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Walpurgis Fechtbuch (MS I.33)/Sword and buckler

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Complete Translation Complete translation
by Dieter Bachmann

Transcription  [edit]
by Dieter Bachmann

Folio 1r

[1] Stygian Pluto dares not attempt, what dare
the mindless monk, and the deceitful old woman.
[1]

[2] It is to be noted, how in general all fencers, or all men holding a sword in hand, even if ignorant in the art of fencing, use these seven wards, of which we have seven verses:

[3] Seven wards there are, under the arm the foremost,
to the right shoulder is given the second, to the left the third,
to the head give the fourth, give to the right side the fifth,
to the breast give the sixth, and finally have you the langort.

[4] It is to be noted, that the art of fencing is so described: Fencing is the the ordering of diverse strikes, and is divided in seven parts, as here.

Folio 1v

[5] Note, that the nucleus of all the art of fencing consists in this latter ward which is called langort. Also, all actions of the wards or of the sword are determined by it, i.e. they end in it and not in others. Therefore, do first consider well this above-mentioned ward.

[6] It is three that precede, the remaining do follow
These seven parts are (also) executed by the common,
(but) Brother Liutger[2] has the defense and the means.

Folio 2r

[7] (+) It is to be seen that here is the first ward contained, i.e. the one under the arm, and the displacer is in halpschilt. I give the good counsel that the one (assuming the ward) under the arm do not execute a strike, which is commendable from the albersleiben, for the reason that he could not reach the upper part, and (reaching anywhere) lower would be pernicious to the head. But the displacer entering to attack may reach him at any time if he fails to observe what is written below:

[8] Verse:
The first ward / Has two counters,
The first counter being halbschilt, / The second Langort.

If Halbschild is adopted, fall / Below both sword and shield.
If he is a common fencer, he will strike to the head, / Then you should apply stichschlach,
If he binds and enters, / Then you should counter with schiltschlac.

[9] It is to be seen that the one who is higher is directing a strike to the head, without schiltslac, if he is a common fencer. But if you would be instructed by the priest's counsel, do bind and enter.

[10] Note that the first ward, i.e. the one under the arm, may be displaced by itself, namely, the displacer may displace the one assuming the first ward with that selfsame ward. Nevertheless, the one assuming first ward can displace the displacer with a displacement that in a way corresponds to the displacement called halpschilt, but differs from it in this, that the sword below the arm is extended above the shield, so that the hand holding the shield is enclosed by the hand holding the sword.

MS I.33 02v.jpg

[11] It is to be seen, that the pupil is here binding and entering, so that he may place a schiltschlac, as below. But he should take heed of what is done by the priest, as after the bind the priest will be the first to act.

[12] It is to be seen, that the pupil has no option but to do a schiltslac, or to grip the arms of the priest with his left hand, namely sword and shield.

[13] Verse:
Here the pupil binds and enters, for him is a schiltslac
Or with the left hand he grip the arms of the priest.

[14] The priest, on the other hand, has three options, namely mutation of the sword, so that it be higher, or durchtreten, or with the leftright hand grasp the pupil's arms, i.e. sword and shield.

[15] These three are for the priest: durchtritt, mutation of the sword,
or with the right hand he may grasp sword and shield.

[16] Note that you find here what was said above, executed in the example.

MS I.33 03r.jpg

[17] (+) It is to be seen how the first ward is again assumed, because of certain actions of this first section, i.e. because of the first ward that was treated first. But all things that belong here you will find on the first page, up to the mutation of the sword.

[18] If halbschilt is assumed, fall
below both sword and shield.
[3]

MS I.33 03v.jpg

[19] Here is a binding of the pupil's, and all other things, of which was talked above, until the mutation of the sword.

[20] Here the pupil is wanting good counsel how he could withstand this, and you must know, that if the game stands as here, then a stich must be executed, as commonly contained in the book, even if here is no image.

[21] It is to be seen, that the priest is here mutating the sword, because he was below earlier, now he will be above. Then, he moves the free sword upwards, which is called nucken, whence follows a separation of sword and shield of the pupil's.

[22] Thence the verse:
Such is the monk's nucken,
where most of the common will schutzen.

MS I.33 04r.jpg

[23] Here the priest should pay attention that he tarry not one instant with the sword, lest from that instant arise an act which is called grappling, but he must immediately re-establish the binding out of caution.

[24] (+) Here the first ward is re-assumed, to which ward the displacement will be very rare, because none uses to apply it save the priest or his clients, i.e. his students, und this displacement is called krucke, and I cousel in good faith that the one executing the ward should bind immediately after the displacement, because it is not goot to tarry, or that he should do aught by which he may be saved, or that he should immediately do that, which his displacer does.

[25] You must know that the displacer must not hesitate, but he should execute immediately a stich towards the displacer, so that his adversary cannot deliberate what he intend, and that should diligently comprehended.[4]

MS I.33 04v.jpg

[26] Here the priest binds above the pupil's displacement, and immediately, all the preceding things which you had above; granted, you did not have the other two images which follow, where he grasps sword and shield.

[27] Note that whenever binder and bound are competing as here, then the bound may flee whither he chooses, if he likes, and this is reqhired in all bindings. But of this you must be admonished, that where ever the bound (flees to), you should follow him.

[28] Binder and bound[5] are adverse and irate;
The bound flees to the side,[6] I try to follow.

[29] Here the priest teaches his pupil, how from these above things he may grasp sword and shield. And you must know, that the priest cannot free himself from such a grip without the loss of sword and shield.

MS I.33 05r.jpg

[30] Here the priest defends against what the pupil did above.

[31] (+) Here the first ward is re-assumed, but all that is necessary you have here in it, except only the omission of the binding, which the pupil omits.

Folio 5v

[32] Here the pupil has neglected to bind, and the priest has promptly entered, and not undeservingly, as whenever the one assuming the ward omits something he should do, the displacer must immediately enter, as here.

[33] (+) Displacement as before, but the game is varied.

Folio 6r

[34] Above, the priest displaced the pupil. Here now, the pupil is executing the same action as the priest before. But the displacer should enter first, if the pupil omits it, as below. Also, he should take care that the other reach not his head, which he may.

[35] And from the above actions, the priest enters, I have said: he should therefore mind his head.

Folio 6v

[36] (+) Here the first ward is re-assumed, namely the one under the arm, which is displaced with a certain counter that is called langort, and it is a common displacement, and the counters to this displacement are, for the part of the one assuming the ward, bindings above and below,

[37] Whence the verse:

When langort is executed, do bind immediately, above or else below.
But the higher binding is always more useful than the lower one.

Folio 7r

[38] Here the game of the former ward will take place, namely of binder and bound,

[39] Whence the verse:

Binder and bound are adverse and irate;
The bound flees to the side, I try to follow.

[40] Johannes Herwart of Würzburg.

Folio 7v

[41] (+) First ward and common displacement as above, but the game varies at the end of the passage.

[42] Above

Below. But the priest has bound, in spite of being below.
Inferior Sed sacerdos ligauit licet sit inferior
Folio 8r

[43] Here a mutation of the sword below is taking place.

Folio 8v

[44] (+) The first ward is re-assumed and displaced by the first displacement, namely halpschilt, and you will have all of the above.

[45] Verse:

When halbschild is assumed, fall
below both sword and shield.

One leaf (four plays) is missing between 8v and 9r.
Folio 9r

[46] (+) It can be seen how here is taught in which way the second ward may be displaced. And I say the second ward, because the third ward which is given to the left shoulder, does not differ much from the second. But here we speak of the second ward, which is given to the right shoulder. And from the same ward, the displacer executes the displacement called schutzen, because every ward has its protection (which is the meaning of schutzen).

[47] Here the priest places himself in a similar way to the pupil and teaches, what will follow from these things. And you must know that (according to the true teaching of the priest) he who was the first to displace, can do three things: firstly, he can push the sword downwards and then durchtreten; secondly, he can execute a blow[8] from the right side; thirdly, he can execute a blow from the left side. Note that the opponent can do the same, even though the displacer is the first to be ready.

Folio 9v

[48] Here the pupil, instructed by the priest, executes an action that is called durchtritt.[9] He might get an opportunity far a strike to the left, as it is done by general fencers, or to the right, as it is done by the priest and his youths. To counter these two possibilities, the priest may, with the sword under the arm, reach the bare hands of him who executes the abovementioned strikes, although this counter is not depicted in the example image.

[49] Note that the priest deflects the action mentioned above while the pupil is still underway. The priest demonstrates this, depressing the pupil's bound sword, as shown here in the image. Later, you may learn what the priest will make of this if you pay careful attention etc.

Folio 10r

[50] Here, as the priest is in the act of binding from above, he teaches the pupil, what may be done against this, namely stichslac, which he generally recommends, as shown here in the example.

[51] (+) "the second to the right shoulder", i.e. the second ward. And note, that both the one assuming the ward and the one displacing it are in the same position as in the previous example.

Folio 10v

[52] Here, the priest obits to bind or being bound, and this as an example for his students, so that these may learn what is to be done; the pupil attacks and executes an action put here in the example.

[53] (+) same ward, but with a different displacement, and it is the one called halbschilt first treated displacing the first ward, i.e. the one under the arm.

Folio 11r

[54] Note how many ordinary fencers will be seduced by this displacement shown here. They think they can acheive a separation of sword and shield by means of the strike executed here. This is however not the case, because the displacer tarries, which could endanger him, but this [separation] executedd is depicted here for all that whish to make use of the counsel of the priest.

[55] Here, the priest is about to execute the above strike. He teaches the pupil to turn sword and shield and to attack with the sword as here, so that the opponent may not effectively execute the strike.

Folio 11v

[56] (+) Here the priest re-adopts the first ward, i.e. the one under the arm; some things were omitted which you had not put before, as shown in the example below.

[57] You might ask how the pupil should attack the priest. And it should be known that the priest by tarrying omits all defence, in order to teach the pupil, who, as he stands, without moving sword or shield, approaches, i.e., soon he has the opportunity to strike, as shown in these images.

Folio 12r

[58] (+) Here, the priest adopts third ward, which is displaced by the student as shown. The counter to this displacement will be a bind, and I say bind, but only above, and no other as in the example below.

[59] Here, the priest binds, which is better and more profitable, because if he did aught else less occupying the adversary's sword, it would be to his loss.[10]

Folio 12v

[60] From the above bind, the priest teaches his little client to get sword and shield by embracing the arms of his opponent, as shown here.

[61] Here the third ward is adopted, as before, and the same displacement, but the game is varied.

Folio 13r

[62] Here the priest teaches his little client, who executes a displacement, and he teaches him to enter if a bind is omitted.

[63] (+) The same third ward, viz. on the left shoulder, and the same displacement called halbschilt, as above.

Folio 13v

[64] Note that all actions of the first ward, viz. under the arm, are here, up th the next sign of the cross.

Folio 14r

[65] (+) Here the third ward is re-adopted, which will be displaced by langort, which all common fencers execute, and the counter to this displacement are two binds, one on the right above the sword, the other on the left.

Folio 14v

[66] Verse:

Binder and bound are adverse and irate;
The bound flees to the side, I try to follow.

[67] (+) Now that the third ward has been treated, here the fourth is treated, which will have halbschilt as its displacement, and all that you had before you will find here up to the next sign of the cross.

One leaf (four plays) is missing between 14v and 15r.

Folio 15r

[68] (+) Here the priest re-adopts the fourth ward; the displacement of this fourth ward will be the first ward, and this as an example to his pupils, as here shown in the example.

[69] After above the pupil has displaced the priest, here he again displaces him, and that below the arm, and note how all this has been treated with the first ward, i.e. the one under the arm, up to the next sign of the cross.

Folio 15v

[No text]

Folio 16r

[70] (+) Here the first ward is re-adopted, viz. under the arm, and its displacement will be langort, and it is common and of limited value, and note that he who adopts the ward has three possibilities: firstly, he may bind right, above the sword; secondly, he may left, below the sword; thirdly, he may grip the sword with his hand, as shown below in the next example.

Folio 16v

[71] Here the priest grips - i.e. he teaches to grip - the displacer's sword. And note that the sword of said displacer may not be freed except by means of a schiltslac, where the priest's hand is struck with the shield, as below in the next example.

[70] Here the pupil's sword is freed by means of a schiltschlac, and the priest should take care that the pupil does not execute a strike to his head, or a general stab, which the priest is wont to teach his students. Also, you should know that if the pupil strike to the head, execute a protetion, with the sword together with the shield in the left hand, and so you will strike the shiled from the hands of your adversary, as shown below in the next example.

Four leaves (sixteen plays) are missing between 16v and 17r.

Folio 17r

[71] (+) Here the priest adopts the sixth ward, which is given to the breast. And note, it is solely this stab that must be executed which is executed from the fifth ward, up to the next sign of the cross.

[72] Here the priest from the said sixth ward executes a stab, and a stab is also executed from the fifth ward.

Folio 17v

[73] Here the pupil by binding resists and deflects this stab of the priest's in the next above in the next example thus.

[74] (+) After all the wards above have been treated, here the seventh ward is treated, which is called langort, and note that there are four binds, that answer to this ward, namely two from the right, and the other two from the left. But here we speak only of the first bind above the sword, which you have all in the first ward, up to the fourth example, where sword and shield are taken.

Folio 18r

[75] It is to be seen how the pupil was the first to bind above the priest's sword in the preceding example. Here, the priest approaches and erects his sword and shield for the protection of the hear.

[76] Here the pupil can perform shiltslac, and form the counter he can inflict a blow to the priest.

Folio 18v

[77] Here the bound, i.e. the one below, grips sword and shield of the one above.

[78] Here the pupil voluntarily drops sword and shield, intending to grapple with the priest as below.

Folio 19r

[79] Above the priest was grabbed by the pupil and forced to grapplle, which the priest may prevent as shown in the example.

[80] (+) Here the same final ward is adopted by the pupil. The priest counters, and it is one of the four binds, namely the one below and left, as shown in the images.

Folio 19v

[81] After the example above, in the following the priest is bound from below, but the pupil may reach the priest's head, because his sword was higher, and note, in all binds from below, one should guard the head, lest it be hit as here.

[82] Whence the verse:

When binding from below, take care that you are not deceived
When you are bound from below, the head of the binder can be reached.

[83] Above, the pupil executes a strike and hits the head of the priest, which the priest prevents here by countering, as shown in the example.

Folio 20r

[84] (+) Here the final ward is again adopted, which is called langort, and here the priest is adopting it. But the pupil executes one of the four binds, viz. above the sword, as shown here in the example.

[85] After above there was a bind above the priest's sword, one may see here how the priest defends against this by an action called stich, as shown here.

Folio 20v

[86] (+) Here the final ward is adopted, viz. langort, by the pupil. Above this ward, the priest binds with one of the four binds, viz. above the sword and to the right. And note that whenever there is a bind, the bound may flee from the binder to wherever he likes, to the left or to the right. Thence you may diligently see that if he flees, you will follow him, as in the verse: The bound flees to the side, I try to follow.

Binder and bound are adverse and irate;
The bound flees to the side, I try to follow.

[87] From this bind treated above, executed by the priest, the pupil flees as said above, and as shown here: Because he flees under the arm, the priest immediately follows, cutting his head like here.

Folio 21r

[88] (+) Note that this is a different ward, viz. upper langort which is adopted here by the priest as an example to his pupils, and he instructs his pupil to execute this action, viz. to position himself as shown here in the example.

[89] Here the priest binds in order to counter the pupil and it will be one of those four binds, viz. above the sword and to the right, which you had all in another part treated above.

Folio 21v

[90] After above the priest had bound, here the pupil wants to hit the priest in another way, and note that as the priest thinks that he could enter a bind, the pupil hits this same priest's arms. Note also that he not only hits the arms, but the power of this blow lies in the stab, which may also be executed here.

[91] Here the priest notices that his arms are endangered, and he draws himself back, intending to strike, but the pupil follows as here etc.

Folio 22r

[92] (+) Here a common ward is adopted, which is called vidilpoge,[11] executed by the priest. The pupil counters it positioning himself as shown here in the images.

[93] Then, the pupil placed his sword on the priest's arm, which also counts as a bind, as shown above. Here the priest turns the hand holding the shield and grasps the pupil's sword, as in this example.

Folio 22v

[94] (+) Here the same ward is re-adopted, viz. vidilpoge, executed by the priest, the pupil acting as above.

[95] Here the priest binds as above.

Folio 23r

[96] From this bind the priest does a schiltslac as treated often above, from abovementioned binds.

[97] (+) Note that the final ward is re-adopted, viz. langort, concerning which it should be noted that a stab is executed, by means of which the one in the ward is stabbed in the belly, i.e. he is penetrated by the sword, and note that of this paragraph not more than these two images are shown, which was the fault of the painter.[12]

Folio 23v

[98] (+) Here, the priest adopts his special ward, viz. langort, which is displaced by the pupil, whose displacement will be halpschilt, as shown here in the example.

[99] Here the priest puts himself under the sword of the pupil, as was often treated.

[100] Whence the verse:

If halbschilt is assumed, fall
Below both sword and shield.

Folio 24r

[101] After the priest above positioned himself to the scolar, the scolar here binds and steps, intending to do which follows, because you had many forms above, it is not necessary to give more examples. Therefore the verse, "the binder and the bound" etc.

Binder and bound are adverse and irate;
The bound flees to the side, I try to follow.

[102] Note that form this bind of the part of the pupil a useful strike is executed, viz. a separation of sword and shield of the priest, and entering (but no more of this is written in this book) as shown here in the example.

Folio 24v

[103] (+) Here the special ward of the priest's is re-adopted, which is called langort, as seen above, and again the pupil displaces it with haloschilt, as above, but other examples follow, as shown below.

[104] Here the priest positions him to the pupil as was seen often before.

Folio 25r

[103] It is to be noted, that the pupil is here dealing a common strike, which all common fencers are wont to deal from the position just treated, namely when binder and bound are engaged and the binder who is above goes to the head and omits a schiltslac, from which follows a strike, and the priest enters, as here.

[25r] Notandum quod scolaris ducit hic plagam generalem quam consueuerunt ducere omnes generales dimicatores ex supradictis proxime tactis videlicet quando ligans & ligatus sunt in lite tunc ligans qui est superior vadit post caput & obmittit schiltslac mediante quo subsequitur plaga sacerdos vero intrat ut hic.

[104] (+) Note, that here again the special ward of the priest is assumed that is called Langort, but it is a very strange displacement that is depicted here, and very rare, and you must know that this can be reduced to the first ward and to the displacement called halpschilt etc.

(+) Nota quod resumitur hic specificata custodia sacerdotis apellata Langort sed est valde aliena obsessio hic depicta & valde rara & sciendum quod omnia ista reducuntur ad custodiam primam et ad obsessionem que dicitur halpschilt & cetera.

Folio 25v

[105] Here, the priest executes the abovementioned stab, because the pupil, who has displaced in the previous example, omits all actions, because, had he bound, he would have been ?under-bound, as in the following example.

[25v] Hic sacerdos ducit quandam fixuram prius tactam quia scolaris qui fuerat obsessor supra exemplo proximo obmittit omnes suos actos quia si religasset fuisset subportatus vt patet infra exemplo proximo.

[106] It is to be noted, that from these actions this abovementioned stab by the priest the pupil will here bind, which is necessary, if we want the stab depicted above to be deflected.

Notandum quod ex hiis ista fixura superius tacta per sacerdotem erit hic quedam religacio facta per scolarem quod oportet de necessitate si volumus quod defendatur fixura superius depicta.

One leaf (four plays) is missing between 25v and 26r.

Folio 26r

[107] Binder and bound are adverse and irate;
The bound flees to the side, I try to follow.

[26r] Ligans ligati contrarij sunt & irati
ligatus fugit ad partes laterum peto sequi

[108] (+) Here, the third ward is displaced by the special ward of the priest's that is called langort, and I counsel in good faith, that he who is performing the third ward should not at all delay his actions, because otherwise the one performing the priest's displacement will enter with a stab, which is a common practice of the priest's.

(+) Hic tertia custodia obsessa est cum specificata custodia sacerdotis que nuncupatur langort et consulo bona fide quod is qui regit tertiam custodiam non protrahat suos actus alioquin is qui regit obsessionem sacerdotis intrat cum fixura quod est in communi vsu sacerdotis.

Folio 26v

[109] After the priest has been displaced above, the pupil does here schutzen, while the priest is executing a bind, as shown here.

[26v] Postquam sacerdos superius obsessus fuit hic scolaris schutzet sacerdos vero ducit quandam religacionem vt hic patet.

[110] (+) Here the fourth ward is assumed again, and it is displaced by the special ward of the priest. It is now up to the priest to displace, and the pupil enters as above, and all the actions that you had before will follow.

(+) Hic resumitur quarta custodia que est obsessa cum specificata custodia sacerdotis Sacerdotis est econtra obsidere aliquin scolaris intrat vt prius & veniunt omnes actus quos prius habuisti.

Folio 27r

[111] (+) Here again the fifth ward is assumed, and it is displaced by the special ward of the priest that is called langort, as shown in the example.

[27r] (+) Hic iterum sumitur quinta custodia que etiam obsessa est cum specificata custodia sacerdotis que dicitur langort vt patet hic per exemplum.

[112] Binder and bound are adverse and irate;
The bound flees to the side, I try to follow.

Ligans ligati contrarij sunt & irati
ligatus fugit ad partes laterum peto sequi

Folio 27v

[113] (+) Here the fifth ward is displaced, its displacement being halbschilt. And note, that the one executing the ward may do only two things: Firstly, he can execute a stab, secondly, he can execute a strike to divide shield and sword.

[27v] (+) Hic obsedetur quinta custodia cuius obsessio erit halbschilt & nota regens custodiam solum habet due facere primo potest ducere fixuram secundo potest ducere plagam diuidendo scutum & gladium.

[114] Above, the pupil was displaced. Here however, he gets to do a stab, as shown in the example.

Superius scolaris obsessessus est hic vero recipit fixuram vt patet per exemplum.

Folio 28r

[115] After the above stab executed by the pupil, here the priest defending does schutzen and gets the opportunity for a strike which is a general rule in the art of the priest.

[28r] Post fixuram superius ductam per scolarem hic sacerdos defendendo schutzet & recipit plagam hoc est generalis regula in arte sacerdotis.

[116] (+) Here the fifth ward is resumed which will be countered by halpschilt as shown in the example.

(+) Hic iterum resumitur quinta custodia cuius contraria erit halpschilt vt patet per exemplum.

[117] Note, that whenever halbschilt is assumed against this fifth ward, or against the second ward, a strike from the one assuming the ward is always to be expected, which could divide sword and shield. Thence the counsel, that whenever you execute this displacement, i.e. halpschilt, you should enter with a stab without mercy.

Nota quod quandocumque ducetur halpschilt contra illam quintam custodiam dividendo scutum & gladium cum plaga vnde consulo quod quandocumque ducis illam obsessionem videlicet halpschilt intras cum fixura sine misericordia.

Folio 28v

[118] Here the pupil executes a stich, because the priest omits his defense, as shown here in the example.

[28v] Hic scolaris ducit stich, quare sacerdos obmittit suam defensionem vt patet hic per exemplum.

[119] Here the priest deflects the action executed above, as shown here by the priest.

Hic sacerdos defendit illum actum superius ductum vt patet hic per sacerdotem.

Folio 29r

[120] First, as above in the third example of the pictures, the same stab is executed by the pupil, and this stab is deflected by the priest, by means of a schiltslac, as shown here in the example.

[29r] Prius quam superius in tertio exemplo ymaginarum fixura quedam ducta est per scolarem eandem vero fixuram sacerdos hic defendit recipiendo schilslac schiltslac ut patet hic per exemplum.

[121] (+) Here the fifth ward is again resumed, of which much was said above, and it is to be noted that the priest is displacing the pupil with a displacement that is rare and very good, as an example for his students. And you have to know, that if the pupil executes a stab, which to execute is usually the use, the priest also must execute a stab against the stab of the pupil, because his will be more effective, entering with the left foot. But if he does not want to enter he should nevertheless retract his right foot and not omit this stab. But if the pupil displaces against him by means of halpscilt, the priest should fall below sword and shield, and then will follow those things which were seen before. Thence the verse,

If halbschilt is assumed, fall
Below both sword and shield.

(+) Hic iterum se resumitur quinta custodia de qua superius dictum est sepius & est notandum quod sacerdos obsedit scolarem obsessione quandam rara & valde bona in exemplum suorum discipulorum & sciatur quod si scolaris ducet fixuram que duci consueuit de consuetudine sacerdos debet etiam ducere fixuram contra fixuram scolaris quia sua magis valet intrando cum sinistro pede si autem intrare nequiuerit cedat cum dextro pede nichillominus non obmittatur quin etiam ipsa fixura perficiatur si autem scolaris obsedit eum econtrario mediante halpscilt sacerdos cadet sub gladio & scutum & tunc superueniunt ea que prius visa sunt in custodia prima Vnde versus.

Dum ducitur halpscilt cade
sub gladium quoque scutum

Folio 29v

[122] Here the pupil completes his stab, the priest omitting all actions.

[29v] Hic scolaris perfecit suam fixuram sacerdos vero obmittit omnes suos actus.

[123] Here note that the priest deflects the pupil's stab.

Hic nota quod sacerdos defendit hic fixuram scolaris.

Folio 30r

[124] (+) It is to be seen that here the fourth ward is again assumed, and the displacement to this fourth ward is the special langort of the priest. But the displacer should see that the one assuming the ward does not execute a strike, as it would be dangerous to tarry; therefore he should execute schuzin, and finally not omit a stab.

[30r] (+) Notandum quod hic resumitur quarta custodia cuius quarte custodie obsessio est specificatum langcort sacerdotis videat autem obsessor ne regens custodiam ducet aliquam plagam quia periculosum erit sic diu latiare vnde ducat primo schuzin demum fixuram non obmittat.

[125] Here, on the other hand, the priest is displacing the pupil, which I consider to be better, and what can be learned from anybody, because if he did not, the pupil would enter with a stab which would now be possible for him. And from these actions follows the game of the first ward, that is, of the binder and the bound, which is shown below in the first example.

Hic sacerdos econtrario obsedit scolarem quod puto melius esse quod potest ab aliquo edoceri quia si hoc non fiet scolaris ipsum invaderit cum fixura quod nunc suus erit sed ex hiis oritur ludus prime custodie videlicet ligantis & ligati quod patet infra in exemplo proximo.

Folio 30v

[126] Here will be the bindings that were treated often above, whence the verse "the binder and the bound are contrary and enraged" etc.

Binder and bound are adverse and irate;
The bound flees to the side, I try to follow.

[30v] Hic erunt ligaciones que superius tacte sunt sepius vnde versus ligans ligati contraria sunt & irati & cetera.

[127] From these above bindings, the pupil executes this strike lifting his sword to the head by means of a schiltslac.

Ex illis ligacionibus superius ductis scolaris ducit illam plagam per caput ducendo gladium [median]te schiltslac.

Folio 31r

[128] It is to be seen that the priest deflects the above strike delivered by the pupil in this way, as the pupil's sword has been below, and as he was about to deliver the strike, moving his sword, the priest has the opportunity for a strike before the pupil could put his sword to its use, as shown here in the example.

[31r] Notandum quod plagam superius ductam per scolare sacerdos defendit hic in hunc modum quia scolaris gladius fuit inferior & cum esset in actu ducendi plagam ducendo gladium seorsum sacerdos vero antequam scolaris ducat gladium suum ad usum debitum recipit plagam vt patet hic per exemplum.

[129] (+) Here, the fourth ward is reassumed, whose displacement is the special langort of the priest. And it is to be noted, that whenever the game is set in this way, I counsel the one assuming the ward, and also the one displacing him, that none should delay what they have to do, i.e. on one hand the one assuming the ward, a displacement, on the other hand the one displacing, a stab.

(+) Hic iterum resumitur quarta custodia cuius custodie obsessio erit specificatum langort sacerdotis & notandum quod quandocunque sic se habet ludus ut hic tunc consulo tam regenti custodiam quam obsedenti eam ne quisquam eorum protrahendo obmittat quod suum est videlicet ex parte regentis custodiam obsessio & ex parte obsidentis fixura.

Folio 31v

[130] Above, both the one assuming the ward and the one displacing it were referred to; and because the pupil, who was the displacer, will be quicker, he executes what he should, namely first schuzin, as here, and in the next example below a stab, because the priest is omitting all actions. Thus, the one entering first will be the first to do damage to his opponent.[10].

[31v] Superius dictum est tam de eo qui regit custodiam quam de eo qui eam pobssedit & quia prior erit scolaris qui superius fuerat obsessessor ducit quod suum est videlicet primo schuzin ut hic & infra exemplo proximo fixuram quia sacerdos omnes suos actus obmittit vnde qui prior vadit prior erit ad faciendum dampnum suo aduersario.

[131] After the actions of the pupil's and the omission of actions of the priest's were discussed above, the priest is here omitting what he should do, and the pupil is completing the obvious attack, as shown here.

Post quam determinatum est superius de actibus scolaris & de obmissione actuum sacerdotis hic iterum sacerdos obmittit quod suum est donec scolaris suam perducit adessentem intracionem ut patet hic.

One leaf (four plays) is missing between 31v and 32r.

Folio 32r

[132] (+) It is to be seen, that the first ward is reassumed, i.e. the one below the arm, the replacement to which is the special second ward of the priest on the right shoulder, and take note, that the one assuming the ward will schuzin without delay, otherwise his opponent will execute halbschilt which would be disastrous for the one assuming the ward. And from here will be generated all the things related to the first ward that were treated in the first quaternum.

[32r] (+) Notandum est quod hic resumitur custodia prima videlicet sub brachio cuius obsessio est specificata custodia secunda sacerdotis locata in humero dextro & nota quod regentis custodiam statim erit schuzin nulla mora interposita alioquin ex parte adversarij ducetur halbschilt quod erit regenti custodiam valde perniciosum & ex hiis generantur omnia que habuntur de prima custodia de quibus habetur in primo quaterno.

[133] The priest, assuming the ward, is here executing schuzin, which will be for the reason that he was the first to be ready. And it is good counsel that the displacer will bind immediately above the sword of the one assuming the ward (which is here omitted), as shown in the example.

Hic sacerdos qui regebat custodiam ducit schutzin quod erit proptereo quia prior erit paratus & est bene[?] consulendum quod obsidens statim ligat super gladium ipsius regentis custodiam quod hic obmittitur ut patet per exemplum.

Folio 32v

[134] Here will be bindings, above and below, as they occur often, thence the verse "binder and bound" etc.

Binder and bound are adverse and irate;
The bound flees to the side, I try to follow.

[32v] Hic e[runt] ligationes superius & inferiores que [?sepius] ducte sun[t] [...] Vnde versus Ligans ligati & ce[tera].

[135] From the above bindings, (the priest) Walpurgis[13] executes a schiltslac because she was higher, and quicker to be ready.

Ex hiis super[ioribus] allegacionibus sacerdoswalpurgis recipit schiltslac quia erat superior & prius parata

  1. The introductory verse was added on the upper margin of the page. According to [Forgeng], it is attributed to Aenas Sylvius (later pope Pius II; 1405-64). It is obviously referring to other sorts of unmonkish behaviour, but it seems to underline the unusual nature of fencing monks and women.
  2. lutegerus: presumably the name of the author / sacerdos: Liutger.
  3. This verse is open to disputation. Most likely, quoque combines sword and shield into a unity; sub seems to refer to a lower bind, as halpschilt threatens a blow from above. The same situation is depicted 8v and 23v. That a binding between sword and shield is not intended becomes clear on fol. 11r, where exactly that move is deprecated.
  4. diligenter intell...: seems unclear to me; either the instructions, that one should not hesitate should be understood diligently, or the diligence with which the adversary will judge one's actions is stressed.
  5. ligans ligati: One would expect *ligans ligatusque vel. sim. (plural subject). Literally, the translation would be "The binder of the bound - they are...", or "The binder; the bound ones are...". But I believe my translation correctly renders the intended meaning.
  6. fugit ad partes laterum: refers to side-stepping, i.e. taking into account the 3rd dimension not rendered in the images.
  7. The text has been re-traced in darker ink, according to CS by hand C (but closely following the original ductus of hand A).
  8. recipere plagam: to execute (not to receive) a blow. Probably intended as 'receive the opportunity to strike'.
  9. durchtritt: a step to the side seems intended; for the (preferable) action depicted, we would expect 'to the left', so dexteram may be taking the opponent's view.
  10. 10.0 10.1 dampnum for damnum
  11. vidilpoge = "fiddle-bow".
  12. fingitur for figitur; fuit vicium pictoris: Here is evidence that the author is not identical with the draftsman.
  13. Concerning the name of the woman fencer: The name walprgis as written directly above the word sac'dos (below which are five dots forming a line). It is not entirely clear, whether Walpurgis is meant to replace sacerdos or if it is an addition (in which case it would be genitive of Walpurga). But since in the picture, the woman is executing the schiltslac, and because the woman is said to have been ready first (parata), she must be called (in the nominative) Walpurgis.