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[] FIrst of all we are to know that the Rapier is divided into two parts, namely into the Prime and the Secunde.
The Prime is measured from ••he Hilt to the midst of the Rapier, and
being the strongest part, is consequently t•• be made onely use of in putting by thrus•• or blowes.
[ 3] The Secunde is taken from the midst 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Rapier to the point, and being th•• weakest of the Rapier is therefore onely 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be used in offending or making of thrusts▪
[ 4] As for the posture or the carriage of th•• body and ••or making of thy thrusts at thi•• adversary, observe with mee these rul•• following.
[ 5] Thy Rapier thou must hold with a be••••ded arme, so that the point of thy Rapi•••• bee lineally answerable to thine elbow.
[ 6] Thy left hand thou art to hold over th•• left eye to put by a suddain thrust witha•••• which by chance at eyther of thine ey•• might be directed.
[ 7] Thou art only to shew thy right side, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 if thou dost consider with thy selfe, th•••• wilt finde it onely advantagious to the•• when thou standest upon thy defence, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it will be something hard for thine adve••••sary to hit thee I must needs confesse, b•• if thou meanest to offend thine adversar•• it is a small advantage to thee or none 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all; for first of all, thy thrust thou can•••• n•••• make with such a force, when thou sta••••dest altogether with a halfe body, as whe•• thou shewest something of thy breast▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉
••hen besides, when thou makest a thrust at ••hine adversary stepping forwards with thy right leg towards him thou commest ••o stand with a halfe body, and then if hee did ayme at that part of thy breast which thou didst shew he will misse it, if thou lost but thrust at the selfe same instant his ••hrust approacheth, therefore every dis∣creete Teacher and judicious Master ought ••o leave that free to his Schollers, being ••hat it is a thing of no great moment.
[ 8] Thy left legge must be something ben∣••ed, and thy right legge too, but not alto∣gether so much as thy left legge, upon which all the weight of thy body must ••ie.
[ 9] Thy feete they must be placed not very ••arre from one another, that thou mayst make a long thrust upon any occasion, and ••hey must bee placed like a great Roman 〈◊〉〈◊〉 upwards, or an I turned backward, just ••s in dauncing, that thou mayst have the greater strength in thy left thigh to re∣••all thy body suddenly when thou hast per∣••ormed thy thrust.
[ 10] When thou wilt make a thrust, then ••••retch out thy right arme, and step for∣••ard with thy right foot and let them ••oth goe together at one and the selfe same ••ime, and when thou steppest forward
with thy right foote, but doe not stirre thy left foote; the weight of thy body must wholly lye upon thy right thigh, as soone as thou hast performed thy thrust, in∣stantly recall thy body againe, so that the weight of thy body come to rest upon thy left thigh againe (as it did before thou made thy thrust) not recalling thy right legge, with which thou didst formerly step forwards, but, in the meane while thou bindest him after thy thrust remove by little and little thy left legge towards thy right legge, for thus doing thou canst thrust home at thine adversary againe as soone as thou hast occasion.
[ 11] Thy thrust thou must make close to thine adversaries Rapier, as if thou woul∣dest strike fire out of his weapon, which i•• thou dost not doe, you will both be hurt i•• neither of you have skill; if one of yo•• have but skill, and knoweth to observe this then hee onely will bee endangered tha•• doth not thrust close to his adversaries Ra∣pier.
[ 12] Yet this is not all, but thou must like∣wise thrust close to the Secunde or wea∣kest part of his Rapier, with thy Prime o•• strongest part of thy Rapier, for if thou canst doe that, he cannot put thee by.
[ 13] When thou dost thrust at thine adver∣sary
without, over his right arme, thou must doe it with a Secunde. When thou makest a thrust at thine adversary within, ••hou art to doe it with a Quarte.
[ 14] Ever when thou hast made a thrust at ••hine adversary, stringere him on the same ••ide thou didest thrust, in the recalling of ••hy body, not removing thy point from his; for else he may wound thee too upon ••hy comming off.
[ 1] STringering is the touching of thine adversaries point with thy point, which thou art to doe upon any occasion, that ••hou mayst secure thy selfe on eyther side ••rom a thrust, which commonly is termed ••inding.
[ 2] To Cavere, is to turne thy point under ••hine adversaries Rapier on the other side, when thou art bound, or he doth thrust at ••hee.
[ 3] Tempo is, that thou takest heed never to make a thrust or blow at thine adversarie,
without thou hast a faire opportunity to hit, or requisite measure, that he be within thy reach.
[ 4] Mensure is the distance betwixt thee and thine adversary, whereof thou art to judge (if thou canst reach him or no) before thou thrustest, that thou mayst not offend in vaine.
[ 5] To Parere, is to decline, to put by, and to turne off a thrust or blow.
[ 6] Finda is called in the Italian tongue •• deceit or cousnage, and metaphorically brought into fencing, when I doe as if •• would thrust into one part of thy body•• and seeing that thou dost catch after my thrust to put me by, I then recalling my point doe thrust somewhere else, at which place I in the beginning did not ayme, be••fore thou strovest to put me by.
[ 7] To Passere is when thou doest thrust •• thine adversarie without or within to••wards his brest, and hee doth put by th•• thrust upwards, and thou in the mean•• while hee lifteth up his arme, bowest th•• body, and letting thy point sinke down•• into a Secunde under his right arme do•• passe behind him.
[ 8] To thrust Contratempo, is to thrust th•• selfe same line thine adversarie do•• thrust.
[ 9] To Battere, is to beat or knocke eyther with the Rapier or foote.
[ 10] To Voltere is, when thine adversary doth thrust at thee, and thou first parering his thrust, doest just upon the approaching of his thrust turne thy body round about to∣wards thy left side out upon thy right leg, so that thy back commeth towards thine adversary, and thy left legge betweene thy right, and thine adversaries right legge, and thrusteth him with a Quarte at his right breast: But this is a trick altogether full of danger, ••unlesse it be used to avoyd the Passade withall.
[ 1] THere are but foure guards ac∣cording to the foure wayes thou canst turne thy hand, viz. Prime, Secunde, Tertz and Quarte.
[ 2] The Prime is when thou houldest thy Rapier in such a manner that the outside side of thy hand doth looke towards thy left side out, and the inside of thy hand looke towards thy right side out. This is
subdivided into a straight Prime, when thy point looketh straight forwards, and into a hanging Prime, when thy point doth looke towards the ground.
[] The Secunde is, when thou holdest thy Rapier in such a sort that the outside of thy hand looketh upwards, and the inside of thy hand towards the ground. This is likewise subdivided into a straight Secunde whenthy point looketh straight forwards; into a hanging Secunde, when thy point looketh downewards towards the ground, and finally into the middle Secunde, when thou holdest thy Rapier with a Secunde and a bowed arme, so that the point of thy Rapier lookes sheere out towards thy left side.
[ 3] The Tertz is when thou dost holde thy Rapier in such fashion that the outside of thy hand looks towards thy right side out, and the inside of thy hand towards thy left side out.
This againe is subdivided into the High Tertz when thou holdest thy point up∣wards yet with bended arme, so that thy hilt equallize thy Right breast in height; into a middle Tertz, when thou holdest thy weapon with a bent arme that the point lookes straight out forwards, so that the Hilt in height equalize thy waste: And
lastly into a low Tertz, when thou holdest thy weapon with a straight arme downe∣wards, so that thy Hilt bee equall to thy knee in height, or a little below.
[ 4] The Quarte is when thou holdest thy Rapier in such a manner with a bended arme, that the outside of thy hand looke downe towards the ground, but the in∣side upwards. This is likewise subdivi∣ded into a straight Quarte when thy point lookes forwards, and into a hanging Quarte when thou holdest thy Rapier with a Quarte and let the point sinke downe.
[ 1] THe Prima is onely to bee thru∣sted at the outside of thine ad∣versaries Rapier over his right arme, and is never to be used within, and is the weakest of all the guards.
[ 2] If thine adversary lie open within, then
stringere him within as soone as he maketh a thrust at thee without, and turneth his point under thy Rapier, instantly thrust at him with a Tertz over his right arme close to the weake of his Rapier, if then hee doth strive to put by thy thrust to∣wards his right side, then turning thy Tertz into Prime thrust at his right breast.
[ 3] The Secunde is used without over the right arme in a long thrust, and in a Passa∣de, then likewise under the arme in a Pas∣sade without, and againe within in a long thrust and in a Passade.
[ 4] If thine adversary bee open within then stringere him within, as soone as hee maketh a thrust at thee without, over the Prime on the strongest part of thy Rapier, then put it by with a Quarte towards thy rightside out, and at the same instant thou dost put by, change the Quarte into a Se∣cunde and thrust over his right arme at his right breast, or Passere.
[ 5] If thine adversary lie open without, then thrust him over his right arme without, if he then should parere thy thrust upwards, then while he is parering upwards, bow thy body and let the point sinke downe in∣to a Secunde under his right arme, and Pas∣sere him, but passing behind him clap thy left hand upon his Hilt, for feare he should knocke thee passing, with the Hilt.
[ 6] If thine adversary lye open within, then thrust him within with a Quarte as soone as hee doth put by thy trust towards his left side out, yet so that the point of his Rapier looketh towards thy body, then change thy Quarte into a Secunde close to his Rapier, and make a long thrust at his right breast: But if hee doth parere to∣wards
his left side, that the point of his Rapier likewise doth looke towards his left side out, then change likewise thy Quarte into a Secunde and Passere him: And if hee doth parere thy thrust upwards let thy point sinke in under his arme within and doe the same.
[ 7] The Tertz is onely used without, over the arme, never in the making of a Pas∣sada.
[ 9] If thine adversary lye open within, then stringere him within, as soone as hee makes a thrust at thee without, then thrust him o∣ver the Secunde or weakest part of his Ra∣pier with a Tertz, and with thy Hilt goe low.
[ 8] The Quarte is for the most part used at the inside of the Rapier, yet sometimes without over the right arme, and then the Quarte is called Riversá, as having chan∣ged her nature and propertie, because shee onely ought to be used within.
[ 10] If thine adversary lie open without, then Stringere him without, as soone as he doth make a thrust at thee within, then thrust with the Quarte close to the Secunde or the weakest part of his Rapier betweene
his right arme and his right breast, and when thou hast performed thy thrust, then presently stringere within.
[ 11] Let thine adversarie stringere thee with∣out, then make a finde at him within, as soone as hee doth catch after thy finde to∣wards his left side out, then let thy point sinke downe under his right arme, and thrust him with a Quarte under his right arme at his right side.
[ 12] If thine adversary be open without, thrust him with a Secunde or Tertz over his right arme, close to the Secunde or weakest part of his Rapier, if hee then doth put by thy thrust with a Quarte towards his right side out, then at an instant turne thy Se∣cunde or Tertz into a Quarte, and thrust home at his right breast, or Voltere if thou please: And if thou wilt thou mayst clappe thy left hand upon his Rapier within, when thou dost touch him with thy Quarte, not catching hold of it, but onely turne his blade away towards the left side, and thou wilt easily turne his weapon out of his hand.
[ 1] WHen thou art to play with thin•• adversary, and dost intend to offend him, thou must eyther assault him with stringering, or with a contra-posture (whereof wee will heare in the ninth Chapter following) be∣sides these two wayes there is none other. Yet stringering is the chiefest, which if thou wilt use, it behooveth thee to be very wa∣ry that thou mayst not incurre any hazard; marke therefore these following Rules.
[ 2] On what side thine adversarie lieth open there thou art to stringere him, not lying too hard upon his Rapier, because hee may let his point suddenly sinke downe, and then thou following his point downe∣wards dost open thy body too much, that hee may easily turne over his point, and thrust thee without over thy right arme, or within, before thou canst recover thy weapon.
[ 3] If thine adversary lie open without, thou must stringere him without, if hee lie open
within, thou must stringere him within.
[ 3] Towards that side where thou wilt stringere him, thou must steppe: And if thou meanest to stringere him without, then step with thy right legge towards thy right side, and let thy point looke to∣wards thy right side over his Rapier▪ If thou makest account to stringere thine ad∣versary within, then thou must step with thy left legge towards thy left side, and let the point of thy Rapier looke over his point towards thy left side out.
[ 4] If he holdeth his weapon so that hee is open on both sides, it is all one, on which side thou dost stringere him.
[ 5] If thine adversary shakes the point of his Rapier from one side to another, be∣cause thou shalt not stringere him, make a halfe thrust at him as it were a Finda or falsifying, thus thou doest force him to come to thy Rapier and put by thy thrust; when he now hath parered thy thrust and is come to thy Rapier, then cavere instant∣ly to the other side of his Rapier where he is open, and stringere him; when thou hast attained to thy purpose, then follow his
Rapier close, according to the 13. Chapt•• following.
[ 6] If thine adversary doth meane to strin¦gere thee eyther without or within, then before he doth touch thy Rapier, lift th•• point of thy Rapier over his, and thru•••• him either with a Quarte if hee doth pro∣secute thy Rapier without, or without over his arme with a Secunde, if hee doth prosecute thy Rapier within.
[ 7] If thine adversary doth make account to stringere thee without, then lift the point of thy Rapier towards thy right side over his point, and thrust him with a Quarte at the inside of thy Rapier close to the Secunde or weakest part of his wea∣pon.
[ 8] If hee make a count to stringere thee within, then before hee doth touch thy point with his weapon, lift the point of thy Rapier over his point towards thy left side, and thrust him at the outside of his Rapier with a Secunde at his right breast.
[ 9] Thou canst likewise avoid stringering with Cavering; namely, when thine ad∣versary
will stringere thee without▪ then before hee doth touch thy point, cavere or turne thy point from thy left side towards thy right side under his Rapier, and thrust him with a Quarte within at his right breast close to his Secunde or weakest part of his Rapier.
[ 10] When he will stringere thee within, then turne the point of thy Rapier from thy right side towards thy left side under his Rapier, before he doth touch thy point, and thrust with a Secunde at the outside of his weapon at his right breast.
[ 11] Else canst thou avoid stringering like∣wise with making of Finda's, namely, when he will stringere thee without, then before hee doth touch thy Rapier, make a Finda at him within, as if thou didst meane to thrust at him within with a Quarte, as soone as he doth catch after thy thrust to∣wards his left side with his Rapier, then recalling thy point thrust him at the out∣side of his Rapier over his right arme with a Secunde, at his right breast.
[ 12] When he will stringere thee within, then before hee doth touch thy Rapier within, make a Finda at him without, as if thou didst intend to thrust over his right arme; as soone as he doth catch after that, thrust towards his right side, then turne thy point
under his Rapier, and thrust him at the in∣side of his weapon with a Quarte at his right breast.
[ 13] If thine adversary hath stringered thee without, then let the point of thy Rapier by degrees sinke downewards, if he then doth follow thy point with his point, Cavere instantly from thy left side to∣wards thy right side under his Rapier, and battiering him first at the inside of his Ra∣pier, thrust with a Quarte at his right breast at the inside of his Rapier.
[ 14] Or when he followeth thy Rapier with∣out, when thou dost let thy point sinke, then lift the point of thy Rapier from thy left side towards thy right side, over the point of his Rapier, and thrust him with a Quarte at the inside of his Rapier at his right breast.
[ 15] But if hee will not follow thy Rapier downewards when thou lettest thy point sinke, but makes a thrust at thee, then thrust Secunde Contra-tempo, or at the comming of his thrust at one and the selfesame time, at the outside of his Rapier at his right breast, or else Quarte contra-tempo at the inside of his weapon at his right breast.
[ 16]
If thine adversary hath stringered thee without, then cavere from thy left side to∣wards thy right side under his Rapier, but slowly, and cavering turne thy hand into •• Secunde, then thou art open within yet ••oose from his Rapier, if he then maketh a thrust at thee within, then battiering him first at the inside of his Rapier, thrust him with a Quarte within at his right breast.
[ 17] But if he doth follow thy Rapier with∣in towards his left side out, then cavere from thy right side towards thy left side under his Rapier, and thrust him with a Secunde without over his right arme, at his right breast.
[ 18] Or when he doth follow thy point to∣wards his left side with the point of his Rapier, so that thou art not in danger of his point, then let thy point sinke downe under his Rapier, and stepping in Passere him with a Secunde at the inside of his weapon.
[ 19] If thine adversary hath stringered thee without, then retire, stepping onely back∣ward with thy left legge, in so much that the weight of thy body come wholly to ••ie upon thy left thigh, and when thou steppest backe with thy left legge, draw thine arme to thee in a Secunde bowed,
that the point of thy Rapier looke quite out towards thy left side, as soone as hee commeth to stringere thee againe, then cavere from thy left side towards thy right side under his Rapier, and thrust him with a Quarte within at his right breast.
Or when thou hast thus retired, and he commeth to stringere thee againe without, then thrust him over the Secunde or wea∣kest part of his Rapier, with thy Prime or strongest part of thy weapon at the out∣side of his weapon, over his right arme at his right breast.
CAvere tooke its beginning from a Cock fight; for Ca∣millo Agrippo a reverend Mr. of defence at Rome 50. yeares agoe (who was the inventer of the Dagger) seeing two Cockes com∣bat together, and observing, how when one of the Cockes leaped up to strike the other with his claw, the other seeing him come leaping at him went quite under him
on the other side, conceived that he might make use of this in his Art, and comming home made tryall of it, and found it a very usefull and remarkeable observation.
[ 1] Cavereing is therefore onely to be made use of, when thine adversary doth thrust at thee over the Secunde or weakest part of thy Rapier, because thou canst not parere his thrust, thy point being unable to resist.
[ 2] And if thine adversary doth thrust thee on eyther side of thy Rapier, over the Prime neare thy Hilt, then thou art to Parere and put by his thrust, for if thou dost Cavere then, thou wilt surely bee wounded, because before thou canst end thy Cavereing, his point will be upon thy breast, by reason of the Circuler motion of thy Cavereing which is slow, his thrust be∣ing both swift and streight: yet here is a remedy for it, namely if thine adversary maketh a thrust at thee over the Prime or the strongest part of thy Rapier (viz. neare thy Hilt) and thou wilt cavere, then just when thou dost cavere, stepping back with thy left legge, so that the weight of thy body come wholly to rest upon thy left thigh, breake him the Mensure, that is, come out of his reach. Examples how to use Cavereing I will specifie in the follow∣ing Chapter.
[ 1] IF thine adversary bee open within, then stringere him within, thus doing thou wilt compell him to make a thrust at thee without over thy right arme, as soone as hee thrnsteth at thee over thy right arme, and it bee over the Prime or strougest part of thy Rapier neare thy hilt, then parere his thrust towards thy right side with a Quarte not stirring thine arme but onely turning the wrest, so that the point of thy Rapier looke to∣wards thy right side out, having parered and turned off his thrust, speedily change thy Quarte into a Secunde, and make a long thrust at the outside of his Rapier at his right breast.
[ 2] Or stringere thine adversary with a Tertz
at the inside of his Rapier as soone as his thrust approacheth towards thy right breast over thy right Arme, and over the Prime or strongest part of thy Ra∣pier, then not turning thy Tertz into a Quarte as before, but onely with a stayed arme turne thy point in a Tertz to∣wards thy right side, so that thy Ra∣pier doth slide along his blade towards his point, at the outside of his Rapier; when thou hast parered his thrust with thy Tertz, then change thy Tertz into a Secunde, and thrust at his right breast over his right arme.
[ 3] Hold thy Rapier with a Tertz, so that the point of thy Rapier stands upwards a little, and let thy right arme bee something bended that thou bee open without over thy right arme, then one∣ly stret••h thy bended arme, and his thrust will bee deluded; when thou hast pareret his thrust, then turne thy hand into a Secunde and thrust him over his right Arme at his right breast.
[] If thine adversary makes a long thrust at thee without, then as soone as thou seest him make at thee, make a long step in upon him with thy right foote, and then with thy left foote,
and put by his Rapier with a Qu••••te downewards towards thy right side, comming so suddenly in upon him, thou dost, as it were, disarme him, thrust then at an instant with a Secunde over his right arme at his breast.
[ 5] If thou dost String••re thine adversary at the outside of his Rapier, and hee doth make a thrust at thy thigh outwardly, then let the point of thy Rapier sinke downe into a hanging Secunde and parere it, this done, instantly Passere under his Rapier, or when thou hast parered, then thrust with a Secunde home, over his right arme.
[ 6] But if he doth thrust over the Secunde or weakest part of thy Rapier over thy right Arme, being that the Secunde is too weake to resist, then cavere from thy left hand towards thy right hand under his Rapier, and first battiering at the inside of his wea∣pon thrust the Quarte close to his Rapier at his right breast.
[ 7] If thine adversary doth thrust againe at the outside of thy Rapier, over the Se∣cunde or the weakest part neare the point, then l••t thy point sinke downe into a hanging Quarte, lifting up the hilt behind, thus thou dost toucht his Secunde or the weakest part with thy Prime or the stron∣gest part of thy Rapier, thrust then with
the Quarte at the inside of his Rapier at his right thigh.
[ 1] IF thine adversary doth make a thrust at thee within close to the Prime of thy Rapier, then parere it with a Secunde downe towards thy left side, and at the same instant thou parerest change thy Se¦cunde into a Quarte close to thy adversa∣ries Rapier, and thrust at his right breast, at the inside of his weapon.
[ 2] Thou mayst likewise battiere him within upon his Rapier when his thrust commeth, and in the same moment thrust the Quarte at his right breast.
[ 3] But if he when he makes his thrust, doth thrust close to the Secunde or weakest part of thy Rapier, then cavere from thy right hand towards thy left hand under his Ra∣pier, and thrust with the Secunde over the weakest part of his Rapier, at the outside of his Rapier at his right breast.
[ 4] Or when his thrust approacheth, cavere
towards thy left side under his Rapier, and Passere under his weapon, or under his right arme with a Secunde.
[ 5] Or else when his thrust commeth, let the point of thy Rapier sinke downe into a Secunde at the outside of his Rapier, and parere it towards thy right side out, and having parered, passere with a Secunde with∣out at his right thigh; or when thou thus hast parered, then thrust a long thrust with a Secunde over his right arme, at his right breast.
[ 6] If thine adversary doth thrust at thee within close to the Secunde of thy Rapier, then stepping backe with thy left legge so that the weight of thy body come wholly to rest upon thy left thigh, draw thy Ra∣pier to thee, letting it slide along his Rapi∣er within towards his point, thus doing thou commest with the strongest part of thy Rapier close to his weaker part, and having this advantage make a long thrust at him within close to his Rapier with a Quarte at his right breast.
[ 7] But if thine adversary doth thrust lowly at thee, then let thy point sinke downe in∣to a Quarte, and thrust him with a Quarte at the inside of his weapon at his right thigh.
[ 1] IF thine adversary doth lie in a high Secunde with a stretched arme and is open within, then stringere him within; as soone as he will thrust at thee without over thy right arme, then thrust the Tertz at the same time his thrust approacheth, over the Secunde of his Rapier without, at his right breast, and with thy hilt goe some∣thing low, when thy thrust is now arri∣ved at his breast, that hee may not be able to cavere.
[ 2] If he doth lie againe in a high Secunde as before, and is open within, then Stringere him within, in the midst of his Rapier with a bended Arme in a Tertz, so that the point of thy Rapier stands upwards, and thy hilt low; as soone as hee will thrust at thee without, over thine arme, then changing thy Tertz into a Secunde Passere under his right arme, not touching his Rapier.
[ 3] But if hee lie open without then strin∣gere
him without, as soone as he doth thrust at thee within, then let the point of thy Rapier sinke downe into a Secunde, close to the outside of thy adversaries Ra∣pier, and Passere him with the Secunde at his right thigh.
[ 4] If he lie againe in a high secunde with a straight arme, but doth open himselfe on both sides of his Rapier, then goe with the Tertz just under his Rapier, that the point of thy Rapier bee directed towards his hilt, whether soever he doth thrust at thee, thrust Secunde contra-tempo at the out∣side of his Rapier over his right arme, and at his right breast.
[ 5] If he doth lie in the middle Secunde, and the point of his Rapier doth looke quite towards his right side out, then Stringere him at the outside of his Rapier, and strin∣gering goe towards thy right side about like in a Circle, thus thou wilt force thine adversary to make a thrust at thee within, when his thrust approacheth▪ then Voltere with the Quarte at the inside of his Rapier at his right breast.
[ 6] If he doth lie in a middle Secunde againe, then stringere him at the outside of his Ra∣pier, and suddenly make a finda at his face upwards with a Tertz, if he lifteth up his arme to defend his face, then passere him
under his right arme: but if hee doth put it by with a Quarte toward•• his right side, let him not touch thy Rapier, but lift thy point over his point, and thrust him with a Quarte within, at his right breast: Or if he will put it by with a Quarte towards his right side, then let him not touch thy Rapier, but cavere towards thy right side under his Rapier, and thrust the Quarte at the inside of his Rapier at his right breast.
[ 7] If thine adversary doth lie in a high Tertz with a bended arme, so that the point of his Rapier doth stand upright, then make a finda at him within; when he doth intend to put by thy feigned thrust to∣wards his left side, let him not touch thy Rapier but cavere towards thy left side un∣der his Rapier and thrust with the Quarte without over his right arme, at his right breast: If he will not regard thy finda, then thrust with the Quarte at his right breast within; when hee doth parere thy thrust, then turne thy Quarte into a Secunde and passere him. In the interim observe (that if thou meanest to stringere him within) if hee doth towards his left side lift the point of his Rapier over thine to thrust
thee over thy right arme, thou then ••••∣verest towards thy right side under his Rapier and thrustest a Quarte at him with∣in.
[ 8] If thine adversary doth hold his weapon in the Tertz and with a streight arme, then stringere him within, and stringering him step towards thy left side, and goe about as it were in a circle, then he will bee forced to thrust at thee without; as soone as his thrust approacheth, bow thy body, and not touching his Rapier, passe behind him un∣der his right arme.
[ 9] Or when thou dost stringere him within, make a finda at his face with a Quarte up∣wards as soone as hee lifteth up his arme, then let thy point sinke downe under his right arme, and passe behind him.
[ 10] Or stringere him within, and make thy finda downewards at his belly, when hee doth catch after it downewards, then ca∣vere towards thy left side under his Ra∣pier and thrust with a Secunde over his right arme.
[ 11] Is thine adversary doth hold his Rapier in a Quarte, so that the point of his Rapier doth looke towards his right side out, that he be open within, then hold thy Rapier in a Secunde, and direct the
point of thy Rapier towards his Hilt within, as soone as he doth thrust at thee within, then Voltere with thy Quarte at his right breast within.
[ 12] If thine adversary doth lie with a stretcht arme, so that his point stan∣deth upright, as it were in a Triangle, then goe with a high Secunde and a stretched arme at the inside of his Rapier, and make him a finda at the outside of his Rapier, as if thou didst meane to thrust him at his right breast, over his arme; as soone as hee will put it by towards his right side out, then recall thy point towards thy right side under his Rapier, and changing thy Secunde into a Quarte, thrust with a Quarte at the inside of his Rapier, at his right breast.
[ 13] Or when thou art at the inside of his Rapier with thy Secunde, then make a Finda within at his face, as soone as he doth catch after thy finda towards his left side, then cavere towards thy left side under his Rapier and thrust him with a Secunde, or with a reverse (a Quarte so cal∣led because thrusted without, view the
fourth Chapter, the ninth number) at the outside of his Rapier over his right arme.
[ 14] Or if he lieth againe as formerly he did, then goe with the high Secunde and a stretched arme at the outside of his Rapier about as in a circle, and thy point hold to∣wards his right eye, doing thus thou shalt compell him to put by thy point upwards; when thou seest him lifting up his arme, then let thy point sinke in under his right arme, and bowing thy body passe behind him under his right arme.
[ 15] Make a thrust at thine adversary close to the outside of his Rapier over his right arme, when thine adversary doth endea∣vour to parere thy thrust towards his right side over his right arme with his left hand, then let him not touch thy Rapier with his hand, but just as hee is comming to∣wards thy weapon with his hand, lift the point of thy Rapier over his left hand to∣wards thy right side out, and thrust him with a Secunde over his left hand, and his right arme.
[ 16]
Or when he doth catch after thy Rapi∣er towards his right side, over his right arme with his left hand, then let him misse thy Rapier, letting thy point sinke in under his left arme, and thrusting him with a Secunde at his breast as before, and over his right arme.
[ 17] Thrust at him at the inside of his Rapier with a Quarte, as soone as hee holding his left hand behind his hilt, doth meane to parere thy thrust with his left hand to∣wards his left side out, then lift the point of thy Rapier towards thy left side over his left hand, and thrust him with a Quarte at the inside of his Rapier at his right breast.
[ 18] Or when he doth catch after thy thrust towards his left side, then cavere from thy right side towards thy left side under his left hand, and thrust him with a Quarte at the inside of his Rapier at his right breast.
[ 19] But if hee doth strive to put by thy in∣ward thrust with his left hand, towards his right side, under his right arme, then let him misse thy Rapier and cavere to∣wards thy right side under his left hand and thrust him with a Quarte over his left arme.
[ 20] Or when he doth meane to put by thy thrust under his right arme towards his
left side out, then let thy point sinke in un∣der his left arme, and thrust with the Quarte at his belly.
[ 1] THe best way to avoyd the Pas∣sade that thine adversary shall not be able to use the same a∣gainst thee without, is to pa∣rere all thrusts that are made without with a Quarte (according to the first rule of the seventh Chapter.) As for the inward Passade to elude, is to make use of the second rule of the eight Chapter.
[ 2] But if thou wilt (of purpose to elude him) give him occasion to make a Passade upon thee without, lift up thy arme and put his thrust by upwards, and as soone as hee lets his point sinke downe under thy right arme, then Voltere with a Quarte at his right breast, thus doing thou wilt escape his Passade, for his point doth passe in the turning of thy body about.
[ 3]
Or when thou puttest by his thrust up∣wards, and he lets his point sinke downe into a Secunde under thy Rapier for to Pas∣siere thee, then let thou likewise sinke thy point downewards into a Secunde, and first parering his Rapier towards thy right side make a Passade upon him without, under his Rapier.
[ 4] Or when hee will Passere, then step back onely with thy left foote, so that thou commest out of his Mensure and reach, and the weight of thy body come wholly to rest upon thy left thigh, and stepping backe with thy left legge, cavere under his thrust towards thy left side, and Passere him without under his Weapon.
[ 5] Or else when he will Passere thee with∣out under thy right arme, then step back••, (not with thy left leg as before) but with thy right legge behinde thy left legge, which thou art not to stirre, so that thy left side be onely seene, and parering his thrust towards thy right side out with thy left hand, thrust with a Secunde at his right breast.
[ 1] THe best way to shunne the Volte is, that thou alwayes thrustest with a Secunde over his right arme at his right side, then hee can neither Voltere thee within, nor without with a reverse over thy right arme, without danger of his life.
[ 2] But if thine adversary doth Voltiere at thee of his owne accord, then let thy point sinke downe into a hanging Quarte, and make a long thrust at him at the inside of his Rapier, at his right thigh.
[ 3] Or Voltiere with him contra-tempo, and thrust at his right bre••st.
[ 4] Else when hee turneth himselfe about and will make a Volte at thee within, then let the hilt of thy Rapier sinke downe close to the weakest part of his Rapier, and holding thy point upright, thrust him with the point into his back.
[ 1] IF thine adversary by falsefying doth strive to make thee doubt∣full of his thrust, and where thou shalt looke for his thrust, then let him not deceive thee, but goe straight in upon him, and thy right arme or Rapier doe not stirre, holding thy point streight forwards in a right line, then will thine adversary, when thou commest too neare him, be constrained to make a thrust at thee, or to put by thy Ra∣piers point; whither soever he then doth thrust, within or without, parere it accor∣ding to the rules prescribed in the seveuth and eighth Chapters precedent; and if he puts by thy point towards what side soe∣ver it be, then cavere instantly under his Rapier▪ and thrust either with a Secunde without, or with a Quarte within, accor∣ding as he puts by thy thrust towards his right or left side.
[]
Or else hold thy Rapier in alow Tertz with a streight arme downewards neare thy knee, then hee can doe thee no hurt with his findes, as soone as hee doth make a thrust at thee, then thrust Secunde contra∣tempo at the outside of his Rapier over his right arme.
[ 1] STringere thine adversary with∣in, as soone as he doth cavere under thy Rapier towards his left side and makes a thrust at the outside of thy Rapier over thy right arme, then stepping in with thy right legge, put by his thrust downewards towards thy right side, when thou hast put by his thrust without, then let thy Rapier rest at the outside of his Rapier and stringere him without, as soone as hee steppes back and will make a thrust at thee within, then steppe in towards him with thy left legge before thy right legge and put that thrust by towards
[] thy left side resting likewise with thy wea∣pon at the inside of his Rapier till that hee be in thy ••ensure or reach, and then thrust where thou pleasest, ever looking & obser∣ving his point, neither would I wish thee to regard or listen to those who speaking against all reason and knowne experience will make thee beleeve that thou art one∣ly to observe his eye, which may easily de∣ceive thee (as if he be squint-eyed) by ob∣serving thine adversaries point thou art lesse endangered; for the Rapier is guided by the eye, not the eye by the Rapier, and being so that thou canst not for certaine know by the eye where hee will thrust [] I hence doe conclude that it is better and safer to regard and watch the point which doth endanger thee, then the eye which is deceiving.
[ 1] MAke a thrust at thine adversary without, over the Prime or strongest part of his Rapier neare the hilt, as soone as hee doth parere it with a Quarte towards his
right side out, then let the point of thy Rapier sinke downe into a hanging Quarte lifting up the Hilt behind, thus doing thou dost touch the weakest part of his Rapier with the strongest part of thine, thrust then with the Quarte at his right thigh.
[ 2] Or when he doth put by thy thrust with a Quarte, let thy point sinke downe into a hanging Secunde, and thrust at the inside of his Rapier, at his right thigh.
[ 3] Or if he doth put by thy thrust with his Quarte towards his right side downe∣wards, then stepping towards thy left side with thy left foote, lift the Hilt of thy Rapier over the weakest part of his wea∣pon▪ though close to it, and let thy Hilt sinke downe at the outside of his Rapier and stringere him, or thrust if thou pleasest: This may likewise be used in the fifth Chap.
[ 4] Make a thrust at thine adversary with∣out over the Secunde or weakest part of his Rapier, if hee then cavere towards his right side ••nder thy Rapier for to thrust a Quarte at thee within, then let the point of thy Rapier sinke downe into a hanging Secunde at the outside of his Rapier, and breake his Cavereing, and then at an instant Passere him at the outside under his Ra∣pier.
[ 5]
Thrust at thine adversary with the Se∣cunde, over the weakest part of his Ra∣pier, without, as soone as hee doth cavere under thine approaching thrust with the Quarte towards his right side out, for to thrust at thee within, then seeing him ca∣vere change thy Secunde into a hanging Quarte, and letting thy point sinke downe at the inside of his Rapier thrust him with the sayd Quarte at his right thigh.
[ 6] Or when thou dost thrust at him without over his Secunde or the wea∣kest part of his Rapier, and he doth caver•• towards his right side under thy thrust with a Quarte, of an intent to thrust▪ Quarte contra-tempo with thee, then stay thy intended thrust, and battiere him at the inside of his Rapier with thy Rapier, and thrust him at the same instant thou battie∣rest with a Quarte at the inside of his wea∣pon, at his right breast.
[ 7] Or when hee cavereth againe towards his right side under thy thrust, then ca∣vere thou at the selfe same time towards thy left side under his Rapier when hee doth cavere, and thrust him with a Secunde at the outside of his Rapier at his right breast.
[ 1] THrust at thine adversary with∣in close to the Prime or stron∣gest part of his Rapier neare his hilt, as soone as hee pare∣reth thy thrust towards his left side out with a Secunde, then change thy Quarte into Secunde, and passing behinde him thrust at his right thigh.
[] Or when hee parereth thy Quarte with a Secunde towards his left side, then step with thy right foote towards thy right side, and letting the point of thy Rapier sinke downewards, lift the Hilt of thy Rapier close to his weapon towards thy right side, over the Secunde of his Rapier, and stringere him within, and as soone as thou hast stringered
him battiere him at the inside of his wea∣pon, and presently upon it thrust with the Quarte at the inside of his weapon at his right breast.
[ 3] Or when he parereth thy thrust with a Secunde towards his left side, then step with thy left legge towards thy left side, and thrust him with a Quarte under his right arme at his belly.
[ 4] Thrust at thine adversary within, over the Secunde of his Rapier with a Quarte, when thou seest him cavere towards his left side under thy thrust, of an intent to thrust thee without over thy right arme with a Secunde contra-tempo, then change thy Quarte into a Secunde, and thrust him over his right arme, at the outside of his Rapier, at his right breast.
[ 5] Thrust at thine adversarie againe with∣in, close to the Secunde of his Rapier with a Quarte, as soone as hee doth ca∣vere towards his left side under his thrust, for to thrust Secunde contra-tempo over thy right arme without, then cavere thou likewise, but towards thy right side under his c••vering with the Quarte, and battiering him first at the inside of his Rapier thrust instant∣ly upon it with the Quarte at the
inside of his Rapier at his right breast.
Here endeth the first part of the first Book, treating how to use a single Rapier a∣gainst a Right handed man.