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{{Infobox writer
 
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| translations        = {{French translation|http://ardamhe.free.fr/biblio/pdf/CECP.pdf|1}}
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| translations        = {{English translation|http://www.bruchius.com/docs/Peloquin%20translation%20by%20RvN.pdf|1}}
 
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'''Captain Peloquin''' was a [[century::16th century]] [[nationality::French]] soldier and [[fencing master]]. He is described as "one of the four leading fencing masters of France", and his treatise notes that he trained King Henri IV of France in fencing. This likely occurred in the 1570s, giving us an approximate time frame for Peloquin's career.
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'''Capitaine Peloquin''' was a [[century::16th century]] [[nationality::French]] soldier and [[fencing master]]. He is described as "one of the four leading fencing masters of France", and his treatise notes that he trained King Henri IV of France in fencing. This likely occurred in the 1570s, giving us an approximate time frame for Peloquin's career.
  
 
Toward the end of the 16th century, Peloquin authored a fencing treatise titled ''Cabinet d'escrime de l'espee et poingnardt'' ("Showcase of Fencing with the Sword and Dagger").<ref>[[Matt Galas]] estimates that it was written in the 1580s or 1590s based on internal evidence.</ref> The only extant copy, current [[Cabinet d'escrime de l'espee et poingnardt (MS KB.73.J.39)|MS KB.73.J.39]], was made by [[J. de La Haye]], a friend of Peloquin's, between 1600 and 1609. Peloquin's treatise is distinctive for its abstract diagrams consisting of floating weapons and feet with lines connecting them to disembodied hearts and faces.
 
Toward the end of the 16th century, Peloquin authored a fencing treatise titled ''Cabinet d'escrime de l'espee et poingnardt'' ("Showcase of Fencing with the Sword and Dagger").<ref>[[Matt Galas]] estimates that it was written in the 1580s or 1590s based on internal evidence.</ref> The only extant copy, current [[Cabinet d'escrime de l'espee et poingnardt (MS KB.73.J.39)|MS KB.73.J.39]], was made by [[J. de La Haye]], a friend of Peloquin's, between 1600 and 1609. Peloquin's treatise is distinctive for its abstract diagrams consisting of floating weapons and feet with lines connecting them to disembodied hearts and faces.
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{{master begin
 
{{master begin
  | title = Rapier and Dagger
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  | title = Foreword
 
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| <p>To the very great and very illustrious Prince, Monseigneur the Count Maurice, Prince of Orange, Count of Nassau and of Katzenelnbogen, Marquis of Veere and of Vlissingen, Governor and Captain General of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, etc.</p>
 
| <p>To the very great and very illustrious Prince, Monseigneur the Count Maurice, Prince of Orange, Count of Nassau and of Katzenelnbogen, Marquis of Veere and of Vlissingen, Governor and Captain General of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, etc.</p>
 
| {{section|Page:MS KB.73.J.39 02r.jpg|1|lbl=02r.1}}
 
| {{section|Page:MS KB.73.J.39 02r.jpg|1|lbl=02r.1}}
  
|-  
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|-
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| <p>Monseigneur,</p>
 
| <p>Monseigneur,</p>
  
<p>Out of fear that this small Practice of fencing (which was in times past given to me as a gift by the author) will lose much of its value, not being put to use at all, for having fallen into the hands of one who makes more profession of the feather than of the weapons.</p>
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<p>Out of fear that this small Practice of fencing (which was in times past given to me as a gift by the author) will lose much of its value, not being put to use at all, for having fallen into the hands of one who makes more profession of the feather than of the weapons. Its dignity merits well someone who attach importance to it[: the Captain Péloquin,] being held as one of the bravest swordsmen of France (which I do not say from affection but I assure myself that all those who have known him will give him this same praise), having had</p>
 
| {{section|Page:MS KB.73.J.39 02r.jpg|2|lbl=02r.2}}
 
| {{section|Page:MS KB.73.J.39 02r.jpg|2|lbl=02r.2}}
  
 
|-  
 
|-  
| <p>Its dignity merits well someone who attach importance to it[: the Captain Péloquin,] being held as one of the bravest swordsmen of France (which I do not say from affection but I assure myself that all those who have known him will give him this same praise), having had the honour in his lifetime to be one of the four first fencing masters in France, and of having trained the king of France, ruling presently, in the weapons, when he was no more yet than the king of Navarre,<ref>This seems to refer to King Henry Ⅳ of France.</ref> and that he had such heart with the weapons that he has acquired an immortal memory through both beautiful victories won with so much fortune as never a king has done.</p>
 
 
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| <p>the honour in his lifetime to be one of the four first fencing masters in France, and of having trained the king of France, ruling presently, in the weapons, when he was no more yet than the king of Navarre,<ref>This seems to refer to King Henry Ⅳ of France.</ref> and that he had such heart with the weapons that he has acquired an immortal memory through both beautiful victories won with so much fortune as never a king has done. In which, Monseigneur, you follow him very closely, as well in happiness, as in military caution and wise conduct, and I have estimated that is not possible to encounter anyone to whom this small work can be more recommended than to your Eminence. So, I have taken the boldness in the same way, knowing that you take pleasure in it, in daring to present it to you, so that that which a great King has learned from the master himself, your Eminence can learn from this silent master if it delights him. Because your eminence will see a different method here, than that of the masters of it,</p>
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| <p>In which, Monseigneur, you follow him very closely, as well in happiness, as in military caution and wise conduct, and I have estimated that is not possible to encounter anyone to whom this small work can be more recommended than to your Eminence.</p>
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|
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| <p>however without despising anyone. If you think me too presumptuous to thus make a show of another’s work, I can assure well that I have known the author of this book as honest and an admirer of truly Christian Princes. If he was still alive, he would praise my undertaking and he would esteem it a great fortune to see this little work fall in the hands of a Prince as wise and virtuous that God has placed him the weapons in hand to preserve his Church and to defend the freedom of these lands. Therefore receive, Monseigneur, this little orphan, gratefully and under your protection, of a countenance so humane that it is offered to you willingly by he who has no greater ambition than to be able to deserve the fortune that my parents have had, who have confined the most beautiful of their age in the service of the deceased Monseigneur the Prince of Orange, of high memory, your very honoured</p>
 
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|  
  
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| <p>So, I have taken the boldness in the same way, knowing that you take pleasure in it, in daring to present it to you, so that that which a great King has learned from the master himself, your Eminence can learn from this silent master if it delights him. Because your eminence will see a different method here, than that of the masters of it, however without despising anyone.</p>
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| class="noline" |
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| class="noline" | <p>lord and Father. And I, I would like to be able to do the same. But that which they have done with the weapons, I would like to be able to do that with the feather and the discourse, because my profession is nothing else. If this can happen some day, I will think myself the most fortunate in the world, and still if it is denied me, I will let myself be thought fortunate enough if your Eminence does me this favour of believing that I am and will be all my life.</p>
  
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<p>Monseigneur<br/>your eminence’s<br/>very humble and very obedient servant<br/>I. de La Haye.</p>
| <p>If you think me too presumptuous to thus make a show of another’s work, I can assure well that I have known the author of this book as honest and an admirer of truly Christian Princes. If he was still alive, he would praise my undertaking and he would esteem it a great fortune to see this little work fall in the hands of a Prince as wise and virtuous that God has placed him the weapons in hand to preserve his Church and to defend the freedom of these lands.</p>
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| class="noline" |  
|  
 
  
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| <p>Therefore receive, Monseigneur, this little orphan, gratefully and under your protection, of a countenance so humane that it is offered to you willingly by he who has no greater ambition than to be able to deserve the fortune that my parents have had, who have confined the most beautiful of their age in the service of the deceased Monseigneur the Prince of Orange, of high memory, your very honoured lord and Father.</p>
 
 
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{{master end}}
  
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{{master begin
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| title = Rapier and Dagger
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| width = 84em
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}}
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{| class="master"
 
|-  
 
|-  
| <p>And I, I would like to be able to do the same. But that which they have done with the weapons, I would like to be able to do that with the feather and the discourse, because my profession is nothing else. If this can happen some day, I will think myself the most fortunate in the world, and still if it is denied me, I will let myself be thought fortunate enough if your Eminence does me this favour of believing that I am and will be all my life.</p>
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! <p>Illustrations<br/>from the [[Cabinet d'escrime de l'espee et poingnardt (MS KB.73.J.39)|Hague Version]]</p>
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! <p>{{rating|c}}<br/>by [[Reinier van Noort]]</p>
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! <p>[[Cabinet d'escrime de l'espee et poingnardt (MS KB.73.J.39)|Hague Version]]<br/>Transcribed by [[User:ADordor|Aurélien Dordor]]</p>
  
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| <p>Monseigneur<br/>your eminence’s<br/>very humble and very obedient servant<br/>I. de La Haye.</p>
 
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| [[file:MS KB.73.J.39 04r.jpg|400px|center]]
 
| [[file:MS KB.73.J.39 04r.jpg|400px|center]]
 
| <p>'''The elevations and the guards'''</p>
 
| <p>'''The elevations and the guards'''</p>
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<p>You must note that the elevations and degrees, where there are the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, serve to instruct the elevation where you must hold the guards of both the sword and of the dagger, and the points of the sword, as you can see in these two figures.</p>
 
<p>You must note that the elevations and degrees, where there are the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, serve to instruct the elevation where you must hold the guards of both the sword and of the dagger, and the points of the sword, as you can see in these two figures.</p>
  
<p>On the first [figure], you see how low you must have the point of the sword. Being on the second line, you must hold its point at one foot from the ground. Being on the third, at two feet from the ground. And on the fourth, at the height of the crotch. And thus the others following until seven, which is the highest for the cuts.</p>
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<p>On the first [figure], you see how low you must have the point of the sword. Being on the second line, you must hold its</p>
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| {{paget|Page:MS KB.73.J.39|04r|jpg}}
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| [[file:MS KB.73.J.39 04v.jpg|400px|center]]
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| point at one foot from the ground. Being on the third, at two feet from the ground. And on the fourth, at the height of the crotch. And thus the others following until seven, which is the highest for the cuts.</p>
  
 
<p>Likewise, the second line in the middle<ref>A little further down in the treatise, after the Riposte from fourth guard, the primes are described as attacks given from close measure where further advancing is not required. The premieres are defined as attacks given whilst advancing into measure. The movements indicated on the four diagrams showing the guard may demonstrate the prime that can be made from each guard.</ref> makes the separation between left and right to involve the guards and points of both the sword and of the dagger, towards your left or towards your right to shut out the sword of your enemy.</p>
 
<p>Likewise, the second line in the middle<ref>A little further down in the treatise, after the Riposte from fourth guard, the primes are described as attacks given from close measure where further advancing is not required. The premieres are defined as attacks given whilst advancing into measure. The movements indicated on the four diagrams showing the guard may demonstrate the prime that can be made from each guard.</ref> makes the separation between left and right to involve the guards and points of both the sword and of the dagger, towards your left or towards your right to shut out the sword of your enemy.</p>
  
 
<p>The feet are governed the same, and at the same heights.</p>
 
<p>The feet are governed the same, and at the same heights.</p>
| {{paget|Page:MS KB.73.J.39|04r|jpg}}
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== Additional Resources ==
 
== Additional Resources ==
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{{bibliography}}
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
  
 
{{reflist}}
 
{{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT: Peloquin, Captain}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT: Peloquin}}
 
__FORCETOC__
 
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Latest revision as of 20:24, 20 November 2023

Peloquin
Born 16th Century
Died 17th Century (?)
Occupation Fencing master
Nationality French
Patron Henri Ⅳ of France
Genres Fencing manual
Language Middle French
Notable work(s) Cabinet d’Escrime de l’espee et poingnardt
Archetype(s) Currently lost (ca. 1585)
Manuscript(s) MS KB.73.J.39 (1600s)
Translations Alternate English translation

Capitaine Peloquin was a 16th century French soldier and fencing master. He is described as "one of the four leading fencing masters of France", and his treatise notes that he trained King Henri IV of France in fencing. This likely occurred in the 1570s, giving us an approximate time frame for Peloquin's career.

Toward the end of the 16th century, Peloquin authored a fencing treatise titled Cabinet d'escrime de l'espee et poingnardt ("Showcase of Fencing with the Sword and Dagger").[1] The only extant copy, current MS KB.73.J.39, was made by J. de La Haye, a friend of Peloquin's, between 1600 and 1609. Peloquin's treatise is distinctive for its abstract diagrams consisting of floating weapons and feet with lines connecting them to disembodied hearts and faces.

Treatise

Additional Resources

The following is a list of publications containing scans, transcriptions, and translations relevant to this article, as well as published peer-reviewed research.

References

  1. Matt Galas estimates that it was written in the 1580s or 1590s based on internal evidence.
  2. An alternative translation of “premier” could be “foremost”.
  3. Espagnol
  4. This seems to refer to King Henry Ⅳ of France.
  5. A little further down in the treatise, after the Riposte from fourth guard, the primes are described as attacks given from close measure where further advancing is not required. The premieres are defined as attacks given whilst advancing into measure. The movements indicated on the four diagrams showing the guard may demonstrate the prime that can be made from each guard.
  6. milieu
  7. Your right foot.
  8. The phrase “faisant deffaicte” provided some difficulty. Possible translations include “to avoid” or “to miss”, but whether it relates to an action of the body/feet or of the sword is unclear. Throughout the treatise we have chosen to translate it as “voiding”. In this instant it can mean either voiding a possible counter, for instant by stepping offline, or it could mean avoiding a possible defence with your sword. Neither of these avoidances is specifically indicated in the accompanying diagram.
  9. d'effet? défaite?
  10. Most likely this ambiguous section indicates that during the first (assaulting) you must cover with the sword and during the second (riposting) you must cover with the dagger.
  11. The French word “Tirade” seems to indicate a feint performed with a (partial) strike that is quickly drawn back for a second strike to be made to a different target. It is one of the three types of feint described in the treatise, together with a feint by cavade (“Cavement”) and afeint by arching (“voûtement”).
  12. Voûtement” from ”voûte”, which in turn derives from old French “volte”. Despite the similarity to the Italian term “volta” a blade action is intended here, whereby the blade is curved upwards around the cover placed by the opponent. Instead, “incarter” is used for the volta-like stepping action. This has been translated here as “turning”, as in “turn with the left foot”.
  13. From the context it is not clear what “the first” refers to. Possibilities include the first tirade (i.e. the tirade from first guard) and the simple riposte.
  14. This most likely refers to using a feint as second as mentioned in the nota after the “Tirade in first guard”.
  15. Here, “making it miss” might be a better translation.
  16. The sentence “faisant déffait ou retraitte” suggests that both are actions of the body/feet. You either retreat (backwards) or void (going sideways).
  17. From context, the most likely translation might have been “as second [attack]”.
  18. It is unclear what exactly is meant with “en batterie”. Possibly the author either meant that the enemy's sword is in the process of making a beat, is in a position where it can be beat, or it could be a reference to artillery where “en batterie” means prepared to shoot. In this case, that could mean that the sword is aimed at you in a position where you can easily beat it aside (and that the opponent is ready to attack).
  19. première
  20. genou
  21. seconde
  22. “Liaison” or bind seems to indicate a harder, stronger engagement.
  23. This is a literal translation of “Chevallet”. Likely, a grappling or wrestling move, potentially a throw, is meant by this.
  24. This most likely refers to the “Cunning blow of the dagger in fourth guard”.
  25. I.e. an invitation.
  26. According to Cotsgrave French-English dictionary of 1611, the French word “désesperade” means “a long mournful song”. Here, “faire désesperade” was translated as “make despair”.
  27. Here, “faisant deffaict” could mean either avoiding his dagger with your sword, or voiding in general.