step to his left and strike him besides his displacement line, this Stück is often on going how it is seen here in the Bow and Changer.

[62v.2] Bruch auf denn Bogenn.

Erstlich merck wan dir einer in Bogen begegnet so schicke dich in Wechsel zu deiner Linckenn, den rechtenn fuß vor thrit unnd stich vonn unden auf under seiner versatzung zum gesicht oder brust als baldt du Empfindest das dein orth angesetzt ist, so far indes be hendt auff mit deinem gehuls fur das haupt und bleib mit dem Orth auff seinem Leib das wirt er wehrenn oder schlagenn so hab acht als baldt er auf geht zum streich, so trit auf sein lincke [63r.1] und schlag in nebenn seiner versatzung hinein, disses stuck ist oft angangen wie die hieuor in Bogenn und wechsel anzeigt.

[1.48] Item: If you are a strong man, then come into the Change as before, wrench away his forward Bow up from below with the half edge, cut quickly after to his face.

[67] Item If you are a Strong man, so come into Changer like before, cut his forward held Bow with the Half edge from under and away from you, cut nimbly after to the face.

[1.49] Note when someone wants to wrench your Bow upwards as previously taught, then turn the wrenching away down to your left side with your hilt, instantly cut quickly at the same time as him in to his face with a back-step out from his stroke.

[68] Mark when one will wrench your Bow upwards, how it is taught next, thus wind out his wrenching to your left side with the hilt underneath, Indes cut nimbly and likewise with a line to the face, step out from his strike.

MS Bibl. 2465 033v.jpg

[1.50] Note however, when he thrusts in to your face under your parrying as has been taught above, then turn away the thrust, thus you open your face, as soon as he cuts to the opening, then drive under his stroke close by his hand between both your hands and thrust your hilt in his face, how it is depicted hereafter.[34]

[69] Mark when one however thrusts to your face, under your displacement line, how you were taught above, thus wind the thrust out, therewith you make open your face, as soon as he strikes to your opening, so drive under his strike close by his hand, between the both of your hands, and thrust him in the face with your hilt.

[63r.4] Merck so dir aber einer zum gesicht sticht under deiner versatzung hinein wie obenn gelehrt, so wende den stoß ab, domit bloessestu dein gesicht, als baldt er der bloeß zu hawet, so underfar in sein streich [63v.1] nahe bey seiner hanndt zwischenn deine beide hende und stoß in das gehuls in sein gesicht.

[1.51] Or when you have captured him from below and between both your hands, then drive or wind with the point outside and over his right arm, wrench downwards to your right side, instantly release with your left hand, pull the long edge over hand through his face, or thrust him with the point away from you and cut long after.

[1.52] A counter to the Bow with a High Strike

If you find someone in the Bow, then first cut in with a deep High Strike from your right with the half edge over his blade and hands, so that you drive him up high, as soon as he pulls up into watch then cut a Middle Cut through to the face also from your right.

[1.53] Breaking in over the Bow

Note: In the Onset come with your left foot forward, hold your Dussack beside your right, reverse your grip so that you have your Dussack crooked, Indes step, then break in Crooked over his Bow, wrench out downwards to your left, step with your right foot around his right thigh, cut from outside over his right arm high up to the head, the next; cut Crooked under his right arm to his face so that your parrying remains high, the third; forward to the face, or to his left with a step out.[35]

[70] Breaking in above the Bow

Mark in the Zufechten that you come with the left foot forwards, hold your Dussack beside your right, grip your handle well that you have your Dussack Crooked, instantly Step, cut Crooked over his Bow Line, wrench downwards to your left side, step out with your right around to his right. Strike then outside above his right arm high above to the head, wherein cut the next Crooked under his right arm to the face or to his left, with a step out.

[56] Item Note in the Zufechten, that you come with the left foot forwards hold the Dussack besides your right, grab the handle well so that you have the Dussack Crooked, Indes step cut then Crooked over his Bow Line, wrench downwards to your left side, step out with your right behind his right Strike then outside over his right arm to the face or to his left with a step out.

[1.54] Item: When you strike someone outside over his right arm as has been said above, and he goes high upwards, then step out quickly and cut in Crooked to his face.

[71] Item When you cut outside over his right arm diagonally, how it is mentioned above, and he Drives high above you, thus step nimbly out and cut on the Crooked Line to his face.

[1.55] A Swift Stuck

Item: Reverse your grip so that you have your Dussack crooked how it is reported above, cut then in a springing manner from your right with a High Cut overhand in over his Bow so that in this strike, your right side comes well to his left side, then cut in a flick back around below in to his face so that your haft remains high, quickly cut away short.

[72] A Fast Stück

Item grab around the grip so that you have the Dussack crooked, how it is reported above. Thus Cut a wide springing high strike from your right, over the hands and over his Bow Line so that your right side comes well to his left side, throw a strike at him in a Squint again from below through the Low Line to his face so that your hand remains high, cut nimbly a Short Cut.

[1.56] Item: When someone stands in the Bow and allows the point to sink downwards, then step and cut from your right on the Weak of his Dussack from under his arm, so that your Dussack comes out to your left side, instantly take (his Dussack) away with the flat over his arm from your left and cut long after to the opening near by his hand.[36]

[73] Item When one stays in the Bow and allows his Dussack to hang downwards thus step and cut through from your right to the weak of his Dussack beneath his arm so that your Dussack comes out to your left side, Indes with the flat above his arm away from your left and cut long after to the opening by his oncoming hand.

MS Bibl. 2465 035r.jpg

[1.57] Note: When he approaches you in Bow then bind forward on his Weak with your point, Indes pull back to you and thrust him high to the face over his Bow, as soon as he goes to parry your thrust, then cut a Roar Cut down to his arm, how you see depicted here.

[1.58] Item: If you have bound on to the first part of his Dussack, then pull the long edge through his face overhand, then cut in after with another [Thwart] horizontal from below to his face.

[1.59] However, if he is high, then draw through his face from below, if he cuts quickly to your opening, then cut the Thwart overhand simultaneously with him to his face, how it is taught above.

[1.60] However, if you have bound with someone on the Strong, near by his hilt, then drive in over his Dussack, with your hilt to his face, and Indes draw the blade over his right arm through the face with a Turkish Cut[37] drive quickly out again to the parrying.

MS Bibl. 2465 036r.jpg

[1.61] In Zufechten pay attention and when you note that one desires to cut in high over at you, so then drive under it with the Bow and capture his arm then grab with your left hand quickly to the crook of his knee[38] on his forward most leg, and heave upwards then push up away from you, thus he falls.

[2.1] In this second part follow the hews together with their explanation, and uses and customary Stucken, and a number of running in (techniques) and wrestling.

[2.2] High Cut

The High Cut is a straight cut from above to the scalp, this cut breaks all other cuts. In this way, if he cuts a Wrath Strike against you, then step Indes out from his cut and cut from above strongly on his cut close by his hand, then also suppress the Middle Cuts and Low Cuts from above close to his hand, so if you want to suppress his cuts, make sure you reach them excessively long.

[15] High Cut

The High Cut breaks all other cuts with suppressing or extra length and always goes through the Watch or from the Luginslandt and is a blissful and still artful cut to use.

[2.3] Wrath Cut

Wrath Cut is a diagonal cut from the shoulder, it is the strongest of all four cuts. For this reason, it is called a Battle Cut by the fighters.

[16] Wrath Cut

Wrath Cut is also from above, but in those from the first it is differentiated of those from straight from above, this goes however diagonal from the shoulder and is known as the correct Father Strike, Wrath Cut or also the Battle Cut for this reason then, he who is strongest is greatest amongst all.

[2.4] Middle Cut

It is a horizontal cut, that is primarily used for taking out.

[17] Middle Cut

Middle Cut is an athwart cut wherein one should know as common.

[2.5] Low Cut

Low Cut and Middle Cut, although they are certainly weak, are nevertheless great and artful when done at speed, they also take both the High Cuts.[39]

[18] Low Cut

Low Cut is a weak cut, but where he with cleverness will use it, it is very useful.

[36v.5] Vnderhaw.

Vnderhaw vnd Mittelhaw ob sie schon schwech seindt, so ist doch groß list damit außzurichten In geschwindigkeit, sie nhemen auch bedt den [37r.1] Oberhaw,

[2.6] Firstly, when someone cuts a High Cut at you, then step out from his cut and cut it away from you. Then always break his strike with another cut in the After. Note however, a good rule to break the cuts, do not allow a cut to go too wide. The sooner you catch him in the air, or a Middle Cut in the distance, or an Low Cut down low, the less strength his cut has, but the further his hand gets with the cut, the stronger he is. Whoever can well understand this rule can easily break, bar and suppress all Stucken, according to his pleasure.

[2.7] Secondly, every cut has three distinctions in use or in cutting, namely, a Provoker, a Taker and a Hitter, understand it like this: if he stays before you and will not strike, cut or otherwise work, and you are unable to hit him freely either, because he remains in his advantage, so then strike in with a High or Low Cut, not that you desire to hit him, but rather to Provoke him out from his advantage to counter strike at you, take this incoming strike away with another cut, that is called the Taker, and with the taking out you cause him to become open, cut at once to this opening, that is called the Hitter.

[2.8] Example

If someone stands in the Bow, then cut through with a Wrath Strike on his Bow, so that you have made yourself open, as soon as he cuts in at you, then take away his strike with a Middle Cut from the left, and when he pulls up to parry, then cut in from under to the face, on this Low Cut, where it is from afar, shall one pay good attention to in all fighting.

[2.9] The third you should pay attention to the Changers or cuts, to change up one cut into another. As an example, cut the first from your right diagonal through his left, strike the next from above and from your left through his right middle line, the third an Apex Cut[40] from above, another, cut from your left from below through his right strike line, the next through his left Middle line from your right, the third from above and from your left through his right shoulder or strike line, the fourth from your right through his left away to the head.

MS Bibl. 2465 038r.jpg

[2.10]

Crooked Cut is when you cut in with a High or Middle with the short edge, as depicted in the first part.

Item: If one overruns you with High Strikes, then capture his strike in the air, Indes grab with your left hand under your blade onto his hilt and cut Crooked under and behind his shoulder to the back of his head.[41]

[19] Crooked Cut

Crooked is thus, grab around the grip well so that you have the Dussack crooked, thus if he cuts or not, so step immediately out and cut with the crooked edge, through the Diagonal Wrath or Middle Athwart Line.


[2.11] Item: In the approach, grip the Dussack crooked and thrust the first from above to the face, pull the thrust back to you and cut Crooked through the middle line from your right through his left and let it to fade into a Double Round, then next cut a Roarer from your right, the third is a long Cross Cut from above.

[2.12] Then the Whacker is:

When you cut in at his opening and in striking you wind the cut into a thrust as the figure for the Winding Cut shows.

[20] Whacker

Whacker is thus, in the onset cut a strong cut onto his displacement and in that it clashes, or rests thus wind the cut into a thrust over his displacement line, that's called the Whacker.

[2.13] Item: When you cut in with a High Cut at him and when it clashes then thrust in on his weapon, as soon as he wards off your thrust, then drive with the hilt under his parry into his head.

[2.14] Item: In Zufechten allow yourself to bind on with him from below, then thrust in quickly on his bind, then immediately grab low on his Dussack together with yours and wind it from his hand out to your left side.

Note: In grabbing, the open hand should be towards you.

MS A.4º.2 49r B&W.png

[2.15]

Roarer, this cut gets its name from the fast-rushing wind (sound) that in part, is made by the flat running through the air.

[21] Buzzer

The Buzzer is thus, take hold of your grip crooked as the first figure here shows, in those cuts that he would give to you from somewhat on high, then cut through in a stroke from under and athwart to his arm, so that the Dussacks are both in the wind above, and again you shoot around to the displacement. It is or is called therefore a Buzzer, because of the sound from the fast rushing wind that it makes.


MS Bibl. 2465 039r.jpg

[2.16] Note: When one cuts at you from above, then step out to his right side and cut outside and over his arm, spring well into his right, thrust in at his face, then cut him at once to the face.

MS Bibl. 2465 039v.jpg

[2.17] Note: When you both come together in the Zufechten, as soon as he brings his weapon in the air to strike, then wind off or parry his strike with a Thwart Cut in front of the hand, how it is shown here. Then wind the crooked edge inwards to the face in a flick, wind through out to your left, and cut long after.

MS Bibl. 2465 040r.jpg

[2.18] Note: When two stand in front of each other in a bind in the bow and each one of them waits on the other's cut, then sink yourself and cut in with the long edge straight forth, hard against his Dussack, so that it bounces against his weapon, with this you provoke him to cut to your opening, as soon as he moves up then capture his hilt with your left hand and cut beside his hilt to his head as depicted.

MS Bibl. 2465 040v.jpg

[2.19] Item: When one cuts at you from above, note instantly when he draws up, then pull your weapon to your left shoulder and cut in with the half edge from your left horizontally at the same time as him, thus you meet and take his cut away how it is shown here.

Item: Short Cut, is also cutting through short.

MS Bibl. 2465 041r.jpg

[2.20] Note: When one cuts a High Strike at you, and is still close to you, so pay attention to when he draws his hand up, then strike in with him with the half edge overhand, how it is depicted here.

MS Bibl. 2465 041v.jpg

[2.21] When you have hit simultaneously with one, then wind Indes quickly with your hilt outside and over his right hand onto his wrist joint, jerk downwards towards your breast and break him like you see depicted here.

MS Bibl. 2465 042r.jpg

[2.22] Item: If one cuts in with an High Cut at the same time as you, overhand, how it is taught above, then Indes and quickly grab with your left hand onto his Dussack near by his hilt wind down from his hand over his right shoulder or arm, thrust with your dussack on his elbow, step with your left behind his right and throw him over.

MS Bibl. 2465 042v.jpg

[2.23] Item: Bind him on his parrying, how it is shown here, if he permits then cut with the short edge beside your left up from below strongly with a rush up through the scalp line, and to the jaw, then proceed above and cut a Middle from your right through his face, cut the third from your left above and through his right, the fourth cut away through his left.

[2.24] A very good Stuck using three Middle Cuts by which many will be hurt

When you have bound on to him with the half edge over hand, then note whether it fairly glances or will, then snap around and do as if you would cut to his right ear with the half edge, but don't do this, rather pull your hand back around and cut the first Middle Cut from your right above his hilt through his face, the second from your left below his hand strongly through, the third from your right again in to his face.

[2.25] Two types of Constrainers

The first is a taking out from your left and a turning away with the flat. The second is a strong cut from your left through his face with the long edge with a double stroke through the Cross.

[42] Constrainer

The first is a taking out from your left and a winding out with the Flat, the other is a Strong cut from your left through his face with the Long edge with a twofold strike through the Cross.

[2.26] Item: If you are positioned in left steer then continue stepping with the right foot, and cut strongly to his right arm, from below, with this it provokes him to cut, when he goes to cut and brings his hand into the air, then cut quickly to his face from the inside beside his hand.[44]

[2.27] An example from the Constrainer

Note: In Zufechten come into the Slice, do not let him too close to you, as soon as he cuts from above at you, then pull through under his strike to your left side giving way out from his strike, cut quickly from your left over his right arm with two High Strokes to his head, thus you constrain him.[45]

[43] A Good Stuck from the Constrainer

Mark in Zufechten you come into the Slice, allow him not too close to you as soon as he would strike to you, thus pull under his strike, through to your left side avoid his striking through and cut quickly from your left, over his right arm, two high strikes to the head with this you go twice to him.

[2.28] Rose Cut

Item: In the Zufechten cut from above to go through below outside his right arm, so that your Dussack comes back around in a circle over your head, Indes let it quickly run off beside your left; cut him from your right to his face.

[44] Rose Cut

Item: In the Zufechten cut him from above outside his right arm, (go) under and through him, so that your Dussack comes around again in a Circle above your head, let it low and nimbly run out next to your left, cut him from your right to his face.

[2.29] Item: If you find one in the Bow, drive him from outside over the bow back around through the rose, and flick your point under his Bow at his mouth, if he cuts Indes, then cut simultaneously with him to the face.[46]

MS Bibl. 2465 044r.jpg

[2.30] Item: Stab him outside over his right arm and through so that your Dussack comes outside and over his arm, then with your left hand over your right arm, grab your blade close by the hilt, pull to your right side, thus you take his Dussack, how it is depicted here.

[45] Item Thrust him outside from over his right arm going under and through so that your Dussack again comes outside over his Arm grab with your left hand over your right arm on your incoming blade by the hilt, Pull to you, and to your right side, thus you have taken his Dussack.

[43v.4] Item stich Ihm aussen vber sein Rechten Arm vnden durch, daß [44r] dein dusacken wider außwendig vber sein Arm khum greiff mitt deiner lincken handt, nohet bey dem gehiltz, vber dein Recht Arm In dein Klingen, zihe zu dir auff dein Recht seitten so nimstu ihm sein Dusacken, wie hie gemalet. ⁋

[2.31] Failer Cut

Note when you come near to him, and both of you are high in the parrying, then cut before his weapon falls, in a Circle, as soon as he pulls his shoulders around and means to strike, then cut beside his hilt to his head, as it is reported in the Knock Cut.[47]

[46] Failer Strike

Mark when you can come close to him and both of you are standing high in the displacement, thus cut from his right corner, fail with a circle, and then as soon as he witnesses this failing and will strike, then cut him beside the hilt to the head.

[2.32] Item: When someone cuts at you, then evade with your parrying and let him cut and miss; step and cut through at once outside his right arm without hitting, the second through his face; be quick again with the parrying.[48]

[47] Item When one cuts to you, thus yield with your displacement and allow his cut to fall, step and cut from outside as soon as his right arm falls through, then next through his face. See that you are nimble again in displacing.

[56v.3] Item wan dir einer zu hawet, so weich mit deiner versatzung und loß ihn fehl hawenn, trit und haw als baldt auswendig [57r.1] seines rechten Arms fehl durch, den andern durch sin gesicht biß behenndt wider in versatzung.

[2.33] A Stuck against a lefty

Cut through from outside to his left arm without hitting so that your Dussack comes on your left side, Indes, as soon as he cuts, then cut forth at the same time as him in at his face, step with your left well on his right.[49]

[48] A Stuck on the left

Cut him outside his left arm fail through that your Dussack comes to your low left side, as soon as he cuts, then cut with him together, ahead of the line to his face, step with the left well on his right.

[2.34] Item: Cut through without hitting outside under his arm as before; next take away with the flat from your left through his right so that your Dussack flies around above, step and cut instantly two Winding Cuts together from your left to his right at his face.[50]

[49] Item Cut him failing through from outside his arm like before then next take him away with the Flat from your left through his right so that your Dussack flies above, step and cut Indes two wind strikes to his face, one into the other from your left to his right.

MS Bibl. 2465 045r.jpg

[2.35] Item: When each other have run in together and both of you have come in high in the parrying, then step quickly with your right foot between both his legs and instantly drive down below his right arm with your right behind and around his body, grab with your left hand the (crook of his right knee) heave upwards and throw him over your right hip.

MS Bibl. 2465 045v.jpg

[2.36] Clasping the hands over each other

Item: When one approaches you in the Bow and has both hands together as is the custom now, grasp his left with your left hand, and with your hilt drive over and above his right hand, well by the wrist joint and pull them (his arms/hands) crosswise over each other as shown here.

[2.37] Item: If you both run in with one another with both arms high, then grasp his left with your left, it is by the hand or behind the hand, or behind the elbow, jerk him to your left side, cut long after to his left ear.

[2.38] Work in the Running In

Note: When you come near together, then work on him above over his parrying, firstly with a Crooked Cut over his parrying to the left ear.

[59] Work for Running in

Mark thus when you come close together, then work him high over his displacement firstly with a Crooked Cut over his displacement to the left ear.

[60r.3] Arbeyt vom einlauffen.

Merck so ihr nahe zu samenn khomenndt so arbeit in obenn [60v.1] vber sein versatzung erstlich mit einem Krumphaw uber sein versatzung zum Linckenn ohr.

[2.39] Item: If he displaces that, then strike a Crooked Cut outside over his right arm to his right ear; if he parries that again, then cut Crooked under his right arm to his face. The fourth strike is a Thwart Cut to his left ear from below with the long edge so that your grip is well reversed. In these four strikes you should always be high with the hilt over your head to the displacing.

[60] Item If he displaces you, thus cut a Crooked Cut outside and over his right arm to the right ear If he displaces once again, thus cut Crooked under his arm to the face. The Fourth strike is a Thwart strike to his left ear from under with the long edge so that your hilt is well gripped, in these four strikes you should always be high with the hilt, above your head to the displacing.

[2.40] Item: When one will cut Crooked to your right ear, then grab with your hilt outside and over his right hand near his wrist joint, jerk downwards and then flick in with the half edge to his head.[52]

[2.41] Item: If one cuts Crooked at you over your displacement to the left ear, then push him from you with your hilt inside on his right arm to his left side, then Draw the Turkish Cut to the face.

[2.42] The Driving

The first driving is as follows: stand with your right foot forward and do the High Cut and the Low Cut together so that your Dussack always flies around over your head to the Plunge.

[74] The 6 Drivings

The first Driving is thus, stay with the right foot forwards and then High strike and Low strike together so that the Dussack always flies around over your head to the Plunge.

[2.43] The Second

Stand with your right forward as above, drive from your left shoulder over your right leg through the opponent’s right Stroke Line, from below and above together with strength through his face.

[75] The Second

Stand with the right foot forward as in the above driving, cut from your left Shoulder over your right leg to the Opponent, through the right Strike Line from under and over together strongly through his face.

[2.44] The Third Driving

Stand as before, drive the Middle Cut through the Middle Line from the right and left together.[54]

[76] The Third

Stand as before. Drive the Middle Cuts together through the Middle Line from the right and left.

[2.45] The Fourth

is driving the Cross from above together strongly in upon the opponent.

[77] The Fourth

Is the Cross from above, together drive hard on the opponent's line.

[2.46] The Fifth Driving

The two Low Cuts together from below with the flat through the Cross.

[78] The Fifth

This is two Low Cuts through the Cross, done together from under with the flat.

[2.47] The Sixth Driving

is the Double Changer, an excellent cut.

Do it as follows: Stand with your right foot forward and strike the first cut from your right from above through the opponent’s left Strike Line, thus you come into the left Change, slash with the half edge back from below through the same Strike through which you have come, change in the air, and cut from above from your left through his right Strike line over your right thigh, thus the point comes to the ground beside your right; drive back upwards through the same Strike through which you have come, then change back in the air and cut back from your right through the opponent’s left Strike Line.[55]

[79] The Sixth Driving

Is the Double Changer, a choice cut, usually a hard one like from a battlesword. It is done thus:

Stand with the right foot forward and strike the first cut from your upper right and through the opponent's strong Left Line, thus you come into the left Changer, wrench (cut) with the half edge again from under through the same Line, through which you are familiar with, and in the air change and cut from above from your left through his right Strike Line over to your right strongly, thus come to defense of your lower right side, then drive upwards through the same line you were just on, and change again in the air and cut then from your right through the opponents Left Line.[56]

[47r.3] Das sechst threiben

ist der doppel wechsel ein ausbundiger haw. ⁋

Den mach also sthe mit dem Rechten vor, vnd haw den ersten streich von deiner Recht, von oben durch des mans lincken strich, so khombstu In lincken wechsel, Reiß mit halber schneidt wider von vnden durch den selben strich, durch welchen du khomen bist In der luft verwechslen, vnd haw von oben von deiner Lincken durch sein Rechten strich, vber dein Rechten schenckel so khombt das orth vff die erden neben deiner Rechten, treib wider vber sich durch den selben strich, durch den du khomen bist, Alss dhan wechsel wider In der luft vnd haw wider [47v.1] von deiner Rechten durch des mans Lincken strich ⁋

[2.48] Thus drive the cut one to six times one after another, always twice through one Strike, namely once from above and back from below with the half edge. With this Change one breaks all postures and cuts.

[80] Diligently cut the strikes once or more, one after another always through a line, twice namely once from above and again from below with the short edge, thus with this changing you can break the guards and strikes.

[65r.3] Also threib den haw ein [65v] mahl oder sechs auf ein andern alwegenn durch ein strich zwey mal nemblich ein mohl von obenn unnd wider von unden mit der halbenn schneidt mit dissem wechsel bricht man alle Leger unnd huoten. ¶.

[2.49] If one cuts a High Cut at you, so cut it away with a Middle Cut or a Wrath Cut, Indes quickly with another cut to the opening below or above.

[2.50] If one cuts a Middle Cut or a Low Cut, then cut with a High Cut strongly through from above the next again to the opening, and as often as you have cut to his opening, then see that you are always quick to the parrying on his weapon or arm.

[2.51] If one cuts low, then you cut high, if he cuts high, then cut in with him diagonally while stepping out (voiding), if he drives you high, then cut through the middle, if one fails in too deep, then follow him to the face from above, if he wishes to displace upwards, then pull the cut around your head and cut from below, if he swipes after your Low Cut, then pull away and cut from above.

[2.52] Item: If he drives too wide to his left, then cut outside over his right arm to the head so that you, if you want one to have the left opening, then deceive to the right, thus if you want to have the right opening, then deceive to the left, also if you will have him open above, then attack low with cuts and thrusts.[57]

[2.53] Item: Pay attention as soon as he brings his hand in the air to strike, then cut in by his hand to the face. If one approaches you in bow then cut him outside to the arm with this he will be provoked to cut, as soon as he pull his hand in the air then cut the next beside his hilt to the face.

[47v.7] Item hab acht [48r.1] Alß bald er sein handt In die luft bringt zum streich, so haw ihm bey der handt hinein zum gesicht Exempel begegnet dir einer Im bogen so haw ihm aussen zum arm damit wirt er gereitzt zuschlagen als baldt er sein handtruckt gegen der luft so haw den andern neben seim gehiltz zum gesicht,

[2.54] Item: If you get too close to him, thus you should use slicing, traveling after with the point, setting on, cutting over, winding over, pushing, grabbing and throwing.

Rapier

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

[1] Rapier Fencing

First of all, there are seven cuts in the rapier. Namely the first one is a High Cut, the second is a Shoulder Cut, the third a Hip Cut, the fourth a Thigh Cut, the fifth a Foot Cut, the sixth a Joint Cut, the seventh a Forearm Cut, and yet the four remain as taught in the Dussack only the names of the limbs increase the number of the cuts.

[2] The seven thrusts

Namely the face thrust, the second is the heart thrust, third is the throat thrust, the fourth is the groin thrust, the fifth is the joint thrust, the sixth is a double thrust and the seventh is armpit thrust.

[3] Of the Openings

In rapier fencing, special attention is to be paid to the four parts of the man. Namely to the left and right, lower and upper, the belt (line) and the two (openings) above the belt line known as the Ox, and the other two below the belt line are known as the Plow, whose thrusts therefore should be used. In Zufechten pay attention to which part he has his weapon, below or above, or from which opening he brings his strikes or thrusts.

Next, pay attention to which openings you may conveniently attack to, so note an example, if the opponent has his weapon in his upper right opening, then work to his lower left openings with cuts or thrusts, with this you compel him to either work or defend, so then thrust to his upper right opening.

[4] Item: If he has his weapon in his upper left opening, then thrust him to the right, as soon as he parries, then wind under and through to the left opening from where he has just come from, furthermore, if one holds his weapon in a guard to the upper or lower openings, then cut or thrust him straight from above to the face so that he must defend, as soon as he drives out to parry, then wind underneath and through, and thrust at once from below to his body or hip.

[5] Item: If one thrusts at you, then step with the right foot well to his right and take Indes with the left then slice down from above between you and him towards your right side step out and thrust him above his weapon to the chest or cut him from below his weapon to the foot.

MS Bibl. 2465 049r.jpg

[6] When you are thus positioned in Ox, and one thrusts at you, to your left, then spring out from his thrust out to his left side, and thrust in with him at the same time, wind your long edge against his weapon upwards to your left side, as soon as he pulls back with his weapon, then cut with the short edge from below through his right and thrust him with the whole thrust.

[7] Item: If one thrusts at your face or breast, then take him out with the half edge from your upper right between you and him to your left side so that in this parrying, the point hangs downwards to the ground..... Indes allow the hand to run up to a face thrust, then take out the thrust between you and him through the hanging like before and then thrust. ?????

[49r.3] Ittem stich dür Einer zum gesicht oder brust so nim mit halber schneidt vonn deiner rechttenn vonn obenn zwüschenn dür vnnd Im auß auff deinn Linncke seittenn, das die spietz Im nemenn vnndersich zur Endenn [49v.1] Endenn[!] hanngett, Inndes las über die handt, lauffen zu einem gesicht sticht, Also nim auch die hew zwischenn dür vnnd im aus durch das vorhenngenn vnd stich wie vor ⁋

[8] Item: If one cuts at your feet, then sink the point down towards the ground and bar him with the flat, displacing through the Bastian and then thrust him overhand to the face.

[9] Item: Pay attention to when he thrusts low at you, and when he stretches his hand out before his face, cut him through the hand and then stab him in the face.

MS Bibl. 2465 050r.jpg

[10] Will the opponent not attack at you

Note when one confronts you in the left Changer and you are positioned in Ox, then cut from your lower right through his left to the face, so that your weapon runs around into left Ox Indes take out with the half edge downwards through to your right side so that your weapon runs around into the right Ox and then thrust him to the face.

[11] Item: Step to him with your left foot and thrust forth, fall through from outside your left thigh, so that your weapon comes into left Ox, take out with the half edge going through to your right side, so that your weapon again comes into the right Ox and thrust to the face and cut him outside to the right thigh.

[12] Item: If you stand in left Ox and one thrusts at your right, then step with your left foot well out from his thrust to his right and follow with your right foot, thrusting in at the same time as him, to his face, protect yourself further with the Iron Door or heave your hilt above you and grab with your blade over his and turn his blade from your right in a wrenching to your left, Indes step to his left and cut through to his face beside your left, and thrust him again overhand to his face.

[13] Note when one thrusts low at you, then step with your left foot to his right side and take away his thrust with the Bastian from your left through to your right from above between you and him and thrust him to the face from under his weapon.

MS Bibl. 2465 051r.jpg

[14] Additionally, if one thrusts low at you, and you are positioned in the Ox, then step with your left foot well in to his right like before, set off his thrust underneath from your left to your right, thus you stand in the right Plow, thrust him from the Plow upwards to his face, so that he must parry this, then step and thrust him with reversed hand under his arm to the hip, pull your hilt back to you and cut a Defensive Strike from your left through to his right shoulder.

[15] Item: If one thrusts at your face or breast, then strongly take out the thrust from below and beside your left with the short edge through his right, so that your weapon runs around again above your head, and cut him outside to his right shoulder, if he bars this cut, then thrust him quickly overhand to the face, if he does not bar, then come through into the right changer, if he thrusts further at you then turn your hilt upwards and take out his thrust with your flat through the hanging and thrust him overhand to the face.

[16] At first if one thrusts at you, then drive down through, and turn his thrust away from your left to your right and step with the right well to his right and thrust in from outside and over his weapon.

[17] Note when one thrusts above at you, turn your hilt upwards above your left shoulder and set off his thrust upwards, then as soon as it clashes, thrust him slightly to the face, Indes allow your point to sink towards the ground, your blade running through to your left, thrust overhand to the face, pull your hilt above you so that the blade runs off beside your right and cut outside from your left through his right shoulder, thus you stand in right Changer.[60]

[18] Item: Set off his thrust as has already been taught, remain in the bind on his blade, and turn your blade upward against his; wrench out to your left side, instantly heave your hilt upwards and cut from your right inside through his right thigh, thus you come into the left Changer, if he thrusts further at you, then spring with your left foot well to his right side and thrust in from the Changer at the same time as him, work further at him with the Iron Gate.

[19] Item: Parry his thrust as before, heave your hilt upwards into the left Ox, and take out with the half edge from your lower left up through his right, so that your weapon flies above your head into the right Ox, Indes strike quickly with a middle Cut down through his feet from your right through his left, so that your weapon shoots into the left Ox, take it with the half edge downwards from the left Ox, so that your weapon shoots through in a running off back into the right Ox, quickly let the right Ox run through with taking out beside your left, and thrust through a double taking out overhand; come into the Iron Gate. However, if he will not thrust, and you stand in the right Plow, then step to him with your left foot and thrust through outside of your left thigh, so that your weapon comes into the left Ox, step with your right well to his right, and thrust in outside his right arm, pull around your head and cut through his face, thus you come into the left Changer, from there take out with the half edge.[61]

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[20] Three good thrusts from the left Plow which flow into each other from one side

Thus, if someone confronts you in the Iron Gate or also in the left Plow, then thrust the first straight in from the Plow outside his right arm, so that your point runs off to his right side beside your left through into the left Ox, thrust quickly through your left Ox inside to the chest, Indes allow your point to run off again downwards through beside your left, and thrust the third from your left overhand to his face, these three thrusts flow as one into each other from one side.[62]

MS Bibl. 2465 052v.jpg

[21] If one thrusts high at you, turn his thrust away upwards toward your right into the Ox, step and thrust in outside over his right arm at his face, and in the thrust drive with your left hand up from below, how it is depicted here.[63]

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[22] Take out the strike of his blade on your left arm and simultaneously pull back up with your weapon and thrust him from below to his face, how it is depicted here, if he pulls back then protect yourself with hanging.

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[23] Item: When you stand in left Plow and he has his weapon in the Iron Gate or in another guard at your left, then thrust in at him or threaten the thrust in at his right shoulder overhand from above, pay attention to when he wishes to travel after this and set it off, then allow your point to sink down beside his right arm, change under through and thrust in from below his right arm to his head, if he wards this off, then heave your hilt upwards and thrust him to his right foot, and then a Defensive Strike from your left through to his right.

[24] Item: Displace his thrust from the left Plow with the hilt upwards to your right, and cut at once with a Middle Cut through his feet from your right so that your weapon comes into the left Ox, Indes take him out with a double running off from your left and right and thrust overhand with a step to using the left, this is a deception in Rapier.

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[25] Item: If you stand in Plow and he is in the Iron Gate or rather in a guard to the left, then thrust him upwards to the face from below and outside on his weapon, if he defends this thrust, turn your blade downwards and to his right and thrust in at him with reversed hand below to his body, Indes cut from your left, a Defensive Strike to his right.

[26] Item: If you stand in left Plow, and one cuts or thrusts high at you, then displace upwards so that you come into right Ox, transform the Ox down into right Plow and thrust him from below to his grip or his hand, however if he instantly takes care of the hands to protect them, then thrust him overhand to the face.

[27] Note when one thrusts at your left, then lift your point upwards to where he holds his thrust, and step with the left behind the right, cut strongly edgewise up to the strong of his blade, Indes thrust quickly forth to his face.

[28] Item: However, if one thrusts at you outside to the right arm, then step with the left well to his right side and suppress from above how its previously taught, step and thrust on his blade up to his face, if he wards your thrust, and drives up high with his parrying, then thrust in below his right, if he displaces the thrust again, then pull your hilt upwards and thrust in overhand from above and over his parry then cut him to the right leg.

[29] Cutting Off

Item: Suppress his incoming thrust like before, however, in suppressing allow your blade edgewise* to rush off of his beside you in a flight, thrust or cut in again from the same side.

[30] Item: If you stand in the Iron Gate, and one thrusts at you from outside to your right arm, then take this out with half edge, down towards your right side, so that your blade runs off simultaneously into the right Ox, Indes take out his next cut also through a running off from your right to your left, and thrust with him at the same time quickly overhand together with a step to, this Stuck goes to both sides.

MS Bibl. 2465 055v.jpg

[31] Item: If one approaches you in Iron Gate and allows you to bind on, then run in and thrust on his weapon upwards to the face, Indes allow your weapon to run over to your left and then grasp your blade in the middle with the left hand, and thrust to his belly how its shown.

[32] Changing and transmuting the thrust

If you stand in the Iron Gate and your opponent also, then thrust in outside over his right arm overhand, and in the thrust lift your hilt well in the air, as soon as he slips after the thrust to ward it off, allow your point to sink downwards overhand and thrust quickly under the arm to his hip, but if he wards this off again then thrust back again over the arm to his face, thus turn the high thrust into a low thrust, and the low into a high. You can change into a cut when you wish.

[33] Thrusting the Ox and Plow together

Item: If one approaches you in the Iron Gate, then thrust at him from the right Plow inside his blade from below up to his face, Indes heave your hilt upwards and transmute the low into a high thrust, cut to the nearest opening while stepping back.

[34] A Deceiving

Note: Allow yourself to bind onto the furthermost part of his blade from your right, then thrust up from below inside to his face, so that your Rappier runs around beside your right, like a Looping[65] make like you will thrust in to his right shoulder but don’t do it, but thrust back inside to his body.[66]

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[35] Taking out the thrust with your hand

Take heed when your opponent holds his point up high in the Onset, and act as if you meant to bind on him, as soon as your point touches, then step and go under his blade with your left arm, thus turn out his thrust upwards from you and thrust him to the groin, but if he pulls his blade, then protect yourself with hanging parry and work to him overhand or with taking out and cutting after.[67]

[36] Simultaneous thrusting in Chasing after

Item: When you both stand in the Iron Gate, take heed as soon as he goes out from his guard to thrust, then step out from his thrust and quickly follow after to the opening from where he has gone out, and thrust in at the same time as him.

[37] Chasing after

This is a convenient and quick work in the Rappier, then as often as he has his weapon a little beside right, as soon as he moves away with his hilt, then stab him to the very opening from which he comes off.

[38] Cut after from below

If you stand in the Iron Gate and he thrusts to your left, then suppress him from above how it is taught previously, Indes heave your hilt upwards into the left Ox and cut quickly with the short edge from below to his right, thereafter thrust through with a Middle Cut overhand.

[39] Item: If one thrusts to your right, then suppress from your left to his right, thus you come into the right Plow, thrust him upwards from the Plow to his face, so that he must defend, quickly cut Indes a Low Cut from your right through his left and thrust him overhand to the face.

[40] Side Guard

The Side Guard is done thusly: stand with the right foot forward, hold your weapon by your left hip so that the point appears to the rear for the strike.

MS Bibl. 2465 057v.jpg

[41] Whacker in Rappier

If one approaches you in the Iron Gate, and is positioned strongly to suppress you or set you off, then throw your short edge against his short edge, remain hard on his blade Indes turn your hilt upwards into the right Ox, then thrust in on his blade how it is depicted here, this must go quickly, if he turns your thrust and drives you up high, then change through under his arm to the right hip and set on him.

[42] Note: Hold the weapon in the Side Guard, if one cuts or thrusts at you, then take this out strongly with your flat from your left to the right, so that your weapon runs around over your head, cut Indes a Middle Cut through his feet from your right, thrust quickly overhand to the face.

[43] Item: If one thrusts at your chest, then cut from below with the long edge [...][68] to his left side, turn your weapon up into the air and thrust a Slinger to him, by your right from below to his groin, the thrust should fly in quickly in this throwing from above to below.

[44] A good Driving with two cuts

In the Onset position yourself in the Side Guard, once you are positioned to reach the opponent, then cut the first with a Weapon Strike from your left and above with the long edge through his weapon, second, cut a Low Cut up through his left, the third cut again like the first, the fourth is like the second, then always cut these double cuts together with each other, and once you see your opportunity, then thrust or cut him to the next opening whether below or above.[69]

MS Bibl. 2465 058v.jpg

[45] If you stand in the Changer and one thrusts at your face or chest, then take this out with the half edge upwards from your left, pull around your head and cut outside to his right thigh, if he thrusts forth however, then take this out upwards from your right with the flat through the hanging and cut him inside to the thigh.

[46] Item: Take out like its taught here, upward from the left to the right Indes cut quickly from your right inside and through his thigh so that your weapon flies around your left into the left Ox, and thrust him from outside to the face with an overhand and a step to his right side, quickly pull again around your head and cut with a step out from your right to his left through to the head so that you come into the left Ox.

[47] Item: Take out from your left strongly up from below and turn your weapon in the air beside your left into the Ox, instantly step with your left foot around his right side and throw a thrust from below through the Plow to his right hip.

[48] Item: Take out his incoming thrust upwards with the half edge from the Change with strength, so that your weapon flies around in the air into the right Ox and instantly cast a thrust from below through the right Plow to his groin or forward thigh.[70]

MS Bibl. 2465 059v.jpg

[49] Item: Stand in the Change and if one thrusts or cuts at you, go up and parry with the long edge up from below with a spring forward on your left foot well under his blade, Indes grasp with your left reversed hand under your blade onto his hilt or pommel and jerk downwards on your left side, but if he holds strong, then push with your pommel on his wrist, close by the hand, thus you take his weapon out of his hand.[71]

[50] A face thrust with a Spring to the opponent

Item: Stand with your right foot forward, hold your rapier in the right Ox, Indes lift your left foot and when your foot is suspended in the air, then thrust through from above down by your right thigh, Indes step and spring in to him with the same foot [left] and in this spring thrust from your left, overhand to his face, that one shall do without the opponent knowing it.

Item: In the springing face thrust you may also transmute it into a Weapon Strike.

[51] A thrust to the groin by springing

Item: In Zufechten, when you are three steps from him, then come with the right foot forward, have your weapon in the left Plow, Indes lift up your left foot and make a start with this from two shoe lengths before the right foot to drive, and in your momentum, transmute the Plow into Ox and while driving in at him with the left foot and while still in the air, mutate the Ox back into the right Plow and thrust while springing in, from below to his groin. So I have often reached one, from one Klaffter* away, and overtook him without him knowing it.[72][73]

MS Bibl. 2465 060v.jpg

[52] From the Stepping

Item: If you stand on the line which is lettered A, and the opponent also appears on the same, as the figure shows, and he gives you a cut from his left to your right, and then thrusts straight at your arm, then thrust in likewise with him and Indes step with your left foot on the B line to the left, thus your point meets and his fails.

[53] Item: If you both stand on Line A as previously mentioned and he cuts at your right and then thrusts straight at you, then thrust in likewise with him and step with your left behind your right on the B line to the right and follow further with your right foot to the C line to the right, thus his thrust fails and yours meets. However, if he also steps like you are stepping, then both thrusts parry each other.

[54] So it is also with the simultaneous cutting which the other transfers, the cut goes on.??? However with stepping, the experience and practice is a better teacher than one can write.

[55] Bastion is a Low Guard for the feet the same as the hanging. So, hold your weapon before you with extended arm, so that the point hangs downwards to the ground, with this you bar his weapon so that he may not come through, how one shall use them is previously taught.

[56] Hanging is thus, hold the weapon extended before your face so that the point hangs downwards at the ground, the Bastion and the Hanging are similar, except that the Bastion protects the lower, while the Hanging is a protection before the face.

MS Bibl. 2465 061v.jpg

[57] Item: In the rapier and dagger is to fence namely with the dagger on whatever kinds of thrust or blow come to you, so that you can catch them and take them away from you, whether overhand or underhand.

[58] Next, you shall note when you take him out with the dagger then work quickly with the rapier with deception, if you take out with the rapier, then see where you can come with the dagger to an opening or capture his blade quickly with the dagger, bar him there or cut to his opening. If you stand in the Iron Gate in Rappier and dagger.

[61v.2] zum andern soltu mercken wan du mit dem dolchen aus nimbst so arbeite behendt mit dem Rapir mit verfürenn, Nimbstu aber mit dem Rapir, so schawe wo du mit dem dolchen zu bloß [62r.1] kummen megest oder ergreiff bechendt mit dem dolchen sein klingen sper im die oder raum dür zu seiner blöß ⁋ So du inn der Eisenport stehst Im Rapïr vnnd dolchenn ⁋

[59] Firstly if one thrusts at you from the left Plow, then displace with your dagger down from you and thrust to his left shoulder, as soon as he slips after with his dagger to parry, then change through with your point by his left arm and thrust him down to the plow, if he parries further, then drive out with the rapier and thrust in from above between both his arms, with a wrench through and thrust him then overhand to the face, remain Indes with the dagger before the face, beware with this namely your left plow and ox, that is the left side below and above.

[60] If one thrusts or cuts at you from the left Ox, then drive down with your dagger and thrust him below his left arm through to his right opening, cut at once from your left below your arm to his forward leg, protect your upper body with the dagger Indes thrust in from above quickly with a ripping at his face, as it’s taught.

[61] Item: If one cuts or thrusts at you from right Ox, then set his cut or thrust off with your blade. Instantly drive quickly with your dagger under his blade and turn it out to your left side and then throw a Low Cut from your right to his left hand with which he holds his dagger. Instantly allow your blade to run off again by your right and cut in to his face between both his weapons.

MS Bibl. 2465 062v.jpg

[62] Item: Position yourself in the Cross Guard how the figure shows and step around the opponent with rear steps in a triangle to both sides, mislead him with the steps, once you see an opening whether below or above, then cut through to the same, and drive with the dagger straight forth at his face, transfer and cut quickly against to the other side, note if you come onto his blade with your rappers blade, then catch with your dagger on his Rappier’s blade and remain there as long as you can, and thrust then quickly to the next opening.

[62v] Ittem schück dich in die kreutz hut wie die figur ausweist vnd vmb thrit den mann mit hinder thritten im driangel zu beiden seitten verfir inn also mit dem thrit, als baldt du ein blösse vrsichest Es sej vnden oder oben so hawe im mit listen daselbst durch vnnd far mit dem dolchen stracks für dz gesicht zur versazung vnnd haw behendt der armen seitten entgegenn Merck so du im Inndes mit deiner Rapir klingen ann die seine kumest, so greiff mit deinem dolchen an sein [63r.1] Rapür klingen vnnd bleib darauff so vill du kanst vnd stich im bechendt zur nechsten blös ⁋

[63] Item: In stepping so come with your right foot forward and cut up through his hand from below your left arm so that your weapon flies upwards in the air, cut him then quickly from your right through the feet so that you come again into the Cross Guard how you are taught previously, if he strikes at you, then cut it away from you with a Defensive Strike, and drive forth with the dagger, once you have caught his weapon with your dagger then thrust him to the next opening, and note if you thrust him to an upper opening and he will parry that with his dagger, then pull quickly back through the Rose and thrust him to the lower opening, this is done likewise if your low thrust is displaced, then pull and thrust to upper opening.

[64] Item: If he extends out his dagger to parry, then cut him straight down from above to the same hand, once he jerks his hand upwards to the parry, then pull back and thrust him down between both his weapons, if he parries this, then allow your rapier to run off overhand and cut him from above to the face.

[65] Note a Rule, when you cut under your dagger to the foot from your right, then pull the next quickly back from your left through his foot, the same when you cut from your left under your arm to his foot, so cut quickly back from your right, when you cut through his face from your right above your left arm, or dagger, then cut quickly back from your left above your arm also through his face.

[66] Item: But if you cut above your left arm or dagger through his face, then you should strike back from your right under your left arm at his forward most foot, and in all this, whenever you find an opening to stab, you should thrust nimbly and defend yourself with a Defensive Strike to hold him off.

[63r.5] Ittem so du aber oberhalb deim lincken [63v.1] arm oder dolchen durch sein gesicht hawest so Solu als dann herwüder von deiner Rechtenn vnnder dem Linckenn arm zw seim Fürgeseztenn fus hawen, Inn dem allem so offt zu Ein blöß Ersichest zum stich, so soltu behendiglich stechenn, vnnd dich behenndt mit Ein wechr streich wüder früstenn ⁋

[67] Item: See that when you have stepped around him in the triangle to his right, then let your left arm sink and strike over your dagger from your left to his right to his right strongly through his foot, Indes drive quickly out with your dagger and thrust from your right and down between his two arms with a threimer? (Driving Thrust) or wrench upwards through. But if you do not see any opening to thrust, then cut him from your right through to the thigh under your arm, thus you stand in the Cross Guard, from there take him out with the half edge before your dagger so that your weapon runs around into the right Ox and thrust him then to the face or chest with a step to or to your opportunity.

[68] In the Zufechten always come with the right foot forward, lead the dagger high before the face, cut Indes in front of the dagger over half way to his right foot, from outside, pull or draw the cut quickly back into a thrust, and thrust over hand from your left to his face, Indes pull the thrust back again and cut him to his forward most leg, to which you have first threatened, the deception goes to both sides.

MS Bibl. 2465 064r.jpg

[69] Note when you should defend yourself, and have taken a dagger then send yourself in the Iron Gate, if he cuts at you from above, then parry the strike up from below on your dagger’s blade and in the parry, spring well in underneath his strike and seize his right hand with your left hand reversed nearby his joint or grasp his weapon on the hilt, then jerk his weapon out to your left side upwards from and work around him with your dagger to the opening or stab him to his right arm, so he must leave the weapon.

[64r] Merck wann du dich zur noch wechren soltest, vnnd hettest nur ein dolchen so schicke dich inn die Eisenn portten, hawett er dir dan von obenn zw, so versez Im den streich ⁋ [64v.1] von vnden auff dein dolchen klingen, vnd in der versatzung spring Im woll vnnder sein streich, vnnd ergreit im sein rechte hanndt, mit deiner Lincken verkherten hanndt nochett bej seim gelenck, oder begreiff Im sein wehr, bey seim gefes, Ruck Im also, sein wehr auff dein lincke seitten, von vnnden auff übersich vmb, Arbeite Im mit deim dolchen zu der blös oder stich im zu seim rechten arm, so mus er das wechr laßen

[70] If one thrusts at you from below, parry him down from above and spring in at him, quickly grab his arm, wherein he has the weapon or seize his weapon by the crossguard and work him to the face or throat according to the opportunity.

[71] However, if you don't threaten him with an approach as now described, and you have to defend yourself or suffer harm, then grasp your dagger to throw and throw it into his face or where you threaten to go, and follow quickly after the throw with a spring, and see that you overtake him by his head and right hand.

[72] Note when you have thrown your dagger at his face, and afterwards have run in at him, then position both your hands crosswise to each other, the right over the left and catch his hilt between both your hands and hold firmly, while turning out to the right side and jerk to you, punch on his elbow with your left.

[73] Item: If he is strong and you cannot take his weapon, then grab onto the ring, use that to your advantage so you overtake him, grab him by the throat or jab a thumb in his eye, or drive up under his nose, or punch him with your thumb under his chin.

[74] The First Rule

Item: If one angrily runs over you with a High Cut, then cut his strike away from you with a diagonal Wrath Cut, close to his Strong, with it you break his grip on his weapon and hand, so that you can then easily cut to another opening before he regains the grip on his weapon, note however in this strike you must step well after once you find that you have weakened his weapon and quickly cut after, pull quickly above you to displace, so that it can't get any better and thrust from you. Then if one strikes at you with a Wrath or Middle Cut, then jump well out from his strike and cut him with a strong Suppressing Cut from above and also on his Strong, quickly jerk your hilt above you, and strike to the next opening, if he cuts at you from below then cut thereafter likewise from above, and once it clashes and he jerks his hilt back upwards to strike, then cut after instantly from below or follow him from below with a thrust to the opening.

[75] The Second Rule

Item: When one will not cut at the same time as you, but waits after for your strikes, and with ease he follows after with cutting or thrusting, so do to him thus, see in which parry he waits, in the high or Low Guard he holds his weapon, if in the high then cut him diagonally from below strongly upwards, then next cut a Middle Cut from the other side through his face, the third strongly from above, so that you cut through these three cuts skillfully and strongly one after the other, if you will be displaced with his efforts, so then you go over his cut with a slice or parry, then snap with the point quickly around and thrust to the right opening or remain with your weapon on his, and once he pulls off, then thrust after or go in at him and grasp with your left to his hilt which to you can be first.

[65r.2] Die annder Regell

Item wann dür Einer nit gleich zu hawen will, sonder deines streichs Ewarttenn vnnd mit lüstenn Im nocht mit hewen oder stichen folgen, so thu Im also, schaw Im was versazung Erwartt, Inn der obern oder vndern hutt, helt Er sein wehr Inn der obern hutten Eine, so hawe Im schlims vonn vnnden auff starck übersich durch, denn anndern Ein mitelhaw von der andem seitten durch sein gesicht, den dritten starck von oben, so du die drej streich geschicklich vnd starck auf ein ander durch hauest, wirdt dür mit miche[75] versezt werden, so dür aber der hew Einer gesteckt wirdt mit Ein schnidt oder absezt [65v.1] so schnap mit dem ortt bechendt vmb vnd stich zur nechsten blös, oder bleib mit der wehr auff seiner als baldt Er abzuckt, so stich noch oder gehe Im Inn vnnd greüff mit deiner Lincken hannd nAch seim gefes, welchs dir am Ersten werden khann ⁋

[76] Item: If one will wait on your strike, which has just been mentioned, then position yourself with comportment as if you would furiously strike from above to his left, once you note that he will slip after then pull back and cut up to his lower right opening diagonally, from this way you may pull the cuts from one opening to another and with this, thrust after to your opportunity and your pleasure.

[77] The Third Rule

If he holds his weapon too high in the parry, then cut him quickly through the foot and note as soon as he sinks after with his hand to your cut or too the opening, then quickly cut him over his weapon to the face or when he sinks with his hand after your strike, then thrust him over his arm to his face.

[78] Item: If one holds his hand down, then cut with a Middle Cut from the right through his face, as soon as he slips upwards, then cut again from the left down through his foot, the third again diagonally to the head.

[79] Item: Cut him inside from above through to the hand, the second outside to his foot or arm.

[80] Item: Cut him outside to the arm, as soon as he slips after your cut, then drive down through and thrust him to the body.

[81] Item: Cut him from your right through to the feet and threaten to thrust overhand from outside and over his right arm, but pull cut him outside to the thigh, this goes to both sides.

MS Bibl. 2465 066r.jpg

[82] Note so you must defend yourself, if one runs over you with a Knebelspiess and you only have a Rappier or other single hand weapon, then hold your weapon horizontally in front of you with the point towards the ground before your left foot, if he strikes powerfully at you, then drive above with your weapon and spring in well under his strike, bend down while springing in and keep your hand out from his strike and allow his strike to glance off on your weapon then hastily grab onto his staff with your left hand, Indes cut quickly to his hand.

[66r] Merck so du dich zur nett wehrenn must, so dich Einer mit Eim knebelspis überlife vnnd du nur Ein Rapir oder sonnst Ein wehr zu Einer hanndt, so halt dein [66v.1] wechr überzwerch vor dür die spitz vor deim Lincken fus auff die Erden schlecht Er mit gewaldt auff dich, so fahr übersich mit deiner wehr vnnd spring Im vnnder sein streich Rucke, dich, Im sprung mit dem haupt aus seim streich, vnnd las sein streich auff deiner wechr abglitzen, vnnd greüff Eilentz mit der Lüncken hand In sein stangen Jnndes haw bechendt zu seiner handt,

[83] Item: If one thrusts at you and you have your weapon under his as has just been taught, so drive against and set off his thrust upwards above your head, if he instantly pulls off your parry and thrusts again, so turn his other thrust away from above the Ox towards your left side with a big jump and seize his staff like before, in this way you can defend yourself against a long pike, then in sportive use this is not such a good thing to do, but rather against those whom the pulling is reported, especially where one strikes furiously at you, such things are good and go well.

[84] Item: You may also send yourself in the Ox in a hurry, and turn them away through the hanging, note however that you shall rush nimbly to him or under his weapon the higher in the air he is in the distance from you, the less you ???? him, but if he jumps and thrusts at you, then cut away his thrust with a diagonal Wrath Cut, if he strikes then spring to him out from his strike.

[85] A short and good rapier lesson which I have extracted as a core from the summarized fencing I have taught here up to now.

In this Rapier fencing there are depicted four guards, namely Ox, Iron Gate, Changer to the left together with the right Changer, which also the right Side Guard is otherwise known as.

[86] Item: 2 cuts namely a diagonal Wrath Cut, which is the Watch Strike and will be shifted three ways, firstly through the face, then through the middle of the opponent, the third through the feet. The second cut is the Middle Cut or athwart cut and also has three thrusts through which it is cut, namely through the face, through the middle and through the feet like the diagonal.

[87] Item: It will also be reported; (there are) two thrusts, the first a face thrust, the second a breast thrust, the two guards however which are done in this Rappier fencing, are both Changers, that one should learn together the drivings with Double Changers as it is taught in the Dussack as the Changer Drivings on page 47.

[88] The next Change is done thusly: stand with the right foot forward hold your weapon by your right with the point at the ground, from there cut a Defensive Strike through his right shoulder, so you come again like before by your right, instantly turn your weapon so that the half edge is facing to the rear, flick a Middle Cut through his face, thus you come again to your left, instantly turn your weapon so that the half edge faces out behind you, from there cut a Defensive Strike through his right from your left, these three cuts shall go or be driven quickly into each other, this goes to both sides. The second Change is when you are standing in left Change then take him out with the flat so that your weapon runs around your head and cut him through his right, thus you come into the right Changer, from there take out again with the flat, and cut him through his left, thus you come again into the left Changer, that is the second Change Cut.

[66ar.4] Denn andern wehsel mach also steh mit dem Rechten vor halt dem wechr neben deiner Rechten die spietz auff der Erdenn, vonn danen haw am wehr streich durch sein Rechten achel, so kumestu wüder wie vor neben deiner Rechten, Indes verwende dein wehr das die halb schneidt hindersich aus stett, Zeich ein mittelhaw durch sein gesicht, so kumestu wider auff dein Lincken, Indes verwend dein wechr neben deiner Lincken das dein halb schneidt hinder dür hinaus sichett, von damen haw Ein wechr streich durch sein Rechte vonn [66av.1] deiner Lincken dise drej hew sollenn bechendt In Einander gon, oder gethriben wenden, das geett zu beiden seitten, Der ander wechsell ist also, wan du Im Lincken Wechsel stehest so nim mit der flech aus, das dein wehr vmb den kopff laufft, vnd haw Im durch sein Rechten so kumestu Inn Rechten wechsell, von denen nim wider aus, mit der flech, vnnd hew Im durch sein Lincken, so kumestu wüder In Lincken wechsell, dz ist der ander wechsel haw.

[89] The third Change Cut is done thusly, stand in right Change and cut him from the right through his face that your weapon comes into the left Side Guard, from there cut a Middle Cut through his feet, so the weapon comes to your right side, from there quickly cut a diagonal through his face.

[90] Item: Stand in the previously mentioned Changer and cut the first through his feet from your right, the second a Middle Cut through his face from your left and the third again from your right diagonally through his face. These Change Cuts go from both sides.

[91] Changer to the right or the right Side Guard

Note when you stand in the Changer to your right, and he thrusts or cuts from above then take out with the flat with straight arm so that your point remains before his face, thus your weapon comes into the left Ox, then allow your point to sink downwards and drive with the point under his arm from inside through to his body, instantly heave your hilt upwards and allow the point to sink downwards and with that jerk your hilt and weapon out to your left side, from there cut a Defensive Strike through his right thus you come again into the right Changer.

[92] Item: Take out like before and cut him to the inside of his forward most leg, thus you come in the left Changer, if he thrusts then set it off with the long edge, and turn his thrust overhand to his face and quickly wind again around on his blade and thrust him to the hip, reverse and jerk out to your left side and cut a Defensive Strike through his right, thus you come again in the right Changer, from there take out further with hanging and thrust overhand to the face, cut into the Iron Gate.

[66av.5] Ittem nim aus wie vor vnnd hew im zu sein fürgesezten Inwendigen bein, so kumestu [66br.1] In Lincken wechsel, sticht Er so setz mit der langen schneidt ab, vnd wend im den stich vber die handt zu seim gesicht, vnd wind bechendt wider vmb ann seiner klingen vnd stich Im zur hifft verkhertt, Ruck auff dein Lincken seitten vnd haw ein wehr streich durch sein Rechten so kumestu wüder In den Rechten wechsell von dannen nim ferner aus mit verhengen vnd stich über dein hanndt zum gesicht, vnnd schneid Inn die Eisenportt ⁋

[93] Item: Take out as described above and thrust overhand to his face.

[94] Item: Take out and threaten him with an overhand thrust, but pull and cut him from outside through his right leg and then cut a Defensive Strike quickly through his left from your right.

[95] Changer to the left

Note when you stand in left Changer, then take out with the flat so that the weapon shoots around above your head, threaten him with a hand thrust, pull and cut from your right through his forward most leg and thrust him from the left Ox overhand to his face.

[96] Item: Take out and from your head outside to his right leg, thus you come to the right side, from there take out through the hanging and thrust him inside to his face, do not forget the step.

[97] Item: Take out with the half edge strongly upwards and cut from above inside through to his hand, and thrust him overhand to the face.

[98] Iron Gate

From the Iron Gate fight with the Change Cuts how they are previously taught, deliver the thrusts to your opportunity or attack with a Defensive Strike, thus you come at once in the previously written Stuck.

[99] Item: If he allows you to bind on the forward most part of his blade from the right, then wrench out to your left side, so that you come into the left Ox, thrust him at once under his arm inside to the chest, turn with the hilt to your left side and cut a Defensive Strike through his right, how all things in the Stuck with the ??? are listed.

[100] Ox or High Guard

Item: If you stand in the Iron Gate then change upwards into the right Ox, if he thrusts, then take out through the hanging and thrust to his face, but if he thrusts simultaneously that you transmute in Ox, then cut him through his hand from above that you come into the left Changer, from there take out and thrust after.

[101] Item: If you stand in Ox or Iron Gate so that your blade is to your left side, then drive under and through, thrust him outside and over his right arm an inside thrust to the face, then turn it and cut through the belly, so that your weapon comes into the left Changer, instantly thrust from below inside to his body.

[102] Item: If you have your blade to his right side, then drive through below and thrust inside to his waist, turn with the hilt to your left and cut him from outside over his right arm so that your weapons again comes into the left Changer and thrust below and inside to his body with a step out.

[103] Item: If you stand in the Iron Gate, and he thrusts from his right to your left, then set off and cut a Defensive Strike inside through his face thus you come into the right Changer, from there take out with hanging.

[104] These Stuck, along with the Change Cuts, should be changed from one Stuck to another and from one cut to another, and also varied with the thrusts. The man who wants to defend himself with the rapier, should diligently study this book.

More

  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 first 10 lines of this paragraph are shorter of 30% than the last four, as if there is a left place here for a picture or a diagram.
  8. The "l" appears to be written over another letter, perhaps a "b".
  9. The second letter looks a bit like a “b” but it is nonsense. It can be also considered like a small capital “e”.
  10. 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.”
  11. The first letter corrected from “w” by cancelling the first bow of the letter.
  12. The first letter could also read as an “l", but “b” seems more probable here.
  13. The first letter corrected from “b” by overwriting.
  14. 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”.
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Torn page on left.
  16. 16.0 16.1 Torn page on right.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. Above text also appears in Lund 47v.1.
  20. Note that Lund paragraphs 14-18 have counterparts in Munich paragraphs 2.1-2.5, but the text isn't a direct match.
  21. 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
  22. Lund 57v.1 Zornhau.
  23. Unclear reading. It appears as if the scribe first intended to write “halber” but noticed his error in the middle of the word. The reverse may be true also.
  24. The first paragraph “A good attack from the Steer” is synonymous in the 1560 57v.2. Last two paragraphs here are not found there.
  25. The first letter was first written in lower case but was corrected with an upper-case letter.
  26. Unclear.
  27. Found in Lund 60v.1.
  28. Abrauschen = to shoot off.
  29. 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”.
  30. These two paragraphs found in Lund 61v.1 and 62r.1; with above noted differences.
  31. The 4th rule and other paragraph synonymous with Lund 62r.2, 62r.3
  32. 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.
  33. It refers to the picture set at the page with the number 31.
  34. Found in Lund 63r.1 63r.2 63r.3.
  35. 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.
  36. 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”.
  37. Durcken Zug = this may mean Turkish Cut. A slice using a drawing motion, usually with a curved blade.
  38. Kniebugen = crook of knee, bend of knee.
  39. These descriptions differ in wording from the Lund.
  40. Apicem id from Latin: Apex Cut or a Scalp Cut; as also used in the Lund.
  41. Possible translation of anckell: “back of head”, as the image clearly shows a strike there.
  42. Curious typographical sign.
  43. Unclear.
  44. Note: The first paragraph of Two Constrainers appears in Lund 55v.1, but it does not include second paragraph found here from left steer.
  45. This paragraph is from Lund 56r.1, but is titled there: "a Good Stuck from the Constrainer"; here Meyer calls it an “Example”.
  46. The Rose Cut's first paragraph above is found in the Lund 56r.2, but the 2nd paragraph here is not found in Lund.
  47. Feler hau description here is mostly synonymous with the Lund 50r.1, but here Meyer ends with “as it is reported in the Boch hau”, which is not found in the Lund.
  48. Synonymous with Lund 56v.3.
  49. Synonymous with Lund 57r.1.
  50. Synonymous with Lund 57r.2.
  51. Unclear.
  52. Arbeit im einlauffen from Lund 60r.2; last 3 lines do not appear in Lund. Item etc.
  53. The isolated “s” seems a mistake and not the beginning of an unfinished word.
  54. The Drivings also appear in Lund 64v.1 – 65r.1.
  55. 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".
  56. 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".
  57. 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.
  58. Unclear.
  59. Unclear.
  60. This paragraph here is from Lund 76v.1.
  61. 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.
  62. Paragraph found in Lund 78v.2.
  63. From Lund 79r.1.
  64. Unclear.
  65. Gleich einer Rinder = like a Rinde or Looping technique.
  66. 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.
  67. 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.
  68. 68.0 68.1 Section of translation missing. ~MCC
  69. 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!
  70. Second and third paragraphs here are from Lund 72v.1, 72v.2 and titled there as Change.
  71. Note: This is found in Lund 73v.3.
  72. Sprungsweise translates to “by leaping” “by skipping” drei schrit = 3 steps.
  73. 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).
  74. Unclear.
  75. Unclear.
  76. Kelen = throat, Ancken = back of neck/head.
  77. Uchsen = armpit (grimms), Koll = Head.
  78. Ancken = back of head/neck.
  79. Offenern Schulen- this word is synonymous with the Fechtschulen, “Offenen” basically means public or Open schools. See Wassmansdorff, many original examples.
  80. Genick=neck, fingerlössen=finger severing, Mauss=ball of the hand below thumb.. Schlöff=may be Swiss variation of schläfe or temple.
  81. Ceci fait suite à la page de gauche
  82. 82.0 82.1 82.2 orig. dolchen; all instances of "dagger" in this document are dolchen excepy when footnoted.
  83. orig. ararmschirleinn
  84. orig. stichen, "thrust"/"stab" (context dependent); instances of stabbing that use other verbs will be footnoted.
  85. orig. Armschiene - seemingly a part of the armour
  86. orig. geordinirtt
  87. orig. schießen; see here
  88. orig. findt
  89. orig. spis
  90. orig. schwertt
  91. orig. sebell
  92. 92.0 92.1 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
  93. 93.0 93.1 orig. Anngreiffen; "attacking" or "grappling"; cf. angreifen
  94. orig. zimlich
  95. alt. "endure"
  96. 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.
  97. orig. noch eines Idenn woll gefalen
  98. orig. Reren; cf. Rohre/Röhre
  99. orig. lest
  100. orig. Schranckenn
  101. 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
  102. orig. donerschlag; a strike with the hilt of the longsword while holding the blade
  103. orig. vnnd las Inn vorverthobenn; messy ink makes it difficult to transcribe; possible alt. "and read above beforehand"
  104. A blunt strike, as opposed to a cut or slice. See here.
  105. orig. versezen; alt. "parrying"
  106. Unclear.
  107. 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
  108. orig. erlang
  109. see nachreissen
  110. 110.0 110.1 110.2 110.3 110.4 110.5 110.6 orig. stehenn; often coupled with ansezen in this section; alt. "stand against"
  111. orig. uchsen
  112. 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
  113. orig. greifest
  114. 114.0 114.1 114.2 114.3 orig. brich
  115. orig. anbrichen
  116. 116.00 116.01 116.02 116.03 116.04 116.05 116.06 116.07 116.08 116.09 116.10 116.11 orig. stos
  117. orig. goch
  118. 118.0 118.1 118.2 118.3 118.4 118.5 118.6 orig. schlag
  119. 119.0 119.1 119.2 see absetzen
  120. orig. drissel; cf. thrissel
  121. 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".
  122. orig. Achsell
  123. 123.0 123.1 see Ringen
  124. 124.0 124.1 see arbeiten
  125. 125.0 125.1 125.2 125.3 125.4 125.5 orig. streich, cf. schlag
  126. 126.0 126.1 126.2 126.3 126.4 126.5 126.6 126.7 orig. inndes
  127. alt. "attacks"
  128. orig. last Er dür die seitten
  129. 129.0 129.1 orig. Ring; alt. lists
  130. orig. vergesezsten
  131. 131.0 131.1 131.2 see abzucken
  132. orig. fies
  133. 133.0 133.1 see gleich
  134. unclear transcription; possibly nim, ergo "take the weight"
  135. Unclear.
  136. orig. zwerchs
  137. 137.0 137.1 orig. degen; see kempffdegen
  138. orig. hawen. A cut or slice, as opposed to a blunt strike. See see here.
  139. 139.0 139.1 139.2 orig. bickell; most likely referring to the artificial, "mason's hammer", pickaxe shape of the crossguard in armoured fencing
  140. orig. klos
  141. orig. Stuck
  142. orig. knefftiglich, interpreted as krefftiglich
  143. 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
  144. orig. entgehenn
  145. orig. faren/auffaren; cf. fahren
  146. originally transcribed as knefftiglich, but krefftiglich (lit. "powerfully") seems more likely, in my opinion
  147. orig. gerecht; possible mistranscription/misspelling of gemecht, lit. "groin" or "genitals"
  148. 148.0 148.1 148.2 orig. las dein bindt fahren, lit. "let your grip drive"; alt. "release your grip and drive"
  149. Possibly "hauberk"(?).
  150. 150.0 150.1 orig. ausnemen; alt. "take out [the blade with a parry]"; "deflect"(?)
  151. orig. verzoblen; cf. verzögern
  152. lit. oben hutt; contrast Oberhutt
  153. orig. heutt; possible verb form of hutt
  154. orig. überwegest
  155. 155.0 155.1 orig. schlagen. Probably means "place" in this context.
  156. orig. sez; no accompanying adposition but I assume he means ansezen
  157. listen
  158. orig. Bundtschlag, lit. "grip strike"
  159. orig. fertt
  160. orig. wie nechst
  161. orig. oder Aber fus gesicht, lit. or but foot face, possible alt. "or his foot or face"
  162. orig. wendt
  163. orig. Reüb
  164. orig. geschmidt, lit. smithed. Possibly misspelling of Geschmeidt, which means "jewellery" - perhaps slang for gemecht ("genitals)".
  165. orig. steßen
  166. orig. abgewünnen
  167. Note that he uses the word degen but seems to refer to the aforementioned "threefold" dagger, which he referred to using the word dolchen.
  168. orig. feder
  169. orig. spietzen
  170. Reference in the left margin to picture on page 61.
  171. orig. auf dz schlos am Rucken; alt. "clasp of the back"
  172. orig. Wappenrock
  173. Unclear whether die refers to the dagger or the heart, here
  174. orig. kurz halbenn; alt. "short edge"
  175. orig. concordiren