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| [[File:Sainct Didier Title.png|400x400px|center]]
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier Title.png|400x400px|center]]
| '''TREATY CONTAINS THE SECRETS OF THE FIRST BOOK ON THE SWORD ALONE, MOTHER OF'''
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| '''THE TREATY CONTAINING THE SECRETS OF THE FIRST BOOK ON THE SWORD ALONE, MOTHER OF'''
  
all fencing, Which are dagger, cape, targe, buckler, rondel, two handed swords, and dual swords, with portraitures, having weapon in hand for throwing strikes to defend and offend at the same time, both offensively and defensively, very useful and profitable for being on the right of nobility, and disciples of Mars: written for art, order, and practice.
+
all fencing, which includes dagger, cape, targe, buckler, rondel, two handed swords, and dual-wielding swords with portraitures, that have the weapon in hand for throwing strikes to defend and offend at the same time, both offensively and defensively, which is very useful and advantageous to become a skillful noble and disciples of Mars; written for art, order, and practice.
  
 
''Composed by Provencal Gentleman Henry de Saint Didier.''
 
''Composed by Provencal Gentleman Henry de Saint Didier.''
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| ''The following six points are required to understand, and above all to best execute the secrets of the sword alone and of all the other weapons that are dependent.''
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| ''The following six points are required to understand and above all to best execute the secrets of the sword alone and all other weapons that are dependent.''
  
The first is to know how many types of steps there are in the art of said fencing, and to choose the best, and explaining the reason.
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The first is to know how many types of steps there are in the art of said fencing, to choose the best, and to give an explanation.
  
 
| ''S’ensuivent les secrets de ceste espée seule, & de toutes les autres armes qui en dépendent, pour lesquels entendre, & sur tout mieux executer, six poinct sont requis.''
 
| ''S’ensuivent les secrets de ceste espée seule, & de toutes les autres armes qui en dépendent, pour lesquels entendre, & sur tout mieux executer, six poinct sont requis.''
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| The second, how many guards and placements there are of said fencing and to choose the best, and explain the reason.
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| The second: how many guards and placements there are in the said fencing, to choose the best, and explain the reason.
  
 
| Le second, combien de gardes, & situations y a ausdittes armes & eslire la meilleure, & par quelle raison.
 
| Le second, combien de gardes, & situations y a ausdittes armes & eslire la meilleure, & par quelle raison.
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| The third, how many strikes the aggressive enemy can offend the defender and then explaining the reason.
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| The third: how many strikes the aggressive enemy can offend the defender and to give the same explanation.
  
 
| Le troisiesme, de combien de coups l’ennemy aggresseur peut offencer le deffendeur & en donner pareille raison.
 
| Le troisiesme, de combien de coups l’ennemy aggresseur peut offencer le deffendeur & en donner pareille raison.
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| The fourth, how many clean targets can be listed for the said strikes on the person, both in attacking as well as in defending.
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| The fourth: how many clean targets can be listed for the said strikes on a person, both in attacking as well as in defending.
  
 
| Le quatriesme, en combien de lieux propres se peuvent adapter lesdits coups sur la personne, tant en assaillant, qu’en deffendant.
 
| Le quatriesme, en combien de lieux propres se peuvent adapter lesdits coups sur la personne, tant en assaillant, qu’en deffendant.
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|The fifth, is namely, to all those who make or will make, the profession of teaching the said fencing: being able to defend and offend at the same time a strike or strikes that can be thrown, and thus if they do not know, how will they be able to teach their disciples.
+
|The fifth is namely to all those who make or will make the profession of teaching the said fencing: being able to defend and offend at the same time some strike or strikes that one can throw, and thus if they do not know how can they teach their disciples.
  
 
| Le cinquiesme, sçavoir, à tous ceux qui font, ou feront, cy aprés profession de monstrer audites armes : soy deffendre & offencer à un mesme temps de quelque coup ou coups qu’on peut tirer, & par ainsi s’ils ne les sçavent comment les pourront ils monstrer à leurs disciples.
 
| Le cinquiesme, sçavoir, à tous ceux qui font, ou feront, cy aprés profession de monstrer audites armes : soy deffendre & offencer à un mesme temps de quelque coup ou coups qu’on peut tirer, & par ainsi s’ils ne les sçavent comment les pourront ils monstrer à leurs disciples.
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| By the sixth point, which is the last will behold a great secret, which is to decide which strike that the attacker can throw on the defender and will be explained.
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| By the sixth point, which is the last, we will see a great secret which is to decide which strike that the attacker can throw on the defender and will be given an explanation.
 
   
 
   
 
| Par le sixiesme poinct, qui est le dernier on verra un grand secret, qui est de juger du coup que l’assaillant peut tirer sur le deffendeur & en sera donné raison.
 
| Par le sixiesme poinct, qui est le dernier on verra un grand secret, qui est de juger du coup que l’assaillant peut tirer sur le deffendeur & en sera donné raison.
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| Regarding the first point, which is to know how many steps there are, I answer that there are no more than two, because we have no more than two feet.
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| Regarding the first point, which is to know how many steps there are, I answer that there are no more than two because we have no more than two feet.
 
   
 
   
 
| Quand au premier poinct, c’est à sçavoir combien il y a de desmarches, je respond qu’il n’y en a<ref>Insertion du « a ».</ref>que deux, par ce que nous n’avons que deux pieds.
 
| Quand au premier poinct, c’est à sçavoir combien il y a de desmarches, je respond qu’il n’y en a<ref>Insertion du « a ».</ref>que deux, par ce que nous n’avons que deux pieds.
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| Some stand on the right foot, others on the left foot, however none give good reasons for one step or the other. But for being well assured when he must take the sword in hand, knowing which of the said steps is best and is the most effective in this is necessary to be keep for executing the said art.
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| Some stand on the right foot, others on the left foot, however none give good reasons for one step or the other. But rest assured when he must take the sword in hand, knowing which of the said steps is best and most effective is necessary to execute the said art.
  
 
| Les aucuns se tiennent sur le pied droict, les autres sur le pied gauche, toutefois en donnent bien peu de raisons, soy tenant sur l’une ou sur l’autre desmarche. Mais pour estre bien asseuré quand il est besoing de mettre l’espée au poing, faut sçavoir laquelle desdites deux desmarches est la meilleure & la plus certaine & superlative & en icelle comme dit est se faut tenir pour executer ledit art.
 
| Les aucuns se tiennent sur le pied droict, les autres sur le pied gauche, toutefois en donnent bien peu de raisons, soy tenant sur l’une ou sur l’autre desmarche. Mais pour estre bien asseuré quand il est besoing de mettre l’espée au poing, faut sçavoir laquelle desdites deux desmarches est la meilleure & la plus certaine & superlative & en icelle comme dit est se faut tenir pour executer ledit art.
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| As for me I favor with experience and reason the step which is done by standing on the left foot for the first time, in putting sword in hand, is better and more effective, both for attacking and for defending. How much do our older teachers stick to this, either on one or the other, give very little reason. For this reason I will conclude that there are no more than two steps in all the art, to start this off.
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| As for me I favor with experience and proof that the step which is done by standing on the left foot initially in putting sword in hand is better and more effective, both for attacking and for defending. How little that our past teachers keep to either on one or the other, give very little reason. For this reason I will conclude that there are no more than two steps in all the art to start this off.
 
   
 
   
 
| Quant à moy je soustiens avec l’esperience & preuve la desmarche qui se faict, soy tenant sur le pied gauche, pour la premiere foys, en mettant l’espée au poing, est la plus certaine & meilleure, tant pour l’assaillant que pour le deffendant. Combien que peu de noz encestres demonstrateurs s’y tiennent, & soy y tenant, tant sur l’un que sur l’autre, en donnent bien peu de raison. À ceste cause je concluray qu’il n’y a que deux desmarches en tout l’art, pour bien commencer iceluy.
 
| Quant à moy je soustiens avec l’esperience & preuve la desmarche qui se faict, soy tenant sur le pied gauche, pour la premiere foys, en mettant l’espée au poing, est la plus certaine & meilleure, tant pour l’assaillant que pour le deffendant. Combien que peu de noz encestres demonstrateurs s’y tiennent, & soy y tenant, tant sur l’un que sur l’autre, en donnent bien peu de raison. À ceste cause je concluray qu’il n’y a que deux desmarches en tout l’art, pour bien commencer iceluy.
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| And to follow from the experienced and to imitate them, it is necessary to choose the best of two good things, and of two bad things, to avoid both if possible and if not at least avoid the worse, and in doing so, I advise all said adherents to take the better of the said two steps, which is the one you stand on the left foot for the first time with weapons in hand to make one of the said three drawings.
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| And to follow from the experienced and to imitate them, it is necessary to choose the best of two good things, and of two bad things to avoid both if possible and if not at least avoid the worse, and in doing so I advise all said adherents to take the better of the said two steps, which is the one where you stand on the left foot initially with weapons in hand to make one of the said three drawings.
  
 
| Et pour bien suivre les doctes, & les immiter, faut de deux choses bonnes choisir la meilleure, & de deux mauvaises, eviter les deux, si faire se peut, sinon la pire, & en ce faisant, je conseille à tous lesdits suppots de prendre la meilleure desdites deux desmarches, qui est celle qu’on se tient sur le pied gauche pour la premiere fois, en mettant les armes au poing, faisant un desdits trois desgainements.
 
| Et pour bien suivre les doctes, & les immiter, faut de deux choses bonnes choisir la meilleure, & de deux mauvaises, eviter les deux, si faire se peut, sinon la pire, & en ce faisant, je conseille à tous lesdits suppots de prendre la meilleure desdites deux desmarches, qui est celle qu’on se tient sur le pied gauche pour la premiere fois, en mettant les armes au poing, faisant un desdits trois desgainements.
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| As for me I stick to the idea that the left foot is the best because one can be free to take more time and move farther than on the step of the right foot, and therefore to attack and to defend better, as will be seen later in the section on the strikes.
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| As for me I believe that the left foot is the best because one can be free to take more time and move farther than on the step of the right foot, and therefore to attack and to defend better, as will be seen later in the section on the strikes.
  
 
| Quant à moy je dy soy tenant sur le pied gauche est le meilleur, par ce que y estant on a liberté de prendre plus de temps, & grande course, que sur la desmarche du pied droict & par consequent de bien assaillir, & de beaucoup mieux se deffendre, comme se verra cy aprés à l’ordre des coups.
 
| Quant à moy je dy soy tenant sur le pied gauche est le meilleur, par ce que y estant on a liberté de prendre plus de temps, & grande course, que sur la desmarche du pied droict & par consequent de bien assaillir, & de beaucoup mieux se deffendre, comme se verra cy aprés à l’ordre des coups.
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| The second is knowing how many guards and placements there are of said fencing. I say that there are no more than three guards and three principal placements.
 
| The second is knowing how many guards and placements there are of said fencing. I say that there are no more than three guards and three principal placements.
  
* The first is the low, placing the point at the braies.
+
* The first is low, placing the point at the braies.
* The second is the middle, placing the point of the sword straight at the left eye.
+
* The second is middle, placing the point of the sword straight at the left eye.
* The third is the high, placing the point of the sword at the face, coming from high to low.
+
* The third is high, placing the point of the sword at the face, coming from high to low.
  
 
| La seconde est sçavoir combien de gardes & situations il y a ausdites armes. Je dis qu’il n’y a que trois gardes, & trois assituations principalles.
 
| La seconde est sçavoir combien de gardes & situations il y a ausdites armes. Je dis qu’il n’y a que trois gardes, & trois assituations principalles.
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| The third point that one must know how many strikes the attacking enemy can offend the defendant. As for me I say that the attacker and defendant can offend with no more than three strikes. Which are,
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| The third point that one must know is how many strikes the attacking enemy can offend the defendant. As for me I say that the attacker and defendant can offend with no more than three strikes. Which are:
  
 
* Right-Hand,
 
* Right-Hand,
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| It is true that they can be multiplied in six clean targets on the human body, which must be kept well, as well as a good tennis player must keep the es<ref>Dupuis describes this as a wooden board placed in the back wall of the tennis court which, if hit by a volley, is scored immediately. In modern tennis, this board is replaced by a grid.</ref> well, that the ball of the opposing party does not touch it. Also a good fencer must be careful that one of the three strikes do not hit the six targets that can be adapted as said, which will be seen later.
+
| It is true that they can be multiplied in six clean targets on the human body, which must be kept well, as well as a good tennis player must keep the es<ref>Dupuis describes this as a wooden board placed in the back wall of the tennis court which, if hit by a volley, is scored immediately. In modern tennis, this board is replaced by a grid.</ref> well, that the ball of the opposing party does not touch it. So too must a good fencer be careful that one of the three strikes do not hit the six targets that can be adapted as said, which will be seen later.
  
  
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| It should be noted that fencing and tennis are related, and whoever will know how to play tennis well, will be able to strike well easily and early with weapons.
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| It should be noted that fencing and tennis are related, and whoever knows how to play tennis well will be able to strike well easily and early with weapons.
  
 
| Faut noter que les armes, & la paulme sont cousins germains, & qui scaura bien jouer à la paulme, facilement & tost scaura bien tirer des armes.
 
| Faut noter que les armes, & la paulme sont cousins germains, & qui scaura bien jouer à la paulme, facilement & tost scaura bien tirer des armes.
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| The fourth point is that attacking and defending can offend with no more than three said strikes: it is true that they can be multiplied and adapted as have been promised above at six clean targets on a person, either in attacking or in defending, and whoever will know the means of defending and offending at the same time as the said three strikes can, which is above and will be defined later, when multiplied can know a hundred strikes.
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| The fourth point is that attacking and defending can offend with no more than three said strikes: it is true that they can be multiplied and adapted as have been promised above at six clean targets on a person, either in attacking or in defending, and whoever knows the means to defend and offend with the said three strikes at the same time when multiplied can know a hundred strikes, which is above and will be defined later.
 
   
 
   
 
| Le quatriesme poinct est, que l’assaillant & deffendant ne se peuvent offencer que desdicts trois coups : bien est vray qu’ils se peuvent multiplier, & adapter comme avons promis si dessus en six lieux propres sur la person ne, soit en assaillant, ou en deffendant, & qui scaura le moyen de soy deffendre, & offencer à un mesme temps, comme ce peult, desdicts trois coups, qui sont cy dessus & seront si aprés definis, estant multipliez il en scaura cent.
 
| Le quatriesme poinct est, que l’assaillant & deffendant ne se peuvent offencer que desdicts trois coups : bien est vray qu’ils se peuvent multiplier, & adapter comme avons promis si dessus en six lieux propres sur la person ne, soit en assaillant, ou en deffendant, & qui scaura le moyen de soy deffendre, & offencer à un mesme temps, comme ce peult, desdicts trois coups, qui sont cy dessus & seront si aprés definis, estant multipliez il en scaura cent.
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| The following names of said six clean targets, where one must, and can throw the said three strikes are called,
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| The following are the names of said six clean targets, where one can and must throw the said three strikes are called:
  
 
* Right-Hand
 
* Right-Hand
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| The first strike and target is a Right-Hand, low to the left leg of the defendant.
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| The first strike and target is a low right-hand to the left leg of the defendant.
  
 
| Le premier coup & lieu, est un maindroict, de bas au jarret gauche du deffendant.
 
| Le premier coup & lieu, est un maindroict, de bas au jarret gauche du deffendant.
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| The second strike and target is a Backhand, low to the right leg of the defender if he is right; and if he left, it will be done at his left leg.
+
| The second strike and target is a low backhand to the right leg of the defender if he is right; and if he left, it will be done at his left leg.
  
 
| Le second coup & lieu, est un renvers, de bas au jarret droict du deffendeur, s’il est droictié, & s’il est gauché, se fera au jarret gauche.
 
| Le second coup & lieu, est un renvers, de bas au jarret droict du deffendeur, s’il est droictié, & s’il est gauché, se fera au jarret gauche.
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| The third target, the said Right-Hand, is multiplied once from above on the left side of the defendant.
+
| The third target, the said right-hand, is multiplied once from above on the left side of the defendant.
  
 
| Le troisieme lieu, ledict maindroict est multiplié une fois d’hault sur le costé gauche du deffendant.
 
| Le troisieme lieu, ledict maindroict est multiplié une fois d’hault sur le costé gauche du deffendant.
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| The fourth target is a Backhand from above at the right shoulders of the defendant, multiplied once.
+
| The fourth target is a high backhand at the right shoulders of the defendant, multiplied once.
  
 
| Le quatriesme lieu est un renvers d’hault sur l’espaulle droicte du deffendant, estans multiplié une fois.
 
| Le quatriesme lieu est un renvers d’hault sur l’espaulle droicte du deffendant, estans multiplié une fois.
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| The sixth and final target, is the right nipple of the said Prevost to which the Lieutenant throws a thrust, which is the said third strike, being multiplied once like the Right-Hand and the Backhand.
+
| The sixth and final target, is the right nipple of the said Prevost to which the Lieutenant throws a thrust, which is the said third strike, being multiplied once like the right-hand and the backhand.
  
 
| Le sixiesme & dernier lieu, est le tetin droict dudict Prevost auquel le Lieutenent tirera un estoc, qui est ledict troisiesme coup, estant multiplié une fois comme ledict Maindroict, & Renvers.
 
| Le sixiesme & dernier lieu, est le tetin droict dudict Prevost auquel le Lieutenent tirera un estoc, qui est ledict troisiesme coup, estant multiplié une fois comme ledict Maindroict, & Renvers.
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| End of the said six targets, which is also the end of the fourth point.
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| The end of the said six targets, which is also the end of the fourth point.
  
 
| Fin desdicts six lieux, qui est aussi la fin du quatriesme poinct.
 
| Fin desdicts six lieux, qui est aussi la fin du quatriesme poinct.
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| And so responding the said Fabrice said that there are many blows, blows in Neapolitan is what is called strikes in French. And hearing this response uttered by the said Fabrice the said Author answered that this answer is infinite and vague. Responding again the said Fabrice asked sir why do you say that my response is impertinent.
+
| And so responding the said Fabrice said that there are many blows, blows in Neapolitan is what is called strikes in French. And hearing this response uttered by the said Fabrice the said Author answered that this answer is infinite and vague. Responding again the said Fabrice asked sir why do you say that my answer is impertinent.
 
   
 
   
 
| Et alors respondit ledit Fabrice & dit, de plusieurs bottes, bottes en napollitain vaut autant à dire que coups en françois. Et encores oyant ledit Autheur cette response proferée par ledit Fabrice, estre infinie et incertaine. Respondit encore ledit Fabrice & dist seigneur pourquoy dictes vous que ma reponse est impertinente.
 
| Et alors respondit ledit Fabrice & dit, de plusieurs bottes, bottes en napollitain vaut autant à dire que coups en françois. Et encores oyant ledit Autheur cette response proferée par ledit Fabrice, estre infinie et incertaine. Respondit encore ledit Fabrice & dist seigneur pourquoy dictes vous que ma reponse est impertinente.
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| Responding the said Saint Didier says that all responses with infinite answers are vague, so to this said answer of many blows from the said Fabrice is impertinent.
+
| Responding the said Saint Didier says that every answer with infinite points are vague, so to this said answer of many blows from the said Fabrice is impertinent.
  
 
| Respond ledit de Sainct Didier & dit que toute response infinie n’a point de certitude, à ceste cause ladite response qu’a ledit Fabrice respondu de plusieurs bottes est impertinente.
 
| Respond ledit de Sainct Didier & dit que toute response infinie n’a point de certitude, à ceste cause ladite response qu’a ledit Fabrice respondu de plusieurs bottes est impertinente.
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| And so the said Fabrice seeing that I was shaking my head, meaning that he did not answer me pertinently. The said Fabrice comes to his senses and gives another response, and says that there are five blows that the attacking enemy could offend the defendant: And again I told him to define them, and this time he says,
+
| And so the said Fabrice saw that I was shaking my head, meaning that he did not answer me pertinently. The said Fabrice comes to his senses and gives another answer and says that there are five blows that the attacking enemy could offend the defendant: And again I told him to define them, and this time he says:
  
 
* Mandritti,
 
* Mandritti,
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* Stoccata,
 
* Stoccata,
 
* Imbrocatta.
 
* Imbrocatta.
And hearing this response uttered by the said Fabrice, when he said the above five Blows.
+
And hearing this answer uttered by the said Fabrice when he said the above five Blows.
  
 
| Et alors ledit Fabrice voyant que je remuois la teste, signifiant par là qu’il ne m’avoit respondu pertinement. Va ledit Fabrice un petit reprendre ses esprits, & feit autre response, & dit que de cinq bottes l’ennemy assaillant pouvoit offencer le deffendant : Et encores je luy dis definissez les, & à ceste heure il dit d’un,
 
| Et alors ledit Fabrice voyant que je remuois la teste, signifiant par là qu’il ne m’avoit respondu pertinement. Va ledit Fabrice un petit reprendre ses esprits, & feit autre response, & dit que de cinq bottes l’ennemy assaillant pouvoit offencer le deffendant : Et encores je luy dis definissez les, & à ceste heure il dit d’un,
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| So the said Author, without pause answered him and said that such responses contain two answers to which he responded wrong, whereas one is a response that is plural, and the other is singular. The plural is worthless given the above reason; the singular which is when he said above about being five blows is also not pertinent. The reason is because there are too many and therefore some must be removed.
+
| So the said Author, without pause responded to him and said that these two answers that he responded is wrong, whereas one is a response that is plural, and the other is singular. The plural is worthless given the above reason; the singular which is when he said above about being five blows is also not pertinent. The reason is because there are too many and therefore some must be removed.
  
 
| Alors le dit Autheur, sans bien peu d’intervalle luy respondit & dit que telles responses contenoient deux chefs, par lesquels il avoit mal respondu, attendu qu’il y a une response qui est plurielle, & l’autre singuliere. La plurielle ne vaut rien, la raison est cy dessus donnée, la singuliere qui est quand il a dit cy dessus de cinq bottes n’est aussi pertinente. La raison par ce que il en y a trop & par ainsi en faut oster.
 
| Alors le dit Autheur, sans bien peu d’intervalle luy respondit & dit que telles responses contenoient deux chefs, par lesquels il avoit mal respondu, attendu qu’il y a une response qui est plurielle, & l’autre singuliere. La plurielle ne vaut rien, la raison est cy dessus donnée, la singuliere qui est quand il a dit cy dessus de cinq bottes n’est aussi pertinente. La raison par ce que il en y a trop & par ainsi en faut oster.
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| '''To the King.'''
 
| '''To the King.'''
  
'''By Stepehen of Guette, gentleman.'''
+
'''By the gentleman Stephen of Guette.'''
 
<poem>SIRE, it is all but certain that men are made
 
<poem>SIRE, it is all but certain that men are made
And created from nature ignorant imperfect
+
And created from nature ignorant and imperfect
 
Crude in understnading and of earthly essence,
 
Crude in understnading and of earthly essence,
 
And that at first they had no knowledge,
 
And that at first they had no knowledge,
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Heathens having no care besides for food,
 
Heathens having no care besides for food,
 
Them and their babies having no other homes,
 
Them and their babies having no other homes,
Or else the fields of grass, depending on the seasons,</poem>
+
But the fields of grass, depending on the seasons,
 +
At this hour the costs visit others silently, presently
 +
The shelter of a fresh oak not yet filthy
 +
In vigor is the spirit and essence of fire
 +
Who resides above at the head, but in time,
 +
Their eyes open, their eyelids closed.
 +
First made them admire many things,
 +
On earth and the heavens, and to think more closely
 +
At their convenience, arousing them on purpose
 +
I know not desire, I know not envy,
 +
To change my manner and live another life.
 +
</poem>
  
 
| '''Au Roy.'''
 
| '''Au Roy.'''
Line 1,304: Line 1,315:
 
And to do this this Lieutenant in order to execute the second counter well must, without leaving where he's currently planted which is on the left foot, steal away the sword below the Prevost's and throw a high backhand, which is the proper strike, keeping the sword hand high and the left hand right of the chin, as is shown above at the said portraiture and figure marked number 43 behind the bonnet.
 
And to do this this Lieutenant in order to execute the second counter well must, without leaving where he's currently planted which is on the left foot, steal away the sword below the Prevost's and throw a high backhand, which is the proper strike, keeping the sword hand high and the left hand right of the chin, as is shown above at the said portraiture and figure marked number 43 behind the bonnet.
  
''After having declared the second counter by the said attacking Lieutenant, stay to treat and declare the second counter for the defending Prevost.''
+
''After having declared the second counter by the said attacking Lieutenant, stay to perform and declare the second counter for the defending Prevost.''
  
 
And to do this, the Prevost must be on the left foot and at the same time without a moment to waste after having thrown and defended the said first counter and continuation, he then returns to the cross and beat down the second counter which is the high backhand of the said Lieutenant, and also must be strong on weak, keeping the nails of the sword hand down, and presenting a thrust at his neck, keeping the left hand below the sword arm as shown next to this writing at the said portraiture and figure marked number 44.
 
And to do this, the Prevost must be on the left foot and at the same time without a moment to waste after having thrown and defended the said first counter and continuation, he then returns to the cross and beat down the second counter which is the high backhand of the said Lieutenant, and also must be strong on weak, keeping the nails of the sword hand down, and presenting a thrust at his neck, keeping the left hand below the sword arm as shown next to this writing at the said portraiture and figure marked number 44.
Line 1,437: Line 1,448:
 
''The following is the declaration of the guard and position for the said Prevost, to prepare to defend from the said high thrust, which will be thrown after by the Lieutenant against the Prevost, the sixth and last strike being mulitplied as said at the sixth target.''
 
''The following is the declaration of the guard and position for the said Prevost, to prepare to defend from the said high thrust, which will be thrown after by the Lieutenant against the Prevost, the sixth and last strike being mulitplied as said at the sixth target.''
  
This said guard and position for the Prevost is, which must be on the right foot like the said Lieutenant, how much one can keep on the left foot, and advance the right foot, but at the last strike and target being mulitplied, we will treat the guard which is done being on the right foot. To do this, the said Prevost will be on the right foot in low guard, keeping the nails on the sword hand down, placing the point of the sword straight at the stomach of the said Lieutenant, and keeping his left hand fight of the nipple, as we could see above at the portraiture and figure marked number 54 near the plume of the bonnet.
+
This said guard and position for the Prevost is, which must be on the right foot like the said Lieutenant, how much one can keep on the left foot, and advance the right foot, but at the last strike and target being mulitplied, we will perform the guard which is being done on the right foot. To do this, the said Prevost will be on the right foot in low guard, keeping the nails on the sword hand down, placing the point of the sword straight at the stomach of the said Lieutenant, and keeping his left hand right of the nipple, as we can see above at the portraiture and figure marked number 54 near the plume of the bonnet.
  
 
One must note that all the left-handed who follow the instrucion that I put, both for the Lieutenant and also the Prevost must make the opposite step, and similarly the drawings, and the strikes are also the opposite of right-handers, and those who strive to follow these said reasons will improve. Because experience will make them improve.
 
One must note that all the left-handed who follow the instrucion that I put, both for the Lieutenant and also the Prevost must make the opposite step, and similarly the drawings, and the strikes are also the opposite of right-handers, and those who strive to follow these said reasons will improve. Because experience will make them improve.
Line 1,467: Line 1,478:
 
''The end and declaration of the said sixth and last strike of the sword alone for the attacking Lieutenant.''
 
''The end and declaration of the said sixth and last strike of the sword alone for the attacking Lieutenant.''
  
''After having treated the sixth and last strike of the sword alone for the said attacking Lieutenant, also stay to treat the defense of it for the defending Prevost.''
+
''After having performed the sixth and last strike of the sword alone for the said attacking Lieutenant, also stay to perform the defense of it for the defending Prevost.''
  
 
And to do this, the said Prevost is to be on the right foot, as shown at the said portraiture being on his guard marked number 54, throwing it back and crossing his sword on the sword of the attacking Lieutenant, beating down and defending the said thrust with strong on weak, defining again strong on weak, which is that he must cross all strikes near the sword hilt at the middle of the sword of the enemy, and that is the strong on weak, and doing this the said Prevost will present a thrust at the chest of the said attacking Lieutenant, keeping the back of the sword hand up and the left hand below the sword elbow, as shown above at the portraiture marked 56.
 
And to do this, the said Prevost is to be on the right foot, as shown at the said portraiture being on his guard marked number 54, throwing it back and crossing his sword on the sword of the attacking Lieutenant, beating down and defending the said thrust with strong on weak, defining again strong on weak, which is that he must cross all strikes near the sword hilt at the middle of the sword of the enemy, and that is the strong on weak, and doing this the said Prevost will present a thrust at the chest of the said attacking Lieutenant, keeping the back of the sword hand up and the left hand below the sword elbow, as shown above at the portraiture marked 56.
Line 1,681: Line 1,692:
 
And to do this well, the Lieutenant needs to have done one of the said drawings while moving the left foot on the footprint marked number 1 for the first strike, and to execute this strike the said Lieutenant must advance the right foot on the footprint marked number 2, and throws a steep high thrust, keeping the nails on the sword hand up, and the left hand over the right lap, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 71 behind the hat.
 
And to do this well, the Lieutenant needs to have done one of the said drawings while moving the left foot on the footprint marked number 1 for the first strike, and to execute this strike the said Lieutenant must advance the right foot on the footprint marked number 2, and throws a steep high thrust, keeping the nails on the sword hand up, and the left hand over the right lap, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 71 behind the hat.
  
This is how the said Lieutenant must begin to make a strike in the manner of the rectangle, imagined as such on the ground.
+
''This is how the said Lieutenant must begin to make a strike in the manner of the rectangle, imagined as such on the ground.''
  
 
''The following is how the said Prevost must defend himself from the strike that is made and thrown by the said Lieutenant, imagined and represented by a rectangle on the ground, as shown above.''
 
''The following is how the said Prevost must defend himself from the strike that is made and thrown by the said Lieutenant, imagined and represented by a rectangle on the ground, as shown above.''
Line 1,693: Line 1,704:
 
Et pour le bien faire, est besoin pour le premier coup que le Lieutenent, ayant fait un desdits desgainements demoure sur le pied gauche, qui est sur la semelle cotté en chiffre 1, & pour executer ce coup faut que cedit Lieutenent advance le pied droit sur la semelle où est cotté en chiffre 2, & tirer un roide estoc d’hault, tenant la main que tient l’espée les ongles en haut, & la main gauche sur son giron droit, comme est monstré cy dessus à sa pourtraiture, cotté en chiffre au derriere du chapeau 71.
 
Et pour le bien faire, est besoin pour le premier coup que le Lieutenent, ayant fait un desdits desgainements demoure sur le pied gauche, qui est sur la semelle cotté en chiffre 1, & pour executer ce coup faut que cedit Lieutenent advance le pied droit sur la semelle où est cotté en chiffre 2, & tirer un roide estoc d’hault, tenant la main que tient l’espée les ongles en haut, & la main gauche sur son giron droit, comme est monstré cy dessus à sa pourtraiture, cotté en chiffre au derriere du chapeau 71.
  
Voila comment il faut que ledit Lieutenent commence à faire ce coup, en maniere de quatriangle, le feignant ainsi estre en terre.
+
''Voila comment il faut que ledit Lieutenent commence à faire ce coup, en maniere de quatriangle, le feignant ainsi estre en terre.''
  
 
''Sensuit comment il faut que ledit Prevost se deffende de ce coup, fait & tiré par ledit Lieutenent, faignant & figurant un quatriangle en terre, tel que cestuy cy dessus.''
 
''Sensuit comment il faut que ledit Prevost se deffende de ce coup, fait & tiré par ledit Lieutenent, faignant & figurant un quatriangle en terre, tel que cestuy cy dessus.''
Line 1,975: Line 1,986:
 
Et pour ce faire, le Lieutenent fera, & se mettra comme dit est, en garde basse, sur le pied gauche, assituant la pointe de l’espée comme dit est, droit la braye ou ceinture du Prevost comme est cotté en chiffre cy dessus à leurs pourtraitures 89 & 90. Et pour faire, & executer ceste seconde prinse pour cedit Lieutenent, qui est assaillant demonstrateur, estant sur la garde basse, que dit est, advancera le pied droit, faisant semblant de tirer un maindroit ou estoc d’hault, provenant d’iceluy. Le Prevost se voyant ainsi chargé d’un tel coup, se vouldra deffendre, croisant & rabatant l’espée dudit Lieutenent & alors cedit Lieutenent advancera le pied gauche, & luy tirera un arrieremain sur sa teste. Le Prevost le vouldra rabatre de rechef de son espée, alors cedit Lieutenent advancera le pied gauche à un instant, & luy prendra la garde de son espée avec sa main gauche & luy presentera un estoc à son estomac, comme est monstré à sa pourtraiture cotté en chiffre au derriere de son col 91.
 
Et pour ce faire, le Lieutenent fera, & se mettra comme dit est, en garde basse, sur le pied gauche, assituant la pointe de l’espée comme dit est, droit la braye ou ceinture du Prevost comme est cotté en chiffre cy dessus à leurs pourtraitures 89 & 90. Et pour faire, & executer ceste seconde prinse pour cedit Lieutenent, qui est assaillant demonstrateur, estant sur la garde basse, que dit est, advancera le pied droit, faisant semblant de tirer un maindroit ou estoc d’hault, provenant d’iceluy. Le Prevost se voyant ainsi chargé d’un tel coup, se vouldra deffendre, croisant & rabatant l’espée dudit Lieutenent & alors cedit Lieutenent advancera le pied gauche, & luy tirera un arrieremain sur sa teste. Le Prevost le vouldra rabatre de rechef de son espée, alors cedit Lieutenent advancera le pied gauche à un instant, & luy prendra la garde de son espée avec sa main gauche & luy presentera un estoc à son estomac, comme est monstré à sa pourtraiture cotté en chiffre au derriere de son col 91.
  
''Voicy la fin de la seconde prinse, & demonstration d’icelle, pour ledit Lieutenent, contre le Prevost.
+
''Voicy la fin de la seconde prinse, & demonstration d’icelle, pour ledit Lieutenent, contre le Prevost.''
  
Sensuit se que doit faire ledit Prevost, pour la seconde prinse contre ledit Lieutenent.''
+
''Sensuit se que doit faire ledit Prevost, pour la seconde prinse contre ledit Lieutenent.''
  
 
Et pour ce faire, ledit Prevost estant aussi sur le pied gauche, en garde moyenne comme est cotté cy dessus à sa pourtraiture en chiffre 90. Le Lieutenent ayant tiré un maindroit ou un estoc d’hault, à son obtion, le Prevost a tiré le pied gauche arriere & a croisé & rabatu l’espée du Lieutenent, du fort le foible, & voyant qu’il a esté circonvenu par la desmarche & prinse susdite dudit Lieutenent, ledit prochain Prevost voyant ladite circonvention, fait signe de sa main gauche qu’il veult detourner & rabbatre l’estoc que luy veult, & peult tirer ledit Lieutenent, comme est monstré cy dessus à sadite pourtraiture & figure plus prochaine cotté en chiffre au derriere de sa teste 92.
 
Et pour ce faire, ledit Prevost estant aussi sur le pied gauche, en garde moyenne comme est cotté cy dessus à sa pourtraiture en chiffre 90. Le Lieutenent ayant tiré un maindroit ou un estoc d’hault, à son obtion, le Prevost a tiré le pied gauche arriere & a croisé & rabatu l’espée du Lieutenent, du fort le foible, & voyant qu’il a esté circonvenu par la desmarche & prinse susdite dudit Lieutenent, ledit prochain Prevost voyant ladite circonvention, fait signe de sa main gauche qu’il veult detourner & rabbatre l’estoc que luy veult, & peult tirer ledit Lieutenent, comme est monstré cy dessus à sadite pourtraiture & figure plus prochaine cotté en chiffre au derriere de sa teste 92.
Line 2,008: Line 2,019:
 
''Voila que faut que face & qu’a peu faire le Prevost, à cestedite seconde prinse contre le Lieutenent.''
 
''Voila que faut que face & qu’a peu faire le Prevost, à cestedite seconde prinse contre le Lieutenent.''
  
''Cy aprés sera monstré par pourtraicture & escrit, comment le Lieutenent ayant monstré audit Prevost, le Prevost luy en fait autant, car ce n’est rien de scavoir qui ne le scait monstré.
+
''Cy aprés sera monstré par pourtraicture & escrit, comment le Lieutenent ayant monstré audit Prevost, le Prevost luy en fait autant, car ce n’est rien de scavoir qui ne le scait monstré.''
  
 
Page''
 
Page''
Line 2,149: Line 2,160:
 
| ''The position and the guard of the fourth and last grab for the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Prevost.''
 
| ''The position and the guard of the fourth and last grab for the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Prevost.''
  
And in order to effectively treat the aforementioned guard and fourth grab for the Lieutenant, he must have made the step, drawing, and guard above at one of the said drawings. And the said Lieutenant needs to be on the left foot in high guard, keeping the back of the sword hand up and nails down, placing the point of the sword straight at the mouth of the Prevost, keeping the left hand upon the left lap, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 105.
+
And in order to effectively perform the aforementioned guard and fourth grab for the Lieutenant, he must have made the step, drawing, and guard above at one of the said drawings. And the said Lieutenant needs to be on the left foot in high guard, keeping the back of the sword hand up and nails down, placing the point of the sword straight at the mouth of the Prevost, keeping the left hand upon the left lap, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 105.
  
 
''The end of the guard to make a strike, to execute the fourth grab for the Lieutenant.''
 
''The end of the guard to make a strike, to execute the fourth grab for the Lieutenant.''
Line 2,173: Line 2,184:
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 107-108.png|400x400px|center]]
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 107-108.png|400x400px|center]]
|  
+
| ''The high right-hand or high thrust thrown by the Lieutenant and defended by the Prevost that will have to be repeated at the Lieutenant to execute the fourth grab against the Prevost.''
 +
 
 +
And to do this, this said Lieutenant must be on the left foot in high guard as shown above at the other portraiture marked number 105, seen in his place. And to execute this strike which at the said Lieutenant's choice is either a high right-hand or a high thrust, he will advance the right foot and throw a steep thrust at the face of the Prevost, keeping the sword hilt even higher than the right shoulder and the back of the sword hand down, and the left hand in front of his chin as shown above at the portraiture marked number 107.
 +
 
 +
''The end of the strike for the attacking Lieutenant.''
 +
 
 +
''The way to defend the Prevost at the aforementioned high right-hand or high thrust thrown by the Lieutenant so that afterwards he then execute the said fourth grab.''
 +
 
 +
And to do this, this said Prevost must be on the left foot in middle guard as shown above at the portraiture marked number 106. And for the defense of ths high right-hand or high thrust thrown by the said Lieutenant, this said Prevost needs to pull the left foot back and cross his sword with that of the said Lieutenant, be it a high right-hand or a high thrust, strong on weak, just like we did above at any one of the said counters and continuations; and present a thrust at the face of the said Lieutenant, keeping the back of the sword hand down and the nails up, and the left hand right of his nipple, placing the point of the sword straight at the mouth of the said Lieutenant as shown and done above at the portraiture of the said Prevost marked number 108 behind the collar.
 +
 
 +
''This is how the said Prevost effectively guards the aforementioned strike thrown by the said Lieutenant.''
 +
 
 +
Next we will show the said fourth and last grab which is very subtle to make his adversaries let go of his weapons, which will be in the middle of a high right-hand or a high thrust that will be thrown and will be served to tell us whether they are ignorant or knowledgeable. Because if he is ignorant and clumsy, it will easily be done at him, and if he is skillful, he must feint as will be seen later in time at the declaration of the Lieutenant, who will do this to show the Prevost.
 +
 
 
| ''Maindroit ou estoc d’haut, tiré par le Lieutenent, & deffendu par le Prevost, que faudra reiterer au Lieutenent, pour executer la quatriesme prinse contre le Prevost.''
 
| ''Maindroit ou estoc d’haut, tiré par le Lieutenent, & deffendu par le Prevost, que faudra reiterer au Lieutenent, pour executer la quatriesme prinse contre le Prevost.''
  
Line 2,180: Line 2,204:
 
''La fin de cedit coup pour ledit Lieutenent assaillant.''
 
''La fin de cedit coup pour ledit Lieutenent assaillant.''
  
''Moyen de soy deffendre, au Prevost de ce susdit maindroit, ou estoc d’hault, tiré par ledit Lieutenent, pour
+
''Moyen de soy deffendre, au Prevost de ce susdit maindroit, ou estoc d’hault, tiré par ledit Lieutenent, pour puis aprés executer ladite quatriesme prinse.''
puis aprés executer ladite quatriesme prinse.''
 
  
 
Et pour ce faire, faut que ledit prochain Prevost estant sur le pied gauche, en garde moyenne, comme est monstré cy dessus à sa pourtraiture, cotté en chiffre 106. Et pour la deffence de cedit maindroit, ou estoc d’hault, tiré par ledit Lieutenent, est besoin, & faut que cedit prochain Prevost tire le pied gauche arriere, & croise de son espée celle dudit Lieutenent, soit maindroit, ou estoc d’haut, du fort le foible, tout ainsi comme on a fait cy dessus à une desdites opposites & suittes, & presenter un estoc au visage dudit Lieutenent, tenant le dessus de la main que tient l’espée en bas, & les ongles en hault, & la main gauche droit son tetin, assituant la pointe de l’espée droit la bouche dudit Lieutenent comme est monstré & fait cy dessus à la pourtraiture dudit Prevost, cotté en chiffre au derriere du col 108.
 
Et pour ce faire, faut que ledit prochain Prevost estant sur le pied gauche, en garde moyenne, comme est monstré cy dessus à sa pourtraiture, cotté en chiffre 106. Et pour la deffence de cedit maindroit, ou estoc d’hault, tiré par ledit Lieutenent, est besoin, & faut que cedit prochain Prevost tire le pied gauche arriere, & croise de son espée celle dudit Lieutenent, soit maindroit, ou estoc d’haut, du fort le foible, tout ainsi comme on a fait cy dessus à une desdites opposites & suittes, & presenter un estoc au visage dudit Lieutenent, tenant le dessus de la main que tient l’espée en bas, & les ongles en hault, & la main gauche droit son tetin, assituant la pointe de l’espée droit la bouche dudit Lieutenent comme est monstré & fait cy dessus à la pourtraiture dudit Prevost, cotté en chiffre au derriere du col 108.
Line 2,187: Line 2,210:
 
''Voyla comment ledit Prevost s’est bien gardé de ce susdit coup, tiré par ledit Lieutenent.''
 
''Voyla comment ledit Prevost s’est bien gardé de ce susdit coup, tiré par ledit Lieutenent.''
  
Cy aprés sera monstré ladite quatriesme, & derniere prinse, qui est fort subtile, pour faire quitter les armes à
+
Cy aprés sera monstré ladite quatriesme, & derniere prinse, qui est fort subtile, pour faire quitter les armes à son adversaire, qui sera moyennant un maindroit, ou estoc d’hault, qu’on tirera, qui servira d’espion pour apporter ignorance ou scavoir. Car s’il est ignorant, & mal adroit, facilement se pourra faire, & s’il est adroit faut faire une fainte comme se verra cy aprés en son lieu à la declaration du Lieutenent, qui la fera pour la monstrer au<ref>Proposition de correction pour « ou ».</ref> Prevost.
son adversaire, qui sera moyennant un maindroit, ou estoc d’hault, qu’on tirera, qui servira d’espion pour
 
apporter ignorance ou scavoir. Car s’il est ignorant, & mal adroit, facilement se pourra faire, & s’il est adroit
 
faut faire une fainte comme se verra cy aprés en son lieu à la declaration du Lieutenent, qui la fera pour la
 
monstrer au<ref>Proposition de correction pour « ou ».</ref> Prevost.
 
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
Line 2,251: Line 2,270:
 
''Sensuit la deffence de ce coup pour ledit Prevost''
 
''Sensuit la deffence de ce coup pour ledit Prevost''
  
Et pour ce faire, faut que ledit Prevost aye fait mesme desmarche garde, & assituation, que dessus est monstrée, à la pourtraiture dudit Prevost, cotté en chiffre 114. Et pour se deffendre de ce coup, qui est un maindroit de bas au jarret, à luy tiré par ledit Lieutenent, Ledit Prevost estant ignorant comme beaucoup de demonstrateurs, a tiré le pied gauche arriere, & a croisé de son espée l’espée dudit Lieutenent, qui n’est à
+
Et pour ce faire, faut que ledit Prevost aye fait mesme desmarche garde, & assituation, que dessus est monstrée, à la pourtraiture dudit Prevost, cotté en chiffre 114. Et pour se deffendre de ce coup, qui est un maindroit de bas au jarret, à luy tiré par ledit Lieutenent, Ledit Prevost estant ignorant comme beaucoup de demonstrateurs, a tiré le pied gauche arriere, & a croisé de son espée l’espée dudit Lieutenent, qui n’est à presumer ignorance, mais l’estre tout à fait, attendu qu’il a laissé le propre, & prend l’impropre, qui est dit & monstré cy dessus à sadite pourtraiture, cotté en chiffre au derriere dudit Prevost 116.
presumer ignorance, mais l’estre tout à fait, attendu qu’il a laissé le propre, & prend l’impropre, qui est dit & monstré cy dessus à sadite pourtraiture, cotté en chiffre au derriere dudit Prevost 116.
 
  
 
''Voyla comment ledit Prevost se deffent de ce premier coup, tiré par ledit Lieutenent. Mais il s’en deffend comme il l’entend, & comme le monstrent plusieurs, suivant la nature humaine car elle en fait autant sans avoir jamais aprins aucun art.''
 
''Voyla comment ledit Prevost se deffent de ce premier coup, tiré par ledit Lieutenent. Mais il s’en deffend comme il l’entend, & comme le monstrent plusieurs, suivant la nature humaine car elle en fait autant sans avoir jamais aprins aucun art.''
Line 2,356: Line 2,374:
 
| ''The following is a treatise on exercise and certain points required to know the tennis, for all those who love it, written by the said Author, since it requires the same steps and to know the same strikes of the said fencing, as will be seen by this treatise, and the said Author because of the said affinity and friendship they have together, leads to alert and give instruction to the unlearned, which do not understand the terms of this exercise, and not for the learned and skillful.''
 
| ''The following is a treatise on exercise and certain points required to know the tennis, for all those who love it, written by the said Author, since it requires the same steps and to know the same strikes of the said fencing, as will be seen by this treatise, and the said Author because of the said affinity and friendship they have together, leads to alert and give instruction to the unlearned, which do not understand the terms of this exercise, and not for the learned and skillful.''
  
The said author having considered that tennis, and fencing are closely related, as was said above, and whoever will be able to play said tennis easily would also have learned to throw sword strikes, and so is the opposite, but the one better than the other is fencing, because they preserve the health and honor of those who are afraid of losing it. Anyone could ask why are said fencing and tennis related? The Author responds to this and says that from the same strikes that one throws from said weapons to overcome his enemy in times of peace or to win money or some celebration, which are.
+
The said author having considered that tennis and fencing are closely related, as stated above, and whoever is able to play said tennis easily would also have learned to throw sword strikes, and so is the opposite, but the one better than the other is fencing because they preserve the health and honor of those who are afraid of losing it. Anyone could ask why the said fencing and tennis are related. The Author responds and says that the same strikes that one throws from the said fencing to overcome his enemy in times of peace or to win money or some celebration, which are:
  
 
# Right-hand
 
# Right-hand
Line 2,362: Line 2,380:
 
# Thrust
 
# Thrust
  
It is true that one of the aforesaid strikes must be removed, which is the thrust, and only two will remain which are.
+
It is true that one of the aforementinoed strikes must be removed, which is the thrust, and only two will remain which are:
  
 
# Right-hand
 
# Right-hand
 
# Backhand
 
# Backhand
  
The reason why I remove the said thrust is, since the racket has no point, and thus one would not be able to make a thrust.
+
The reason why I remove the said thrust is since the racket has no point, and thus one would not be able to make a thrust.
  
It is true that sometimes we strike and beat down with the racket, when the ball comes straight to the face or higher, which is that we return the ball, and we beat it down with the racket when it comes from high or to the face keeping it straight, and leaning neither on the right nor left, and yet in the said game of tennis, there are only the aforementioned two strikes, right-hand and backhand. But it is necessary to multiply them properly to 4 targets, from high and low, for example right-hand from below, and right-hand from high, backhand from below, and backhand from high, and thus it is necessary to be very dextrous and graceful to know how to strike because they strike at each other as they do with said fencing. And knowing how to strike skillfully, we must observe the words of our ancestors who are skilled tennis players, (who said) whoever leaps to forsake the volley, will never be an esteemed player, it is necessary to take heed here, which is that when you can volley, you should never wait for a leap. The reason is that with a leap, several accidents can occur, yet on the volley, never, if one is well trained, and is safe.
+
It is true that sometimes we strike and beat down with the racket when the ball comes straight to the face or higher, which is that we return the ball, and we beat it down with the racket when it comes from high or to the face keeping it straight, and leaning neither on the right nor left, and yet in the said game of tennis, there are only the aforementioned two strikes, right-hand and backhand. But it is necessary to multiply them properly to 4 targets, from high and low, for example right-hand from below, and right-hand from above, backhand from below, and backhand from above, and thus it is necessary to be very dextrous and graceful to know how to strike because we strike at each other as we do with the said fencing. And knowing how to strike skillfully, we must observe the words of our ancestors who are skilled tennis players, who said whoever leaps to forsake the volley, will never be an esteemed player; it is necessary to take heed here, which is that when you can volley, you should never wait for a leap. The reason is that with a leap, several accidents can occur, yet on the volley, never, if one is well trained, and is safe.
  
The accident that can happen to the said volley is to crack the wood of the racket, but this is not an accident, instead it is a fault committed by the one who made the wood, and not from the inside of the racket to the ball. For this reason I want to warn those who are not yet sure of the leap, who practice the said volley, because it should never be done, but they are the ones who fail it, and if it is necessary, we still have recourse to the said leap, and yet who can, must always take said volley, and not said leap.
+
The accident that can happen to the said volley is to crack the wood of the racket, but this is not an accident, instead it is a fault committed by the one who made the wood and not from the inside of the racket to the ball. For this reason I want to warn those who are not yet sure of the leap, who practice the said volley, because it should never be done, but they are the ones who fail it, and if it is necessary, we still have recourse to the said leap, and yet who can, must always take said volley, and not said leap.
  
''Next will be declared the points which are necessary in this game, and exercise of tennis, which must be observed.''
+
''Next will be declared the points which are necessary in the game and exercise of tennis which must be observed.''
  
The first requirement of one who wants to attack another, and consequently to take shoes with leaded or else heavy heels, and wear them for two or three hours, before starting his game, after this time passes, one comes to leave these said heavy heels and be satisfied with his shoes, or he gives himself light slippers, which are well in his point, and in doing so, such will find themselves more ready and skillful than those who will not do so, for experience is the master of all arts.
+
The first requirement of one who wants to attack another, consequently is to take shoes with leaded or else heavy heels and wear them for two or three hours before starting his game; after this time passes, one will leave these said heavy heels and be satisfied with his shoes, or he gives himself light slippers which are well in his point, and in doing so, he will find themselves more ready and skillful than those who will not do so, for experience is the master of all arts.
  
 
The second requirement is to demand and choose the primary racket that is lightest in the hand. Just as all of the said fencing requires a light sword and a heavy dagger, tennis also must have a light racket and a weighted ball, weighing not too much nor too little, because everything that is too much or too little is worthless.
 
The second requirement is to demand and choose the primary racket that is lightest in the hand. Just as all of the said fencing requires a light sword and a heavy dagger, tennis also must have a light racket and a weighted ball, weighing not too much nor too little, because everything that is too much or too little is worthless.
Line 2,381: Line 2,399:
 
The third point that is required is that we have to watch that when we are playing tennis to have another racket other than the one we want to use, and tell the opposing party to throw the racket, to see which will be in or out, and they when then say to throw your own if he lets you, throw the bad one and not the good one for the reason that will be declared afterwards, and if he wants to throw his own, let him throw it away because throwing it weakens the cord, wasting it since the cords are loosened, and thus it will not be able to serve as well as it had done before. One could say that he will ask for another, but respond to this that it is possible to not be able to find as good in the hand as the one that had been previously found that he did not want to keep because very often a racket is an advantage just as a good sword is also an advantage that one will overcome his enemy.
 
The third point that is required is that we have to watch that when we are playing tennis to have another racket other than the one we want to use, and tell the opposing party to throw the racket, to see which will be in or out, and they when then say to throw your own if he lets you, throw the bad one and not the good one for the reason that will be declared afterwards, and if he wants to throw his own, let him throw it away because throwing it weakens the cord, wasting it since the cords are loosened, and thus it will not be able to serve as well as it had done before. One could say that he will ask for another, but respond to this that it is possible to not be able to find as good in the hand as the one that had been previously found that he did not want to keep because very often a racket is an advantage just as a good sword is also an advantage that one will overcome his enemy.
  
The fourth point, having carefully observed all that is said, remains to be seen on which step, it is necessary to take to perform well the said art of the said tennis, and to serve the ball well on the roof, and give a wicked game as much as possible throughout the game. I say that as good practice for all the said strikes being multiplied, and to serve well, it is necessary to be held on the left foot for the first time, and almost always while doing a pirouette on it: look for the ball on the side it will travel. Some might say I don't know where the ball will go and cannot decide. One should consider when deciding where the ball will be hit by their opposing party. Observe him and decide where he wants to hit it, this is very good. But I'll give one that's better, and the apparent reason. This aforementioned judgment is often deceptive because by the observing; one cannot surely decide what the inside wants to do and execute, which is to direct and cast the ball. I only want to decide based on where the opposing party can cast it. Do not observe him because he will deceive you, but instead look closely at the ball being served. And never lose sight of the said ball because whoever is outside direct and leads without being misled by the inside, and the will of your opposing party, and yet being sure of your hand, without fail you will easily defeat your opponent without observing, because looking at him you will think that he casts the ball at you in the opposite direction of his gaze yet the inside will be entirely different, and nevertheless, you could be deceived by looking at your opposing party, yet you will never be looking at the ball. And it is the argument that I have made of said fencing, which must look at the tip of the sword, and not at the intent of the man.
+
The fourth point, having carefully observed all that is said, remains to be seen on which step, it is necessary to take to perform well the said art of the said tennis, and to serve the ball well on the roof, and give a wicked game as much as possible throughout the game. I say that as good practice for all the said strikes being multiplied, and to serve well, it is necessary to keep on the left foot initially and almost always while doing a pirouette on it: look for the ball on the side it will travel. Some might say I don't know where the ball will go and cannot decide. One should consider when deciding where the ball will be hit by their opposing party. Observe him and decide where he wants to hit it is very good. But I'll give one that's better and the apparent reason. This aforementioned judgment is often deceptive because by the observing, one cannot surely decide what the inside wants to do and execute which is to direct and cast the ball. I only want to decide based on where the opposing party can cast it. Do not observe him because he will deceive you, but instead look closely at the ball being served. And never lose sight of the said ball because whoever is outside direct and leads without being misled by the inside which is the will of your opposing party; and yet being sure of your hand, without fail you will easily defeat your opponent without observing because if you look at him you will think that he casts the ball at you in the opposite direction of his gaze yet the inside will be entirely different, and nevertheless, you could be deceived by looking at your opposing party; yet you will never be looking at the ball. And it is the argument that I have made of said fencing where you must look at the tip of the sword and not at the intent of the man.
  
''I do not put these said reasons for those who understand them, but on the contrary for those who do not understand them.''
+
''I do not put these said reasons for those who already understand them, but on the contrary for those who do not understand them.''
  
I was kind enough to speak of tennis because a brave man who is one of the good players came to see me two or three times only, and having learned well two or three strikes, he increased his skill almost by fifteen, and the said brave man throws a fronthand and backhand very gracefully, and thus tennis and the said fencing, as said is, have a great affinity.
+
I was kind enough to speak of tennis because a brave man who is one of the good players came to see me two or three times only, and having learned effectively two or three strikes, he increased his skill almost by fifteen; and the said brave man throws a fronthand and backhand very gracefully, and thus tennis and the said fencing, as said, have a great affinity.
  
 
END.
 
END.
Line 2,429: Line 2,447:
 
| Friendly reader,
 
| Friendly reader,
  
Whoever among you buy these books from and won't find in them the name and initials of the Author written by his hand, such books will not be sold by their will, for this reason, he asks you to have them brought to his house, and he will give you back the money that they cost you, telling him who have sold them to you, and if he will give you as much what he will bring, which will cost you nothing, and besides you will show the said author and will declare the contents of him, which will cost you nothing to have recourse in justice against those who such books will have sold and will please him.
+
Whoever among you buy these books from and won't find in them the name and initials of the Author written by his hand, such books are not to be sold by their will, for this reason, he asks you to have them brought to his house, and he will give you back the money that they cost you, telling him who have sold them to you, and if he will give you as much what he will bring, which will cost you nothing, and besides you will show the said author and will declare the contents of him, which will cost you nothing to have recourse in justice against those who such books will have sold and will please him.
  
 
|  Amy lecteur.
 
|  Amy lecteur.
Line 2,438: Line 2,456:
 
| FRIENDLY READER,
 
| FRIENDLY READER,
  
The author is cognizant that fencing and the law are two virtues most required to acquire the friendship of Kings, Princes, and Lords, even of Ladies. For this reason the said Author preferred to choose and follow the art and practice of this than of the said law: not that he abandoned them at all: but in this were practiced for the space of thirty years, and after many long days, God bestowed him the grace which he dedicated and in fact presented this treatise to one of the greatest Christian Monarchs under heaven. And by his command took with his Highness the said fencing, and with my Lord the Duke of Guise and others of his court, of which the Author has praised and praises God, who has made him well and fortunate and with favor of His said Majesty. Because of this, he once again took courage and daring, after being privileged by the said Sir to have it printed, and put in light for the relief and satisfaction of his nobility and for public good. There may be some who may slander against the said Author for the reasoning of the said treatise and other little discourse, and advices made on the exercises and tennis. The said Author has not dealt with what was said, for those who are skillful and have experimented and who understand the real terms, which are required in the said two exercises; but good for those who do not understand them, that is to say fencing and tennis.
+
The author is cognizant that fencing and law are two virtues most required to acquire the friendship of Kings, Princes, and Lords, even of Ladies. For this reason the said Author preferred to choose and follow the art and practice of this than of the said law: not that he abandoned them completely; but in this were practiced for the space of thirty years and after many long days, God bestowed him the grace with which he dedicated and in fact presented this treatise to one of the greatest Christian Monarchs under heaven. And by his command took with his Highness the said fencing, and with my Lord the Duke of Guise and others of his court, of which the Author has praised and praises God, who has made him well and fortunate and with favor of His said Majesty. Because of this, he once again took courage and daring, after being privileged by the said Sir to have it printed, and put in light for the relief and satisfaction of his nobility and for public good. There may be some who may slander against the said Author for the reasoning of the said treatise and other little discourse, and advices made on the exercises and tennis. The said Author has not dealt with what was said, for those who are skillful and have experimented and who understand the real terms, which are required in the said two exercises; but good for those who do not understand them, that is to say fencing and tennis.
  
For this reason the Author requests that the Readers only to take it in good part and to excuse him. And do not look at the language nor to the letter nor the skin<ref>lit. bark or shell, outer layer. Idiom similar to "Don't judge a book by its cover.</ref> of it, because at times it can find itself, for such things will contradict it and will want to slander what he does not know and does not know how to do, and having wanted and spoken to the said Author who may discuss with you for an explanation, and effectively show the contents of the said treatise, of which the said contradictors (if any are found) may be content, if the wise and their thoughts are determined and facts will not do it, thus they will address the Author who will be able to make them content with the reason for his sayings.
+
For this reason the Author requests that the Readers only to take it in good faith and to excuse him. And do not look at the language nor to the letter nor the skin<ref>lit. bark or shell, outer layer. Idiom similar to "Don't judge a book by its cover.</ref> of it, because at times it can find itself, for such things will contradict itself and will want to slander what he does not know and does not know how to do, and having wanted and spoken to the said Author who may discuss with you for an explanation, and effectively show the contents of the said treatise, of which the said contradictors, if any are found, may be satisfied, if the wise and their thoughts are determined and facts will not do it, thus they will address the Author who will be able to make them satisfied with the reason for his explanations.
  
 
This treaty finished printing on June 4, 1573.
 
This treaty finished printing on June 4, 1573.

Revision as of 04:02, 10 February 2021

Henry de Sainct Didier
Born 1530s (?)
Pertuis, Provence
Died after 1584
Paris, France (?)
Occupation Fencing master
Patron Charles IX of France
Influences
Influenced Salvator Fabris (?)
Genres Fencing manual
Language Middle French
Notable work(s) Les secrets du premier livre sur l'espée seule (1573)
Translations Traducción castellano
Signature Henry de Sainct Didier sig.png

Henry de Sainct Didier, Esq. was a 16th century French fencing master. He was born to a noble family in Pertuis in the Provence region of France, son of Luc de Sainct Didier. Sainct Didier made his career in the French army, ultimately serving 25 years and seeing action in Piedmont, Italy from 1554 - 1555. He wrote of himself that he "lived his whole life learning to fight with the single sword" and eventually "reached a point of perfection" in his art. Apparently he became a fencing master of some renown, for in ca. 1573 he secured a royal privilege for a period of ten years for treatises on a number of weapons, including the dagger, single side sword, double side swords, sword and buckler, sword and cloak, sword and dagger, sword and shield (both rotella and targe), and greatsword. Unfortunately, only his treatise on the single side sword, titled Les secrets du premier livre sur l'espée seule ("Secrets of the Premier Book on the Single Sword") and printed on 4 June 1573, is known to survive; it seems likely that the others were never published at all.

Treatise

Additional Resources

  • Hyatt, Robert Preston and Wilson, Devon. "The Single Sword of Henry de Sainct Didier." Masters of Medieval and Renaissance Martial Arts. Ed. Jeffrey Hull. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press, 2008. ISBN 978-1-58160-668-3
  • Sainct Didier, Henry de. The Single Sword of Henry de Sainct-Didier (Traicté Contenant Les Secrets Du Premier Livre Sur L'Espée Seule). Trans. Robert Preston Hyatt and Devon Wilson. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press, 2009. ISBN 978-1581607048
  • Slee, Chris. Secrets of the Sword Alone. LongEdge Press, 2014. ISBN 978-0646926353

References

  1. Pristin : ancien, antérieur
  2. Insertion du « a ».
  3. Dupuis describes this as a wooden board placed in the back wall of the tennis court which, if hit by a volley, is scored immediately. In modern tennis, this board is replaced by a grid.
  4. « L'es », habituellement orthographiée « ais », désigne une planche de bois placée dans le mur du fond de la salle de jeu de paume qui, si elle est touchée par un coup de volée, donne le point immédiatement. Dans le jeu de paume moderne, cette planche est remplacée par une grille. Il est possible que cet « ais » ait donné le terme anglais d'« ace » que les étymologies modernes confondent avec l'« as » du jeu de carte. Voir la définition d' « ais » de l'Encyclopédie de Diderot et d'Alembert.
  5. L’esteuf : ancien nom pour la balle.
  6. précéder. « Préaller » subsiste en français sous la forme « préalable ».
  7. Il s’agit très probablement du maître d’arme italien Fabris Salvator de Padoue (1544-1617). Voir la note sur Fabris Salvator de Vigeant p. 162 et aussi les références à ses publications (Vigeant p. 55-56)
  8. Version alimentaire de l’adage « blanc bonnet et bonnet blanc ».
  9. Transcription la plus sûre du texte : « gran d erre »
  10. Serviteur du grand prêtre venu arrêter Jésus au Mont des Olivier et dont l’oreille coupée a été immédiatement guérie. Selon la lecture du passage, il est parfois pris pour celui qui soufflète Jésus.
  11. Un des anciens nom de l’abeille.
  12. Sens incertain ; peut-être s'agit-il d'une mauvaise graphie de « filial ».
  13. drillant : étincellant, brillant (dictionnaire de Nicot).
  14. Correction du texte d’origine donnant « peid ».
  15. Cette correction sur les images d'Henri de Saint-Didier indique que celles-ci ont été réalisées avant la version finale du texte.
  16. Le « o » de troisiesme est curieusement placé en exposant.
  17. Suppression du doublement de l'esperluette.
  18. Dupuis states the original says left but is incompatible with the rest of the text and the engraving.
  19. Proposition de correction de l’édition originale qui donne « gauche », en incohérence avec la gravure et le texte plus bas qui confirme que la posture du Lieutenent est identique à celle de la section précédente où c’était bien le pied droit qui était reculé.
  20. Deuxième remarque de l'auteur sur les gravures montrant que le texte a été retouché après réception des gravures. À comparer avec une remarque similaire faite dans le i.33.
  21. per Dupuis's transcription, it's literally "backhand" as opposed to the technique before named "renver" for whatever reason Didier thought to use a different word this time. I've included a hyphen to differentiate but I think it's supposed to be the same.
  22. Correction du texte d’origine donnant « Leiutenent ».
  23. In modern fencing, dérobement is a fencing term for disengage.
  24. Correction de l'édition originale qui omet lors d'un changement de page le début du mot « haute »
  25. The position of the hand illustrates the fingers down, in opposition to the text.
  26. La position de la main illustrée a les doigts au-dessus, en opposition avec le texte.
  27. Proposition de correction pour « bessoin »
  28. Proposition de correction pour « avan-main »
  29. Proposition de correction pour « couté »
  30. Proposition de correction pour « Vola ».
  31. Proposition de correction pour « ongle »
  32. Sens inconnu.
  33. The technique.
  34. La tuition est un synonyme de « garde », « défense », très souvent employé à cette époque pour appuyer le mot « défense ».
  35. Proposition de correction pour « Provost »
  36. Proposition de correction de « du–sixiesme »
  37. Proposition de correction pour « persent ».
  38. The triangle represented here is not correct. The one marked 65 seems to better reflect the proposed movement.
  39. Proposition de correction pour « le ongles ».
  40. Le triangle représenté ici n'est pas correct, celui cotté 65 paraît rendre mieux compte du déplacement proposé.
  41. Dupuis thinks 75 represents this correct and that 73 is incorrect.
  42. Proposition de correction pour « Lieutent ». La marque indiquant une contraction a probablement été omise.
  43. On pourrait compléter : « ...et le mettre en 4 ». L'illustration 73 est incorrecte puisque le pied gauche est resté sur la semelle 1 et n'est pas placé sur la semelle 3 (à gauche) comme demandé ; la position des pieds de l'illustration 75 correspond à ce qui aurait dû être représenté.
  44. The Prevost shown at the portraiture does not correspond to the text since he is on the right foot
  45. Proposition de correction pour « dh’aut »
  46. Sic.
  47. Le prévôt représenté ici ne correspond pas au texte puisqu'il se tient sur le pied droit.
  48. The Prevost of 80 isn't on the left foot as written but is coherent with 78.
  49. Le prévôt de la figure 80 n’est pas sur le pied gauche comme écrit et mais reste cohérent avec la figure 78.
  50. It is meant to read as Prevost here.
  51. Il faut évidemment lire ici « Prevost ».
  52. Proposition de correction pour « suprint »
  53. Sic.
  54. Suppression du doublement de l'esperluette dans « sa cuisse gauche, & & tous ».
  55. Sic. Au XVIe siècle, le genre des mots était encore indécis.
  56. The author is announcing here another edition to augment his book which has never has been written.
  57. L’auteur annonce ici une prochaine édition augmentée de son oeuvre qui n’a a priori jamais eu lieu.
  58. Proposition de correction pour « ou ».
  59. Proposition de correction pour « mostré »
  60. Du latin médiéval « inquinatum » signifiant « pour combien »
  61. lit. bark or shell, outer layer. Idiom similar to "Don't judge a book by its cover.
  62. Dilection : attachement, amour pur.
  63. Un vidimus est la copie certifiée d'un acte antérieur.
  64. Il doit s'agit de Pierre ou Jean Brûlart (tout deux avait une charge au Parlement) qui signe pour le roi.