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Difference between revisions of "Henry de Sainct Didier"

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m (said [noun] -> [noun], more polishing.)
m (Added lines to the poem.)
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DEDICATED TO THE MAJESTY OF THE MOST CHRISTIAN KING CHARLES THE NINTH.
 
DEDICATED TO THE MAJESTY OF THE MOST CHRISTIAN KING CHARLES THE NINTH.
  
PARIS, ''Printed by Jean Mettayer, and Matthurin Challenge, and is sold at Jean Dalier, on the Saint Michel bridge, to the sign of the White Rose,'' 1573.
+
PARIS, ''Printed by Jean Mettayer, and Matthurin Challenge, and is sold at Jean Dalier, on the Saint Michel bridge, at the sign of the White Rose,'' 1573.
  
 
WITH PRIVILEGE OF THE KING.
 
WITH PRIVILEGE OF THE KING.
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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 two said steps is best and most effective is necessary to execute the art.
+
| 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 two steps is better, more certain, and more effective is necessary to keep to execute the 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 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 demonstrators 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.
+
| 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 previous demonstrators keep to either on one or the other, give very little reason. Because of this I will conclude that there are no more than two steps in the entire 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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| ''Here is the end of every requirement to know and to understand for whoever wants to be skillful in fencing.''
 
| ''Here is the end of every requirement to know and to understand for whoever wants to be skillful in fencing.''
  
To truly understand fencing and discover the art, order and pratice of it, he must imagine three personas: the first is the Author, the second the Lieutenant, the third the Provost. The Author will describe all of the orders that the Lieutenant and the Provost must follow in the art of the sword alone, which follows next and is now commencing.
+
To truly understand fencing and discover the art, order and pratice of it, he must imagine three personas: the first is the Author, the second the Lieutenant, the third the Provost. The Author will describe all of the orders that the Lieutenant and the Provost must fulfill in the art of the sword alone, which follows next and is now commencing.
  
 
END.
 
END.
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Creates and promises France so much success
 
Creates and promises France so much success
 
And so too your brothers, these Princes born in greatness
 
And so too your brothers, these Princes born in greatness
 +
Then in this common misfortune you are such a victor
 +
By your perfections having gifts from heaven
 +
All the best in you as though a demi-god
 +
Malevolent stars divert the influence
 +
That from the sky above produces in abundance
 +
Without heavy spirits imperfections is nullified
 +
But noble, and happy, lively, divine, and perfect.
 
</poem>
 
</poem>
  
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| The following is how one must be planted to put the sword in hand, both in time of peace and in times of war, with the steps, guards, drawings, and placements required in this art, which is truly necessary to those who wish to practice fencing.
 
| The following is how one must be planted to put the sword in hand, both in time of peace and in times of war, with the steps, guards, drawings, and placements required in this art, which is truly necessary to those who wish to practice fencing.
  
Four footprints are placed below the feet of the Lieutenant and Provost which are marked number 1, and another 2, and another 3, and another 4, which serves the Lieutenant and Provost and everyone else to teach how one must skillfully make all the steps, drawings, guards, and placement of the weapons effectively as imagined in this rectangle. <br>
+
Four footprints are placed below the Lieutenant's and the Provost's feet which are marked number 1, and another 2, and another 3, and another 4, which serves the Lieutenant and Provost and everyone else to teach how one must skillfully make all the steps, drawings, guards, and placement of the weapons effectively as imagined in this rectangle. <br>
 
1      2 <br>
 
1      2 <br>
 
4      3
 
4      3
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''Here follows the declaration of this position and plan for the Lieutenant.''
 
''Here follows the declaration of this position and plan for the Lieutenant.''
  
And to do this the Lieutenant first must have the feet together thus placed, keeping the left foot in the footprint marked close to number 1 and the right foot in the other footprint where it is marked number 2, keeping the right hand on the sword hilt and the left hand on the scabbard of the sword, showing that he wants to teach the Provost how this must be made, as shown above at the portraiture of the Lieutenant marked number 1 behind the hat.
+
And to do this the Lieutenant first must have the feet together thus placed, keeping the left foot in the footprint marked close to number 1 and the right foot in the other footprint where it is marked number 2, keeping the right hand on the sword hilt and the left hand on the sword's scabbard, showing that he wants to teach the Provost how this must be made, as shown above at the portraiture of the Lieutenant marked number 1 behind the hat.
  
 
''The end of what the Leiutenant needs to do.''
 
''The end of what the Leiutenant needs to do.''
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''The following is the second drawing for the Lieutenant.''
 
''The following is the second drawing for the Lieutenant.''
  
For the second drawing for the Lieutenant, he must have the feet together like so as shown above at the first portraiture marked number 1. And to execute this said second drawing, he must move the right foot a little apart in the air, remove it from the footprint marked 2, carrying the sword hilt, drawing it higher than the shoulder, and the placement of this as above content 1. And in an instant pass the sword above the head, extending strongly the arms, keeping the sword hilt higher than the right shoulder, and placing the sword point at the left nipple of the Provost, as shown in the portraiture at number 3.
+
For the second drawing for the Lieutenant, he must have the feet together like so as shown above at the first portraiture marked number 1. And to execute this said second drawing, he must move the right foot a little apart in the air, remove it from the footprint marked 2, carrying the sword hilt, drawing it higher than the shoulder, and the placement of this as above content 1. And in an instant pass the sword above the head, extending strongly the arms, keeping the sword hilt higher than the right shoulder, and placing the sword point at the Provost's left nipple, as shown in the portraiture at number 3.
  
 
''The end of the second drawing for the Lieutenant.''
 
''The end of the second drawing for the Lieutenant.''
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''The following is the second drawing for the Provost.''
 
''The following is the second drawing for the Provost.''
  
And to effectively execute the second drawing, the Provost must have the feet together as shown in the portraiture marked number 2, and from there the Provost must pull the right foot out of the footprint where it was in number 2, putting it down a bit, and making the second drawing which is that he must carry the sword hilt in middle guard, and the point straight at the left nipple. And to begin the third drawing, he must pass the sword above the head, extending strongly the arms, and carrying the sword hilt higher and a bit farther than the right shoulder, placing at the same time the sword point straight at the Lieutenant'sleft eye of the Lieutenant, and the left hand is kept right of the left nipple, as shown above in the first drawing and as shown at the portraiture marked behind the back of the person marked number 4.
+
And to effectively execute the second drawing, the Provost must have the feet together as shown in the portraiture marked number 2, and from there the Provost must pull the right foot out of the footprint where it was in number 2, putting it down a bit, and making the second drawing which is that he must carry the sword hilt in middle guard, and the point straight at the left nipple. And to begin the third drawing, he must pass the sword above the head, extending strongly the arms, and carrying the sword hilt higher and a bit farther than the right shoulder, placing at the same time the sword point straight at the Lieutenant's left eye, and the left hand is kept right of the left nipple, as shown above in the first drawing and as shown at the portraiture marked behind the back of the person marked number 4.
  
 
''The end of the first and second drawings for the Provost.''
 
''The end of the first and second drawings for the Provost.''
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| ''Postion and guard of the first strike of the sword alone, for the Lieutenant, which is a low right-hand at the leg of the Provost, thrown by the Lieutenant, and defended by the Provost, as will be seen after the first strike.''
 
| ''Postion and guard of the first strike of the sword alone, for the Lieutenant, which is a low right-hand at the leg of the Provost, thrown by the Lieutenant, and defended by the Provost, as will be seen after the first strike.''
  
And to do this the Lieutenant is to have the feet together as shown above in the portraiture of the Lieutenant marked number 9, pull the right foot back a little apart, and in drawing his sword will take the sword hilt higher than his shoulder, placing the point straight at the left nipple of the Provost, keeping the left hand below the arm, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 11 behind the bonnet.
+
And to do this the Lieutenant is to have the feet together as shown above in the portraiture of the Lieutenant marked number 9, pull the right foot back a little apart, and in drawing his sword will take the sword hilt higher than his shoulder, placing the point straight at the Provost's left nipple, keeping the left hand below the arm, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 11 behind the bonnet.
  
 
''Written for the first guard and position for the Provost, in order to begin the section on the sword alone.''
 
''Written for the first guard and position for the Provost, in order to begin the section on the sword alone.''
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| ''This guard is almost similar to the one before, hardly different yet it will serve as another one to make and execute the first strike of the sword alone for the Lieutenant and Provost.''
 
| ''This guard is almost similar to the one before, hardly different yet it will serve as another one to make and execute the first strike of the sword alone for the Lieutenant and Provost.''
  
In order to declare this guard for the Lieutenant, he must have his feet together to pull the right foot<ref>Dupuis states the original says left but is incompatible with the rest of the text and the engraving.</ref> back a little apart, carrying the sword hilt higher than the right shoulder, placing the sword point straight at the throat; the guard of the Lieutenant above marked in number 11 is the same, but the placement isn't because he places the point at the left nipple, whereas this one states it is at the throat, keeping the left hand under the arm of the sword, as shown below at the portraiture marked on number 13.
+
In order to declare this guard for the Lieutenant, he must have his feet together to pull the right foot<ref>Dupuis states the original says left but is incompatible with the rest of the text and the engraving.</ref> back a little apart, carrying the sword hilt higher than the right shoulder, placing the sword point straight at the throat; the guard of the Lieutenant above marked in number 11 is the same, but the placement isn't because he places the point at the left nipple, whereas this one states it is at the throat, keeping the left hand under the sword arm, as shown below at the portraiture marked on number 13.
  
 
''This is the purpose of this guard for the Lieutenant.''
 
''This is the purpose of this guard for the Lieutenant.''
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| ''The following is the first strike of the sword alone for the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Provost.''
 
| ''The following is the first strike of the sword alone for the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Provost.''
  
And to do this, this said Lieutenant must have taken the step and one of the drawings, staying on the left foot as the portraiture above marked number 13, and in order to execute this first strike of the sword alone, the Lieutenant will advance the right foot, being on the guard marked 13, and will throw a low right-hand at the left knee of the Provost, raising the sword hilt almost as high as the left shoulder, lowering well the sword point down to do this said right-hand at the leg more perfectly, and keeping the left hand as shown above at the portraiture of the Lieutenant marked number 15.
+
And to do this, this said Lieutenant must have taken the step and one of the drawings, staying on the left foot as the portraiture above marked number 13, and in order to execute this first strike of the sword alone, the Lieutenant will advance the right foot, being on the guard marked 13, and will throw a low right-hand at the Provost's left knee, raising the sword hilt almost as high as the left shoulder, lowering the sword point well down to do this said right-hand at the leg more perfectly, and keeping the left hand as shown above at the portraiture of the Lieutenant marked number 15.
  
 
''This is the end of the first strike of the sword alone for the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Provost.''
 
''This is the end of the first strike of the sword alone for the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Provost.''
  
''Next is to declare how the Provost will have defended his knee and will have thrown a right-hand at the arms of the Lieutenant.''
+
''Next is to declare how the Provost will have defended his knee and will have thrown a right-hand at the Lieutenant's arms.''
  
And to do this, the Provost being on his left leg, having made one of the three drawings, guards, and placement, and staying on the guard marked number 14 above, the Provost to properly execute, defend, and offend at the same time this said low right-hand, pulls his left foot back and throws a right-hand at the sword arm of the Lieutenant, and unlike other ignorant demonstrators who crosses sword against sword when a strike comes from below, which is fine because by that he defends himself; but this strike is better because he defends himself and offends thereby doing two good things, I recommend that you take the better one, as the Provost also does in executing this said strike, keeping the left hand as shown at the portraiture marked number 16.  
+
And to do this, the Provost being on his left leg, having made one of the three drawings, guards, and placement, and staying on the guard marked number 14 above, the Provost to properly execute, defend, and offend at the same time this said low right-hand, pulls his left foot back and throws a right-hand at the Lieutenant's sword arm, and unlike other ignorant demonstrators who crosses sword against sword when a strike comes from below, which is fine because by that he defends himself; but this strike is better because he defends himself and offends thereby doing two good things, I recommend that you take the better one, as the Provost also does in executing this said strike, keeping the left hand as shown at the portraiture marked number 16.  
  
 
''This is the defense of the low right-hand at the knee defended by the Provost against the Lieutenant.''
 
''This is the defense of the low right-hand at the knee defended by the Provost against the Lieutenant.''
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| ''The following is the first counter and continuation of the first strike, which is for the attacking Lieutenant and for the defending Provost.''
 
| ''The following is the first counter and continuation of the first strike, which is for the attacking Lieutenant and for the defending Provost.''
  
And to do this, the Lieutenant being again on the right foot, having thrown the low right-hand at the knee, while the Provost threw a right-hand at the sword arm at the same time as shown above at the Lieutenant on number 15 and the Provost on 16. The Lieutenant being again on the right foot, seeing himself about to be struck by a right-hand on the sword arm, immediately lifts and carries his sword high and throws a back-hand on the side of the right shoulder of the Provost, keeping the Lieutenant's fingernails of the right hand to face left, and his left hand is keeping right of his face, as shown above at the portraiture marked behind the collar in number 17.
+
And to do this, the Lieutenant being again on the right foot, having thrown the low right-hand at the knee, while the Provost threw a right-hand at the sword arm at the same time as shown above at the Lieutenant on number 15 and the Provost on 16. The Lieutenant being again on the right foot, seeing himself about to be struck by a right-hand on the sword arm, immediately lifts and carries his sword high and throws a back-hand on the side of the Provost's right shoulder, keeping the Lieutenant's fingernails of the right hand to face left, and his left hand is keeping right of his face, as shown above at the portraiture marked behind the collar in number 17.
  
 
''The end of the first counter of the first strike of the sword alone for the Lieutenant.''
 
''The end of the first counter of the first strike of the sword alone for the Lieutenant.''
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''Next will be declared the defense of the first counter and continuation for the Provost against the Lieutenant.''
 
''Next will be declared the defense of the first counter and continuation for the Provost against the Lieutenant.''
  
And to evade and to guard himself against this first continuation, which is a high back-hand, having thrown a right-hand at the arms of the Lieutenant, as shown above at the portraiture of the Lieutenant marked number 15 and at the Provost who executed the right-hand marked number 16, the Provost being on the right foot to guard and to defend this said first counter, will cross the sword of the Lieutenant with the strong on weak, presenting a thrust to the face of the Lieutenant, keeping the Provost's left hand near his left nipple, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 18.
+
And to evade and to guard himself against this first continuation, which is a high back-hand, having thrown a right-hand at the Lieutenant's arms , as shown above at the portraiture of the Lieutenant marked number 15 and at the Provost who executed the right-hand marked number 16, the Provost being on the right foot to guard and to defend this said first counter, will cross the Lieutenant's sword with the strong on weak, presenting a thrust to the Lieutenant's face, keeping the Provost's left hand near his left nipple, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 18.
  
 
''The end of the first counter and continuation for the Provost against the Lieutenant, being effectively defended by this.''
 
''The end of the first counter and continuation for the Provost against the Lieutenant, being effectively defended by this.''
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| ''The following is the second counter and continuation for the Lieutenant and the Provost of the first strike of the sword alone, which is a right-hand.''
 
| ''The following is the second counter and continuation for the Lieutenant and the Provost of the first strike of the sword alone, which is a right-hand.''
  
And to complete this second continuation by the Lieutenant, he must still be on the right foot and having made the second counter and continuation, having seen the Provost defending himself, the Lieutenant again for this second continuation steals away<ref>In modern fencing, dérobement is a fencing term for disengage.</ref> his sword below the sword hilt of the Provost and throws a high right-hand at the Provost, keeping the back of the sword hand down and the nails up, and the left hand right of his face, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 19.
+
And to complete this second continuation by the Lieutenant, he must still be on the right foot and having made the second counter and continuation, having seen the Provost defending himself, the Lieutenant again for this second continuation steals away<ref>In modern fencing, dérobement is a fencing term for disengage.</ref> his sword below the Provost's sword hilt and throws a high right-hand at the Provost, keeping the back of the sword hand down and the nails up, and the left hand right of his face, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 19.
  
 
''The end of the second continuation of the first strike for the Lieutenant.''
 
''The end of the second continuation of the first strike for the Lieutenant.''
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''Next will show how the Provost must defend himself of the second counter and continuation thrown by the attacking Lieutenant.''
 
''Next will show how the Provost must defend himself of the second counter and continuation thrown by the attacking Lieutenant.''
  
And to guard himself effectively, the Provost must watch the sword point of the Lieutenant, and when he steals away below the Provost's sword hilt to throw the high right-hand at him, the Provost not removing the step of the right foot, will cross the right-hand that is thrown at him by the Lieutenant with the strong on weak and will present a thrust to the face of the Lieutenant, keeping the left hand right upon his shoulder, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 20.
+
And to guard himself effectively, the Provost must watch the Lieutenant's sword point, and when he steals away below the Provost's sword hilt to throw the high right-hand at him, the Provost not removing the step of the right foot, will cross the right-hand that is thrown at him by the Lieutenant with the strong on weak and will present a thrust to the Lieutenant's face, keeping the left hand right upon his shoulder, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 20.
  
 
''This is the end of the second counter and continuation of the first strike for the Provost.''
 
''This is the end of the second counter and continuation of the first strike for the Provost.''
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''The following is the writing of the guard and position for the Provost.''
 
''The following is the writing of the guard and position for the Provost.''
  
And to do this the Provost likewise is to have the feet together, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 10, and in order to make the low guard effectively the Provost needs to pull the right foot back in drawing to carry the sword hilt above his left lap, placing the sword point straight at the braies of the Lieutenant, and also keeping the left hand right of the left nipple, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 22 behind the bonnet.
+
And to do this the Provost likewise is to have the feet together, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 10, and in order to make the low guard effectively the Provost needs to pull the right foot back in drawing to carry the sword hilt above his left lap, placing the sword point straight at the Lieutenant's braies, and also keeping the left hand right of the left nipple, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 22 behind the bonnet.
  
 
''The end of the guard and position for the Provost.''
 
''The end of the guard and position for the Provost.''
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|-  
 
|-  
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 23-24.png|400x400px|center]]
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 23-24.png|400x400px|center]]
| ''The following is the second strike of the sword alone on this section, which is a low reversal at the right knee of the Provost, thrown by the Lieutenant and properly defended by the Provost.''
+
| ''The following is the second strike of the sword alone on this section, which is a low reversal at the Provost's right knee, thrown by the Lieutenant and properly defended by the Provost.''
  
And to do this, the Lieutenant remaining on the right foot having made and thrown the first and second counters, is to execute and make the second strike by advancing with the left foot and throwing a back-hand at the right knee of the Provost, keeping the left hand right of his face, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked 23.   
+
And to do this, the Lieutenant remaining on the right foot having made and thrown the first and second counters, is to execute and make the second strike by advancing with the left foot and throwing a back-hand at the Provost's right knee, keeping the left hand right of his face, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked 23.   
  
 
''This is the end of the second strike for the Lieutenant.''
 
''This is the end of the second strike for the Lieutenant.''
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And to do this, having made the first guard and drawing while being under the left foot, in order to execute this strike when the Lieutenant advanced his left foot to throw a low back-hand at the Provost's knee, the Provost pulls back his right foot and throws a reversal at the elbow of the Lieutenant's sword arm instead of going for the sword as done by the ignorant, keeping the left hand above the left lap, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 24 behind the collar.
 
And to do this, having made the first guard and drawing while being under the left foot, in order to execute this strike when the Lieutenant advanced his left foot to throw a low back-hand at the Provost's knee, the Provost pulls back his right foot and throws a reversal at the elbow of the Lieutenant's sword arm instead of going for the sword as done by the ignorant, keeping the left hand above the left lap, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 24 behind the collar.
  
''The end of the second strike which is a reversal under the elbow of the sword arm of the Lieutenant, thrown by the Provost.''
+
''The end of the second strike which is a reversal under the elbow of the Lieutenant's sword arm, thrown by the Provost.''
  
 
| ''Sensuit le second coup de ceste espée seule, suivant l’ordre d’icelle, qui est un renvers de bas au jarret droict du Prevost, tiré par le Lieutenent, & deffendu proprement par le Prevost.''
 
| ''Sensuit le second coup de ceste espée seule, suivant l’ordre d’icelle, qui est un renvers de bas au jarret droict du Prevost, tiré par le Lieutenent, & deffendu proprement par le Prevost.''
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''This is the end of the first counter of the strike for the Lieutenant.''
 
''This is the end of the first counter of the strike for the Lieutenant.''
  
Here will be shown the declaration of the first counter or continuation of the second strike, which is a low reversal at the knee of the Lieutenant and a reversal at the elbow, thrown by the Provost marked number 23 and 24 above for the Lieutenant and for the Provost. And to defend himself from the second counter or continuation, which is a right-hand or high thrust thrown by the Lieutenant, it is necessary that the Provost being on the step of the left foot, crosses the sword of the Lieutenant with the strong on weak, and presents him a thrust to the face of the Lieutenant, keeping the fingernails on the hand of the sword hilt up and the left hand under the elbow of the sword arm, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 26.
+
Here will be shown the declaration of the first counter or continuation of the second strike, which is a low reversal at the Lieutenant's knee and a reversal at the elbow, thrown by the Provost marked number 23 and 24 above for the Lieutenant and for the Provost. And to defend himself from the second counter or continuation, which is a right-hand or high thrust thrown by the Lieutenant, it is necessary that the Provost being on the step of the left foot, crosses the Lieutenant's sword with the strong on weak, and presents him a thrust to the Lieutenant's face, keeping the fingernails on the hand of the sword hilt up and the left hand under the elbow of the sword arm, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 26.
  
 
''This is the end of the first counter of the second strike for the Provost.''
 
''This is the end of the first counter of the second strike for the Provost.''
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''Declaration of the second counter for the defending Provost against the Lieutenant.''
 
''Declaration of the second counter for the defending Provost against the Lieutenant.''
  
And to do this the Provost needs to also be under the right foot and that he crosses and strikes down with the strong on weak of the sword of the attacking Lieutenant, which is the second continuation, keeping the sword hilt and fingertips down, and presenting a thust to his left nipple, and also keeping the left hand right of the left nipple, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 28.
+
And to do this the Provost needs to also be under the right foot and that he crosses and strikes down with the strong on weak of the attacking Lieutenant's sword, which is the second continuation, keeping the sword hilt and fingertips down, and presenting a thust to his left nipple, and also keeping the left hand right of the left nipple, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 28.
  
 
''This is the end of the second counter for the Provost starting with low reversal at the Lieutenant's knee, then defended and cut at the arms by the Provost, as shown at length with the portraitures above the strikes.''
 
''This is the end of the second counter for the Provost starting with low reversal at the Lieutenant's knee, then defended and cut at the arms by the Provost, as shown at length with the portraitures above the strikes.''
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| ''The following guard and position of the third strike, which is a high right-hand for the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Provost.''
 
| ''The following guard and position of the third strike, which is a high right-hand for the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Provost.''
  
And to do this the Lieutenant needs to have done the steps and drawings, and having remained on the left foot in low guard, keeping the sword hand and the cutting edge down and the point placing a bit above the braies of the Provost, keeping also this said Lieutenant's left hand right of his chin, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 29 behind the hat.
+
And to do this the Lieutenant needs to have done the steps and drawings, and having remained on the left foot in low guard, keeping the sword hand and the cutting edge down and the point placing a bit above the Provost's braies, keeping also this said Lieutenant's left hand right of his chin, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 29 behind the hat.
  
 
''End of the guard and position for the Lieutenant.''
 
''End of the guard and position for the Lieutenant.''
Line 1,225: Line 1,232:
 
''The following is the defense of the first counter and continuation of the third strike for the Provost against the Lieutenant.''
 
''The following is the defense of the first counter and continuation of the third strike for the Provost against the Lieutenant.''
  
And to do this, this said Provost must be on the right foot. And when the Lieutenant steals away and passes his sword underneath the Provost to throw a back-hand at his right side of the sword, the Provost holding firm on the right foot to defend this continuation will cross his sword on the sword of the attacking Lieutenant, strong on weak, as defined above many times at the other counters and continuations, keeping the nails on the sword hand down, presenting a thrust at the stomach of the Lieutenant, and also keeping his left hand right of his nipple, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 34.
+
And to do this, this said Provost must be on the right foot. And when the Lieutenant steals away and passes his sword underneath the Provost to throw a back-hand at his right side of the sword, the Provost holding firm on the right foot to defend this continuation will cross his sword on the attacking Lieutenant's sword, strong on weak, as defined above many times at the other counters and continuations, keeping the nails on the sword hand down, presenting a thrust at the Lieutenant's stomach, and also keeping his left hand right of his nipple, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 34.
  
 
''The end of the first counter of the third strike for the Provost.''
 
''The end of the first counter of the third strike for the Provost.''
Line 1,322: Line 1,329:
 
''This is the defense of the first counter of the fourth strike for the Provost against the Lieutenant.''
 
''This is the defense of the first counter of the fourth strike for the Provost against the Lieutenant.''
  
And to do this, this said Provost must be on the step of the left foot and when the Lieutenant throws a high right-hand at him, in order to counter the Provost needs to cross and beat down at the same time, and without a moment to waste, be strong on weak, turning the fingernails on the sword hilt up to present a thrust at the throat or the eyes of the Lieutenant, keeping the left hand right of his nipple as shown above at the portraiture marked number 42.
+
And to do this, this said Provost must be on the step of the left foot and when the Lieutenant throws a high right-hand at him, in order to counter the Provost needs to cross and beat down at the same time, and without a moment to waste, be strong on weak, turning the fingernails on the sword hilt up to present a thrust at the Lieutenant's throat or eyes, keeping the left hand right of his nipple as shown above at the portraiture marked number 42.
  
 
''This is the defense of the first counter, derived from the fourth strike for the Provost.''
 
''This is the defense of the first counter, derived from the fourth strike for the Provost.''
Line 1,346: Line 1,353:
 
''After having declared the second counter by the attacking Lieutenant, stay to perform and declare the second counter for the defending Provost.''
 
''After having declared the second counter by the attacking Lieutenant, stay to perform and declare the second counter for the defending Provost.''
  
And to do this, the Provost must be on the left foot, and at the same time without a moment to waste after having thrown and defended the first counter and continuation, return to cross and beat down the second counter which is the high reversal of the Lieutenant, and also must be strong on weak, keeping the nails of the sword hand down, and presenting a thrust to his neck, keeping the left hand below the sword arm as shown next to this writing at the portraiture and figure marked number 44.
+
And to do this, the Provost must be on the left foot, and at the same time without a moment to waste after having thrown and defended the first counter and continuation, return to cross and beat down the second counter which is the high Lieutenant's reversal, and also must be strong on weak, keeping the nails of the sword hand down, and presenting a thrust to his neck, keeping the left hand below the sword arm as shown next to this writing at the portraiture and figure marked number 44.
  
 
''This is the end of the defense of the second counter of the fourth strike for the Provost.''
 
''This is the end of the defense of the second counter of the fourth strike for the Provost.''
Line 1,370: Line 1,377:
 
''Next is declared the guard and position for this said Provost to defend himself from the fifth strike which is the thrust thrown by the Lieutenant.''
 
''Next is declared the guard and position for this said Provost to defend himself from the fifth strike which is the thrust thrown by the Lieutenant.''
  
And to do this the Provost is to also have the feet together to do this said guard and position, he then must pull his right foot back and do one of the three drawings and carry the sword hilt a bit higher than the right shoulder to be in high guard, keeping the back of the sword hand up, placing the sword point at the mouth of the Lieutenant, and also keeping the left hand right of the chest as shown and can be seen above at the portraiture marked number 46.
+
And to do this the Provost is to also have the feet together to do this said guard and position, he then must pull his right foot back and do one of the three drawings and carry the sword hilt a bit higher than the right shoulder to be in high guard, keeping the back of the sword hand up, placing the sword point at the Lieutenant's mouth, and also keeping the left hand right of the chest as shown and can be seen above at the portraiture marked number 46.
  
 
''This is the end of the position and guard for this said Provost to defend and guard himself from the thrust, the fifth strike, thrown by the attacking Lieutenant.''
 
''This is the end of the position and guard for this said Provost to defend and guard himself from the thrust, the fifth strike, thrown by the attacking Lieutenant.''
Line 1,416: Line 1,423:
 
| ''The following is the first counter and continuation of the fifth strike which is the high thrust thrown by the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Provost.''
 
| ''The following is the first counter and continuation of the fifth strike which is the high thrust thrown by the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Provost.''
  
And to do this, the Lieutenant must be on the step of the right foot to do this counter and continuation a little after he has thrown the thrust, the fifth strike with the right-hand, the Lieutenant steals away his sword below the Provost's sword hilt that he has thrown at this Lieutenant, for the first counter and continuation another on the reversal, which is on the right side of the Provost, keeping the left hand right of the nipple as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 49. And if the Lieutenant is left-handed, he must throw the strike at the opposite of what is described, holding the opposite step of the counter and continuation, that is to say that if the Lieutenant throws a right-handed reversal, the Provost if left-handed would have to beat it down with a right-hand using his left hand.
+
And to do this, the Lieutenant must be on the step of the right foot to do this counter and continuation a little after he has thrown the thrust, the fifth strike with the right-hand, the Lieutenant steals away his sword below the Provost's sword hilt that he has thrown at this Lieutenant, for the first counter and continuation another on the reversal, which is on the Provost's right side, keeping the left hand right of the nipple as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 49. And if the Lieutenant is left-handed, he must throw the strike at the opposite of what is described, holding the opposite step of the counter and continuation, that is to say that if the Lieutenant throws a right-handed reversal, the Provost if left-handed would have to beat it down with a right-hand using his left hand.
  
 
''The end of the counter for the Lieutenant.''
 
''The end of the counter for the Lieutenant.''
Line 1,442: Line 1,449:
 
| ''The following is the second counter and continuation of the fifth strike fo the sword alone, which is a high thrust for the attacking Lieutenant and for the defending Provost.''
 
| ''The following is the second counter and continuation of the fifth strike fo the sword alone, which is a high thrust for the attacking Lieutenant and for the defending Provost.''
  
In order to declare and understand the second counter and continuation for this Lieutenant effectively, he must be on the step of the right foot, as he had been when he threw the fifth strike, the high thrust, passing his sword to steal away the back-hand below the Provost's sword hilt, and in an instant the Lieutenant for the second continuation throws again his choice of a high thrust or high right-hand at the left side of the defending Provost, keeping the back of the sword hand down, the nails up, and the keeping left hand right of the nipple as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 51.
+
In order to declare and understand the second counter and continuation for this Lieutenant effectively, he must be on the step of the right foot, as he had been when he threw the fifth strike, the high thrust, passing his sword to steal away the back-hand below the Provost's sword hilt, and in an instant the Lieutenant for the second continuation throws again his choice of a high thrust or high right-hand at the defending Provost's left side, keeping the back of the sword hand down, the nails up, and the keeping left hand right of the nipple as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 51.
  
 
''The end of the second counter for the Lieutenant.''
 
''The end of the second counter for the Lieutenant.''
Line 1,448: Line 1,455:
 
''Next is declared the protection and defense of the second counter of the fifth strike, which is to guard this said Provost further against the Lieutenant.''
 
''Next is declared the protection and defense of the second counter of the fifth strike, which is to guard this said Provost further against the Lieutenant.''
  
And to do this, the Provost needs to be on the step of the right foot, cross and beat down the sword of the attacking Lieutenant, strong on weak, on the right-hand otherwise called the fore-hand, and by this means will defend and ward the Provost from the second counter and continuation, thrown by the Lieutenant, and when all is done the Provost will present a thrust to the Lieutenant's face, keeping the sword hilt and the nails on the hand holding it up, and the left hand right of the left nipple, as shown above at this portraiture marked number 52 behind his hat.
+
And to do this, the Provost needs to be on the step of the right foot, cross and beat down the attacking Lieutenant's sword, strong on weak, on the right-hand otherwise called the fore-hand, and by this means will defend and ward the Provost from the second counter and continuation, thrown by the Lieutenant, and when all is done the Provost will present a thrust to the Lieutenant's face, keeping the sword hilt and the nails on the hand holding it up, and the left hand right of the left nipple, as shown above at this portraiture marked number 52 behind his hat.
  
 
''The end of the second counter and continuation of the fifth strike, which is a high thrust with the right-hand, defended by the Provost against the demonstrating Lieutenant.''
 
''The end of the second counter and continuation of the fifth strike, which is a high thrust with the right-hand, defended by the Provost against the demonstrating Lieutenant.''
Line 1,477: Line 1,484:
 
''The following is the declaration of the guard and position for the Provost, to prepare to defend from the high thrust, which will be thrown after by the Lieutenant against the Provost, the sixth and last strike being mulitplied as stated at the sixth target.''
 
''The following is the declaration of the guard and position for the Provost, to prepare to defend from the high thrust, which will be thrown after by the Lieutenant against the Provost, the sixth and last strike being mulitplied as stated at the sixth target.''
  
This said guard and position for the Provost, which must be on the right foot like the Lieutenant, is how one can keep on the left foot and advance the right foot, but at the last strike and target being multiplied, we will perform the guard which is being done on the right foot. To do this, the Provost will be on the right foot in low guard, keeping the nails on the sword hand down, placing the sword point straight at the stomach of the 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.
+
This said guard and position for the Provost, which must be on the right foot like the Lieutenant, is how one can keep on the left foot and advance the right foot, but at the last strike and target being multiplied, we will perform the guard which is being done on the right foot. To do this, the Provost will be on the right foot in low guard, keeping the nails on the sword hand down, placing the sword point straight at the Lieutenant's stomach, 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 left-handers who follow the instruction that I put, both for the Lieutenant and also the Provost 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 left-handers who follow the instruction that I put, both for the Lieutenant and also the Provost 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 1,503: Line 1,510:
 
| ''The following is the sixth and last strike and target of the sword to be multiplied, which is a high thrust on the reversal thrown by the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Provost.''
 
| ''The following is the sixth and last strike and target of the sword to be multiplied, which is a high thrust on the reversal thrown by the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Provost.''
  
And to do this, this Lieutenant must be on the guard and said step shown above at the portraiture marked number 53. This Lieutenant being on the right foot as stated will pretend to make a thrust at the left side of the Provost on the right foot, and in an instant will advance the left foot, stealing away his sword below the Provost's sword hilt, and throwing a thrust at his right, keeping the sword hilt and the fingertips on the hand holding it facing left, and keeping the left hand right of his left nipple, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 55 behind the collar of the Lieutenant.
+
And to do this, this Lieutenant must be on the guard and said step shown above at the portraiture marked number 53. This Lieutenant being on the right foot as stated will pretend to make a thrust at the Provost's left side on the right foot, and in an instant will advance the left foot, stealing away his sword below the Provost's sword hilt, and throwing a thrust at his right, keeping the sword hilt and the fingertips on the hand holding it facing left, and keeping the left hand right of his left nipple, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 55 behind the collar of the Lieutenant.
  
 
''The end and declaration of the sixth and last strike of the sword alone for the attacking Lieutenant.''
 
''The end and declaration of the sixth and last strike of the sword alone for the attacking Lieutenant.''
Line 1,509: Line 1,516:
 
''After having performed the sixth and last strike of the sword alone for the attacking Lieutenant, also stay to perform the defense of it for the defending Provost.''
 
''After having performed the sixth and last strike of the sword alone for the attacking Lieutenant, also stay to perform the defense of it for the defending Provost.''
  
And to do this, the Provost is to be on the right foot as shown at the portraiture being on his guard marked number 54, pulling it back and crossing his sword on the sword of the attacking Lieutenant, beating down and defending the 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 in doing this the Provost will present a thrust to the chest of the 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 Provost is to be on the right foot as shown at the portraiture being on his guard marked number 54, pulling it back and crossing his sword on the attacking Lieutenant's sword, beating down and defending the 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 enemy's sword - and in doing this the Provost will present a thrust to the attacking Lieutenant's chest, keeping the back of the sword hand up and the left hand below the sword elbow, as shown above at the portraiture marked 56.
  
 
''The end and the declaration of the defense of the sixth and last strike for the defending Provost against the attacking Lieutenant.''
 
''The end and the declaration of the defense of the sixth and last strike for the defending Provost against the attacking Lieutenant.''
Line 1,537: Line 1,544:
 
''This is the defense of the first counter and continuation for the Provost of the sixth strike, which is a high thrust being multiplied and thrown by the attacking Lieutenant and defended by the Provost, as will be seen by the writings after the author directs and teaches, as it should be defended from the thrust.''
 
''This is the defense of the first counter and continuation for the Provost of the sixth strike, which is a high thrust being multiplied and thrown by the attacking Lieutenant and defended by the Provost, as will be seen by the writings after the author directs and teaches, as it should be defended from the thrust.''
  
And to do this, the Provost must remain firm and stable on the step of the left foot, and for the defense and conservation of the counter, which will be a thrust the Provost will cross his sword on the sword of the Lieutenant with strong on weak coming from the side of a right-hand, carrying the nails on the sword hand up and presenting a thrust to the face of the Lieutenant, keeping also the Provost's left hand right of the left nipple, as shown above at the portraiture marked 58.
+
And to do this, the Provost must remain firm and stable on the step of the left foot, and for the defense and conservation of the counter, which will be a thrust the Provost will cross his sword on the Lieutenant's sword with strong on weak coming from the side of a right-hand, carrying the nails on the sword hand up and presenting a thrust to the Lieutenant's face, keeping also the Provost's left hand right of the left nipple, as shown above at the portraiture marked 58.
  
 
''This is the end and defense of the first counter and continuation of the sixth and last strike for the defending Provost.''
 
''This is the end and defense of the first counter and continuation of the sixth and last strike for the defending Provost.''
Line 1,667: Line 1,674:
 
| ''The following is the second counter and continuation which is a high thrust or high right-hand, originating from the triangle strike for the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Provost.''
 
| ''The following is the second counter and continuation which is a high thrust or high right-hand, originating from the triangle strike for the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Provost.''
  
And the Lieutenant again for the second counter of the triangle, if the Lieutenant sees that the Provost defends against the first counter and throws a back-hand as marked number 66 at the Provost, and if he is skillful; the Lieutenant staying on the same right foot step steals away his sword below the Provost's sword hilt by a back-hand, and feints a back-hand at the cuisse of the Provost, raising at the same time his sword up, and to execute the second counter he crosses the Provost's sword strong on weak and presents a thrust to the body or the face, shifting the right foot which is on the corner of the triangle or number 3 and puts it on the footprint marked 2, keeping the nails of the sword hand up and the left hand right of the face, as shown at the portraiture marked number 67 behind the hat.
+
And the Lieutenant again for the second counter of the triangle, if the Lieutenant sees that the Provost defends against the first counter and throws a back-hand as marked number 66 at the Provost, and if he is skillful; the Lieutenant staying on the same right foot step steals away his sword below the Provost's sword hilt by a back-hand, and feints a back-hand at the Provost's cuisse, raising at the same time his sword up, and to execute the second counter he crosses the Provost's sword strong on weak and presents a thrust to the body or the face, shifting the right foot which is on the corner of the triangle or number 3 and puts it on the footprint marked 2, keeping the nails of the sword hand up and the left hand right of the face, as shown at the portraiture marked number 67 behind the hat.
  
 
''This is the end for the Lieutenant against the Provost.''
 
''This is the end for the Lieutenant against the Provost.''
Line 1,673: Line 1,680:
 
''The following is the reverse of the second counter and continuation for the Provost.''
 
''The following is the reverse of the second counter and continuation for the Provost.''
  
And to do this, the Provost must be on the left foot having made his step, as stated above at the figures of the three drawings, marked number 2 and 4, also as shown above at portraiture 62 of the Provost, and to guard the strike thrown by the Lieutenant well in the manner and fashion of the triangle, the Provost needs to watch the Lieutenant's sword point and never lose sight of it, and when the Lieutenant advances his right foot to throw a high thrust or high reversal, the Provost must cross these strikes, strong on weak, and present a thrust at the face, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 64, and to make and execute the second counter for the Provost, he will be on the right foot and cross the thrust coming on the reversal thrown by the Lieutenant, strong on weak, keeping the nails on the sword hand up, presenting a thrust at the face of the Lieutenant, and keeping the Provost's left hand right of the braies, as marked number 68 above.
+
And to do this, the Provost must be on the left foot having made his step, as stated above at the figures of the three drawings, marked number 2 and 4, also as shown above at portraiture 62 of the Provost, and to guard the strike thrown by the Lieutenant well in the manner and fashion of the triangle, the Provost needs to watch the Lieutenant's sword point and never lose sight of it, and when the Lieutenant advances his right foot to throw a high thrust or high reversal, the Provost must cross these strikes, strong on weak, and present a thrust at the face, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 64, and to make and execute the second counter for the Provost, he will be on the right foot and cross the thrust coming on the reversal thrown by the Lieutenant, strong on weak, keeping the nails on the sword hand up, presenting a thrust at the Lieutenant's face, and keeping the Provost's left hand right of the braies, as marked number 68 above.
  
 
''This is the end and defense of the strike for the Provost.''
 
''This is the end and defense of the strike for the Provost.''
Line 2,007: Line 2,014:
 
''The following is what the Provost must do to make the second grab against the Lieutenant.''
 
''The following is what the Provost must do to make the second grab against the Lieutenant.''
  
And to do this, the Provost also will also be on the left foot in middle guard as shown above at the portraiture in number 90. The Lieutenant having thrown his choice of a high right-hand or high thrust, the Provost pulls the left foot back and crosses and beats down the Lieutenant's sword, strong on weak, and seeing that he was tricked by the step and grab of the Lieutenant, this said Provost seeing the trickery, signals with his left hand that he wants to turn away and beat down the thrust at him, and can attack the Lieutenant as shown above at the next said portraiture and figure marked number 92 behind his head.
+
And to do this, the Provost also will also be on the left foot in middle guard as shown above at the portraiture in number 90. The Lieutenant having thrown his choice of a high right-hand or high thrust, the Provost pulls the left foot back and crosses and beats down the Lieutenant's sword, strong on weak, and seeing that he was tricked by the Lieutenant's step and grab, this said Provost seeing the trickery, signals with his left hand that he wants to turn away and beat down the thrust at him, and can attack the Lieutenant as shown above at the next said portraiture and figure marked number 92 behind his head.
  
 
''The end of the second grab made by the Lieutenant at the Provost and how he dealt with it.''
 
''The end of the second grab made by the Lieutenant at the Provost and how he dealt with it.''
Line 2,059: Line 2,066:
 
''This is how the Lieutenant loses his sword, seeing that the Provost having done this well as had been shown above.''
 
''This is how the Lieutenant loses his sword, seeing that the Provost having done this well as had been shown above.''
  
''The following is a demonstration of what the Provost needs to do to remove the sword of the Lieutenant, copying point by point what he demonstrated at the aforementioned grabs.''
+
''The following is a demonstration of what the Provost needs to do to remove the Lieutenant's sword, copying point by point what he demonstrated at the aforementioned grabs.''
  
 
And to do this, the Provost having made one of the four drawings, guards, placements and remaining on the left foot, and seeing that the Lieutenant has thrown a steep high right-hand or high thrust, the Provost having good understanding and memory of what the Lieutenant had done and shown, he does the same to the Lieutenant; the Provost unrestrained and without pause crosses his sword with the Lieutenant strong on weak, and presents a thrust at the throat or somewhere around there to force him to leave his sword as shown above at the portraiture and figure of the Provost marked number 96 behind the hat.
 
And to do this, the Provost having made one of the four drawings, guards, placements and remaining on the left foot, and seeing that the Lieutenant has thrown a steep high right-hand or high thrust, the Provost having good understanding and memory of what the Lieutenant had done and shown, he does the same to the Lieutenant; the Provost unrestrained and without pause crosses his sword with the Lieutenant strong on weak, and presents a thrust at the throat or somewhere around there to force him to leave his sword as shown above at the portraiture and figure of the Provost marked number 96 behind the hat.
Line 2,159: Line 2,166:
 
| The third grab shown above by the Lieutenant to the Provost and is executed by the Provost here, as evidenced.''
 
| The third grab shown above by the Lieutenant to the Provost and is executed by the Provost here, as evidenced.''
  
And to do this, the Lieutenant having thrown a high right-hand or high thrust at him and advancing the right foot, having made the strikes, step, guard, and placement that he wanted without restraint as shown above, the Provost has executed the grab so diligently that the Lieutenant is forced to let go of the sword. And seeing that the Provost wants to thrust his belly, the Lieutenant as stated is forced is to let go of his sword and with the left hand ready to beat down the sword of the Provost as shown above at the portraiture marked number 103.
+
And to do this, the Lieutenant having thrown a high right-hand or high thrust at him and advancing the right foot, having made the strikes, step, guard, and placement that he wanted without restraint as shown above, the Provost has executed the grab so diligently that the Lieutenant is forced to let go of the sword. And seeing that the Provost wants to thrust his belly, the Lieutenant as stated is forced is to let go of his sword and with the left hand ready to beat down the Provost's sword as shown above at the portraiture marked number 103.
  
 
''This is the end of the counter-grab that the Provost has done at the Lieutenant, as evidenced.''
 
''This is the end of the counter-grab that the Provost has done at the Lieutenant, as evidenced.''
Line 2,195: Line 2,202:
 
''Next he will be showing the guard and position to defend a high right-hand or high thrust thrown by the Lieutenant against the Provost to make the fourth grab.''
 
''Next he will be showing the guard and position to defend a high right-hand or high thrust thrown by the Lieutenant against the Provost to make the fourth grab.''
  
To do this, the Provost must also have made one of the three drawings and be on the left foot while keeping himself in middle guard, which is best, keeping the back of the sword hand up, placing the point straight at the left nipple of the Lieutenant, and the left hand right upon the lap, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 106.
+
To do this, the Provost must also have made one of the three drawings and be on the left foot while keeping himself in middle guard, which is best, keeping the back of the sword hand up, placing the point straight at the Lieutenant's left nipple, and the left hand right upon the lap, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 106.
  
 
''This is the end of the description and position for the Provost.''
 
''This is the end of the description and position for the Provost.''
Line 2,245: Line 2,252:
 
| ''The fourth grab shown by the attacking Lieutenant to the defending Provost, as clearly shown and written below.''
 
| ''The fourth grab shown by the attacking Lieutenant to the defending Provost, as clearly shown and written below.''
  
And to do this, the Lieutenant being on the left foot as shown above at the portraiture of the aforementioned position and the guard marked number 105, advanced the right foot and throws a high right-hand or high thrust on the left of the Provost to test, as stated and shown above at the portraiture of the Lieutenant marked number 107, and the Lieutenant seeing that the Provost has defended the high right-hand or high thrust, this said Lieutenant in order to make the grab steals away his sword with a right-hand below the Provost's sword, and let his sword drop above the Provost's arms, turning the nails of the sword hand up, and with the left hand near the tip take the Provost's sword. With this the Lieutenant tells the Provost, "Listen, if I wanted to lower and press my left hand down you would be forced to let go of your sword, as you can do to me and in fact will do," as will be seen after provided that you do as shown above at this said portraiture and figure of the Lieutenant marked number 109.
+
And to do this, the Lieutenant being on the left foot as shown above at the portraiture of the aforementioned position and the guard marked number 105, advanced the right foot and throws a high right-hand or high thrust on the Provost's left to test, as stated and shown above at the portraiture of the Lieutenant marked number 107, and the Lieutenant seeing that the Provost has defended the high right-hand or high thrust, this said Lieutenant in order to make the grab steals away his sword with a right-hand below the Provost's sword, and let his sword drop above the Provost's arms, turning the nails of the sword hand up, and with the left hand near the tip take the Provost's sword. With this the Lieutenant tells the Provost, "Listen, if I wanted to lower and press my left hand down you would be forced to let go of your sword, as you can do to me and in fact will do," as will be seen after provided that you do as shown above at this said portraiture and figure of the Lieutenant marked number 109.
  
 
''This is the end of the fourth and last grab for the demonstrating Lieutenant against the defending Provost.''
 
''This is the end of the fourth and last grab for the demonstrating Lieutenant against the defending Provost.''
Line 2,307: Line 2,314:
 
''The following is the definition, guard, and position for the Provost.''
 
''The following is the definition, guard, and position for the Provost.''
  
And to do this, the Provost must have made one of the drawings as he pleases, and having kept himself on the left foot in low guard, keeping the sword hilt upon the left knee, placing the point straight at the belt or the braies of the Lieutenant, the cutting edge down, and the left hand right of the left nipple, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 114.
+
And to do this, the Provost must have made one of the drawings as he pleases, and having kept himself on the left foot in low guard, keeping the sword hilt upon the left knee, placing the point straight at the belt or the Lieutenant's braies, the cutting edge down, and the left hand right of the left nipple, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 114.
  
 
''The end of the guard for the Provost.''
 
''The end of the guard for the Provost.''
Line 2,412: Line 2,419:
 
''The following is the declaration of the guard and position for the Provost.''
 
''The following is the declaration of the guard and position for the Provost.''
  
And to do this, the Provost must have made the same step, drawing, and nearly the same guard, that he keeps himself, and be on the right foot, keeping the sword hilt upon the right thigh, placing the sword point straight at or around the braies of the Lieutenant, keeping the cutting edge of the sword down, and his left hand kept near close to his belt, the fingertips near the braies as shown above at the portraiture marked number 122.
+
And to do this, the Provost must have made the same step, drawing, and nearly the same guard, that he keeps himself, and be on the right foot, keeping the sword hilt upon the right thigh, placing the sword point straight at or around the Lieutenant's braies, keeping the cutting edge of the sword down, and his left hand kept near close to his belt, the fingertips near the braies as shown above at the portraiture marked number 122.
  
 
''The end and position for the Provost.''
 
''The end and position for the Provost.''
Line 2,602: Line 2,609:
 
| FRIENDLY READER,
 
| FRIENDLY READER,
  
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 Author preferred to choose and follow the art and practice of this than of the 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 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 Sire 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 Author for the reasoning of the treatise and other little discourse, and advices made on the exercises and tennis. The 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 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 Author preferred to choose and follow the art and practice of this than of the 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 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 Lord 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 Author for the reasoning of the treatise and other little discourse, and advices made on the exercises and tennis. The 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 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 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 Author who may discuss with you for an explanation, and effectively show the contents of the treatise, of which the 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.
+
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 Author who may discuss with you for an explanation, and effectively show the treatise's contents, of which the 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 06:33, 12 September 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. The "es" is 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. Correction du texte d’origine donnant « Leiutenent ».
  22. In modern fencing, dérobement is a fencing term for disengage.
  23. Correction de l'édition originale qui omet lors d'un changement de page le début du mot « haute »
  24. The position of the hand illustrates the fingers down, in opposition to the text.
  25. La position de la main illustrée a les doigts au-dessus, en opposition avec le texte.
  26. Proposition de correction pour « bessoin »
  27. Proposition de correction pour « avan-main »
  28. Proposition de correction pour « couté »
  29. Proposition de correction pour « Vola ».
  30. Proposition de correction pour « ongle »
  31. Sens inconnu.
  32. La tuition est un synonyme de « garde », « défense », très souvent employé à cette époque pour appuyer le mot « défense ».
  33. Proposition de correction pour « Provost »
  34. Proposition de correction de « du–sixiesme »
  35. Proposition de correction pour « persent ».
  36. The triangle represented here is not correct. The one marked 65 seems to better reflect the proposed movement.
  37. Proposition de correction pour « le ongles ».
  38. Le triangle représenté ici n'est pas correct, celui cotté 65 paraît rendre mieux compte du déplacement proposé.
  39. Dupuis thinks 75 represents this correct and that 73 is incorrect.
  40. Proposition de correction pour « Lieutent ». La marque indiquant une contraction a probablement été omise.
  41. 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.
  42. The Provost shown at the portraiture does not correspond to the text since he is on the right foot
  43. Proposition de correction pour « dh’aut »
  44. Sic.
  45. Le prévôt représenté ici ne correspond pas au texte puisqu'il se tient sur le pied droit.
  46. The Provost of 80 isn't on the left foot as written but is coherent with 78.
  47. Le prévôt de la figure 80 n’est pas sur le pied gauche comme écrit et mais reste cohérent avec la figure 78.
  48. It is meant to read as Provost here.
  49. Il faut évidemment lire ici « Prevost ».
  50. Proposition de correction pour « suprint »
  51. Sic.
  52. Suppression du doublement de l'esperluette dans « sa cuisse gauche, & & tous ».
  53. Sic. Au XVIe siècle, le genre des mots était encore indécis.
  54. The author is announcing here another edition to augment his book which has never has been written.
  55. L’auteur annonce ici une prochaine édition augmentée de son oeuvre qui n’a a priori jamais eu lieu.
  56. Proposition de correction pour « ou ».
  57. Proposition de correction pour « mostré »
  58. Du latin médiéval « inquinatum » signifiant « pour combien »
  59. lit. bark or shell, outer layer. Idiom similar to "Don't judge a book by its cover.
  60. A vidimus is a certified copy of an earlier act
  61. of King Charles IX
  62. It must be either Pierre or Jean Brûlart who both served on Parliament
  63. If the seal is appended to the document with a strip of parchment, it is called a "queue". If there is a double strip, it is then called a "double queue".
  64. Dilection : attachement, amour pur.
  65. Un vidimus est la copie certifiée d'un acte antérieur.
  66. Il doit s'agit de Pierre ou Jean Brûlart (tout deux avait une charge au Parlement) qui signe pour le roi.