PALLAS ARMATA. THE GENTLEMAN'S ARMOURY; Wherein the right and genuine use of the Rapier and of the Sword, as well against the right handed as against the left handed man is displayed: And now set forth and first published for the common good by the Author.  Hor. Vis consilij expers mole ruit suâ. Ea demum tuta est potentia quae viribus suis modum imponit. Val. Max. 
Printed at London by I. D. for john Williams, at the sign of the Crane in S. Paul's Churchyard. 1639.   
SENECA. Qui ante nos ista moverunt, non domini nostri sed duces sunt: Patet omnibus veritas, nondum est occupate, multum ex illâ futuris est relictum. BOETIUS. M●serrimi est ingenij semper uti inventis, & numquam inven●endis.  

Generosis juvenibus, & ad summa quaeque natis, 
R GRENVILE JACO▪ CLAVERING IOH: WOLSTENHOLME THO: NEWCE GVIL: WATS IO: SIMAND  
Verae amicitiae nulla finis, 
 nullus terminus. 
 Amicitiae vinculum potens 
 & praev alidum, neque ulla 
 ex parte sanguinis viribus 
 inferius.  Amicis ac fautoribus aetatem suspiciendis, colendis, adamandis.  
VEstra in me merita, Generosi juvenes, suavissimi amici, & quae mihi vobiscum consuetudo, hoc tandem effecit, virtute plusquam magnetica, ut hunc vobis libellum, haec mea mitterem interludia; Etenim volventi mihi met mecum, cui, quibusve hosce meos juveniles lusus inscriptos sacrarem, ad unum vos infudistis. Quod ut mihi Panico terrore correpto contigit, non dubitavi, quod occultus mihi Genius insusurrabet, toti mundo expositum detegere.  
Tot enim, tantaque amoris erga me vestri extitere indicia, ut, si mihi sigillatim enarranda forent, aeras & charta prosequendis singulis non suppeterent, & si, tamen tanta sunt omnia, ut tenuis facundiae encomiis obfuscata prius jacerent in tenebris, quam illustrata fulgerent, effecistis denique ut dum vivam, moriar proh dolor ingratus.  
Erunt fortean, quorum pectoribus stuporem creabit haud levem, quod tam exiguae molis opus cumulatorum beneficiorum catervae Cyclopica audacia reponere ausim, atque sex praeclare de me meritis chartulas hasce obtrusas dicare voluerim, quarum tanta vix dignitas, si molem inspicias, ut unius subeant aspectum; verum, quantumvis exile sit, quod offero, & angustum, animus ejus a quo proficiscitur laxior est & capacior, nec vos candidum amici pectus Schedarum congerie mensuros confido: nae malui me aliis imperitum vestrisque meritis imparem ostendere, quam vobis ingratum.  
In ingrati culpam profecto incidissem, si in grati animi obsequio declarando, publice illos calamo seiunxissem, quos secretò pectori inclusos conjunctosque affectu sincero veneror.  
Interim vos, quicquid crudi, stoico stomacho, & nobilitate Spartana concoquite, si quid obscuri & abjecti inest libro, fulgido nominus vestri spendore circumfusi facite ut corruscet, & qui prodire in lucem immaturum hunc foetum voluistes, prodeuntis suscipite patrocinium, obstetricum munus subiistis, nutricum vicem, & Tutorum tandem suscipere ne aversemini. Haec prece sollicitâ emulgere conatur vobis  
aeternum mancipatus. G. A. Londini 18. Apr. Anno 1639.   

Ad Lecturos Philathletas.  
CAndide & ingeniose Lector-Philathleta, non me fallacis gloriae insatiata cupiditas, non arida sitis famae garrulae, quae superborum titulorum avidos titillat, ad scribendum allexit, sed fervens tui juvendi desiderium. Etenim, reputans egometmecum quam frigide, quam obscure, quam inconcinne alij hujus artis praecepta tradituri egerunt, quam fraudulentur deniquedum lectores suos per sinuosos anfractus deducentes, artis esse putarunt, si celarent artem, plurimorum me desiderijs responsurum duxi, sin elatibris protractam Athleticam, enodatam publici juris fecissem.  
Nae, omnium quae, suo fulgore Sol roseus tangit, illuminat, illustrat, post verbum divinitus traditum & secundum artes liberales, pulcherrima est, & utilissima gladiatoria facultas, ut ad propulsandas a corpore injurias excogitata, & sirem justâ aestimatione prosequi velimus, unicam hanc artem ae que facere ad tuendam sanitatem ac reliqua omnia quotquot sunt, corporis exercitia, & plus ad vitam protegendam quam ex iis ullum, fatebimur: Eorum enim plurima molle otium, nersque luxus genita produxit, fru●alitas & temperantia ne somniarunt ●uidem, hanc artem dedita magnis ●●clytisque facinoribus tempora in●exere. Quid enim liberum homi●●m minus dedecet, quam arma ●actare? Quodnam corpus huma●●m magis roborat exercitiam, feren●sque laboribus, ac adeundis pro ●a Patriâ periculis aptiorem reddit? ●llum. Invecta quidem antiquitús 〈◊〉 sui cujusque defensionem, verum, nefanda libido lacescendi erubescendum mortis genus infelic itemporis successu enormitatem detestandam introduxit, nam, ubi nosmet defendere didicerimus, statim alios offendere nitimur.  
Heu gravem sortem, quoties iniquus Additur saevo gladius veneno!  
Sed quid gloriamur de infirmita●tibus nostris, cum brutis ex part● inferiores simus? Reliqua enim ani●mantia natura indulgens armis i●●struxit, cornibus Taurum, dentib●● Aprum, unguibus Leonem, solu● hominem imbellem, inermen, imb● cillum esse, & e terrae visceribus a● ma morte venalia petere voluit.  
Neque in unâ aliquâ provincia q● se forsan enormi hac provocandi li● dine exonerari pateretur, cohib● poterit effraenis illa, & extra rectum 〈◊〉 dinem evagans licentia, nisi in● fimul, ubi nunc dierum hos mo● peregrinantes contrahimus, ad n● liorem ordinem ista licentia revo●tur, revocataque evanescat: Ceterum ut malum hocce adultum declinetur (quod haud levioribus remediis restinguendum, quam libidinibus ardescit) vix consultum fuerit, cum, si istâ prohiberemur consuetudine, in deteriora scelera prolabentes, nobis invicem, clam nexis insidijs, violentas manus essemus illaturi. Utendum hac arte, haud fecus ac artis Aesculapiae periti venenis, venena emorbosis corporibus expulsuri.  
Certè mei muneris non est Athletica tractare, aut exinde quaestum capere, mihi nec seritur nec metitur, atamen, cum jam diu addidicerem hanc artem ab exercitatissimo quodam armorum Magistro, cui jam defuncto non parem habet Europa, non possum non, quinquae olim in privatum usum stylo commendaveram, tibi non denegata mittam in publicum, quo minus publicae utilitati defuisse, vel saltem deesse voluisse videar. Modo melioris notae hominibus placuero, de caeteris haud multum ero sollicitus, calumnientur, virus evomant, patrocinabitur mihi mea innocentia, proteget me tuorum conatuum pro movendorum studium indefessum.  
En itaque tibi mi Lector, artis Athleticae Systema compendiariâ Methodo conscriptum, tuum ego favorem, & in judicando aequitatem ambio, Omnibus placere, & si fas esset, haud facile, nulli, probrosum. Imperitis haec non peritis scribo, amplecte●● itaque imperite, connive perite, si me in ipsâ herbâ oppresseris● nil ausurus sum adultus, si non elogij● digna, vituperiis ne onerato, cogitans● magni & excelsi animi signum esse laudibus indigna & proculcata, laudi●bus ornare, & erigere studuisse. Vale●   

To the Gentle Reader.  
MOst Courteous and Ingenious Reader, it was not the insatiable desire of a shade like fame which soon vanisheth, nor the unquenchable thirst of an empty glory, that did allure me to write this treatise, but the good will I bore thee and thine endeavours. We ought to do well, not because we would be frequently talked and spoken of by every man, but that we may edify and give content to our own minds; for as men are inconstant, so their actions and humours likewise are variable, and he that heaps up praises upon thee to day may blame thee to morrow. And although our name doth not die presently with us, if we, having done well in our life time be praise worthy, yet it cannot last for ever, but must once perish with the world, and thus we die twice.  
The subject is praise worthy enough, but as for the Penman, I'll leave that to thy descreet censure: Good language I want, yet if I did not want it, thou wouldst want the understanding of the book.  
The Art of Defence may be justly termed next to the liberal, the chief, the most necessary, as well in time of peace as in time of war, at home and abroad, the most part of other exercises of the body being but for pleasure only, or the health of the body, this for plea●sure, for health of body and soul too; for if thou be known to be exp●rt herein, and to guide thy weapon by judgement, thou dost scarcely give any occasion of falling out, that thou mayst not be accounted a vain man, and because thou knowest what danger there is in, only standing upon thine own defence, when the unskilful having only courage, will quarrel upon any occasion, because the danger he may fall into is unknown to him: beside no body will easily offend thee, so that skill maketh thee to be respected and feared, and to fear no man, if thou be engaged in any necessary quarrel.  
And again, if it be thy chance to light into a company, where perhaps in thy presence some may fall out, than the reputation thou art in for thy skill may be the cause of their agreement, if thou thyself dost stir in mediating between them, and thus thou mayst deliver their bodies and souls from danger, in hindering the shedding of blood. I cannot but marvel extremely, considering the necessity, why this art should be so much neglected▪ without the want of good and skilful teachers be the cause. For with what confidence can we wear our weapons, with what safety if we cannot use them? There is a great difference between the wearing and the handling of Arms, to wear a Rapier or Sword is only fashionable, to use it, necessary.  
If a man be assaulted and hath no skill to trust to, he will be daunted and lose his courage, and although he doth not lose his spirit, but with a resolute mind will strive to gain the conquest, his fortitude becomes temereity, and his own valour will be his rain, because it is not ruled by reason.  
And if thou hast never so good skill, do not offend any one, nor contemning undervalue thine adversaries skill, although he hath none at all, for contempt engendereth carelessness, and carelessness destruction, ever that thou shunnest thou escapest; therefore rather persuade thyself that thine adversary hath more skill than thou, and fight warily, as if thou wert to combat with thy better man, and thou shalt be free from many perils, that else would befall thee. It is not my profession indeed to practise this science, or to get my liliving the same, but my ambition to unfold that to thee for Grande mercy, which hath cost me both thankes and silver: I was encouraged by many of my friends to commit this treatise to the Press, and easily induced to put it in action, seeing the want of such a sub●ect: yet I had scarcely ventured to put myself into the world, had it not pleased my noble friends to divide themselves, and surround me with the fiery walls of their tender love. I present unto thy view a book small in quantity, but great if thou peruse it throughly, grounded upon reason and experience, methodically composed, and (which I will not blush to speak) in such terms that there cannot be made any blow or thrust ●t thee, but thou mayst find remedy for there. There have indeed been some few and those of great skill and experience, that have written some discourses of this subject very obscurely, because being that it wa● their living and profession, they thought it not expedient to make that common by which they were maintained. I have fitted myself to thetimes, in speaking only of single Rapier and single Sword, being that the Dagger, Gauntlet, Buckler are not in use, and because that the Rapier an● the Sword are the grounds of the less noble weapons. The Rapier of the Quarter staff, of the long Pike, of the Hal●bard: the Sword, of the two hande● Sword, and of the Falchion, so that 〈◊〉 man who can play at single Rapier an● Back Sword well and judiciously, ma● with great ease learn to handle the re●● of the weapons. There be some that withhold that a man having a long arm● and consequently a long reach, hath 〈◊〉 great advantage of a short man, th●● hath neither so long a reach nor so lon● a Rap●er as he, but if I should ma●● bold to maintain the contrary against those, I should perchanse be held to dolliver a Paradox, which indeed is 〈◊〉 Paradox but to the unskilful: In bac● Sword-play a long weapon may be a●●vantagious; in Rapier-play it is not, if he that hath the shorter weapon doth but always thrust close to his adversaries weapon: But if two play together that are both unskilful, than he that hath the longer Rapier doubtless hath advantage, because they thrust f●rre off from one another's Rapiers.  
Entertain therefore, gentle Reader, these first fruits of mine endeavours, with as good and noble a mind as I wrote it with a desire to benefit thee, and to advance thy skill, which if thou dost thou shalt oblige me further, and give me great encouragement to enlarge it with Emblems, and the art of Caminering, a thing very useful, namely how to assault an enemy fare off with a Rapier. Farewell, and peruse this with health and joy.   


In laudem operis & Authoris  
IS death of late grown feeble, and her Dart  
So blunt, that she must learn to kill by Art?  
Or are her Ministers, Chance, Sickness, Age,  
Too few in number to fulfil her rage?  
That man and man in mortal feued combine  
To date her Trophies in a rubric line  
Drawn with a Pen of Steel, by which device  
Their slaughtered bodies fall her sacrifice?  
'tis so, such is their madness, that for lone  
Of people's breath they'll prostitute their own;  
Virtue unarmed suffers by such, whilst might  
Incroacheth on the privilege of right.  
But Son of Mars to rescue innocence  
From injuries, hast published this defence  
And teachest how with skill to countermand  
The deadly outrage of a stronger hand.  
Thy Book, although the volume be but small  
Is great enough t'undo Surgeon's Hall;  
Charon may yawn and stretch, expecting fares▪  
(As watermen do at the Temple stairs  
Ith' long vacation ere they earn a groat)  
Yet want a naulum to repair his boat.  
SAM. BRIGGES. Master of Arts and Fellow of Kings Col. in Cambridge.   

To the deserving Author.  
THe joyntlesse Fencer's glory who rehearse,  
Must let his fancy blood and bleed a verse;  
In sheets of St●ele must entertain the Nine,  
And write with Quills shot from th' bristled Porcupine.  
Spirit of Arts! Lovely! Mysterious strife!  
Death's true Comedy acted to the life.  
Motions pleasing-horrid! here the same sight  
Daunts the valiant which makes the coward fight.  
You that let fall your Babel thoughts at least,  
When tumults omen what your fears suggest,  
Your valour hence unsheathe again, draw breath  
By Art, and live in th' very act of death.  
The left hand man that falsefies his Play,  
ne'er yet oppugned, now makes himself away:  
Thy Art exact thus kills without offence,  
And murder qualifies to innocence.  
When judgement umpires 'twixt the hands and eye,  
The first stroke types a perfect victory,  
(Grand Master of the great Art Masculine)  
Laurel thine own Temples, for th' Field is thine;  
Triumph in th' Book of Fate, this wounding Balm  
Whilst thee in th' Cirque we Coronet with Palm.  
Io. G●DOLPHIN. Bach. of the Civil Law, of Glouc. Hall Oxford.   

THou who as yet thy Steel dost fear  
Which at thy back doth hang, and ne'er  
Didst draw thy blade but for to show't,  
Or tell the price for which 'twas bought;  
See here the Art to use it, such,  
That Naples scarce can teach so much:  
Behold thy foe in paper bleed,  
And cut, that pity 'tis to read,  
(Here thou mayst learn to laugh at those,  
At Calais, who to blind their foes,  
The Sand into their faces throw,  
And then attempt a desperate blow)  
Her's nobler shifts to foil his hand;  
To drink his blood let lie the sand:  
Now thou art taught by finer art  
To cut life's Gordian thread a part▪  
Pallas invites thee here to look,  
Read, and thy life's saved by thy book.  
ANTHONY ASKHAM, Fellow of King's College in Cambridge.   

To his worthy, valorous, and ingenious friend the Author.  
NOt for thy love, or kindness shown to me  
Do I commend this Book, or yet praise thee;  
For though I know thou art a friend of mine,  
I praise this for its own sake, not for thine.  
Thou herein to the Reader dost impart  
In a plain way that famous Martial art  
Of fencing, which by charge and toilsome pain  
Thou hast attained, and strivest to make us gain  
By thy great labour, and hereby dost prove  
That thou'rt not only full of skill but love  
Of th' common good, for which thy name shall be  
Both loved of us and our posterity.  
IO. SOTHEBY Of Grays-inn.   

To his Friend.  
LOng peace (some say) breeds War, a Fate  
Contemptible in its self, for us to hate,  
Yet when necessity to the Sword gives Law  
'tTwere more than dastardy not to draw:  
With braver spirits that them attempt to do,  
Her's honoured skill, and skill for honour too:  
Lo her's a Mr. not for Boys but Men,  
Who terminates all weapons with his Pen;  
His postures such that adds to our life Fame,  
(Life overpast) a Trophy to our Name.  
For if we honour give to Law, alone  
That keeps us in our own possession  
What dignities sufficient, or what degree  
Can recompense that Art which keeps us free  
From foreign and demestique foes, from wrongs,  
In duels, combats, multitudes and throngs,  
And in the Amphitheatre to strive  
With savage Lions who shall survive?  
Hadst thou been there thy nimble skill and Art  
Would soon have won dire Nero's heart  
Who would have thought Rome's treasury to be  
A small reward and recompense for thee.  
Besides 'twill add unto thy worth: by Sword  
Caesar himself through Flinty mountains board  
Much more our stony hearts thy Art and skill,  
Pierces and works in us both power and will  
Yet men will carp, envy at virtue aims,  
The fairest face may be Sunburnt with stains  
And know, Mechanics that do not understand  
Some Pety-Marchants grown behind hand  
Will secretly contemn, abroad their fear  
Will reconcile them l●st thou shouldst hear  
And question words with blows, Heroic blood  
Terms this the sinews of the public good,  
But I do wrong thee much in this low praise.  
Nay I should wrong thee if I gave thee Bays  
Alone; since thy victorious hand and tongue  
Deserves the noble Palm, the Muse's song.  
Tamberlayne Bowdler, Nuper ex Aed. Christ. Oxon. nunc de Gray Hospitis.   

To his Friend the Author.  
Mar and Minerva in a Nuptial band.  
By a sacred Flamen here conjoined stand,  
At this great marriage after the English rite  
I offer here mine English worthless mite.  
A. SMALLWOOD, Master of Arts, sometimes of S. Peter's College in Cambridge.   

GReat Master of the Sword and Pen ● poor we  
Hang only Trophies t'your humility;  
We but increase your train, not gild your Bays,  
Nor add to th' shout of victory, your praise  
Would wear a Caesar's style out; one that writes  
With the same Art and Courage, that he fights.  
Mankind's your de●ter, Sir: and should each one  
Y'have saved a Garland bring, our Oaks were gone;  
Duels may now be lawful: for to fight  
Will be but Exercise, or Play in spite.  
Each man's impassable, more safe from harm  
Than if he wore a Lapland Witches charm.  
And though our Laws forbidden it, yet y'have taken  
A course to save the Dueller by's book:  
Pallas now scorns her Gorgon, and i'th' Field  
she'll make your Book her Study and her Shield.  
WILLIAM CREED. Oxon.   

To the Reader.  

Hark Reader, wouldst be learned i'th' Wars,  
A Captain in a Gown?  
strike a league with Books and Scars?  
And wear of both the Crown?   

●ouldst be a Wonder? such a one  
As could win with a Look?  
A Scholar in a Garrison?  
And conquer by the Book?   

●ake then this Mathematic Shield▪  
And henceforth by its Rules,  
●e able to dispute i'th' Field,  
And combat in the Schools.   

whilst peaceful Learnin g once again,  
And th' Soldier do concord,  
As that he fights now with her Pen  
And she writes with his Sword.   
RICH. LOV●LAC●. A. Glouces: Oxen.   

HEre troops of Figures muster, here along  
March long-shanked lines, & angles in a throng  
The Sword's the Leader, and a sharp one too,  
That never brooks to word it, if he do  
But turn, they turn straight with him; Figures the  
Dissigure, Angles vary, Lines begin  
To cringe and crook themselves and trembling fly  
To corners: So they're Angled instantly.  
'tis well the Sword's the Leader, 'twould molest  
To rank him rightly more than all the rest.  
The Lines claim him for theirs, and thus conclude  
That needs must be a Line that's Longitude.  
Should I so count Him? th' Angleses would confute  
My forwardness; cry out, are lines acute?  
Rank him with us; the body Spherical  
Would next step in, thus argue, d' ont swords all  
Touch planum still in puncto? So do we;  
'tis plain, this touchstone proves him kin to me.  
Thus would they wrangle for him, though 'tis know  
The Sword for equals would admit of none.  
he'd make them soon confess their properties,  
By cutting them into infinities.  
Mysterious Artist! whose profounder skill  
Has made the Sword a Scholar g'ainst its will,  
Has made it learned, and, though itself not knows  
To make a Geometric figure in its blows.  
WILL. HEW, New Coll. Ox. Fel●   

THankes Mathematic Fencer, that dost tie  
The Sword to th' book and fight in Geometry▪  
That hast given ears to weapons and dost cause  
Arms to be subject to the voice of laws.  
Proceed thus in thy Miracles; be read  
And wondered at, the same path few can tread▪  
D. VIVIAN. Fell. new Coll. in Oxon.   

SIR,  
THe praises which to Xenophon were due,  
May now deservedly be fixed on you:  
By this we do you right, not wrong him, when  
You wield as well as he the Sword, and Penne.  
But this is not enough: thou dost outdo  
Not Xenophon alone, but nature too:  
That each man should defend himself, we be  
By nature taught, but how we should, by thee.  
W. W. Oxoniensis.    

Errata.  
FOlio 6. line 29. for line read time. fol. 32. line 25. for Is read If. fol. 46. line 22. for under his, read under thy, fol. 58. line 5. for left leg, read right leg.   

LIB. I.  

PARS PRIOR: The first part of the first Book; Containing how a Right-handed man is to play against a Right-handed man at single Rapier.  

CHAP. I. Treateth of things that must be known before we proceed to the subject itself.  
FIrst of all we are to know that the Rapier is divided into two parts, namely into the Prime and the second.  
The Prime is measured from ●he Hilt to the midst of the Rapier, and being the strongest part, is consequently t● be made only use of in putting by thrus● or blows.  
The second is taken from the midst 〈◊〉 the Rapier to the point, and being th● weakest of the Rapier is therefore only 〈◊〉 be used in offending or making of thrusts▪  
As for the posture or the carriage of th● body and ●or making of thy thrusts at thi● adversary, observe with me these rul● following.  
Thy Rapier thou must hold with a be●●ded arm, so that the point of thy Rapi●● be lineally answerable to thine elbow.  
Thy left hand thou art to hold over th● left eye to put by a sudden thrust withal which by chance at either of thine ey● might be directed.  
Thou art only to show thy right side, 〈◊〉 if thou dost consider with thyself, th●● wilt find it only advantageous to the● when thou standest upon thy defence, 〈◊〉 it will be something hard for thine adve●●sary to hit thee I must needs confess, b● if thou meanest to offend thine adversary 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 half body, as whe● thou showest something of thy breast▪ 〈◊〉 ●hen beside, when thou makest a thrust at ●hine adversary stepping forwards with thy right leg towards him thou comest ●o stand with a half body, and then if he did aim at that part of thy breast which thou didst show he will miss it, if thou lost but thrust at the self same instant his thrust approacheth, therefore every discreet Teacher and judicious Master ought ●o leave that free to his Scholars, being ●hat it is a thing of no great moment.  
Thy left leg must be something bent, and thy right leg too, but not altogether so much as thy left leg, upon which all the weight of thy body must ●ie.  
Thy feet they must be placed not very far from one another, that thou mayst make a long thrust upon any occasion, and ●hey must be placed like a great Roman 〈◊〉 upwards, or an I turned backward, just ●s in dancing, that thou mayst have the greater strength in thy left thigh to recall thy body suddenly when thou hast performed thy thrust.  
When thou wilt make a thrust, then ●●retch out thy right arm, and step for●ard with thy right foot and let them ●oth go together at one and the self same ●ime, and when thou steppest forward with thy right foot, but do not stir thy left foot; the weight of thy body must wholly lie upon thy right thigh, as soon as thou hast performed thy thrust, instantly recall thy body again, so that the weight of thy body come to rest upon thy left thigh again (as it did before thou made thy thrust) not recalling thy right leg, with which thou didst formerly step forwards, but, in the mean while thou bindest him after thy thrust remove by little and little thy left leg towards thy right leg, for thus doing thou canst thrust home at thine adversary again as soon as thou hast occasion.  
Thy thrust thou must make close to thine adversaries Rapier, as if thou wouldst strike fire out of his weapon, which i● thou dost not do, you will both be hurt i● neither of you have skill; if one of yo● have but skill, and knoweth to observe this than he only will be endangered tha● doth not thrust close to his adversaries Rapier.  
Yet this is not all, but thou must likewise thrust close to the second or weakest part of his Rapier, with thy Prime o● strongest part of thy Rapier, for if thou canst do that, he cannot put thee by.  
When thou dost thrust at thine adversary without, over his right arm, thou must do it with a second. When thou makest a thrust at thine adversary within, ●hou art to do it with a Quart.  
Ever when thou hast made a thrust at ●hine adversary, stringere him on the same ●ide thou didst thrust, in the recalling of ●hy body, not removing thy point from his; for else he may wound thee too upon ●hy coming off.   

CHAP. II. The foreign terms of Art, that do occur in this Treatise, are unfolded.  
STringering is the touching of thine adversaries point with thy point, which thou art to do upon any occasion, that ●hou mayst secure thyself on either side from a thrust, which commonly is termed ●inding.  
To Cavere, is to turn thy point under ●hine adversaries Rapier on the other side, when thou art bound, or he doth thrust at ●hee.  
Tempo is, that thou takest heed never to make a thrust or blow at thine adversary, without thou hast a fair opportunity to hit, or requisite measure, that he be within thy reach.  
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 vain.  
To Parere, is to decline, to put by, and to turn off a thrust or blow.  
Finda is called in the Italian tongue ● deceit or cousnage, and metaphorically brought into fencing, when I do 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 do thrust somewhere else, at which place I in the beginning did not aim, before thou strovest to put me by.  
To Passere is when thou dost thrust ● thine adversary without or within to●wards his breast, and he doth put by th● thrust upwards, and thou in the mean● while he lifteth up his arm, bowest th● body, and letting thy point sink down into a second under his right arm do● pass behind him.  
To thrust Contratempo, is to thrust th● self same line thine adversary do● thrust.  
To Battere, is to beat or knock either with the Rapier or foot.  
To Voltere is, when thine adversary doth thrust at thee, and thou first parering his thrust, dost just upon the approaching of his thrust turn thy body round about towards thy left side out upon thy right leg, so that thy back cometh towards thine adversary, and thy left leg between thy right, and thine adversaries right leg, and thrusteth him with a Quart at his right breast: But this is a trick altogether full of danger, ●unlesse it be used to avoid the Passade withal.   

CHAP. III. Concerning the Guards.  
THere are but four guards according to the four ways thou canst turn thy hand, viz. Prime, second, Tertz and Quart.  
The Prime is when thou houldest thy Rapier in such a manner that the outside side of thy hand doth look towards thy left side out, and the inside of thy hand look towards thy right side out. This is subdivided into a strait Prime, when thy point looketh strait forwards, and into a hanging Prime, when thy point doth look towards the ground.  
The second 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 strait second whenthy point looketh strait forwards; into a hanging second, when thy point looketh downwards towards the ground, and finally into the middle second, when thou holdest thy Rapier with a second and a bowed arm, so that the point of thy Rapier looks shear out towards thy left side.  
The Tertz is when thou dost hold 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 again is subdivided into the High Tertz when thou holdest thy point upwards yet with bended arm, so that thy hilt equalise thy Right breast in height; into a middle Tertz, when thou holdest thy weapon with a bend arm that the point looks strait out forwards, so that the Hilt in height equalise thy waste: And lastly into a low Tertz, when thou holdest thy weapon with a strait arm downwards, so that thy Hilt be equal to thy knee in height, or a little below.  
The Quart is when thou holdest thy Rapier in such a manner with a bended arm, that the outside of thy hand look down towards the ground, but the inside upwards. This is likewise subdivided into a strait Quart when thy point looks forwards, and into a hanging Quart when thou holdest thy Rapier with a Quart and let the point sink down.   

CHP. IU. How to make use of all the four guards, and upon what occasion each of them may be used, as being different from one another.  
THe Prima is only to be thrusted at the outside of thine adversaries Rapier over his right arm, and is never to be used within, and is the weakest of all the guards.  

An example how thou shalt use the Prime.  
If thine adversary lie open within, then stringere him within as soon 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 arm close to the weak of his Rapier, if then he doth strive to put by thy thrust towards his right side, then turning thy Tertz into Prime thrust at his right breast.  
The second is used without over the right arm in a long thrust, and in a Passade, than likewise under the arm in a Passade without, and again within in a long thrust and in a Passade.   

Examples how to use the second without.  
If thine adversary be open within then stringere him within, as soon as he maketh a thrust at thee without, over the Prime on the strongest part of thy Rapier, than put it by with a Quart towards thy rightside out, and at the same instant thou dost put by, change the Quart into a second and thrust over his right arm at his right breast, or Passere.   

How to Passere with the second without.  
If thine adversary lie open without, than thrust him over his right arm without, if he than should parere thy thrust upwards, then while he is parering upwards, bow thy body and let the point sink down into a second under his right arm, and Passere him, but passing behind him clap thy left hand upon his Hilt, for fear he should knock thee passing, with the Hilt.   

How to use the second within.  
If thine adversary lie open within, then thrust him within with a Quart as soon as he 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 Quart into a second close to his Rapier, and make a long thrust at his right breast: But if he doth parere towards his left side, that the point of his Rapier likewise doth look towards his left side out, then change likewise thy Quart into a second and Passere him: And if he doth parere thy thrust upwards let thy point sink in under his arm within and do the same.  
The Tertz is only used without, over the arm, never in the making of a Passada.   

An example how to use the Tertz without.  
If thine adversary lie open within, then stringere him within, as soon as he makes a thrust at thee without, than thrust him over the second or weakest part of his Rapier with a Tertz, and with thy Hilt go low.  
The Quart is for the most part used at the inside of the Rapier, yet sometimes without over the right arm, and then the Quart is called Riversá, as having changed her nature and property, because she only ought to be used within.   

An example how to use the Quart within.  
If thine adversary lie open without, then Stringere him without, as soon as he doth make a thrust at thee within, then thrust with the Quart close to the second or the weakest part of his Rapier between his right arm and his right breast, and when thou hast performed thy thrust, then presently stringere within.   

Another manner.  
Let thine adversary stringere thee without, then make a find at him within, as soon as he doth catch after thy find towards his left side out, then let thy point sink down under his right arm, and thrust him with a Quart under his right arm at his right side.   

An example how to use the Quart without.  
If thine adversary be open without, thrust him with a second or Tertz over his right arm, close to the second or weakest part of his Rapier, if he than doth put by thy thrust with a Quart towards his right side out, then at an instant turn thy second or Tertz into a Quart, and thrust home at his right breast, or Voltere if thou please: And if thou wilt thou mayst clap thy left hand upon his Rapier within, when thou dost touch him with thy Quart, not catching hold of it, but only turn his blade away towards the left side, and thou wilt easily turn his weapon out of his hand.    

CHAP. V Treateth how to stringere right, and of other things that are to be observed here in stringering.  
WHen thou art to play with thin● adversary, and dost intent to offend him, thou must either assault him with stringering, or with a contra-posture (whereof we will hear in the ninth Chapter following) besides these two ways there is none other. Yet stringering is the chiefest, which if thou wilt use, it behooveth thee to be very wary that thou mayst not incur any hazard; mark therefore these following Rules.  
On what side thine adversary lieth open there thou art to stringere him, not lying too hard upon his Rapier, because he may let his point suddenly sink down, and then thou following his point downwards dost open thy body too much, that he may easily turn over his point, and thrust thee without over thy right arm, or within, before thou canst recover thy weapon.  
If thine adversary lie open without, thou must stringere him without, if he lie open within, thou must stringere him within.  
Towards that side where thou wilt stringere him, thou must step: And if thou meanest to stringere him without, then step with thy right leg towards thy right side, and let thy point look towards thy right side over his Rapier▪ If thou makest account to stringere thine adversary within, than thou must step with thy left leg towards thy left side, and let the point of thy Rapier look over his point towards thy left side out.  
If he holdeth his weapon so that he is open on both sides, it is all one, on which side thou dost stringere him.  

If thine adversary will not suffer himself to be stringered, what thou art to do.  
If thine adversary shakes the point of his Rapier from one side to another, because thou shalt not stringere him, make a half thrust at him as it were a Finda or falsifying, thus thou dost 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 instantly 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.   

How to avoid thine adversaries Stringering.  
If thine adversary doth mean to stringere thee either without or within, then before he doth touch thy Rapier, lift th● point of thy Rapier over his, and thru●● him either with a Quart if he doth prosecute thy Rapier without, or without over his arm with a second, if he doth prosecute thy Rapier within.   

As for Example,  
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 Quart at the inside of thy Rapier close to the second or weakest part of his weapon.  
If he make a count to stringere thee within, then before he 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 second at his right breast.  
Thou canst likewise avoid stringering with Cavering; namely, when thine adversary will stringere thee without▪ then before he doth touch thy point, cavere or turn thy point from thy left side towards thy right side under his Rapier, and thrust him with a Quart within at his right breast close to his second or weakest part of his Rapier.  
When he will stringere thee within, then turn 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 second at the outside of his weapon at his right breast.  
Else canst thou avoid stringering likewise with making of Finda's, namely, when he will stringere thee without, then before he doth touch thy Rapier, make a Finda at him within, as if thou didst mean to thrust at him within with a Quart, as soon as he doth catch after thy thrust towards his left side with his Rapier, then recalling thy point thrust him at the outside of his Rapier over his right arm with a second, at his right breast.  
When he will stringere thee within, then before he doth touch thy Rapier within, make a Finda at him without, as if thou didst intent to thrust over his right arm; as soon as he doth catch after that, thrust towards his right side, then turn thy point under his Rapier, and thrust him at the inside of his weapon with a Quart at his right breast.   

How thou shalt make thyself lose again when thou art stringered.  
If thine adversary hath stringered thee without, then let the point of thy Rapier by degrees sink downwards, if he than doth follow thy point with his point, Cavere instantly from thy left side towards thy right side under his Rapier, and battiering him first at the inside of his Rapier, thrust with a Quart at his right breast at the inside of his Rapier.  
Or when he followeth thy Rapier without, when thou dost let thy point sink, 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 Quart at the inside of his Rapier at his right breast.  
But if he will not follow thy Rapier downwards when thou lettest thy point sink, but makes a thrust at thee, then thrust second Contratempo, or at the coming of his thrust at one and the selfsame time, at the outside of his Rapier at his right breast, or else Quart contratempo at the inside of his weapon at his right breast.  
If thine adversary hath stringered thee without, then cavere from thy left side towards thy right side under his Rapier, but slowly, and cavering turn thy hand into ● second, than thou art open within yet ●oose from his Rapier, if he than maketh a thrust at thee within, then battiering him first at the inside of his Rapier, thrust him with a Quart within at his right breast.  
But if he doth follow thy Rapier within towards his left side out, then cavere from thy right side towards thy left side under his Rapier, and thrust him with a second without over his right arm, at his right breast.  
Or when he doth follow thy point towards his left side with the point of his Rapier, so that thou art not in danger of his point, then let thy point sink down under his Rapier, and stepping in Passere him with a second at the inside of his weapon.  
If thine adversary hath stringered thee without, then retire, stepping only backward with thy left leg, in so much that the weight of thy body come wholly to ●ie upon thy left thigh, and when thou steppest back with thy left leg, draw thine arm to thee in a second bowed, that the point of thy Rapier look quite out towards thy left side, as soon as he cometh to stringere thee again, then cavere from thy left side towards thy right side under his Rapier, and thrust him with a Quart within at his right breast.  
Or when thou hast thus retired, and he cometh to stringere thee again without, than thrust him over the second or weakest part of his Rapier, with thy Prime or strongest part of thy weapon at the outside of his weapon, over his right arm at his right breast.    

CHAP. VI Treateth how and upon what occasion thou art to Cavere.  
CAvere took its beginning from a Cock fight; for Camillo Agrippo a reverend Mr. of defence at Rome 50. years ago (who was the inventor of the Dagger) seeing two Cock's combat together, and observing, how when one of the Cocks leapt 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 coming home made trial of it, and found it a very useful and remarkable observation.  
Cavereing is therefore only to be made use of, when thine adversary doth thrust at thee over the second or weakest part of thy Rapier, because thou canst not parere his thrust, thy point being unable to resist.  
And if thine adversary doth thrust thee on either side of thy Rapier, over the Prime near thy Hilt, than thou art to Parere and put by his thrust, for if thou dost Cavere then, thou wilt surely be wounded, because before thou canst end thy Cavereing, his point will be upon thy breast, by reason of the Circular motion of thy Cavereing which is slow, his thrust being both swift and straight: 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. near thy Hilt) and thou wilt cavere, then just when thou dost cavere, stepping back with thy left leg, so that the weight of thy body come wholly to rest upon thy left thigh, break him the Mensure, that is, come out of his reach. Examples how to use Cavereing I will specify in the following Chapter.   

CHAP. VII. Treateth of diverse ways, how thou s●alt put by all sorts of thrusts that are made at thee, at the outside of thy Rapier.  
IF thine adversary be open within, then stringere him within, thus doing thou wilt compel him to make a thrust at thee without over thy right arm, as soon as he thrnsteth at thee over thy right arm, and it be over the Prime or strougest part of thy Rapier near thy hilt, then parere his thrust towards thy right side with a Quart not stirring thine arm but only turning the wrist, so that the point of thy Rapier look towards thy right side out, having parered and turned off his thrust, speedily change thy Quart into a second, and make a long thrust at the outside of his Rapier at his right breast.  
Or stringere thine adversary with a Tertz at the inside of his Rapier as soon as his thrust approacheth towards thy right breast over thy right Arm, and over the Prime or strongest part of thy Rapier, than not turning thy Tertz into a Quart as before, but only with a stayed arm turn thy point in a Tertz towards thy right side, so that thy Rapier 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 second, and thrust at his right breast over his right arm.  
Hold thy Rapier with a Tertz, so that the point of thy Rapier stands upwards a little, and let thy right arm be something bended that thou be open without over thy right arm, then only stretch thy bended arm, and his thrust will be deluded; when thou hast pareret his thrust, then turn thy hand into a second and thrust him over his right Arm at his right breast.  
If thine adversary makes a long thrust at thee without, then as soon as thou seest him make at thee, make a long step in upon him with thy right foot, and then with thy left foot, and put by his Rapier with a Qu●●te downwards towards thy right side, coming so suddenly in upon him, thou dost, as it were, disarm him, thrust then at an instant with a second over his right arm at his breast.  
If thou dost Stringere thine adversary at the outside of his Rapier, and he doth make a thrust at thy thigh outwardly, then let the point of thy Rapier sink down into a hanging second and parere it, this done, instantly Passere under his Rapier, or when thou hast parered, then thrust with a second home, over his right arm.  
But if he doth thrust over the second or weakest part of thy Rapier over thy right Arm, being that the second is too weak to resist, then cavere from thy left hand towards thy right hand under his Rapier, and first battiering at the inside of his weapon thrust the Quart close to his Rapier at his right breast.  
If thine adversary doth thrust again at the outside of thy Rapier, over the second or the weakest part near the point, then l●t thy point sink down into a hanging Quart, lifting up the hilt behind, thus thou dost touched his second or the weakest part with thy Prime or the strongest part of thy Rapier, thrust then with the Quart at the inside of his Rapier at his right thigh.   

CHAP. VIII. How to decline those thrusts that are made within.  
IF thine adversary doth make a thrust at thee within close to the Prime of thy Rapier, then parere it with a second down towards thy left side, and at the same instant thou parerest change thy second into a Quart close to thy adversaries Rapier, and thrust at his right breast, at the inside of his weapon.  
Thou mayst likewise battiere him within upon his Rapier when his thrust cometh, and in the same moment thrust the Quart at his right breast.  
But if he when he makes his thrust, doth thrust close to the second or weakest part of thy Rapier, then cavere from thy right hand towards thy left hand under his Rapier, and thrust with the second over the weakest part of his Rapier, at the outside of his Rapier at his right breast.  
Or when his thrust approacheth, cavere towards thy left side under his Rapier, and Passere under his weapon, or under his right arm with a second.  
Or else when his thrust cometh, let the point of thy Rapier sink down into a second at the outside of his Rapier, and parere it towards thy right side out, and having parered, passere with a second without at his right thigh; or when thou thus hast parered, then thrust a long thrust with a second over his right arm, at his right breast.  
If thine adversary doth thrust at thee within close to the second of thy Rapier, then stepping back with thy left leg so that the weight of thy body come wholly to rest upon thy left thigh, draw thy Rapier to thee, letting it slide along his Rapier within towards his point, thus doing thou comest 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 Quart at his right breast.  
But if thine adversary doth thrust lowly at thee, then let thy point sink down into a Quart, and thrust him with a Quart at the inside of his weapon at his right thigh.   

CHAP. IX. How thou art to demean thyself against many sorts of guards.  

Against the second.  
IF thine adversary doth lie in a high second with a stretched arm and is open within, then stringere him within; as soon as he will thrust at thee without over thy right arm, than thrust the Tertz at the same time his thrust approacheth, over the second of his Rapier without, at his right breast, and with thy hilt go something low, when thy thrust is now arrived at his breast, that he may not be able to cavere.  
If he doth lie again in a high second as before, and is open within, then Stringere him within, in the midst of his Rapier with a bended Arm in a Tertz, so that the point of thy Rapier stands upwards, and thy hilt low; as soon as he will thrust at thee without, over thine arm, then changing thy Tertz into a second Passere under his right arm, not touching his Rapier.  
But if he lie open without then stringere him without, as soon as he doth thrust at thee within, then let the point of thy Rapier sink down into a second, close to the outside of thy adversaries Rapier, and Passere him with the second at his right thigh.  
If he lie again in a high second with a strait arm, but doth open himself on both sides of his Rapier, then go with the Tertz just under his Rapier, that the point of thy Rapier be directed towards his hilt, whether soever he doth thrust at thee, thrust second contratempo at the outside of his Rapier over his right arm, and at his right breast.  
If he doth lie in the middle second, and the point of his Rapier doth look quite towards his right side out, then Stringere him at the outside of his Rapier, and stringering go 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 Quart at the inside of his Rapier at his right breast.  
If he doth lie in a middle second again, then stringere him at the outside of his Rapier, and suddenly make a finda at his face upwards with a Tertz, if he lifteth up his arm to defend his face, then passere him under his right arm: but if he doth put it by with a Quart towards his right side, let him not touch thy Rapier, but lift thy point over his point, and thrust him with a Quart within, at his right breast: Or if he will put it by with a Quart towards his right side, then let him not touch thy Rapier, but cavere towards thy right side under his Rapier, and thrust the Quart at the inside of his Rapier at his right breast.   

Against the Tertz.  
If thine adversary doth lie in a high Tertz with a bended arm, so that the point of his Rapier doth stand upright, then make a finda at him within; when he doth intent to put by thy feigned thrust towards his left side, let him not touch thy Rapier but cavere towards thy left side under his Rapier and thrust with the Quart without over his right arm, at his right breast: If he will not regard thy finda, then thrust with the Quart at his right breast within; when he doth parere thy thrust, then turn thy Quart into a second and passere him. In the interim observe (that if thou meanest to stringere him within) if he doth towards his left side lift the point of his Rapier over thine to thrust thee over thy right arm, thou than ●●verest towards thy right side under his Rapier and thrustest a Quart at him within.  
If thine adversary doth hold his weapon in the Tertz and with a straight arm, then stringere him within, and stringering him step towards thy left side, and go about as it were in a circle, than he will be forced to thrust at thee without; as soon as his thrust approacheth, bow thy body, and not touching his Rapier, pass behind him under his right arm.  
Or when thou dost stringere him within, make a finda at his face with a Quart upwards as soon as he lifteth up his arm, then let thy point sink down under his right arm, and pass behind him.  
Or stringere him within, and make thy finda downwards at his belly, when he doth catch after it downwards, then cavere towards thy left side under his Rapier and thrust with a second over his right arm.   

Against the Quart.  
Is thine adversary doth hold his Rapier in a Quart, so that the point of his Rapier doth look towards his right side out, that he be open within, then hold thy Rapier in a second, and direct the point of thy Rapier towards his Hilt within, as soon as he doth thrust at thee within, then Voltere with thy Quart at his right breast within.   

Against one that lies with a stretched arm, and the point upwards.  
If thine adversary doth lie with a stretched arm, so that his point standeth upright, as it were in a Triangle, then go with a high second and a stretched arm at the inside of his Rapier, and make him a finda at the outside of his Rapier, as if thou didst mean to thrust him at his right breast, over his arm; as soon as he will put it by towards his right side out, then recall thy point towards thy right side under his Rapier, and changing thy second into a Quart, thrust with a Quart at the inside of his Rapier, at his right breast.  
Or when thou art at the inside of his Rapier with thy second, then make a Finda within at his face, as soon 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 second, or with a reverse (a Quart so called because thrusted without, view the fourth Chapter, the ninth number) at the outside of his Rapier over his right arm.  
Or if he lieth again as formerly he did, then go with the high second and a stretched arm at the outside of his Rapier about as in a circle, and thy point hold towards his right eye, doing thus thou shalt compel him to put by thy point upwards; when thou seest him lifting up his arm, then let thy point sink in under his right arm, and bowing thy body pass behind him under his right arm.   

If thine adversary holdeth his left hand behind his hilt for to parere thy thrusts, how thou art to deceive his left hand.  
Make a thrust at thine adversary close to the outside of his Rapier over his right arm, when thine adversary doth endeavour to parere thy thrust towards his right side over his right arm with his left hand, then let him not touch thy Rapier with his hand, but just as he is coming towards thy weapon with his hand, lift the point of thy Rapier over his left hand towards thy right side out, and thrust him with a second over his left hand, and his right arm.  
Or when he doth catch after thy Rapier towards his right side, over his right arm with his left hand, then let him miss thy Rapier, letting thy point sink in under his left arm, and thrusting him with a second at his breast as before, and over his right arm.  
Thrust at him at the inside of his Rapier with a Quart, as soon as he holding his left hand behind his hilt, doth mean to parere thy thrust with his left hand towards his left side out, then lift the point of thy Rapier towards thy left side over his left hand, and thrust him with a Quart at the inside of his Rapier at his right breast.  
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 Quart at the inside of his Rapier at his right breast.  
But if he doth strive to put by thy inward thrust with his left hand, towards his right side, under his right arm, then let him miss thy Rapier and cavere towards thy right side under his left hand and thrust him with a Quart over his left arm.  
Or when he doth mean to put by thy thrust under his right arm towards his left side out, then let thy point sink in under his left arm, and thrust with the Quart at his belly.    

CHP. X. How thou mayst escape the Passada.  
THe best way to avoid the Passade that thine adversary shall not be able to use the same against thee without, is to parere all thrusts that are made without with a Quart (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.  
Or when thou puttest by his thrust upwards, and he lets his point sink down into a second under thy Rapier for to Passiere thee, then let thou likewise sink thy point downwards into a second, and first parering his Rapier towards thy right side make a Passade upon him without, under his Rapier.  
Or when he will Passere, then step back only with thy left foot, so that thou comest out of his Mensure and reach, and the weight of thy body come wholly to rest upon thy left thigh, and stepping back with thy left leg, cavere under his thrust towards thy left side, and Passere him without under his Weapon.  
Or else when he will Passere thee without under thy right arm, then step back●, (not with thy left leg as before) but with thy right leg behind thy left leg, which thou art not to stir, so that thy left side be only seen, and parering his thrust towards thy right side out with thy left hand, thrust with a second at his right breast.   

CHAP. XI. Remedies for the Volte.  
THe best way to shun the Volte is, that thou always thrustest with a second over his right arm at his right side, than he can neither Voltere thee within, nor without with a reverse over thy right arm, without danger of his life.  
But if thine adversary doth Voltiere at thee of his own accord, then let thy point sink down into a hanging Quart, and make a long thrust at him at the inside of his Rapier, at his right thigh.  
Or Voltiere with him contratempo, and thrust at his right bre●st.  
Else when he turneth himself about and will make a Volte at thee within, then let the hilt of thy Rapier sink down close to the weakest part of his Rapier, and holding thy point upright, thrust him with the point into his back.   

CHAP. XII. How thou art to behave thee against thine adversaries Finda's or falsifying.  
IF thine adversary by falsifying doth strive to make thee doubtful of his thrust, and where thou shalt look for his thrust, then let him not deceive thee, but go strait in upon him, and thy right arm or Rapier do not stir, holding thy point straight forwards in a right line, then will thine adversary, when thou comest too near him, be constrained to make a thrust at thee, or to put by thy Rapier's point; whither soever he than doth thrust, within or without, parere it according to the rules prescribed in the seveuth and eighth Chapters precedent; and if he puts by thy point towards what side soever it be, then cavere instantly under his Rapier▪ and thrust either with a second without, or with a Quart within, according as he puts by thy thrust towards his right or left side.  
Or else hold thy Rapier in allow Tertz with a straight arm downwards near thy knee, than he can do thee no hurt with his finds, as soon as he doth make a thrust at thee, then thrust second contratempo at the outside of his Rapier over his right arm.   

CHAP. XIII. How thou must prosecute thine adversaries Rapier when thou hast stringered him.  
STringere thine adversary within, as soon as he doth cavere under thy Rapier towards his left side and makes a thrust at the outside of thy Rapier over thy right arm, then stepping in with thy right leg, put by his thrust downwards 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 soon as he steps back and will make a thrust at thee within, then step in towards him with thy left leg before thy right leg and put that thrust by towards thy left side resting likewise with thy weapon at the inside of his Rapier till that he be in thy ●ensure or reach, and then thrust where thou pleasest, ever looking & observing his point, neither would I wish thee to regard or listen to those who speaking against all reason and known experience will make thee believe that thou art only to observe his eye, which may easily deceive thee (as if he be squint-eyed) by observing thine adversaries point thou art less endangered; for the Rapier is guided by the eye, not the eye by the Rapier, and being so that thou canst not for certain know by the eye where he will thrust I hence do conclude that it is better and safer to regard and watch the point which doth endanger thee, than the eye which is deceiving.   

CHAP. XIV. Containing observations against the seventh precedent Chapter.  
MAke a thrust at thine adversary without, over the Prime or strongest part of his Rapier near the hilt, as soon as he doth parere it with a Quart towards his right side out, then let the point of thy Rapier sink down into a hanging Quart 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 Quart at his right thigh.  
Or when he doth put by thy thrust with a Quart, let thy point sink down into a hanging second, and thrust at the inside of his Rapier, at his right thigh.  
Or if he doth put by thy thrust with his Quart towards his right side downwards, then stepping towards thy left side with thy left foot, lift the Hilt of thy Rapier over the weakest part of his weapon▪ though close to it, and let thy Hilt sink down at the outside of his Rapier and stringere him, or thrust if thou pleasest: This may likewise be used in the fifth Chap.  
Make a thrust at thine adversary without over the second or weakest part of his Rapier, if he then cavere towards his right side ●nder thy Rapier for to thrust a Quart at thee within, then let the point of thy Rapier sink down into a hanging second at the outside of his Rapier, and break his Cavereing, and then at an instant Passere him at the outside under his Rapier.  
Thrust at thine adversary with the second, over the weakest part of his Rapier, without, as soon as he doth cavere under thine approaching thrust with the Quart towards his right side out, for to thrust at thee within, then seeing him cavere change thy second into a hanging Quart, and letting thy point sink down at the inside of his Rapier thrust him with the said Quart at his right thigh.  
Or when thou dost thrust at him without over his second or the weakest part of his Rapier, and he doth caver● towards his right side under thy thrust with a Quart, of an intent to thrust▪ Quart contratempo 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 battierest with a Quart at the inside of his weapon, at his right breast.  
Or when he cavereth again towards his right side under thy thrust, then cavere thou at the self same time towards thy left side under his Rapier when he doth cavere, and thrust him with a second at the outside of his Rapier at his right breast.   

CHAP. XV. Containing observations against the eigthth precedent Chapter.  
THrust at thine adversary within close to the Prime or strongest part of his Rapier near his hilt, as soon as he parereth thy thrust towards his left side out with a second, then change thy Quart into second, and passing behind him thrust at his right thigh.  
Or when he parereth thy Quart with a second towards his left side, then step with thy right foot towards thy right side, and letting the point of thy Rapier sink downwards, lift the Hilt of thy Rapier close to his weapon towards thy right side, over the second of his Rapier, and stringere him within, and as soon as thou hast stringered him battiere him at the inside of his weapon, and presently upon it thrust with the Quart at the inside of his weapon at his right breast.  
Or when he parereth thy thrust with a second towards his left side, then step with thy left leg towards thy left side, and thrust him with a Quart under his right arm at his belly.  
Thrust at thine adversary within, over the second of his Rapier with a Quart, when thou seest him cavere towards his left side under thy thrust, of an intent to thrust thee without over thy right arm with a second contratempo, then change thy Quart into a second, and thrust him over his right arm, at the outside of his Rapier, at his right breast.  
Thrust at thine adversary again within, close to the second of his Rapier with a Quart, as soon as he doth cavere towards his left side under his thrust, for to thrust second contratempo over thy right arm without, then cavere thou likewise, but towards thy right side under his covering with the Quart, and battiering him first at the inside of his Rapier thrust instantly upon it with the Quart 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 against a Right handed man.    

LIB. I. PARS POSTERIOR. The second part of the first Book, showing how a Right handed man must play with a Right handed man at single Sword.  

CHAP. I. If thine adversary doth strike at the outside of thy Sword at thy head, how thou shalt parere it.  
IF thine adversary be open within, then stringere him within as soon as he maketh a blow at thy head without, then stepping in towards him, parere his blow with a Quart towards thy right side downwards, and having parered, strike instantly with the Quart towards thy left side at the inside of his right arm, and having performed thy blow, step back again with thy right leg and stringere him at the inside of his Sword.  
Or if he striketh at thee again without▪ at thy head, then step with thy right leg towards thy right side, and receive his blow with a second, with the outside of thy weapon, and in one motion, at the same instant thou receivest his blow brandish thy Sword over his within, towards thy right side, and strike at the inside of his weapon at his head.  
Or when his blow approacheth towards thy head, at the outside of thy weapon, then step in upon him, and thrust him with a second over his right arm, without, if he parereth thy second upwards, then let thy point sink in under his right arm and bowing thy body pass behind him: Or else when he doth parere thy second upwards, then at the same instant strike downwards at the outside of his right leg.  
Or parere his blow with a Quart towards thy right side▪ and parering, in one tempo, or the self same motion of thine arm pass behind him, and passing make a back blow with a second at the Ham strings of both his legs, and in striking catch hold at thine adversaries Hilt with thy left hand, that he may not strike thee, at thy passing behind him with a back blow.  
Or step with thy left leg towards thy left side, at the coming of his blow, and strike him at the outside of his right arm with a Quart, and instantly stringere him without, that he may not strike thee at thy head.  
Or step back with thy left leg at the coming of his blow, not stirring thy right leg, so that the weight of thy body come wholly to rest upon thy left thigh, (for doing so thou comest quite out of his reach and mensure) and in the stepping back strike him with a Quart at the outside of his right arm downwards, and instantly raise thy weapon again and stringere him without.  
Stringere thine adversary at the inside of his weapon, as soon as he striketh at thee without, then just at the turning of his wrist, let the second sink in under his arm, and bowing thy body well, pass behind him, and with thy Hilt go something high in thrusting.  
Or cavere towards thy right side under his▪ Sword at the coming of his blow towards thy head without, and do as if thou meanest to thrust him at his right eye within, as soon as he lifteth up his arm to parere thy thrust from his face, then let thy point sink under his right arm within, and pass behind him, or else strike him with a Quart at the inside of his right arm, or right leg.   

CHAP. II. How thou shalt put by and parere those blows which thine adversary makes at thy head within.  
IF thine adversary doth make a blow at the inside of thy Sword, towards thy head, parere his blow towards▪ thy left side downwards with a second, only turning thy wrist and▪ thy point towards thy left side, when thou hast parered his blow, then strike with a ●ack ●low, and a second towards thy right side at the outside of his right arm, a●d instantly stringere him within, when thou hast performed thy blow.  
Or when his blow doth approach, before it arriveth, cavere towards thy left side under his blow, and cavering step towards thy right side with thy right foot, and receive his blow with the second, with the outside of thy Rapier or Sword, and instantly strike with a Quart at his left cheek, at the inside of his weapon.  
When he doth strike at thy head again within, then when thou seest his blow coming, step●e with thy right leg towards thy right side, and strike him with a Quart at the inside of his right arm.  
Or When his blow approacheth, cavere under his Sword towards thy left side, and stepping in upon him catch with thy left hand, over thy right arm towards thy left side hold of thine adversaries Hilt, and strike him with a second, or a back blow at the outside of his right leg, as doth appear in the precedent Picture.  
When he doth strike at thee within again at thy head, then at the lifting up of his arm, thrust with a Quart from under up at his wrist, and although thou shouldest miss of his arm, yet thrusting close to his Rapier on either side thou canst stringere him without or within, according as thou dost light on either side of his weapon, and consequently be safe enough.  
Stringere thine adversary within in the midst of his Rapier, as soon as he lifteth up his wrist to strike at thee on either side, then strike him at the inside of his arm with a Quart towards thy left side.  
Or else when his blow is coming towards thee within at thy head, then at the lifting up of his arm thrust with a Quart at the inside of his Rapier at his right breast; if then thine adversary doth strive to put by thy Rapier towards his left side, then turning thy Rapier into a second, and letting thy point sink in under his right arm pass behind him: or when he doth put by thy thrust towards his left side, then strike downwards with a Quart at the inside of his left leg.   

CHAP. III. If thine adversary doth strike at thy right arm without, how to elude it.  
LEt thine adversary stringere thee within, suddenly make a blow at his head without, as soon as he will strike thee at the outside of thine arm, then let thy Hilt sink down at the outside of his Sword, so that thou with the Prime of thy Sword dost touch his second; having this advantage of him strike with a Quart towards thy left side, at the inside of his right arm.  
Make a blow at thine adversary without at his head, as soon as thou perceivest that he will strike at thee at the outside of thy right arm, then turn thy blow in the air, and let him miss thy arm, and strike with a Quart at the inside of his weapon at his head, or else with a second or back blow at his right cheek.  
If thine adversary doth strike from under up with a second or a back blow, at the outside of thine elbow of his own accord, not invited by any opportunity from thee, then let thy point sink downwards into a hanging second, and Passere him at the outside of his right thigh.  
Or when thou hast let thy point sink down into a hanging second, at the outside of his weapon, then turn thy weapon close to his Rapier into a Quart and strike him at the inside of his right thigh towards thy left side out with a Quart.  
Or when thou hast let thy point sink down into a second at the outside of his weapon, and put by his blow then lift up thy point, and strike with a second or a back blow towards thy right side, at the outside of his right arm over his Hilt.   

CHAP. IU. If thine adversary doth aim at thine arm within, how thou shalt elude him.  
LEt thine adversary stringere thee at the outside of thy weapon, at a sudden make a blow at him at the inside of his weapon at his head; if thine adversary then doth strike at the inside of thy arm upon the turning of thy wrist, than not performing thy blow intended, go quite away towards thy right side with thy weapon and with a stretched arm, till his blow be passed under thy right arm, and then instantly strike him with a Quart from thy right side over his hilt, at the inside of his right arm.  
If thou dost strike at thine adversaries head within, and perceiving that he will strike at thy right arm within, let the hilt of thy weapon sink down into a Quart at the inside of his weapon, close to the second or weakest part of his Sword, then having this advantage strike with a second or back blow over his hilt towards thy right side, at the outside of his right arm.  
If thine adversary doth strike from under up with the Quart at the inside of thy weapon at thy elbow, then let the point of thy weapon sink down into a hanging Quart, and thrust him within at his right thigh.  
Or when thou by letting thy ponit sink downwards into a Quart hast parered his blow, then in the same Tempo or instant, raising thy point, strike with a Quart at the inside of his right arm.   

CHAP. V How to parere and put by such blows that are made at thy right leg without.  
IF thine adversary doth strike at thy right leg without, letting thy point sink down into a second at the outside of his Sword, and having parered it, raise thy point and strike with a second or back blow at the outside of his right arm, or else at his right cheek.  
Or when he striketh at the outside of thy right leg, let thy point sink downwards into a second again, and parere it as soon as thou hast put by, presently change thy second into a Quart close to the outside of his weapon, and strike him with a Quart under his weapon at his right thigh within.  
Or when thou hast put by his blow by letting thy weapon point sink downwards into a second, then presently Passere him under his weapon, or raise thy point and thrust him with a second over his weapon at his right breast.  
Or when thou seest his blow approach towards thy leg without, then draw thy leg to thee, and strike with a second or back blow at the outside of his right arm, or his right cheek.   

CHAP. VI How to Parere those blows that are made within at thy leg.  
IF thine adversary doth make a blow at thy right leg within, then let the point of thy Rapier sink down into a hanging Quart, when thou hast thus Parered his blow, then raise thy point and strike with a Quart, at the inside of his right arm over his Hilt.  
If he again doth strike at thy right leg within, then let the point of thy weapon likewise sink down into a Quart as before, and having eluded his blow, turn thy weapon close to his into a second, and strike with a back blow under his weapon towards thy right side, at the outside of his right leg.  
Or when thou espyest his blow coming towards the inside of thy leg, then let thy point sink down into a Quart, and thrust at the inside of his right thigh.  
Or let thy po●nt sink down into a second at the coming of his blow, and in one motion let thy Sword go about thy head, towards thy right side, and strike him at his right cheek.  
Or when thou seest his blow coming towards thy right leg within, before it arriveth draw thy leg to thee, and strike him with a Quart towards thy le●t side at the inside of his arm, or strike him at his left cheek with the Quart.   

CHAP. VII. Treateth of five observations against the first Chapter of this second part.  
IF thine adversary doth put by thy blow with a Quart towards his right side out, then shalt thou just when he doth put by thy blow, lift thy point over his weapon towards thy right side, and strike him with a second or back blow at the outside of his right arm.  
Strike at thine adversary at the outside of his weapon at his head, as soon as he will put by thy blow with his Quart towards his right side, then touch not his Sword, but strike at his right leg without, and in one motion strike under his Sword through, towards thy right side and stringere him within.  
But if thine adversary doth put by thy blow▪ thou makest at his head without, with a hanging second, then in one motion strike downwards with a second at the outside of his right leg, and presently raise thy point and stringere him without, else he will strike theeat thy head.  
If he doth again parere thy blow with the second, then let thy weapon rest at the outside of his weapon, and so soon as he striketh at thee within, then Voltere with the Quart at the inside of his weapon at his left breast.  
Or when he puts by with a second let the point of thy Rapier sink at the outside in under his left arm, and pass be●inde him under his right arm.  
Or as soon as he putteth by thy blow with a second, then let the Prime and strongest part of thy weapon slide along he second and weakest part of his wea●on towards thy right side, to the end of his weapon, and strike from thy right side upwards at the outside of his left arm, and ●n one motion strike quite through and Stringere him within for fear that he ●hould likewise hurt thee.   

CHAP. VIII. Containeth some lessons against the second Chapter precedent.  
STrike at thine adversary at his head within, if he parereth thy blow downwards with a second towards his left side, then letting him not touch thy Rapier, but lif● thy point towards thy left side over his weapon, and strike him with a Quart a● the inside of his right arm.  
If he doth parere thy blow again with the second towards his left side downwards, then let him not touch thy weapon but strike him at the inside of his right leg.  
But if he doth parere it upwards with ● Quart, then strike him at the inside o● his right arm.   

CHAP. IX. An observation against the fourth precedent Chapter.  
STrike at thine adversaries righ● arm within, when he dot● stretch out his arm quite towards his right side, the● thrust with a Quart at his right breast within.   

CHAP. X. Against the fifth Chapter.  
Do as if thou wouldst strike at thine adversarieslegge without, as soon as he lets his point sink down into a second, for to parere thy blow, then do not touch his weapon, but raise thy point, and strike him with a second or back blow, at the outside of his right arm.  
Or when he lets his point sink down into a second, then presently raise thy point and passere him with a second over his right arm.   

CHAP. XI. Observations against the sixth Chapter precedent.  
Do as if thou wouldst strike within at thine adversaries leg, if he than lets his point sink down into a Quart to put by thy blow, then let him not touch thy weapon but raise thy point and strike him at the inside of his right arm.  
Or when he lets his point sink down into a Quart, then lift thy point over hi● weapon towards thy left side, and Passer● him with a second at the outside of hi● weapon, at his right thigh.   

CHAP. XII. How thou art to demean thyself against such guards as do occur in Backsword play.  
IF thine adversary holdeth his back Sword in a second and a stretched arm, then make a strong back blow with the second in the outside of thine adversaries weapon; as soon as he strikes at thee within, then stepping a little backwards with thy left leg strike him with a Quart at the inside of his right arm.  
If thine adversary holds his weapon with a stretched arm, so that the point of his Sword standeth upwards, as it were in a Triangle, and if he be open without, then go with a high second at the outside of his weapon, and let the Prime or strongest part of thy weapon slide along the second or weakest part of his weapon towards his point, and then strike with the second from thy left side at the inside of his left ●rme.  
But if he be open within, and holdeth his weapon in the same guard, then go with the Quart and a stiff arm at the inside of his weapon, and with the Prime or strongest part of thy weapon slide along thy adversaries second or the weakest part of his weapon, towards his point, and in one motion of thine arm strike with a Quart at thine adversaries elbow without.   

CHAP. XIII. Containeth some few offensive rules.  
SStetch thine arm and let thine adversary bind or stringere thee without, and then draw thy blade at thee in a second from his weapon, as soon as he doth follow thy weapon without, for to stringere thee, then lift the point of thy Rapier toward thy right side over his weapon, and strike him with a back blow at the outside of his right arm.  
But if he stringere thee within, then let thy weapon sink down into a low Tertz, if he doth follow thy weapon downwards for to stringere thee within, then before he doth touch▪ thy weapon within, lift thy point towards thy left side over his weapon, and strike him with a Quart at the inside of his right arm.  
If thine adversary be open within, then do as if tho● wouldst strike at his head within with a Quart, as soon as he towards his left side will put it by, then lift thy point towards thy left side over his weapon, and strike him with a Quart at the outside of his right arm.     

LIB. II.  

PARS PRIOR. The first part of the second Book, showing how a Right handed man is to play with a Left handed man at single Rapier.  

CHAP. I. Containeth the use of the four general guards against the left handed.  
THee right handed man doth thrust the left handed man with the Prime only at the outside of his Rapier, over his left arm.  
The second is used by the right handed against the left handed without, over his left arm in a long thrust, and in a Passade and in a Passade under his left arm; and is likewise used within, in a long thrust, and in a Passade.  
The Tertz is only thrusted at the left handed, at the outside of his Rapier, over his left arm.  
The Quart is thrusted at the left handed man without, over his left arm, likewise within in a long thrust and in a Volte, and then it may be called a reverse, as having changed her property and nature.   

CHAP. II. The use of the four guards against the left handed man is particularised, how thou art to thrust with the Prime or second at the outside over his left arm.  
IF thine adversary be open within stringere him at the inside of his Rapier, as soon as he caveres towards his right side under thy Rapier, for to thrust thee within with a second, then just at coming of his blow thrust with a Tertz, or a Quart at the outside of his Rapier, over his left arm; if he than parereth thy thrust with a Quart towards his left side, then turn thy Tertz or Quart into a second or Prime, and thrust him without over his left arm at his left breast.  

How to passere a left handed man with a second, at the outside of his Rapier under his left arm  
If thy left handed adversary be open within, then stringere him at the inside of his Rapier, as soon as he will thrust at thee within with a second, the● at the approaching of his thrust make at him at the outside of his Rapier over his left arm, with a Tertz or Quart, if he then will put by thy thrust upwards with a second, then let the point of thy Rapier sink down into a second under his left arm and pass behind him.   

How thou art to use the second within at thy left handed adversary.  
Stringere thine adversary at the outside of his Rapier, when he cave●eth towards his right side under thy Rapier, and will thrust thee without over thy right arm, than thrust just at the coming of his thrust with a second at the inside of his Rapier close to the second or weakest part of his weapon, between his left arm and left breast▪   

How the Tertz or Quart is to be used without, over the left handed man's arm.  
Stringere thine adversary within, as soon as he doth thrust at thee within with a second, then thrust with the Tertz or Quart close to his second or weakest part of the Rapier at the outside of his weapon over his left arm at his left breast, and when thou dost thrust then go low with thy Hilt.   

How to thrust the Quart within at thy left handed adversary.  
Let thy left handed adversary stringere thee at the inside of thy Rapier, and upon a sudden thrust at him within with a second close to the second or weakest part of his Rapier, near his point, if he doth strive to parere thy second with a Quart towards his right side, then change thy second into a Quart and Voltere him at the inside of his weapon at his right breast: But if he doth parere too fare towards his right side, that thou canst not hit his breast, then let thy Quart sink in under his left arm and Voltere him with thy Quart at his left side.    

CHAP. III. How thou art to put by those thrusts which thy left handed adversary makes at thee without, over thy right arm.  
STringere thine adversary at the outside of his Rapier, if then he doth make a thrust at the outside of thy Rapier over thy right arm, then parere it towards thy right side with a Quart, and at an instant make a long thrust with a second close to his Rapier, between his left arm and his left breast.  
Or parere his thrust with a Quart towards thy right side, and instantly thrust wsth a second at the outside of his left arm at his left side, and when thy thrust is arrived, then clap thy left hand upon the outside of his Rapier, over thy right arm, not catching hold of his Rapier, and putting it by with thy left hand towards thy left side, turn his Rapier out of his hand and disarm him.  
But if he doth thrust at thee without, over the second or weakest part of thy Rapier, so that thou art not able to Parere his thrust, then cavere towards thy right side under his weapon, and battiering him first at the outside of his weapon, thrust Quart contratempo at the outside of his Rapier over his left arm.  
Or else when he doth thrust over thy right arm again, and close to the second or the weakest part of thy Rapier, being not able to parere his thrust, cavere towards thy right side, under his thrust, and cavering turn thy point in a second over his weapon towards thy left side, and let it sink down at the inside of his Rapier, and Passere him at the inside of his weapon at his left thigh.  
Review the seventh and eighth Chapters of the first part of the first book.   

CHAP. IU. How to put by those thrusts which thy le●t handed adversary makes at thee at the inside of thy weapon.  
IF thine adversary doth make a thrust at thee within, near the hilt over that Prime and strongest part of thy Rapier, then put by his thrust with a second towards thy left side downwards, and in one tempo or motion of thy wrest, change thy second into a Quart, not stirring from his Rapier, and thrust with a Quart at the outside of his Rapier over his right arm.  
Or else when his thrust approacheth, then battiering him first at the outside of his Rapier, thrust with a Quart at the outside of his weapon over his left arm, at his left breast.  
But if he thrusteth at thee within close to the second or weakest part of thy Rapier, then cavere towards thy left side, under his thrust, and first putting him by towards thy right side with a Quart, Passere him at his left breast, within.  
Or if he doth thrust at thee within again close to the weakest part of thy Rapier with a second aiming at thy right breast, then let thy point sink down into a hanging Quart, at the outside of his weapon, and thrust him at his left thigh. Review the seventh and eighth Chapters of the first part of the first book.   

CHAP. V How thovart to demean thyself against several guards which thine adversary might use.  

Against the second.  
IF thine adversary doth hold his weapon in a high second, with a stretched arm, and is open without, then stringere him without, as soon as he doth thrust at thee within with a second, then let thy point sink down in a Quart close to his Rapier without, and lifting up thy hilt behind, thrust him with a Quart under his Rapier, at his left side.  
Or if he doth hold his Rapier in a high second with a stretched arm and is open without, then stringere him likewise without, if he than doth thrust at thee without, over thy right arm with a second, then at the coming of his thrust, cavere towards thy right side under his Rapier, and thrust Quart contratempo at the outside of his weapon over his left arm.  
But if he holding his Rapier in a high second be open within▪ stringere him within as soon as he doth make a thrust at thee within, then let thy point sink down into a second at the inside of his Rapier, and passere him at his left thigh.  
Or when thou stringerest him within, and he doth make at thee with a second, at the inside of thy Rapier, at thy ●ight breast, step then with thy right leg towards thy right side, and thrust him with a Quart at the outside under his Rapier at his navel, and thy hilt lift up something behind.   

Against the middle second.  
If thine adversary doth hold his Rapier in a middle second with a bended arm, so that the point of his Rapier looks quite towards his right side out, then stringere him at the outside of his Rapier, and stringering go about towards thy left side; thus thou dost constrain him to thrust at thee; as soon as his thrust approacheth at the outside over thy right arm, then put by his thrust towards thy right side with a Quart, and instantly changing thy Quart into a second, thrust him at the inside of his Rapier at his left breast.  
Or if he doth lie in a middle second, as before, then stringere him likewise at the outside of his Rapier, upon a sudden make a Finda at his face upwards with a Tertz, not stirring thy whole arm, but only thy wrist; as soon as he lifteth up his arm for to defend his face with his Rapier, then let thy point sink down into a second under his left arm, and pass behind him: But if he parereth thy finda with a Quart towards thy left side, then cavere in one motion towards thy left side under his Rapier, and thrust him with a second at the inside of his Rapier, at his right breast.   

Against the Tertz.  
If thine adversary holdeth his Rapier in a high Tertz with a bended arm, so that the point of his Rapier standeth upright, and he be open within, then make a finda at him within, as soon as he doth catch after thy finda with his Rapier towards his right side out, then lift the point of thy Rapier towards thy right side over his Rapier, and thrust with a Quart at the outside of his Rapier over his left arm, at his left breast.  
Or when he doth catch after thy finda towards his right side, then let thy point sink in under his left arm, and thrust him with a Quart at his left side.  
If he doth not catch after thy finda, than thrust home at the inside at his weapon with a second at his left breast.  
And if thou wilt stringere him within thou must observe well that (if he lifteth the point of his Rapier towards his right side, at the inside over thy Rapier) thou thrustest Quart, the self same time his thrust approacheth, at the outside of his Rapier at his left breast.  
If thine adversary holdeth his Rapier in a Tertz with a stretched arm, so that the point of his Rapier be lineally answerable to his left shoulder, then stringere him without, and when thou dost stringere him go about towards thy left side as it were in a circle, not stirring▪ from his Rapier the mean while thou goest about, than he will be forced to thrust at thee, at the outside of thy Rapier over thy right arm, then just when he is turning his point under thy Rapier for to thrust thee without over thy right arm at thy right breast, bow thy body, and thrusting him with a second under his left arm pass behind him.  
But if thy left handed adversary when thou Stringerest him without, will perforce put by thy point with his Quart towards his left side, then yield to him by degrees, and letting thy point sink down suddenly in a second, passere him at the outside of his Rapier at his left thigh.  
Or when thou dost stringere him without, upon a sudden battiere him at the outside of his weapon, and thrust him with a Quart at the outside of his Rapier, at his left breast.  
If thy left handed adversary doth hold his Rapier in a low Tertz, with a stretched arm downwards, so that the hilt of his Rapier doth equalise his knee in height, then stringere him at the inside of his Rapier with a hanging second, as soon as he doth thrust at the outside of thy Rapier, over thy right arm nigh thy hilt, than put his thrust by with a Quart towards thy right side, and thrust him with a second at the inside of his weapon, at his left shoulder.  
But if he doth thrust over the weakest part of thy Rapier, then changing thy second into a Quart thrust contratempo at the outside of his Rapier, over his left arm at his left breast.  
Or if he doth hold his Rapier in a low Tertz as before, then let the point of thy Rapier sink down into a hanging second, and direct thy point towards his hilt, as soon as he doth thrust at thee on either side, than thrust Quart at the outside of his Rapier over his left arm and at his left breast.   

If thine adversary doth hold his right hand behind his hilt for to put by thy thrusts, what thou art then to do.  
Make a thrust at thy left handed adversary within with a second, as soon as he doth catch with his right-hand towards his right side after thy Rapier, then lifting the point of thy Rapier towards thy right side over his right hand, thrust him with a second at the inside of his Rapier at his left shoulder.  
Or when he will put by thy thrust with his right hand towards his right side out, then let him miss thy Rapier with his hand, and cavering towards thy right side under his right hand, thrust him with a second at the inside of his Rapier at his left shoulder.  
Thrust at thy left handed adversary with a Quart at the outside of his Rapier, over his left arm, as soon as he with his right hand towards his right side over his left arm doth catch after thy Rapier, then let the point of thy Rapier sink in under his right hand and thrust him with a Quart at the outside of his Rapier, over his left arm, ●t his left breast.  
Or if thou dost thrust something low, and he doth endeavour to put by thy thrust with his right hand under his left arm, toward his left side out, then lift thy point towards thy left side over his right hand, and thrust him with a second at the inside of his Rapier at his left shoulder.    

CHAP. VI How thou shalt elude thy left handed adversary his Passada.  
IF thine adversary be open without stringere him without, as soon as he cavering towards his left side under thy Rapier doth thrust at the outside of thy Rapier over thy right arm, then lift up thine arm of purpose that he may attempt a Passade, when he lets his point sink down in a second under thy right arm, for to Passere thee then let thy point sink down into a Quart at the outside of his Rapier, and thrust him with a Quart at his left thigh.  
Give thine adversary opportunity again to Passere thee by lifting up thy right arm, as soon as he lets his point sink in, at the outside under thy right arm, then stepping back with thy right leg behind thy left leg, let the hilt of thy Rapier sink down close to the outside of his Rapier and stringere him, and at the same instant clap thy left hand upon the outside of his Rapier (not catching hold of it) and thrust with the Quart over his left arm, at his left breast.  
Give him opportunity again to passere thee by the lifting up of thine arm, as soon as he lets his point sink down in a second under thy right arm, then turning thy body about upon thy right leg Voltere him with a Quart over his left arm.   

CHAP. VII. How to escape the left handed man's Volte.  
THrust at thine adversary with a second at the inside of his Rapier as soon as he will Voltere a Quart over thy right arm contratempo, hanging thy second into a Quart thrust him at his left side.  
Stringere thy left handed adversary without, if he then of his own accord not invited by thee, doth Voltere with a Quart over thy right arm, then stepping a little back with thy right leg behind thy left leg, let thy hilt sink down at the inside of his Rapier, and instantly stepping forwards again with thy right leg thrust him in at his back with a Tertz upwards, but hold thy hilt low behind.  
Stringere thy left handed adversary within, if he then will make a Volte at thee with a Quart at the inside of thy Rapier of his own accord, then let the point of thy Rapier sink down into a second at the inside of his Rapier, and Passere him with a second at the inside of his weapon at his left thigh.  
Having thus done with thrusts I proceed to blows.  
Here endeth the first part of the second book, treating how a Right handed man is to play at single Rapier against a Left handed.    

LIB. II. PARS POSTERIOR The second part of the second Book showing how a right-handed man is to play at single Sword with the left handed.  

CHAP. I. If thy left handed adversary doth strike at thy head without.  
STringere thy left handed adverversary at the outside of his weapon, as soon as he striketh at the outside of thy Rapier at thy head, then parere his blow with a Quart towards thy right side downwards, when thou hast parered, at an instant strike with a Quart towards thy left side at the outside of his left arm, or at his left cheek.  
Or just at the approaching of his blow step in, and let the Prime of thy Rapier slide along thine adversaries without, towards his point, and in one motion of thine arm strike with the Quart under his weapon at the outside of his left arm.  
Or when his blow is coming without towards thy head, then thrust with a second at the inside of his weapon at his left shoulder, which thrust if he doth parere towards his right side with a Quart, then strike downwards with a second or back blow at his left leg within.  
Or step towards thy left side with thy left leg at the coming of his blow, and drawing thy right arm to thee, cut him at the inside of his left arm with a Quart.  
Or step with thy left leg backwards not stirring thy right leg, just at the coming of his blow, and strike him at the inside of his left arm with a second.   

CHAP. II. If thy left handed adversary doth strike at thy head within.  
STingere thy left handed adversary within, as soon as he doth strike at thee within, then parere his blow with a second downwards towards thy left side, and in a moment strike with a second or a back blow at the inside of his left arm.  
Or when thou seest his blow coming at thee within, then thrust him with a Quart at the outside of his weapon, over his left arm, if he parereth that thrust then strike downwards with a Quart at his left leg without.  
If he doth strike within at thy head again, then stepping back with thy left leg; strike him with a Quart at the outside of his left arm.  
Or stepping with thy right leg towards thy right side out, at the approaching of his blow, strike him with a second or Quart at the outside of his left arm.   

CHAP. III. If thine adversary doth strike at the outside of thy right arm.  
SStrike at thy left handed adversary within, if he doth strike at the outside of thine arm, then drawing thine arm to thee let thy hilt sink down at the outside of his weapon, and strike with a Quart at the outside of his arm towards thy left side out.  
If thine adversary doth strike from vuder up with a Quart at the outside of thy weapon at thy elbow, then let thy point sink down into a second, and Passere him at his left thigh, or when thou by letting sink thy point downwards into a second at the inside of his weapon hast parered his under blow, then immediately raising thy point, strike him with a second or back blow at the inside of his left arm.   

CHAP. IU. If thine adversary would strike at the inside of thy right arm.  
MAke a blow at thine adversary without with a Quart, if he than doth strike with a second at the inside of thy right arm, seeing that, turn thy blow in the air, and go with a stretched arm towards thy right side out, than he doth miss thine arm, as soon as his blow is passed under thy right arm, at an instant strike with a Quart towards thy left side at the outside over his weapon, at his left arm.  
If he striketh from under up with a second at the inside of thy right arm, then letting thy point sink down into a Quart, when his blow approacheth, at the outside of his weapon, and thrust him with a Quart at his left thigh.  
Or let thy point sink down into a Quart at the coming of his blow towards the inside of thy right arm from under up, and parere his under blow, upon a sudden raise thy point and strike him with a Quart at the outside of his left arm, or at his left cheek.   

CHAP. V If thine adversary doth strike at thy right leg without.  
IF thy left handed adversary doth strike at the outside of thy right leg with a Quart then at the approaching of his blow, let thy point sink down into a second at the the inside of his weapon and parere his blow, as soon as thou hast parered, strike with a second or a back blow (first raising thy point) at the inside of his left arm, or right cheek.  
Or when thou seest his blow coming towards the outside of thy right leg, then drawing thy right leg to thee, let his blow pass towards thy left side, and strike him with a second or back blow at the inside of his left arm, or else at his face.   

CHAP. VI How to Parere those blows that thy left handed adversary makes at thy right leg within.  
IF thine adversary doth make a blow with a second at the inside of thy right leg, then let the point of thy weapon sink down into a Quart and parere it, presently raise thy point again and strike him with a Quart at the outside of his left arm.  
Or when thou hast parered his blow with a Quart then changing thy Quart instantly into a second, close to the outside of his weapon, strike him with a second or a back blow at the inside of his left leg.  
Or seeing his blow approach towards the inside of thy right leg, draw thy right leg to thee and let his blow pass thy leg, and strike contratempo or at one time with him with a Quart at the outside of his left arm, or else at his left cheek.  

An advertisement to the Reader concerning the left handed.  
There is no very great difficulty for a right handed man to play against a left handed at Rapier or at back Sword, when thou caused play against a right handed, and dost but observe those rules which I have set down at large in the first book of this treatise, only note these following axioms.  
Those rules thou makest use of against a right handed man within, thou must use against the left handed without. As for example, Thou always must thrust at the right handed man with a Quart at the inside of his Rapier, this Quart thou must use against the left handed without over his left arm.  
Those lessons thou must make use of against thy right handed adversary without over his right arm, them thou must use against thy left handed adversary at the inside of his Rapier. Example, As when thou dost thrust the right handed man at the outside over his right arm with a second or a Tertz, even so thou must thrust the left handed man at the inside of his Rapier with a second only, not with a Tertz, because the Tertz cannot keep off a blow in this case but you will both be wounded.  
When thy left handed adversary, maketh a thrust or blow at thee without, thou mayst safely parere, like those thy right handed adversary maketh at thee without.  
And those thrusts or blows thy left handed adversary maketh at thee within thou parere like those thy right handed adversary maketh at thee within.  
And thus I have finished the whole treatise concerning the true and genuine way of Fencing, which in these our deplorable days is most highly necessary. It were to be wished for that a Saturn●ne and golden age might again return, when arms should cease and the use of them be slackened, and we might not have reason to bewail and lament our cloudy times with the saying of that learned and praise worthy Heathen:  
Damnosa quid non imminuit dies?  
Aetes' parentum pejor avis tulit  
Nos nequiores, mox daturos  
Progeniem Vitiosiorem.  
That this Page might not be empty, I thought it not amiss to set down these following verses of that divine Boetius.  Libri IU Metrum 15. 
Quid tautos juvat motus exitare?  
Et propria fatum sollicitare manum  
Si mortem petitis propinquat ipsa  
Sponte sua, volucres nec remoratur equos  
Quos Serpens, Leo, Tigris, Vrsus, Aper  
Dente petunt ijdemse tamen e●se petunt,  
An distant quia, dissidentque mores,  
jujustas acies & fera bella m●v●nt,  
Alteriusque volunt perire telis?  
Non est justa satis saevitie ratio▪  
Vis aptam meritis vicem refer?  
Dilige jure bonos, & miseresae malis.      
FINIS