,secrets ( ! ,sword ,secrets ( ! ,sword ,translat$ f ! orig9al ,fr5* ( ,,b>on ,,de ,,bazanc\rt by ,c4 ,f4 ,,clay1 ) illu/rations by ,f4 ,h4 ,,t[ns5d ,la po9te d'une pe e/ une ralit qui fait disp>atre bi5 des fantmes4 ,,bazanc\rt4 ,publi%]'s m>k ,london3 ,george ,bell ,sons1 ,york ,/reet1 ,cov5t ,g>d52 & ,new ,york4 ,mdcccc4 ,cambridge3 ,pr9t$ by ,j4 & ,c4 ,f4 ,clay at ! ,univ]sity ,press4 ,,preface ,if ,fr5* is1 z we h be5 told1 ! natural language ( ! art ( f5c+1 x seems a p>ticul>ly ra% v5ture to translate a ,fr5* book on ! subject into ,engli%4 ,?is is especially ! case :5 ! orig9al is su* a "w z ,les ,secrets de l'pe1 :i* s f> f be+ a dry te*nical manual1 t might be suffici5tly r5d]$ by a baldly lit]al v]sion1 is "o ( ^? fasc9at+1 *atty books1 writt5 9 a happy ve91 9 :i* ! mann] ( writ+ is ! matt] ( pr9cipal importance4 ,b ! delightful ease & artful simplicity ( /yle t captivate ! read] are ! translator's despair4 ,i h made ! attempt = my own amusem5t1 & ,i am publi%+ my translation because ! orig9al "w1 :i* 0 fir/ publi%$ 9 #ahfb & repr9t$ 9 #ahge1 has be5 = "s ye>s inaccessible1 & because ,i ?9k x is a book t w int]e/ ,engli% f5c]s4 ,an int]e/+ & appreciative acc\nt ( ! book is giv5 9 ! introduction to ! volume devot$ to f5c+ 9 ! ,badm9ton ,libr>y1 toge!r ) "s criticism ( ! au?or4 ,! w\ld-be f5c] is caution$ t ! ,b>on de ,bazanc\rt is 'a v exp]t lit]>y dodg]' ^: speci\s argum5ts mu/ be /udi$ ) ! greate/ caution4 ,! w>n+ note is no d\bt wise 9 a book int5d$ = ! ,engli% f5c]1 = ,engli% f5c+ c]ta9ly %[s no t5d5cy to be excessively correct1 b is r incl9$ to err 9 ! o!r direction4 ,b no f5c] :o reads ! "w att5tively c fail to d]ive f x a real pr(it1 &1 ,i hope1 a real pleasure4 ,! keynote ( ! book is t a f5c] mu/ f5ce ) 8 'head4' ,bazanc\rt g5]ally calls x 'in/9ct1' or 'inspiration4' ,b call x :at y w1 !re c be no d\bt t ! cont9ual tax t f5c+ makes on ! res\rcefulness ( ! play] gives x its subtle & endur+ *>m4 ,! un=ese5 em]g5cies t h to be fac$1 & ! v>ieties ( play t are enc\nt]$ 9 meet+ diff]5t oppon5ts1 make f5c+ ( all sports ! lea/ me*anical & ! lea/ monoton\s4 ,we are (t5 told t f5c+ w nev] be popul> 9 ,engl&1 because x is no long] requir$ = practical purposes4 ,b does anyone suppose t we are guid$ by practical consid]ations 9 *oos+ our sports8 ,f5c+ is a mo/ exhil>at+ ex]cise & "o t is p>ticul>ly suitable = ^? ( u :o live a t[n life4 ,a dull day 9 ,london may be v s5sibly enliv5$ by a brisk assault4 ,! luxury ( gett+ into flannels is increas$ by ! reflection t = an h\r at any rate "o w ?9k ( no?+ b ! foils4 ,= no ex]cise is s absorb+ z f5c+4 ,:e!r y are tak+ a lesson or are engag$ 9 a fri5dly combat y\r :ole att5tion _c fail to be occupi$4 ,!re is room = no?+ else1 & on t acc\nt alone f5c+ mu/ be comm5d$ z a m5tal relaxation ( ! highe/ value4 ,comp>$ ) box+1 f5c+ has ! advantage t x c be cont9u$ ev5 into old age4 ,n[1 h[ev] will+ "o may be to be pun*$ & pommell$1 !re usually comes a "t :5 x is inconv5i5t to appe> 9 public ) a black eye or a bruis$ *eek4 ,few m5 :o take to f5c+ & ma/] ! prelim9>y /ages c make up _! m9ds to give x up1 until !y are oblig$ to d s = want ( "t or opportunity4 ,! cosmopolitan "* ( f5c+ is ano!r po9t 9 its fav\r4 ,n only ?r\gh\t ,france & ,italy1 b :]ev] ,fr5* or ,italian is spok51 f5c+ rooms ab\nd1 & ! /rang] :o visits !m is sure to be receiv$ ) fri5dly int]e/ & hospitality4 ,f5c]s are always glad to try conclusions ) a new blade1 & a v mod]ate k ( ! art may (t5 s]ve z a pleasant & in=mal introduction 9 a /range c\ntry4 ,! art ( translation is p]haps z slipp]y & elusive z ! art ( f5ce4 ,l'escrime vit de loyales p]fidies says ! ,b>on de ,bazanc\rt4 ,he might h said ! same ?+ ( translation4 ,i h endeav\r$ to give a fai?ful r5d]+ ( ?is book4 ,x has equally be5 my object to make my v]sion readable4 ,i am consci\s ( _m defects1 & _c hope to h avoid$ mi/akes1 b if ,i h sometimes be5 p]fidi\s1 ,i tru/ t ,i h nev] be5 disloyal4 ,i h to ?ank _m fri5ds = assi/ance & advice1 & ,i am especially indebt$ to ,mr ,f4 ,h4 ,t[ns5d = ! spirit$ s]ies ( f5c+ draw+s t accompany ! text4 ,c4 ,f4 ,,clay4 ,,london1 ,octob]1 #aijj4 ,introduction ,illu/ration ,i4 ,:y h ,i writt5 ?is book8 ,i w tell y4 ,= ( all ! subjects t might h occurr$ to me1 ?is ,i am sure is ! la/ 9 ! _w on :i* ,i %\ld h ev] dream$ ( trespass+4 ,accid5t1 h[ev]1 is apt to take a h& 9 ! mo/ trivial ?+s ( ?is _w z well z 9 ! mo/ important4 ,x is cont9ually responsible = ! mo/ unlikely ev5ts1 & x 0 9 fact by accid5t t ,i und]took ?is "w1 9 :i* ,i h collect$ & jott$ d[n rem>ks t are entirely my own1 conc]n+ an art to :i* ,i h devot$ myself = m ye>s ?an ,i c>e to rememb]4 ,i 0 /ay+ 9 ! c\ntry at an old manor h\se belong+ to "o ( my fri5ds4 ,! litt] ( autumn1 fall5 leaves & )]+ h]bage1 0 scatt]$ ov] field & woodl&4 ,?is is a fav\rite season ) poets1 :5 ,nature be=e h] w9t] sleep affects a s]5e & melan*oly air1 t incl9es to rev]ie & l5ds w+s to fancy4 ,! season also fav\rs sportsm54 ,cov]ts 9 :i* ! game has hi!rto f\nd %elt] are no long] imp5etrable1 & e day ! w9d robs ! poor p]secut$ bea/s ( "s fraction ( _! %ield ( v]dure4 ,at my fri5d's h\se !re 7 no poets1 b !re 0 in/ead a l>ge %oot+ p>ty4 ,we us$ to take ! field aft] breakfa/1 & come home t[>ds dusk1 all ( u z tir$ z a man has a "r to be :5 he has done six or eight h\rs' walk+4 ,aft] d9n] we inv>iably adj\rn$ to ! smok+ room1 & sp5t ! ev5+ 9 discuss+ ?+s 9 g5]al ov] our cig>s4 ,,ii4 ,"o ev5+--,i q =get h[ x came ab\t--we f\nd ourselves talk+ ab\t f5c+4 ,"s "o's casual rem>k1 z erratic z ! blue wrea?s ( smoke t float$ vaguely t[>ds ! ceil+1 0 tak5 up by "s "o else1 & l$ to o!r rem>ks1 :i* gradually became m def9ite & f9ally solidifi$ into a conv]sation4 ,"o c always talk1 & "o enjoys talk+ ab\t a subject 9 :i* "o is int]e/$4 ,t is "o ( ! g5]al tru?s4 ,& z ,i h always be5 devot$ to ! practice ( arms1 ,i f\nd myself talk+ at "s l5g? & exp\nd+ "s views ( my own1 :i* ,i h te/$ by practical exp]i5ce & obs]vation till !y h e/abli%$ !mselves 9 my m9d z axioms4 ,i 0 li/5$ to ) att5tion1 ?\gh !re 7 few f5c]s pres5t4 ,& aft] all ! art ( f5ce does furni% a mo/ int]e/+ fund ( conv]sation--! art ( skilful fight+ at close qu>t]s1 :i* implies a k ( !ory comb9$ ) a tra9$ p[] ( execution1 :i* taxes eye & h&1 vig\r & judgm5t1 & br+s into play e faculty ( m9d & body1 ea* do+ its "p1 & ea* 9 turn supplem5t+ & re9=c+ ! o!r4 ,,iii4 ,are y aw>e1 said "o ( my fri5ds1 t ^! are ! secrets ( ! sword t y are reveal+ to u8 ,only1 ,i repli$1 ^? secrets :i* ,i happ5 to "k4 ,b really y h hit ^u ! "r ^w1 = ! secrets ( ! sword are innum]able4 ,x is a ,proteus 9 ! h& t ord]s x1 & obeys ! lea/ motion ( ! w ) ! quick docility ( an att5dant _s4 ,x c be ! insol5t & ov]be>+ bully1 x c be ! w>y & diplomatic c\rti]4 ,at "o mom5t x is all m5ace1 a ke5 attack+ po9t1 ! next x *anges to a protect+ %ield4 ,b alas = our poor fai?ful s]vant2 to-day ! sword & its secrets are almo/ =gott51 or at lea/ b little valu$4 ,!re 0 a "t1 & a "t n s v remote1 :5 a k ( sword-play 0 consid]$ "o ( ! cr$5tials ( a g5tleman4 ,apply t te/ n[2 apply x to y\rselves4 ,we h "h 9 ?is room a l>ge numb] ( g5tlem5 met toge!r1 & ,i d n d\bt t ea* "o ( y c\ld make good 8 title to g5tle bir?1 & t 9 m ways ?an "o2 & yet h[ _m ( y w\ld be s]i\sly emb>rass$ if y 7 requir$ to manipulate a sword6 ,h[ _m ( y1 if y w all[ me to say s1 w\ld make b a v pitiful exhibition ( y\rselves6 ,i saw by ! smile t w5t r\nd ! room t my rem>ks 7 only too well f\nd$4 ,( c\rse1 ,i cont9u$1 ,i "k ! usual answ]3--',true1' y w say1 'we may be duff]s1 b we are n afraid ( fight+4' ,yes1 y are n afraid ( fight+1 t is to say y are will+ to be kill$ by ! fir/ bully1 :o *ooses to =ce a qu>rel ^u y4 ,brave words truly6 ,b aft] all is x wor? :ile to be ! own] ( s _m tal5ts1 y\? & /r5g?1 a cultur$ m9d1 a heal?y body1 & yet n ev5 to "k h[ to def5d y\r life8 ,i am rem9d$ ( ! /ory told ( a c]ta9 ,g5]al4 ,:5 "o ( 8 (fic]s1 :o disagre$ ) him on ! policy ( "s /rategic movem5t1 _h said3--',well1 ,g5]al1 :5 ! "t comes ,i w %[ y t ,i "k h[ to die4' ',don't be a fool1 ,sir1' repli$ ! ,g5]al1 'y\r duty is n to see t y get kill$1 b to take c>e t y don't'4 ,surely1 sugge/$ "o ( my fri5ds1 ! real difficulty is t x takes ye>s ( consci5ti\s & cont9ual application to make ev5 a mod]ate f5c]4 ,q a mi/ake1 ,i assure y4 ,:y1 only ! o!r day ,i happ5$ to pick up "o or two books ab\t f5c+ & glanc$ ?r\gh !m4 ,i assure y1 !y really are appall+4 ,!re we h x1 ,i exclaim$1 & ) t ^w y g ov] bag & baggage to ! enemy's camp4 ,y are n ! fir/ to be appall$1 m]ely because ! pr(essors h omitt$ to caution ! read]1 t !y _c 9 ! ex]cise ( _! craft af=d to be o!rwise ?an omnisci5t1 & t _! omnisci5ce mu/ be air$4 ,x is because !y are afraid ( be+ tax$ ) ignorance1 or ( be+ rat$ z less m5 ?an _! pr$ecessors1 t !y insi/ on sci5ce at any price2 sci5ce !y mu/ h1 int]m9able & unmitigat$ sci5ce1 & s !y produce _! labori\s treatises1 monum5ts ( erudition1 b z y say--appall+4 ,= my "p1 aft] read+ & r]ead+1 ) ! mo/ scrupul\s att5tion1 ev]y?+ t has be5 writt5 on ! subject1 ,i rema9 conv9c$ ( ?is1 t if ,i 7 writ+ a manual ( f5c+ my fir/ object w\ld be to get rid ( ! al>m+ j>gon ( te*nical t]ms1 :i* are suppos$ to be indisp5sable--a =midable array1 q en\gh1 ,i freely admit1 to give pause to ! mo/ resolute1 & to blan* ! *eek ( ! ke5e/ aspirant4 ,ah1 y are q "r1 said my ho/ ) ! air ( a man :o _h made ! exp]im5t4 ,h[ mu* ! art & ! pr(essors too w\ld h ga9$1 if !y _h only /udi$ simplicity1 & tak5 ! tr\ble to make !mselves intelligible4 ,,iv4 ,! conv]sation1 y see1 0 gett+ on4 ,un=tunately1 ,i cont9u$1 mo/ ( ! pr(essors :o h committ$ !mselves to pap] h ?\ght o!rwise4 ,!y plunge into int]m9able diss]tations on ! d5om9ation ( ?ru/s4 ,!y use words :i*1 x is true1 may be f\nd 9 ! diction>y b :i* h an unfamili> appe>ance4 ,= in/ance !y talk ab\t ! h& 9 pronation or 9 sup9ation1 in/ead ( simply say+ ! h& ) ! nails turn$ up1 or ! h& ) ! nails turn$ d[n4 ,o!rs h devot$ _! en]gy to work+ out comb9ations & classifications ( fe9ts1 p>ries1 & ripo/es1 di/+ui%+ betwe5 !m by ! nice/ %ades ( diff]5ce1 & to devis+ subtleties ( t]m9ology1 ev5 go+ s f> z to compile & exhibit ) ! pride ( a collector a prodigi\s catalogue ( twelve ?\s& five hundr$ /rokes4#a ,:at memory c\ld possibly conta9 !m8 ,n[ ,i1 on ! contr>y1 %\ld h sp>$ no pa9s to prove t x is p]fectly possible to le>n ! practical managem5t ( ! sword )\t a sup]human ef=t1 & t sword-play is wor? cultivat+ z a delightful ex]cise & "o ( ! f9e/ k9ds ( sport4 ,= un=tunately we h to rememb] t ,lat91 :i* "o uses s seldom1 p]haps once or twice aft] leav+ college1 & ,greek1 = :i* "o has ev5 less occasion1 are consid]$ useful & ev5 necess>y p>ts ( polite education1 b t su* ?+s z swimm+1 :i* may on an em]g5cy be ! means ( sav+ y\r life1 or f5c+1 :i* is "o ( ! mo/ heal?y ( a?letic ex]cises1 ! be/ ?+ 9 ! _w = develop+ & brac+ a feeble y\ng/]1 & :i* enables y to def5d y\rself if y are *all5g$ by a bully or assault$ by a blackgu>d1 are reckon$ m]ely frivol\s accompli%m5ts4 ,& x is g5]ally recognis$ ( c\rse t x is n "r to wa/e "t on m]e accompli%m5ts4 ,i m5tion$ ,lat9 & ,greek1 :i* we all le>nt m or less at s*ool4 ,well1 d y suppose t ! man :o is go+ to make le>n+ 8 pr(ession c>ries 8 /udies no fur!r ?an ! re/ ( u1 h[ev] s*ol>ly "s ( u may be8 ,no1 ( c\rse he mu/ g deep] & exam9e ! remote/ be>+s ( ! p>ticul> bran* ( k1 :i* he w pres5tly h to tea*4 ,v4 ,if y want a /ill m /rik+ analogy1 take horseman%ip4 ,mo/ m5 le>n to ride1 & c z a matt] ( fact manage a hack 9 ! p>k )\t mak+ an exhibition ( !mselves1 or ev5 jo9 ! road-rid]s :5 x is a "q ( foll[+ ! h\nds4 ,b d y suppose t ! m]e man on horseback takes ! tr\ble to acquire ! :ole art ( horseman%ip1 ! sev]e ma/]y :i* ! pr(essional requires1 ! 'high airs' ( ! s*ool rid]8 ,does e "o /udy ! fundam5tal pr9ciples1 & analyse ! nice di/9ctions1 :i* g to make ! f9i%$ eque/rian1--su* a man z ! late ,mr ,a/ley8 ,h[ few !re are :o atta9 or pret5d to atta9 ?is r>e degree ( excell5ce4 ,& yet !y alone c tell y h[ mu* p]sev]ance1 h[ mu* cont9ual application1 & d[nright drudg]y !y h _h to g ?r\gh4 ,= y may be q sure t p]fect ma/]y ( any k9d :atev] c only be ! matur$ result ( extraord9>y dilig5ce4 ,yet y seldom meet a man :o _c ride tol]ably1 & y f9d t m5 ride ) m or less grace1 or fre$om1 or vig\r1 accord+ to _! natural disposition1 & gradually p]fect _! /yle1 or if y pref] x1 unconsci\sly complete _! education by ! gr[? ( habit & exp]i5ce4 ,x is j ! same ) f5c+4 ,if y w\ld be an accompli%$ swordsman1 y w c]ta9ly require ye>s ( h>d "w1 close application1 & incessant practice4 ,b d y ne$ ?is recondite skill8 ,:at w\ld y d ) x8 ,y w\ld f9d x emb>rass+4 ,all t y ne$ z m5 ( leisure1 is to be able to use a sword z y d a horse1 = y\r amusem5t1 & :5 y h occasion = x4 ,& obs]ve ,i say = y\r amusem5t1 = no sport is s attractive = its own sake1 or s engross+ z ! practice ( arms4 ,y are ( op9ion !n1 rem>k$ ! ,comte de ,c4441 t a man c le>n to use a sword )\t devot+ to x m "t & tr\ble ?an he does to rid+8 ,i am sure ( x2 b don't misund]/& me1 ,i mean rid+ 9 ! s5se ( /ick+ on4 ,9 fact1 )\t driv+ ! analogy too h>d1 ,i %\ld say t = bo? ex]cises a ye> at ! outside is all t is requir$ to obta9 useful & solid results4 ,& ,i %\ld add t aft] a few mon?s' trial y w f9d t y _c resi/ ! fasc9ation t belongs unmi/akably to bo? ^! sports4 ,surely t is n too mu* to ask = putt+ y into good trim1 & tea*+ y h[ to protect y\rself8 ,!n1 :y don't !y say s8 "s "o rem>k$4 ,well1 ,i d say s1 ,i repli$4 ,& :at is m ,i w make my words good1 if "o ( ^! days y c>e to cont9ue ?is discussion4 ,i 0 unanim\sly call$ ^u to keep my ^w1 & t ! next day4 ,well1 to-morr[ !n1 ,i repli$1 ,i %all d my be/ to conv9ce y2 b y don't give me mu* law4 ,:at1 ) tw5ty-f\r h\rs' notice8 ,!re's some?+ 9 t--,i w sleep ^u x--& s--good-night4 ,t is ! true hi/ory ( ! mak+ ( ?is book4 ,! foll[+ *apt]s are ! record ( our conv]sations1 :i* ,i h simply put into %ape & revis$4 ,illu/ration ,! ,fir/ ,ev5+ ,illu/ration3 ,keep ! "r foot /raight4 ,i4 ,! next day aft] d9n] we all reassembl$ 9 ! smok+-room4 ,well1 said my ho/1 y\r audi5ce y see is complete1 our cig>s are alight1 & we are ready to give y our be/ att5tion4 ,( c\rse1 ,i repli$1 y w und]/& t ,i h no int5tion ( inflict+ ^u y a c\rse ( in/ruction4 ,z f> z t goes1 ! books1 especially ! two t h appe>$ mo/ rec5tly1 by ,pr(essors ,gom>d & ,grisi]1 h said all t is wor? say+1 & 9 my judgm5t p]haps a great deal m4 ,!y give too mu* good advice1 too _m excell5t rules1 too _m excell5t maxims1 too _m ?ru/s1 fe9ts1 p>ries1 ripo/es1 c\nt]-ripo/es1 & s =?4 ,i am v f> f hold+ ) ! receiv$ doctr9e ( ! necessity or ! importance ( a great v>iety ( play4 ,i believe t ! effectiv5ess ( a skilful f5c] dep5ds on ! correctness ( 8 inf]5ces1 on ! al]tness & nicety ( 8 judgm5t1 on quickness ( h& & precision ( movem5t1 :e!r 9 attack1 p>ry1 or ripo/e1 r ?an on a v v>i$ play1 :i* necessitates a mu* m elaborate tra9+1 & s f> f be+ ( any real use s]ves only to p]plex ! m9d4 ,! alphabet ( f5c+1 if y w all[ ! expression1 is z fix$ & immutable z any o!r alphabet4 ,its *>act]s are asc]ta9$ & def9ite motions1 :i* are comb9$ 9 accordance ) ! /ructure & balance ( our organism1 ! natural action ( ! muscles1 & ! flexibility possible to ! limbs & body4 ,i d n set up = a s*oolma/]1 & %all n attempt to tea* y ?is alphabet4 ,i assume t y are already acqua9t$ ) x4 ,all t ,i %all d1 or at all ev5ts try to d1 is to discuss ! !oretical pr9ciples1 = ap>t f !m ! mat]ial factors are only s mu* dull & s5seless ma*9]y4 ,i %all try to keep )9 b\nds1 & to advance a few simple argum5ts1 to conv9ce y t swordsman%ip is nei!r s sl[ nor s p]plex+ z y are incl9$ to suppose4 ,above all1 ,i hope y w n all[ me to =get t ?is is a conv]sation4 ,rememb] t y are at lib]ty to make any rem>ks t occur to y4 ,t is "p ( ! b>ga94 ,sev]al ( my fri5ds assur$ me t ,i ne$ h no anxiety2 !y did n mean to let me (f too easily4 ,,ii4 ,to beg9 !n2 my fir/ object w be to make my mean+ p]fectly pla94 ,! ?+ to d w be to take f5c+ 9 its broad outl9es4 ,x w\ld be lab\r ?r[n away to ent] ! bewild]+ labyr9? ( ^? int]m9able details1 :i* aft] all are no?+ m ?an ! ma!matical ext5sion ( elem5t>y pr9ciples1 :i* may be cont9u$ to inf9ity4 ,f5c+ 9 its infancy _h to feel its way2 its me?ods 7 yet to be f\nd1 its possibilities to be explor$4 ,little by little1 z "o p]iod succe$$ ano!r & ! art became 9 _m respects p]fect$1 *anges 7 introduc$1 & especially *anges t t5d$ to great] simplicity4 ,old !ories became old fa%ion$ & 7 ?r[n aside to make room = new doctr9es4 ,f5c+1 9 fact1 0 develop$ l mo/ o!r ?+s4 ,b we mu/ n lose sight ( ! fact t ! e>ly me?ods ( ! old ma/]s1 bo? 9 ,italy & ,france1 date f ! sixte5? or sev5te5? c5tury1 & t ! weapons employ$ 9 ^? days diff]$ mat]ially f ours 9 %ape1 weight1 & function4 ,! *ange ( weapon has naturally l$ to a *ange ( me?od4 ,x w\ld d\btless be int]e/+ to ! antiqu>y to trace ! successive *anges t h tak5 place 9 sword-play1 & to comp>e x z x exi/s to-day ) :at x 0 9 #aecf1 :5 ,m>ozzo wrote 8 treatise on ! sword4 7,pray excuse my erudition47 ,! sword ( t p]iod 0 a wide /raight blade ) two cutt+ edges4 ,i ne$ n say t ,m>ozzo 0 ,italian4 ,! fir/ ,fr5* "w on ! subject 01 ,i believe1 a treatise by ,h5ri de ,sa9t-,didi]1 :i* 0 publi%$ 9 #aegc1 & d$icat$ to ,*>les ,,ix4 ,at t "t ,france 0 a long way beh9d ,italy1 :]e = tw5ty ye>s already ! edge _h be5 ab&on$ = ! po9t4 ,x is n my int5tion to retrace ! ab/ruse hi/ory ( ! developm5t ( swordsman%ip2 su* an inquiry w\ld1 h[ev]1 prove t 9 all ages ! new tru?s 7 inv>iably d5i$ be=e !y e/abli%$ !mselves z accompli%$ facts4 ,!re is no ne$ !n1 z y w d\btless be reliev$ to he>1 to discuss ! sy/ems ( antiquity2 we w pass ov] ! int]v5+ p]iods )\t fur!r preface1 & come d[n at once to mod]n times4 ,,iii4 ,we are told to draw a h>d & fa/ l9e betwe5 two s*ools1--probably = ! conv5i5ce ( putt+ ourselves 9 ! "r & our oppon5ts 9 ! wrong4 ,= my own "p1 & speak+ s]i\sly1 ,i fail to recognise m ?an "o4 ,true1 t "o may be reg>d$ f sev]al po9ts ( view4 ,i c di/+ui% ?ree v cle>ly1 b ^! diff]5t aspects are v f> f be+ di/9ct 9 ! s5se ( cle>ly def9$ natural ord]s4 ,i w describe ?ree k9ds ( play1 :i* are adopt$ by f5c]s accord+ to fancy4 ,! fir/ is f5c+ reg>d$ z a graceful a?letic ex]cise1 contriv$ v mu* on ! l9es ( a c]emoni\s dance1 ! int]lac+ movem5ts ( ! combatants1 z !y close & fall back to _! orig9al positions1 recall+ ! figures ( a quadrille4 ,"o might almo/ say t ! simple/ example ( ?is me?od is ! s+le combat ( melodrama1 ! /age duel ) its conc]t$ movem5ts1 & t x f9ds its mo/ p]fect expression1 or1 if y pref] ! phrase1 atta9s its object 9 ! execution ( a s]ies ( voltes & passes or dodgy side-/eps1 a complicat$ succession ( attacks1 p>ries1 & ripo/es1 skilfully deliv]$1 & br\ght (f /rictly 9 accordance ) prescrib$ regulations4 ,! second is f5c+ conceiv$ z an exact sci5ce4 ,"h x is '! noble art' t calls = pr(\nd /udy & ardu\s rese>*4 ,! /ud5t mu/ explore its tru?s & consid] !m 9 all _! be>+s1 pursue !ory to its remote/ ramifications1 & drag to light its mo/ reluctant secrets4 ,solid h>d "w & assidu\s application1 su* z sci5ce always dem&s ( h] vot>ies1 back$ by physical & intellectual res\rces naturally fitt$ to ! task1 are ! only means :i* w enable y to a*ieve ?is consummate skill1 ! highe/ degree ( atta9m5t 9 ! art4 ,y w n be surpris$ :5 ,i say t ! annals ( ! sword record b few names ( undisput$ preem95ce1 new />s t m>k ! epo*s 9 its hi/ory4 ,! ?ird is f5c+ consid]$ f ! po9t ( view ( practical self-def5ce4 ,9 ?is case ! me?od is fa%ion$1 s to speak1 by p]sonal inspiration1 & is impress$ ) ! /amp ( individual "*4 ,?is is ! real ?+1 battle 9 deadly e>ne/1 complete ) all ! t]rors & sudd5 crises ( w>f>e4 ,in/ead ( passes +5i\sly complicat$1 & foil$ by p>ries z sci5tifically elaborate1 /eel cla%es ) /eel1 int5t on =c+ some:]e a passage = ! po9t4 ,! game becomes a fight1 & a fight all ! m grim1 because ! fight+ animal is re9=c$ by sci5ce1 & *ooses f h] arm\ry ! weapons t make him /rong1 reject+ :atev] is cumbr\s or likely to obscure 8 'native hue ( resolution4' ,we n[ see ! diff]5ce betwe5 ! two /yles1--call !m s*ools if y l4 ,"o wi%es to pres]ve intact & unalloy$ ! anci5t academical traditions1--,i _h almo/ call$ !m ! traditions ( ! danc+ ma/]1--:ile ! o!r incl9es to :at n[adays we call realism4 ,is t a ga9 or a loss8 ,at ! pres5t "t ev]y?+ t5ds to realism1 b we are n1 s f> z ,i "k1 oblig$ to admit t ! dream is ! type ( p]fect beauty1 & ! real ! type ( all t is ugly & bad4 ,we live 9 a practical age1 p]haps too practical4 ,sometimes "o may regret t x is s2 b :at o!r result c\ld y expect to foll[ f ! convulsions t h s frequ5tly %att]$ x8 ,! ideal1 sc>$ by ! noise & confusion ( our revolutions1 s (t5 repeat$1 s seldom =ese51 has us$ its w+s to "s purpose1 & tak5 flight to a _w f> remov$ f ours4 ,,iv4 ,y w tell me t my comm5t is too grave = my text1 b y "k z well z ,i d t small ?+s & great are l9k$ toge!r by bonds1 :i* may be invisible b are none ! less real4 ,e age1 rem>k$ "o ( my fri5ds1 has its own mann]s & cu/oms4 ,we no long] live 9 ! days :5 e g5tleman c>ri$ a sword at 8 side & z a matt] ( c\rse knew h[ to use x4 ,! ta/e = f5c+ is n s univ]sal t we are all impati5t to be initiat$ into its inmo/ my/]ies4 ,"s ( u may n h suffici5t leisure or suffici5t incl9ation2 we are too busy or too lazy4 ,i believe t :at mo/ m5 ?9k ab\t x c be put 9 a v few words3--',we don't want to fight b--if we mu/1 we %\ld l to be able to %[ our tee? & fight l g5tlem51' t is all t ! av]age man wants ) f5c+4 ,q "r1 *im$ 9 ! ,vicomte de ,g4 ) a laugh1 we only want j s mu* ( x z w s]ve our private ends4 ,all t y say1 ,i cont9u$1 is true1 b x is n ! :ole tru?1 z y w\ld readily admit if y paid a visit to "o ( ! f5c+ rooms ( ,p>is4 ,if y happ5$1 = in/ance1 to drop 9 on my fri5d & e/eem$ ma/]1 ,m4 ,pons1 y w\ld f9d a ga!r+ ( amateurs1 :o are devot$ to ! practice ( arms1 :o keep up ! traditions ) ta/e & culture1 & und]/& ?or\ghly well h[ a sword ought to be us$4 ,b1 to be q fair1 ,i mu/ ha/5 to add t ! pr[ess & pre/ige ( ^! brilliant play]s w\ld n suff] by ! simplification ( sword-play4 ,! po9t ,i wi% to make is t a treatise on f5c+ = ! use ( g5tlem51 :o h s little "t to sp>e & s mu* to wa/e1 is a book to be writt51 a book ( real utility & importance1 & inde$ almo/ indisp5sable4 ,i h put my f+] on a felt want1 & if y w all[ me ,i w briefly expla9 h[ ,i ?9k su* a book ought to be writt51 & :at x ought to tea*4 ,i "k1 ( c\rse1 t ,i %all be viol5tly contradict$1 b aft] all--,i "k t ,i am on ! "r track4 ,v4 ,i h told y t we are ask$ to make an absolute di/9ction betwe5 two s*ools ( f5c+4 ,obvi\sly x is ! new s*ool t is wrong1 &1 z ,i happ5 to belong to t s*ool1 y mu/ give me leave to def5d x1 or1 at all ev5ts1 to expla9 its t5d5cies logically1 !oretically1 & practically4 ,take c>e1 ,sir1 a voice 0 he>d to rem>k1 ^? ?ree words are decid$ly appall+4 ,don't be afraid1 ,i answ]$1 !y are n s =midable z !y seem at fir/ sight4 ,y w f9d t if we ?re% out ! g5]al pr9ciples1 :at ,i h to say pres5tly w be mu* simplifi$ & easi] to foll[4 ,y (t5 he> m5 say3 ',!re is no pretty f5c+ n[adays4 ,x has relaps$ into its primitive brutality4' ,n at all1 ,i %\ld answ]1 x has come back to its prop] object4 ,= consid]1--an ex]cise1 an art :i* />ts ) ! fundam5tal idea ( a fight betwe5 two m5 :o are ?ir/+ = ea* o!r's blood1 _c be reg>d$ z a m]e amusem5t1 or z an academical /udy 9 civility & good mann]s4 ,"o might argue ) "s effect1 t to sacrifice ! fir/ ess5tial pr9ciple ( ! art to sup]ior ref9em5ts1 :i* 7 really too exclusive1 0 a risky game to play1 & t1 soon] or lat]1 ! play]s 7 sure to discov] t fact to _! co/4 ,n[ ,i %\ld ma9ta9 t ! revolution1 :i* has be5 br\ght ab\t1 is a cle> advance1 & only brutal1 if y w h x s1 because x is ! ass]tion ( ! brutal tru?4 ,) ! exception ( ! few :o h ! ambition to make !mselves accompli%$ swordsm51 m5 y meet 9 ! f5c+ room d n z a rule come !re to sit at ! feet ( ! pr(essor1 & imbibe ! my/ic lore ( sci5tific !ory :i* he exp\nds1 b r to be drill$ & discipl9$ 9 ! practical use ( ! sword :i* he holds 9 8 h&4 ,z a "y man ,i 0 passionately fond ( f5c+2 ,i work$ at x ) en?usiasm2 my dilig5ce & devotion 7 untir+4 ,among my contempor>ies 7 sev]al v /rong amateurs1 really skilful swordsm51 exp]ts wor?y ( ! be/ days & mo/ glori\s traditions ( ! sword4 ,i am ?9k+ ( su* m5 z ,amb]t1 ,caccia1 ,*oquet1 ,"l ,seym\r1 ! ,m>quis de l',angle & o!rs1 a gr\p ( amateurs well able to hold _! own ) ! mo/ skilful ma/]s4 ,i believe t at t "t1 & ,i give y ?is z my s9c]e conviction1 f5c+ rea*$ z high a level z at any p]iod 9 its hi/ory4 ,,vi4 ,x 0 ! op5+ ( a new era4 ,hi!rto ! art _h advanc$ along a n>r[ track4 ,n[ ! old ways sudd5ly broad5$ out4 ,old me?ods 7 sup]s$$4 ,f5c+ 0 no long] treat$ z an academical accompli%m5t1 a graceful ex]cise 9 c\rtly skill & be>+1 f :i* orig9ality 0 b>r$4 ,x _h become some?+ m ?an ! glib repetition ( set phrases1 t _h be5 got by he>t f a book & c>efully rehe>s$4 ,! new movem5t1 z x may well be call$1 ?\gh x ab&on$ ! p]fect mann]1 :i* _h gr[n too p]fect1 br\ght our elusive art back to regions less cele/ial1 ,i readily admit1 b at ! same "t br\ght x face to face ) o!r ?an imag9>y difficulties4 ,! art receiv$ a new impetus4 ',natural fight]s1' m5 equipp$ ) abundant en]gy & assurance1 :o 7 conv9c$ t all t 0 necess>y = self-def5ce 0 a g5]al a?letic tra9+ su* z !y possess$1 call$ ! f5c]'s skill 9 "q4 ,reg>d$ z f5c+ _! /yle may h be5 faulty1 n to say atroci\s1 b !y confront$ ! f5c] ) ?is logical dilemma3--',y are a ma/] ( ! sword or an accompli%$ amateur1 ,i1 on ! o!r h&1 "k no?+ ab\t x4 ,hit me & d n let me hit y4 ,t is all ,i ask4 ,i %all fight by ! light ( nature & d :at ,i c2 y w be /rictly sci5tific & keep to y\r rules4' ,to my m9d ! only way to sil5ce an oppon5t ( ?is sort 0 to take sword 9 h&1 & lit]ally demon/rate to him t he 0 equally ignorant & incapable4 ,?is c\rse1 h[ev]1 did n comm5d itself to o!rs1 :o 7 cont5t to fight ?is mod]n hydra1 :i* reappe>$ e day 9 "s new %ape1 )--contempt4 ,! pr(essors gna%$ _! tee? & swore1 ?\gh a few ( !m kept _! temp]3-- ',is our ,art !n1' !y declaim$1 'a m]e delusion1 a fall5 idol8 ,are we to pro/itute & expose x to ! b>b>\s excesses ( a brutal & ignorant mob8 ,are we to jo9 9 an outl&i% ,babel1 :]e e "o claims to be he>d 9 8 own tongue1 "s j>gon :i* no "o c und]/&8' ,!re c]ta9ly 0 some?+ 9 ?is l9e ( argum5t1 h[ev] magi/]ially x might be /at$4 ,b at ! same "t x 0 impossible to d5y t !re 01 wrapp$ up 9 ^! unga9ly ecc5tricities1 a real tru?1 :i* c\ld n be entirely neglect$4 ,= among ! noisy cr[d1 :o w\ld h lik$ to set _! fads ^u a p9nacle1 "o f\nd f5c]s ( exp]i5ce1 m5 :o by long tra9+ & ! use ( sci5tific me?od _h acquir$ s\nd judgm5t & ?or\gh workman%ip4 ,^! m51 x is true1 _h ! c\rage to trample on ! anci5t sup]/itions1 & gladly welcom$ ! wid5+ ( ! field1 :i* w\ld give ample room1 & scope = e k9d ( bias4 ,x 0 cle>ly a revolution1 & decl>$ itself by ! unmi/akable signs ( all revolutions1 by its aggressive attitude & by its onslaught on old ideas & traditions1 :i* till !n _h be5 ?\ght unassailable4 ,molire's fam\s maxim1--',hit & don't be hit back1'--ass]t$ itself triumphantly4 ,tru? & falsehood w5t h& 9 h&4 ,! ?+ to be done 0 to w9n[ ! *aff f ! corn1 & n reject ! :ole z wor?less4 ,,vii4 ,well1 let u n[ see if we c sum up ! real *anges :i* ! new s*ool introduc$4 ,z a matt] ( fact x propos$ absolutely none t 0 unreasonable4 ,its t5ets am\nt$ to ?is3--',a f5c] mu/ be judg$ n s mu* by 8 graceful attitude & classical /yle1 n s mu* by 8 ma/]ly comm& ( precise execution1 z by 8 p[] ( quickly conceiv+ & quickly deliv]+ ! "r attack at ! "r mom5t4 ',:5 once a beg9n] has le>nt ! rudim5ts ( sword-play2 :5 he has le>nt t ! movem5ts ( h& & body mu/ correspond1 & ma9ta9 an ev5 balance 9 e position2 t ! wri/ mu/ be quick to foll[ ! adv]se blade & =m a close p>ry1 )\t fly+ wild & wide 9 uncontroll$ disord]2 :5 he c appreciate ! value ( a /ep to ! re> & ! value ( a /ep to ! front2 :5 he has grasp$ ! dang] to :i* he is expos$ 9 mak+ a complicat$ attack1 & realises t ! effectiv5ess ( a simple attack dep5ds on ! p[] ( seiz+ ! critical mom5t1--!n he %\ld be left to foll[ 8 natural in/9ct1 & all[$ to ex]cise 8 own judgm5t 9 mak+ use ( ! k he has acquir$4' ,y %\ld n say to him3--',we mu/ n[ describe an exact circle1 beyond :i*1 by ?\ght1 ^w1 or de$1 y mu/ n budge4 ,y f9d x a m natural position1 & easi] = attack & ripo/e1 to lean y\r body =w>d & d\ble y\rself up4 ,x _c be help$1 y are requir$ to keep ! body upright by ! rules ( classical f5c+4 ',y pref] to keep out ( di/ance1 because y f9d t at close qu>t]s y\r n]v\s dread ( a surprise attack or ( a quick ?ru/ is disconc]t+ & di/urbs y\r equanimity4 ,y mu/ n keep out ( di/ance4 ,y are requir$ to keep ! prescrib$ di/ance & to jo9 blades4 ',y are afraid ( attacks on ! sword1 su* z beats1 b9ds1 & pressures1 or ( surprise attacks1 & to avoid !m y refuse to engage y\r adv]s>y's blade4 ,y mu/ n refuse4 ,y are requir$ to engage swords by ! rules ( ! game2 only bad f5c]s attempt to avoid ! engagem5t4 ',y attack 9 ! l[ l9es1 p]haps y hit y\r oppon5t bel[ ! belt4 ,q true1 ! hit w\ld be fatal 9 a duel1 b 9 sword-play x is consid]$ a f\l bl[2 ! code does n all[ x1 !re=e ! hit is bad4' ,,viii4 ,?is sort ( ?+ is mi/ak5 prejudice4 ,! assault ought to be a %am fight4 ,x foll[s t ev]yone %\ld h lib]ty ( action4 ,d n attempt to =ce ,a4 to be graceful & elegant1 if he is n built t way4 ,p]mit ,b4 to develope 8 own /yle 9 8 own fa%ion1 & d n try to make him a s]vile copy ( y\rself1 m]ely = ! sake ( emphasis+ y\r sup]iority4 ,if he makes mi/akes1 take advantage ( !m1 t is ! mo/ conv9c+ k9d ( correction4 ,if 8 play is dang]\s b incorrect1 %[ him t y c be at once correct & dang]\s4 ,9 %ort we ask = a fair field & no fav\r = e sort ( /yle & !ory t is bas$ on a /udy ( ! weapon4 ,sci5ce y "k is ! result ( intellig5t application4 ,d y s]i\sly believe t ^! f5c]s are devoid ( sci5ce1 because !y refuse to be judg$ by y\r /&>d1 or because !y try to obta9 new results1 :]e y p]si/ 9 see+ no?+ b annoy+ tricks8 ,y mu/ all[ "o ( two ?+s4 ,ei!r ! me?ods :i* ^! f5c]s employ1 _! plans ( attack & def5ce1 are bas$ on policy & _! k ( ! weapon1 & _! s\rce ( inspiration is ! same z y\rs2 9 t case !y are ju/ifi$ by results1 !y h tee? & c bite1 & are n ! easy prey1 :i* y expect$ to f9d !m4 ,or on ! contr>y1 !y g to "w )\t judgm5t1 !y let fly at r&om1 & advance or retire )\t any notion ( "t or di/ance1 _! p>ries are wide & weak1 )\t any s5se ( t\*1 _! attacks unc]ta91 wild & incoh]5t4 ,9 t case !y are n dang]\s4 ,*ance may p]haps protect !m once1 b y ) y\r exp]i5ce & skill ( c\rse w easily defeat !m1 & _! slap-da% play w lead !m promptly into e trap :i* y *oose to set = !m4 ,,ix4 ,su* is ! controv]sy1 ! great qu>rel betwe5 ! two s*ools1 ! feud betwe5 ! :ite rose & ! r$4 ,i h attempt$ to expla9 x to y 9 its g5]al outl9es z cle>ly z ,i possibly c\ld4 ,y w f9d x easi] to und]/& ! details1 :i* we %all consid] :5 we cont9ue ?is discussion4 ,:at w y\r subject be to-morr[8 ask$ my ho/4 ,i really _c say1 ,i repli$4 ,x w\ld be difficult to lay d[n a regul> plan4 ,no d\bt some?+ w turn up to talk ab\t4 ,&1 by ! way1 ?is morn+ ,i notic$ 9 ! libr>y "o or two old books ab\t sword-play1 & ,i %all try to f9d "t to turn !m ov]4 ,illu/ration ,! ,second ,ev5+ ,illu/ration3 ,! legs are spr+s4 ,i4 ,x began to dawn ^u me t my und]tak+ 0 m s]i\s ?an ,i _h anticipat$1 & t ,i _h let myself 9 = "s uncommonly h>d "w2 = ,i %\ld h to advance solid reasons 9 support ( ! !ories t ,i _h s ra%ly prop\nd$4 ,i _h committ$ myself to no?+ less ?an ! exposition ( a sy/em to m5 :o1 = ! mo/ "p1 knew no?+ at all ab\t sword-play1 & c\ld n be expect$ to und]/& ! mean+ ( ! te*nical t]ms4 ,i %\ld h to be cle> & precise & ready to answ] any que/ions t might be put to me4 ,i 0 p>ticul>ly anxi\s to c>ry my little audi5ce ) me1 because ,i v5ture to ?9k t no g5tleman's education is complete )\t "s k ( f5c+1 & ,i consid] t p>5ts & gu>dians are mu* to blame if !y fail to recognise ! two-fold importance ( ?is indisp5sable ex]cise1 :i* n only /r5g!ns & developes ! le>n]'s body1 b also insures 8 life4 ,ah1 ,i exclaim$1 z ,i jo9$ ! company 9 ! smok+-room1 :]e we met e ev5+1 my audi5ce ,i see is be=e me4 ,y h kept y\r audi5ce wait+1 said my ho/1 & we h kept an arm*air wait+ = y4 ,sit d[n1 & beg9 z soon z y please4 ,?ank y1 ,i repli$ sitt+ d[n1--,i w beg9 at once4 ,,ii4 ,i rem>k$1 ye/]day1 t ! art ( f5c+ w\ld greatly b5efit by simplification1 & t x does n require su* =midable & protract$ /udy z "s ( ! text-books by _! elaborate display ( intricate & int]m9able comb9ations w\ld lead y to suppose4 ,! elem5t>y pr9ciples ( sword-play are f\r 9 numb]4 ,!y are ^!3-- ,,simple ,,attacks4 ,,composite ,,attacks4 ,,simple ,,p>ries4 ,,composite ,,p>ries4 ,"h is a table ( ! attacks & p>ries3-- ,,simple ,,attacks4 ,! ,/raight ,?ru/4 ,! ,dis5gagem5t4 ,,composite ,,attacks4 ,"o1 two4 ,beat /raight ?ru/4 ,beat dis5gage4 ,fe9t dis5gage4 ,fe9t cut ov]4 ,cut ov] & dis5gage 9 ti]ce or qu>te4 ,,simple ,,p>ries4 ,qu>te4 ,ti]ce4 ,seconde4 ,l[ ,qu>te1 or ,qu9te4 ,,c\nt] ,,p>ries4 ,c\nt]-,qu>te4 ,c\nt]-,ti]ce4 ,circle4 ,,iii4 ,my classification1 y see1 is n v complicat$4 ,b1 "s "o object$1 y are surely =gett+ to "n an imm5se numb] ( /rokes & p>ries2 = x is impossible t ! long li/s ( names1 :i* are giv5 9 ! books1 & ! directions = ! v>i\s passes1 :i* h ! air ( cabali/ic =mulae & are ab\t equally intelligible1 c be r$uc$ to su* simple t]ms4 ,i am will+ to =get !m1 ,i repli$1 9 fact m ?an will+1 = ,i am conv9c$ t !y only s]ve to di/ract ! le>n]'s m9d4 ,! simpl] ! pr9ciples1 ! simpl] ! practice4 ,give him few] ?+s to d1 & he w d !m m easily1 & he w c]ta9ly le>n to d !m 9 a %ort] "t4 ,i h always said t a text-book ( f5c+1 :i* conta9$ no?+ t 0 sup]flu\s1 w\ld n fill a volume b might be writt5 out on a %eet ( notepap]1 & besides1 ,i w\ld h y notice t sev]al ( ! attacks1 p>ries1 & ripo/es includ$ 9 my li/ might logically h be5 omitt$1 because !y are simply diff]5t ways ( execut+ ! same movem5t4 ,= in/ance1 :at ,i h call$ ,"o1 two is ! comb9ation ( two dis5gagem5ts1 "o deliv]$ 9 qu>te1 ! o!r 9 ti]ce4 ,! beat /raight ?ru/ is ! comb9ation ( a beat on ! sword ) a /raight ?ru/4 ,! beat dis5gage is simply a beat foll[$ by a dis5gagem5t4 ,fe9t cut-ov]1 fe9t dis5gage are 9 l mann] ! diff]5t me?ods1 :i* are mo/ commonly us$1 ( execut+ ! /raight ?ru/ or ! dis5gagem5t1 ! two fundam5tal /rokes ( sword-play4 ,ev5 ! cut-ov] is really a sort ( dis5gagem5t1 s9ce x />ts f ! same position1 is aim$ at ! same po9t1 & may be met by ! same p>ries4 ,! only diff]5ce is t ! dis5gagem5t passes "u ! blade1 :ile ! cut-ov] passes ov] ! po9t4 ,! cut-ov] & dis5gage 9 qu>te is ! same movem5t z c\nt]-qu>te1 conceiv$ & execut$ 9 ! "o case z an attack1 9 ! o!r z a p>ry4 ,cut-ov] & dis5gage 9 ti]ce is relat$ 9 precisely ! same way to c\nt]-ti]ce4 ,y see1 !n1 t ! multiplication ( /rokes1 f> f ext5d+ to inf9ity1 may be r$uc$ to v n>r[ limits4 ,& ,i am firmly conv9c$1 t if y transgress ^! limits y are at once involv$ 9 endless confusion1 :i* y ought to be v c>eful to avoid4--,y w1 ,i am sure1 admit ! =ce ( my argum5t4 ,! attacks & p>ries :i* ,i h describ$ trav]se all ! l9es :i* are op5 to ! passage ( ! sword1 t is to say ! high & l[ l9es1 ! inside l9es & ! outside4 ,! f5c] ^: m9d is set free f ! p]plexity ( p>ries complete & p>ries int]m$iate & s =?1 und]/&s m cle>ly ! mat]ials t are available = 8 comb9ations1 & ! measures t he mu/ take to meet ! adv]se attack4 ,! lucidity ( 8 m9d is reflect$ ev5 9 ! movem5t ( 8 h& :i* goes /raight to its m>k )\t hesitation or confusion4 ,spe$ & fre$om ( deliv]y foll[ z a matt] ( c\rse4 ,& we mu/ n =get t quickness ( h&1 comb9$ ) :at may be call$ f5c+ judgm5t1 is ( all qualifications ! mo/ important1 ! mo/ necess>y1 ! mo/ vitally indisp5sable4 ,,iv4 ,we may z well foll[ up ! turn our conv]sation has tak51 & pass "u review )\t fur!r preface ! ?ree wat*-words ( swordsman%ip3-- ,,judgm5t2 ,,control2 ,,spe$4 ,! man :o %\ld ma/] ^! ?ree w\ld be ! patt]n ( ! p]fect f5c]4 ,well1 :at ( f5c+ judgm5t8 ,:y 9 ! _w %\ld y be afraid ( x1 z ?\gh x 7 ! hundr$-head$ hydra t gu>ds ! sacr$ portals8 ,:at is x b t "p ( ! und]/&+ t we all br+ to be> on ! conduct ( ev]yday life8 ,no?+ 9 human affairs h[ev] trivial or h[ev] great c be done )\t x4 ,f5c+ judgm5t implies m especially di/ru/1 cunn+1 a wise caution1 ! p[] ( int]pret+ ! dumb language ( ! sword1 ! faculty ( draw+ correct inf]5ces4 ,^! faculties are 9 ! fir/ in/ance directly /imulat$ by ! ma/]'s lessons1 & natural intellig5ce1 act+ )\t any consci\s ef=t on y\r "p1 comb9$ ) exp]i5ce1 w make ! good se$ gr[4 ,d n conc]n y\rself ab\t x4 ,ov]-anxiety always has a mo/ di/urb+ effect on ! m9d4 ,! o!r night :5 ,i spoke ( ! alphabet ( f5c+1 ,i _h a special object 9 view4 ,!re is a language ( ! sword1 by :i* que/ions are ask$ & answ]$4 ,z soon z y h le>nt ! words y c speak & und]/& x4 ,to admit t x is necess>y to make a sep>ate /udy ( e possible phrase implies t a simple & /raight=w>d me?od ( in/ruction1 :i* ,i hold to be ( ! highe/ importance1 is unatta9able4 ,v4 ,9 l mann] ! faculty ( control is a ?+ t may be gradually acquir$ by practice4 ,x is ! result ( imp>t+ a supple 'temp]' to ! wri/ & body1 & consi/s 9 ! knitt+ up ( ! v>i\s op]ations into "o cont9u\s movem5t4 ,b1 z 9 ! case ( f5c+ judgm5t1 s "h1 ! desir$ result _c be obta9$ all at once4 ,x is ! fir/ & mo/ natural consequ5ce ( y\r ma/]'s in/ructions4 ,x comes ( daily practice & y mu/ pati5tly wat* & wait = x1 z y might wait = a pea* sl[ly rip5+ on a sunny wall4 ,let x gr[ ^u y l a habit1 by sl[ degrees1 till x becomes a second nature4 ,spe$1 n ( c\rse m]e quickness ( h&1 b ! rapid execution ( e movem5t1 is "o ( ! f5c]'s great res\rces1 :e!r 9 attack1 p>ry1 or retreat4 ,x is to my m9d ! ma9 po9t to be insi/$ on f ! v fir/4 ,&1 accord+ly1 ,i ?9k t ! ma/] %\ld be c>eful n to ov]do ! sort ( tea*+1 t consi/s 9 deliv]+ a runn+ comm5t>y su* z ?is3--',/eady n[3 n too fa/3 take y\r "t ab\t x3 ?9k :at y are do+3 keep y\r h& 9 ord]3 m>k ea* motion3 at ! ^w "o1--& s =?3 don't hurry1 y w g fa/ en\gh by & by4' ,x is c]ta9ly useful to practise ! h& by ex]cis+ x on ! ma/]'s jacket1 b x is useless to practise x by sl[ movem5ts4 ,fir/ expla9 h[ ! /roke is to be execut$1 & !n )\t m ado make y\r pupil get into ! way ( tak+ x quickly4 ,sl[ness is conv5i5t1 because x r5d]s execution easy1 b ! ease ( execution t is d]iv$ f x is dang]\s1 because x reacts on ! judgm5t & accu/oms ! m9d to lazy ways4 ,y\r object is1 no d\bt1 to br+ ! h& "u control & analyse ! /roke 9 detail1 b if ! result ( y\r tea*+ is t y\r pupil falls into a sluggi% habit y are s[+ ! se$s ( a vice1 :i* y w probably nev] succe$ 9 extirpat+4 ,suppose y are tea*+ a *ild to walk1 y are n surpris$ t 8 fir/ /eps are wav]+ & un/eady1 & t he _c plant 8 feeble feet firmly on ! gr\nd4 ,y hold him up1 b y let him walk4 ,9 due "t he le>ns to use 8 /r5g?1 z a bird le>ns to fly4 ,! "y f5c] is ! *ild le>n+ to walk4 ,z 8 k & exp]i5ce gradually exp&1 _m faults w disappe> ( !mselves1 or w be m easily se5 & correct$ by 8 matur] judgm5t4 ,spe$ is a me*anical =ce1 unreason+1 unconsci\s1 b a =ce capable ( developm5t4 ,y mu/ add fuel to ! fire & n all[ x to g out4 ,d y suppose t all y h to d is to *ange ! ^w ( comm&3--',n[ d quickly :at y h done sl[ly hi!rto'8 ,y\r new comm& introduces a new idea & creates new difficulties4 ,su*1 speak+ g5]ally1 are ! ess5tial pr9ciples ( f5c+4 ,i _c say :e!r ,i h succe$$ 9 %[+ y cle>ly h[ simple ! lesson on ^! l9es may be made1 or h[ f> ,i h be5 able to reassure ^?1 :o h inadv]t5tly op5$ a treatise on sword-play & h f\ght %y ( ! subject ev] s9ce1 b ,i am conv9c$ t a c\rse ( in/ruction su* z ,i sugge/ w\ld produce v good results4 ,to expla9 myself m fully1 z ,i am talk+ among fri5ds & !re are no pr(essors pres5t1 ,i w g on to tell y briefly h[ ,i %\ld set ab\t tea*+ ! use ( ! sword4 ,,vi4 ,i %\ld expect my s*ol> dur+ ! fir/ mon? to give up half an h\r a day to foil practice1 & aft] t to keep x up ?ree times a week4 ,my fir/ lesson w\ld be devot$ to %[+ him !oretically & practically ! vital importance ( e/abli%+ a p]fect conc]t or balance betwe5 ! v>i\s movem5ts4 ,?is is ! fundam5tal pr9ciple ( all a?letic ex]cises1 & applies equally to rid+1 swimm+1 gymna/ics1 & to f5c+4 ,i %\ld make him advance & retire1 lunge & recov]1 tak+ c>e n to lose 8 balance4 ,?is fir/ lesson is suffici5t to enable ! lea/ intellig5t to und]/& ! me*anism ( ! diff]5t movem5ts1 :i* are bas$ on ! natural & in/9ctive faculties ( ! human body4 ,come1 ,c----1 ,i said1 ris+ f my *air1 unless ,i am mi/ak51 y h nev] attempt$ to f5ce4 ,w y all[ me to make use ( y by way ( illu/ration8 ,i %all be delight$1 repli$ ,c----1 b ,i %all be v awkw>d4 ,p]haps y w be = ! fir/ five m9utes4 ,x is ! common lot f :i* no "o c escape4 ,n[ place y\rself ',on gu>d'2 ! words expla9 !mselves3--to be on gu>d1 to protect y\rself1 t is to say to hold y\rself equally ready = attack or def5ce4 ,b5d y\r legs4 ,let me use an expression :i* is p]haps incorrect b :i* expla9s my mean+ cle>ly3--,sit well d[n4 ,y\r "r arm mu/ be half ext5d$4 ,z a g5]al rule ! wri/ %\ld be at ! height ( ! brea/4 ,y w be able lat] to modify ^! elem5t>y /udies1 by adapt+ !m to suit ! position :i* comes to y mo/ naturally4 ,! important ?+ is to acquire an uncramp$ easy /yle1 & to keep ! body ev5ly balanc$4 ,9 ?is position ! sword c mo/ easily trav]se ! v>i\s op5+s t are (f]$ to x4 ,i advance on y4 ,9 ord] to get back & always keep y\r di/ance y h only to c>ry ! left foot to ! re>1 & let ! "r foot foll[ x imm$iately4 ,to advance on me1 simply rev]se ^! movem5ts4 ,br+ ! "r foot =w>d & foll[ x up ) ! left4 ,bravo6 y advance l a pr(essor4 ,see t y keep y\r legs b5t & ! body upright1 s z to be always ready = advance or retreat4 ,if y _c avoid /oop+1 lean =w>d r ?an backw>d4 ,by c>ry+ ! body =w>d y are no m expos$ ?an y 7 be=e2 = ! body by its incl9$ position protects itself1 pres5ts a small] surface1 & makes x m difficult = y\r oppon5t to fix 8 po9t1 :5 he might o!rwise hit y2 b if y ?r[ ! body back1 y lose ! p[] ( mak+ a quick attack & a quick ripo/e4 ,are y tir$8 ,no4 ,good6 ,t %[s t y\r position is correct1 & t x does n cramp y\r muscles or p>alyse any ( y\r movem5ts4 ,y und]/&1 ( c\rse1 t by /&+ sideways y pres5t a small] t>get to y\r adv]s>y4 ,s mu* = def5ce4 ,n[1 = ! attack4 ,,vii4 ,9 ord] to attack1 y lunge1 by c>ry+ ! "r leg sm>tly =w>d & /raight5+ ! left1 s z to give ! body its full ext5sion4 ,:atev] ! attack may be1 :e!r simple or composite1 ! movem5ts ( ! h& mu/ be complet$ & ! arm absolutely /raight1 be=e ! lunge is made1 ?\gh ! diff]5t movem5ts mu/ foll[ ea* o!r )\t ! lea/ int]val4 ,x is equally important to rememb] t ! recov]y mu/ be z sm>t z ! attack4 ,! great dang] ( ! attack is t x %\ld be too intemp]ate1 = a too intemp]ate attack leaves y expos$ to dang]1 )\t /r5g? or spe$ to escape4 ,b1 "s "o ask$1 is x really necess>y :5 y are on gu>d1 to arrange ! left arm above ! head 9 a graceful curve1 & !n sw+ x d[n to ! leg z y lunge8 ,! graceful curve is n an absolute necessity4 ,place ! arm beh9d y\r back if y pref] to d s1 = if y br+ x to ! front y drag =w>d ! left %\ld]1 & !reby expose a l>g] t>get to y\r oppon5t's po9t4 ,! arm1 y see1 acts ! "p ( a rope-walk]'s balanc+ pole4 ,x /eadies ! movem5ts & balances ! weight ( ! body4 ,s9ce y h a sp>e arm y mu/ place x some:]e1 & if y consid] y w see t x is lea/ 9 ! way :]e ,i h plac$ x4 ,x s]ves a useful purpose 9 ! g5]al arrangem5t1--t is ! only object ( ! position4 ,i ne$ n ref9e ! po9t fur!r4 ,9 f5c+1 ! movem5ts ( ! body & limbs are ( great importance4 ,all ! me*anical "p ( sword-play dep5ds on ! pr9ciples :i* ,i h j expla9$4 ,i h n[ tak5 ! me*anism to pieces & %[n y h[ x is put toge!r4 ,,viii4 ,"o ^w m4 ,:at 0 ! reason = *oos+ ?is attitude & ^! movem5ts8 ,!y 7 *os5 because !y are natural & in/9ctive4 ,in/9ct dictat$ ! rule1 :i* is bas$ on exp]i5ce1 on practical necessity1 on correct pr9ciple4 ,:at is ! object to be atta9$8 ,fir/1 = def5ce1 to all[ ! limbs _! complete lib]ty ( action1 _! natural ela/icity & easy play2 secondly = attack1 to give ! ext5sion ( ! body its full =ce4 ,n[ try to *ange ! position2 /raight5 y\r legs2 y w at once notice ! increas$ difficulty ( execut+ ! diff]5t movem5ts1 :e!r ( attack1 def5ce1 or retreat4 ,y lose y\r balance1 & ! lunge ei!r prec$es ! action ( ! h& & ! ext5sion ( ! arm1 or foll[s ^? movem5ts too late4 ,! legs are spr+s :i* support ! body & det]m9e its mo/ rapid movem5ts4 ,if y are out %oot+ & want to jump a dit*1 y b5d y\r legs 9 ord] to obta9 ! necess>y spr+4 ,or aga91 if y jump d[n f a height1 y b5d y\r legs at ! mom5t y\r feet t\* ! gr\nd2 if y d n1 y\r :ole body is j>r$4 ,i dwell on ?is po9t 9 ord] to conv9ce y ( its absolute necessity1 & to make y und]/& cle>ly ! :y & :]e=e ( ! position4 ,b1 ,i repeat1 in/9ct 0 ! fir/ tea*]1 exp]i5ce came lat] & has only confirm$ ! pr9ciple4 ,"o la/ caution4 ,:5 once y h le>nt by practice h[ to h>monise y\r movem5ts1 & h realis$ h[ great a p[] at a giv5 mom5t ! faculty ( mak+ ^! movem5ts ) ease & rapidity may be1 !n1 & n till !n1 v5ture to take y\r p]sonal incl9ation into acc\nt4 ,& if aft] c>efully weigh+ ! pros & cons y come to ! conclusion t y c1 ow+ to "s p]sonal peculi>ity1 improve ^u ! elem5t>y rules ( ! lesson1 d n hesitate to dep>t f !m )\t scruple1 b nev] )\t good reason4 ,! be/ position is t :i* all[s y complete fre$om & p]fect balance4 ,b nev] =get t all exagg]ation is bad1 & t no?+ c be worse ?an ! exagg]ation ( an ungraceful & unga9ly /yle4 ,t is all ,i h to say ?is ev5+4 ,illu/ration3 ,keep ! left %\ld] back4 ,! ,?ird ,ev5+ ,illu/ration ,i4 ,we w cont9ue ! c\rse ( in/ruction ( :i* y h /udi$ at pres5t only ! fir/ page2 ,i am go+ into v m9ute detail1 z y see4 ,our s*ol> n[ kn[s ! diff]5t positions1 & c appreciate :y !y are to be comm5d$1 & :at is to be ga9$ by adopt+ !m4 ,at ! next lesson1--& ea* lesson w\ld consi/ ( n m ?an ?ree b\ts ( eight or t5 m9utes ea*1--,i %\ld %[ him & make him execute ! simple attacks & ! simple p>ries3--,dis5gagem5ts 9 ti]ce & qu>te1 /raight ?ru/s1 ! cut ov]1 & p>ries ( qu>te & ti]ce4 ,! attacks w ex]cise him 9 ! lunge1 ! p>ries w improve ! flexibility ( 8 wri/4 ,i %\ld make him cont9ually retire & advance4 ,i %\ld1 ev5 at ?is e>ly /age1 take pa9s to secure a c]ta9 degree ( life & spe$ 9 8 execution1 & ,i %\ld be c>eful to v>y ! ex]cises1 & nev] appeal to 8 intellig5ce at ! risk ( *eck+ ! activity ( 8 movem5ts4 ,sluggi%ness1 ,i repeat1 is a deadly foe1 aga9/ :i* e av5ue mu/ be clos$ f ! v fir/4 ,next ,i %\ld g on to composite p>ries & composite attacks4 ,i h already nam$ !m1 & y rememb] t !y are n v num]\s4 ,c\nt]s1 d\ble c\nt]s1 & comb9ations ( ! cut ov] & dis5gagem5t are ! mo/ useful ?+s to practise1 because !y "w ! wri/ 9 e direction1 & make x bo? quick & supple4 ,al?\gh a great _m in/ructors w\ld say t ,i am wrong1 ,i %\ld make x my pr9cipal aim to =m & cultivate a habit ( execut+ all movem5ts at spe$4 ,i %\ld insi/ less on precision ( control ?an on sm>tness ( execution1 & at ! same "t ,i %\ld call my pupil's att5tion to ! mi/akes :i* he mu/ be mo/ c>eful to avoid1 & to ! po9ts ( dang] :]e he mu/ ex]cise ! greate/ caution4 ,i %\ld practise him 9 retir+ quickly1 & %\ld make him deliv] simple attacks on ! m>*1 keep+ 8 blade 9 position4 ,aft] a few lessons ,i %\ld repeat$ly place my button on 8 jacket1 if he did n p>ry quickly en\gh1 or if he 0 sl[ on ! recov]y4 ,9 a ^w ,i %\ld put pl5ty ( life & g into my lessons f ! fir/1 & n all[ !m to become t$i\s4 ,aft] e lesson ,i %\ld direct 8 s]i\s att5tion to ! pr9cipal faults ,i _h notic$1 & ,i %\ld make him und]/& ! dang]s to :i* ^! faults mu/ inevitably expose him4 ,= in/ance1 if he caught ! fatal trick ( dropp+ or draw+ back 8 h&1 ,i %\ld take c>e to make him attack & ripo/e 9 ! high l9es1 9 ord] to get him to c>ry 8 wri/ high1 & vice v]sa4 ,9 ?is way ,i %\ld ex]cise 8 judgm5t by mak+ him ?9k1 & 8 h& & body by keep+ him closely to 8 "w4 ,,ii4 ,above all1 ! ma/]'s lesson mu/ n lose itself 9 a maze ( attacks & p>ries & ripo/es1 :i* 9 "s treatises are z num]\s & int]m9able z ! />s ( heav54 ,! /rict limitation ( ! numb] ( /rokes to be taught r5d]s _! execution proportionately easi]1 & makes a cle> impression on ! m9d4 ,exp]i5ce & f5c+ in/9ct tea*1 f> bett] ?an any lesson1 c]ta9 niceties1 :i* give life & f9i% & "* to ! play4 ,!re y h ! lesson complete4 ,z ! s*ol> gradually gr[s /rong]1 he le>ns to hold himself correctly1 & acquires ease4 ,he und]/&s :at to d )\t be+ told1 & 8 h& is 9 a fair way to become ! fai?ful e*o ( 8 ?\ght4 ,,iii4 ,we "h t\* on ano!r po9t1 :]e ,i f9d myself at v>iance ) ne>ly all ! pr(essional in/ructors4 ,i h read 9 ! books :i* deal ) ?is subject ( '! dang] ( premature loose play4' ',y run ! risk1' say "s1 '( spoil+ a promis+ pupil1 & ( arre/+ 8 future progress1 j :5 he is beg9n+ to =m good habits4' ,o!rs g fur!r & decl>e t3 ',! in/ructor :o all[s 8 pupil to comm5ce loose play too soon sacrifices by an act ( fatal indulg5ce ! :ole future ( f5c+4' ,i d n agree ) ?is view4 ,i _c ev5 see t x logically applies to ^? :o mean to devote all _! "t to ! /udy ( sword-play1 & :o are prep>$ to make a det]m9$ ef=t to rea* ! topmo/ summit ( ?is difficult art4 ,mu* less1 !n1 to my m9d1 is x applicable to ! g5]ality ( m51 :o h no ambition to become su* le>n$ f5c]s1 z we 7 say+ ! o!r ev5+4 ,! pr(essors wilfully refuse to see ?is4 ,& yet ( all arts1 ! art ( f5c+ may be consid]$ f ! mo/ widely diff]5t /&po9ts1 & p>ticul>ly may be approa*$ ) v v>i$ degrees ( k & application4 ,is x s v c]ta9 t 'premature loose play1' z ! pr(essors love to call x1 is s p]nici\s z !y ?9k1--! bad se$ t _c fail to produce an evil crop ( vices8 ,"r or wrong1 ,i c only say once m t ,i am ( q ! contr>y op9ion4 ,i fail to see t x is dang]\s = a pupil to attempt ! assault1 :5 he has le>nt by tak+ lessons = a mon?1--m or less1 accord+ to ! progress made & 8 natural capacity1--to und]/& ! v>i\s /rokes ,i h describ$1 & c already execute !m ) "s degree ( livel9ess & control4 ,,iv4 ,( c\rse ,i am q ready to admit t 8 fir/ assaults1 l all fir/ attempts t require a tra9$ habit ( m9d1 _c be free f mi/akes1 exagg]ations1 faults ( all sorts4 ,b is n ! ma/] !re to correct ^! errors ) 8 lesson1 & to br+ 8 pupil1 :o is incl9$ to g a/ray1 back to ! "r pa?8 ,_c ! lead+ /r+s be readju/$8 ,! v fact t ! ma/] has _h an opportunity ( obs]v+ ! mi/akes1 to :i* 8 pupil is mo/ liable1 :5 left to himself1 enables him to devote all 8 c>e to ov]come & correct !m by bo? practice & precept4 ,m important /ill1 he has also _h an opportunity ( obs]v+ 8 pupil's bias2 he notices ! /rokes :i* come naturally to 8 h&1 ! p>ries he mo/ affects1 ! natural prompt+s ( 8 impulse1 impetu\s or cauti\s z ! case may be4 ,he makes a /udy ( 8 artless s*ol>1 :o is clumsily feel+ 8 feet1 reads him l a book1 cat*es him 9 ! act s to speak1 & detects ! work+ ( 8 "*1 & !nce=w>d he kn[s ! way 9 :i* 8 /udies may be mo/ pr(itably direct$ to give full play to 8 individual temp]am5t4 ,! assault tea*es ! novice :at no am\nt ( lung+ at ! ma/]'s pad c drill into him4 ,x ent]s him to ! sudd5 em]g5cies1 :i* 9 "o %ape or ano!r arise at e mom5t1 to ! movem5t & ex]tion & ke5 emulation ( real fight+4 ,! assault is 9 fact a lesson subsidi>y to ! =mal lesson1 & y may re/ assur$ t ! in/ruction x conveys is equally salut>y4 ,v4 ,!n1 smil+ly rem>k$ ! ,comte de ,r41 y are = op5 w> ) ! exi/+ r\t9e8 ,& ) ! old traditions4 ,yes1 ,i am afraid ,i am4 ,b :at c ,i d8 ,y admit ! =ce ( my argum5ts8 ,c]ta9ly4 ,& t f5c+ taught on my plan loses its t]rors8 ,yes1 ,i q admit t4 ,& 9 fact x is n really =midable4 ,my sy/em is able to satisfy ! requirem5ts ( all1 & ,i d n ov]%oot ! m>k1 by ov]-anxiety to rea* x4 ,x is mo/ important to be> 9 m9d t x is n necess>y or ev5 desirable to att5d all ! pr(essor's lectures1 to pass all ! exam9ations & f9ally to qualify z ,ba*elor ( ,arms 9 ord] to become a fair ord9>y f5c]4 ,aft] all 9 e art "o usually admits ! pr(essor's "r to dictate ! elem5t>y pr9ciples ( 8 subject1 b aft] ! elem5t>y /age is pass$ we are n1 ,i believe1 always ready to accept ! pr(essor's e/imate ( ! importance ( ! art :i* he happ5s to tea*4 ,! rem>k applies equally to music1 to pa9t+1 to lit]ature1 & :y n to f5c+8 ,poets we "k are no?+ if n fir/-rate1 b :y %\ld f5c]s be s+l$ out = ?is invidi\s di/9ction8 ,y may judge h[ firmly my own belief is root$1 :5 ,i say t ,i am z /rongly conv9c$ ( ! good results t foll[ f 'premature assaults1' z ,i am ( ! necessity ( mak+ ! lesson z simple & z cle> z possible4 ,,vi4 ,i rememb] a /ory told by my fri5d1 ,m4 ,desb>olles1 an arti/ :o is end[$ m lib]ally ?an mo/ ( my acqua9tance ) ! w>m arti/ic temp]am5t4 ,x is to be f\nd 9 "o ( 8 neatly writt5 essays4 ,he _h1 x seems1 /udi$ f5c+ = two ye>s "u a ,fr5* ma/]1 9 ,g]many ,i ?9k1 :5 he paid a visit to ,m4 ,*>lemagne1 "o ( ! mo/ fam\s in/ructors ( ! day1 to :om he _h an introduction4 ,he f5c$ be=e ! pr(essor1 & :5 ! b\t 0 ov] expect$ to be complim5t$1 "u ! impression t he _h done r well4 ',w y all[ me1 ,sir1 to give y a ^w ( advice8' ask$ ! great man4 ',by all means1' repli$ my fri5d4 ',!n1 let me recomm5d y to give up loose play altoge!r = at lea/ a ye>1 & conf9e y\r att5tion entirely to ! lesson4' ,good heav5s1 :at amaz+ p]v]sity1 :at pomp\s humbug6 ,m4 ,desb>olles rem>ks t he 0 utt]ly tak5 aback1 & ,i c well believe him1 b he goes on to say t he accept$ ! ma/]'s v]dict1 & nev] _h reason to rep5t x4 ,if he _h n giv5 8 ^w = ! fact1 ,i %\ld c]ta9ly h v5tur$ to hope1 mo/ s9c]ely1 t 8 s5se ( hum\r 0 suffici5t to save him f foll[+ su* a piece ( advice to ! lett]1 & 9 any case ,i am sure t x 0 q unnecess>y = him to d s1 9 ord] to become ! *>m+ f5c] t he is & "o = :om ,i h ! w>me/ admiration4 ,d n tell me t ! quickness ( h& & rapidity ( movem5t1 ! al]tness ( body & m9d requir$ 9 loose play1 c be imp>t$ by ! lessons ( a skilful in/ructor1 if only he is c>eful to graduate 8 in/ruction 9 proportion to 8 pupil's progress4 ,! result is m]e clock-"w ) ! pr(essor = ma9spr+1 c\nt]feit vitality set 9 motion by ! ^w ( comm&2 a mo/ me*anical use ( ! intellig5ce4 ,! pupil _c g wrong because he is ti$ to 8 ma/]'s apron-/r+s4 ,! ma/]'s sword %[s him exactly :]e to g ) ! precision ( a f+]-po/4 ,he is l a man swimm+ 9 a cork jacket1 practis+ ! motions ( swimm+ at 8 leisure1 & n c>+ 9 ! lea/ :e!r ^! motions w\ld really support him on ! surface or let him s9k to ! bottom4 ,t ! =mal lesson is useful ,i d n d\bt1 t x has a monopoly ( usefulness ,i emphatically d5y4 ,:y all[ x to m$dle ) & dom9e] ov] ?+s :i* d n conc]n x8 ,let x keep its place & refra9 f trespass+ outside its own dom9ions4 ,! lesson c expla9 ! logic & !ory ( f5c+1 x c assign reasons & exhibit ! me*anical process1 b x _c deal ) ! great ,unkn[n1 ! tricksy _s1 :i* sudd5ly />ts out on ! f5c] "u e %ape & =m1 always assum+ "s new disguise & upsett+ 9 a mom5t ! mo/ p]fect !ories & ! mo/ sci5tific comb9ations4 ,! "y f5c] :o und]takes 8 fir/ assault is l ! h]oic y\? ( ! fairy tales1 :o leaves 8 humble cottage & goes out into ! wide _w to seek 8 =tune4 ,l him he w meet ) _m /range adv5tures1 :i* w try 8 mettle1 put 8 "* to ! t\*1 & call into play all ! res\rces ( 8 intellig5ce4 ,,vii4 ,p]haps y ?9k t by cont9ually pres5t+ ?is "q to y 9 a new light ,i am deta9+ y too long on "o "p ( my subject4 ,my int5tion is to br+ home to y\r m9ds ! conviction ,i s /rongly feel myself4 ,if y only knew h[ _m /rik+ examples ,i h witness$ ( ! tru? ( my ass]tion6 ,y may see "o ( ^! pupils tak+ 8 lesson4 ,he is a magnific5t spectacle2 8 h& p]fectly correct1 a gr& lunge1 8 action smoo? & free2 he foll[s 8 ma/]'s blade ?r\gh a cunn+ s]ies ( fe9ts & false attacks1 ripo/es & c\nt]-ripo/es1 8 p>ry is nev] beat52 n a fault1 n a s+le mi/ake2 he is an animat$ illu/ration ( 8 ma/]'s treatise1 :i* ! au?or ) p>donable pride displays be=e y4 ,n[ 9 ! assault pupils ( ?is type are f> f ma9ta9+ _! sup]iority4 ,_! me*anical agility is p>alys$1 :5 x is no long] set 9 motion by ! accu/om$ spr+4 ,!y "k too little & at ! same "t !y "k too mu*4 ,!y f9d out t ! assault is n ! same ?+ z ! lesson4 ,_! oppon5t's blade does n accommodate itself to !irs ) ! precision to :i* !y are accu/om$2 ! t\* ( ! /eel no long] conveys ^? delicate h9ts1 to :i* !y =m]ly respond$ ) su* alacrity1 & ( c\rse !y lose _! be>+s4 ,!y h n acquir$ ! sort ( def5ce :i* is ready = any?+1 alike = well direct$ ?ru/s & = m ecc5tric me?ods ( attack1 & !y look 9 va9 = a succession ( passes /rictly correlat$ 9 a sy/ematic ord]4 ,in/ead ( m>*+ ) a sw+ along ! broad highway to :i* !y are accu/om$1 !y f9d !mselves lo/ 9 a wild & difficult c\ntry )\t a guide & )\t confid5ce4 ,habit w p]haps enable !m to ma9ta9 "s sm>tness ( appe>ance1 b !y make few hits1 & 9 spite ( _! sci5ce & ! skill1 :i* !y und\bt$ly possess up to a c]ta9 po9t1 !y are cont9ually beat5 by f5c]s1 :o are less s*ol>ly p]haps1 b :o h be5 bett] ent]$ ?an !y to ! actual combat1 ! manifold em]g5cies ( practical fight+1 & :o h le>nt t /range language1 by :i* ! sword contrives to reveal ! mo/ delicate %ades ( mean+4 ,i h se5 ?is happ5 s (t51 t ,i h tak5 "s tr\ble to /udy ! "q1 & ,i am conv9c$ t if ^! same pupils _h be5 at less pa9s to make !mselves p$antically p]fect 9 ! peaceful & philosophic practice ( ! lesson1 & _h be5 made famili> at an e>ly /age ) ! *ang+ incid5ts ( ! assault1 !y w\ld h be5 equally well discipl9$1 & at ! same "t really dang]\s f5c]s4 ,( c\rse ,i freely admit t exceptions may sometimes be f\nd1 b !y are ! exceptions :i* prove ! rule4 ,,viii4 ,we h n[ rea*$ a po9t f :i* we may survey ! ?rill+ spectacle ( ! assault1 z f5c]s call ! mimic combat1 9 :i* desp]ate & brutal fight+ is controll$ by skill1 ! haz>d\s duel1 full ( fire & fury1 betwe5 two combatants1 :o summon to _! aid all t !y "k or all t !y ?9k !y "k4 ,i c say ) lit]al tru?1 t ,i h nev] tak5 a foil 9 my h& = a s]i\s assault )\t feel+ a real tremor1 & mo/ f5c]s h exp]i5c$ & inde$ are g5]ally consci\s ( ! same s5sation4 ,y h li/5$ s k9dly to my r\gh attempt to put toge!r an extempor>y c\rse ( in/ruction1 t ,i c confid5tly claim y\r att5tion n[2 = we are ab\t to f9d 9 ?is great ar5a ! rival sy/ems face to face4 ,i %all put be=e y & exam9e at no great l5g? ! v>i\s situations :i* are likely to occur4 ,our imag9>y pupil has n[ become a f5c]4 ,he w no long] lunge m]ely at ! ma/]'s pad1 h5ce=w>d he w cov] 8 manly face ) a mask4 ,%all we foll[ him 9 8 c>e]8 ,we w2 repli$ my ho/ 9 tragic tones4 ,! /&>d ( revolt is rais$4 ,lead on1 & we w foll[ y4 ',tis well1 ,i answ]$ 9 ! same _s4 ,! try/ is "h1 at ! same h\r1--to-morr[4 ,illu/ration3 ,a ,p>ry ( ,prime4 ,! ,f\r? ,ev5+ ,illu/ration3 ,c\p ,d\ble4 ,i4 ,! next day ,i cont9u$ my disc\rse ?us3-- ,9 ! assault ) its incessant al>ms & p]il\s crises1 9 enc\nt]+ ! wiles & avoid+ ! sn>es ( ! enemy1 ^? :o use ! sword f9d _! 'cr[d$ h\r ( glori\s life1' ! h\r cr[d$ ) illusions & dis5*antm5ts1 ! rubs ( =tune1 ! ups & d[ns ( victory or defeat4 ,:at legions ( cunn+ c\nsels & crafty wiles1 f ! deep-laid /ratagem d[n to ! sudd5 surprise1 "o f9ds m>%all$ 9 ! text-books1 & h[ unmanageable & sup]flu\s !y g5]ally are4 ,all t ! ,sp>tan "m said to h] son :5 he 0 sett+ out = ! w>s 03--',be bold1 be resolute1 be cauti\s4' ,d n h] words conta9 ! :ole8 ,= all fight+1 :e!r at long range or at close qu>t]s1 is v mu* alike1 f s*oolboys' games to ! mo/ elaborate milit>y op]ations2 & all ! advice ( ! _w may be summ$ up 9 ! et]nal law ( attack & def5ce1 :i* is /at$ 9 ^! f\r words3--cunn+1 caution1 en]gy1 audacity4 ,deceive y\r enemy3 seize ! critical mom5t to attack him1 t is ! secret ( fight+4 ,cultivate ! mi/ru/ :i* suspects ! hidd5 sn>e1 ! caution :i* fru/rates 8 plots1 comb9$ ) ! en]gy & audacity :i* surm\nt difficulties2 try to enc\rage 9 y\r enemy a _s ( wanton confid5ce2 turn a /rong position :i* y _c c>ry by a direct attack2 ?reat5 "o po9t :5 y mean to conc5trate y\r :ole /r5g? on ano!r2 draw y\r adv]s>y by a %[ ( weakness to attack y 9 y\r /ronge/ position2 keep y\r plans secret2 mask y\r approa*es2 & !n by ! sudd5 impetuosity ( y\r attack take him unaw>es1 & if y _c secure a victory1 contrive a safe retreat4 ,su* f ! e>lie/ times h be5 ! me?ods ( ! greate/ comm&]s4 ,! tactics ( ! field ( battle & ! tactics ( h&-to-h& fight+ are id5tical1 = ! simple reason t skill1 or /rategy1 or sci5ce1 call x :at y w1 are b diff]5t names to express ! same idea4 ,^! are ! sage c\nsels2 ! re/ belongs to inspiration1 ! inw>d monitor :i* 9 mom5ts ( dang] w>ns u ) t5fold insi/5ce1 & guides u "r4 ,too mu* /ress is laid on education1 too little on individual intellig5ce4 ,! lessons are suppos$ to h tra9$ & direct$ ?is intellig5ce4 ,b if y\r pupil is s want+ 9 intellig5ce t he _c ent] into ! _s ( ! game1 if he c nev] rise to ! occasion1 & nev] /rike out a l9e ( 8 own1 :at c y expect8 ,y may advise = ev]1 b 8 m9d w n respond1 he w only li/5 & =get4 ,x is "h t ! two s*ools beg9 to "p company4 ,i h already giv5 y a g5]al view ( ! po9ts 9 :i* !y diff]1 & we ne$ n n[ recur to ! consid]ation ( g5]al pr9ciples1 ) :i* y are already acqua9t$4 ,,ii4 ,if we c\ld return to ! pa/1 & witness an exhibition ( sword-play z x 0 und]/ood by ! pr(essors ( only fifty ye>s ago1 :at a contra/ we %\ld f9d ) ! /yle ( our own day1 ev5 ) our mo/ sev]ely classical /yle4 ,our me?ods w\ld c]ta9ly be call$ revolution>y4 ,x 0 usual n s v long s9ce to display ^u ! bosom a fair r$ he>t1 /it*$ to ! f5c+ jacket1 to %[ pla9ly = all eyes to see ! spot :]e hits %\ld be plac$4 ,attacks1 p>ries & ripo/es 7 re/rict$ by conv5tion to a v n>r[ circle4 ,any hit t w5t wide ( ! m>k 0 acc\nt$ execrable & receiv$ ) ! mo/ pr(\nd contempt4 ,mod]n f5c+ is incl9$ to be some:at less fa/idi\s4 ,hits 9 ! l[ l9e are g5]ally ackn[l$g$4 ,b a hit bel[ ! belt6 ',y really d n expect me to foll[ y\r po9t d[n !re6' is /ill ! attitude ( mo/ f5c]s4 ',call x a hit if y l1 b really x is n f5c+4 ,a s*ool ( arms1 y "k1 is n a s*ool ( surg]y1 y might leave ^? base regions to ! m$ical /ud5ts4' ,y smile1 b ,i assure y t !y mean x s]i\sly1 )\t ! lea/ s>casm4 ,x is q true t any w\nd 9 t despis$ region w\ld be mortal almo/ to a c]ta9ty4 ,t is a detail2 & !y =get t a sword1 ?\gh x may be a civil & g5tlemanly implem5t1 is /ill a le?al weapon4 ,x really is v /range to admit t x is wrong to disreg>d ! deadly "* ( ! po9t :5 aim$ 9 "o direction1 b to claim t x is "r to disreg>d x :5 aim$ 9 ano!r4 ,yet mo/ m5 cl+ to ?is error ) ! utmo/ p]t9acity4 ,t y %\ld despise a hit 9 ! leg or =e-arm ,i c well und]/&4 ,by all means conc5trate y\r :ole att5tion on ! protection ( ! p>ts ( ! body :i* conta9 ! vital organs4 ,b n to use y\r utmo/ c>e1 y\r sure/ p>ries1 y\r mo/ anxi\s precautions to def5d ! trunk1--high l9es & l[1--always has be5 & is /ill a delusion1 a delusion :i* ^? :o attempt to draw an impossible di/9ction betwe5 ! assaults ( foil-play & real fight+ ) %>p swords1 va9ly ask u to accept z an unassailable article ( fai?4 ,!re is a real di/9ction1 = aft] all foil-play c only be an imp]fect repres5tation ( real fight+4 ,our object %\ld be to make ! resemblance z p]fect z possible1 & s m9imise ! *ances on :i* ! ignorant & brutal too confid5tly rely4 ,let !m see t y bo? "k ! correct answ] to a correct comb9ation1 & t y are equally prep>$ to deal ) ! wild & disord]ly antics ( an untutor$ po9t4 ,,iii4 ,y may (t5 he> m5 say3--',i d t 9 ! f5c+ room1 ,i %\ld be v sorry to attempt x 9 a s]i\s fight4' ,!n :y attempt x at all8 ,if y\r judgm5t tells y t ! /roke is good1 x is good = all occasions4 ,if x is bad x _c be ju/ifi$ 9 any case4 ,always be> 9 m9d t y mu/ pay att5tion to all ?ru/s :i* might prove fatal 9 a s]i\s enc\nt]1 & !n if "s day y h ! mis=tune to f9d a real sword 9 y\r h&1 y w h ! satisfaction ( kn[+ t y are =e-arm$ by habit aga9/ kn[n & famili> dang]s4 ,i _c emphasise ?is po9t too /rongly4 ,9 %ort1 ! refusal to ackn[l$ge hits h[ev] l[ is a dang]\s & a gratuit\s mi/ake4 ,:y %\ld a ?ru/ aim$ 9 t direction n be ( its k9d z brilliant & m]itori\s z ano!r8 ,:y %\ld x be boycott$8 ,is !re any reason = ?is my/]i\s taboo8 ,! old ma/] :o us$ to tea* u f5c+ at s*ool1 rem>k$ my ho/1 w\ld fall f\l ( y ) a v5geance1 if he he>d y talk l t4 ,i d n mean = a mom5t1 ,i repli$1 t ,i h any pref]5ce = hits 9 ! l[ l9e1 b r t ,i am m afraid ( !m1 because ,i h f5c$ too (t5 ) f5c]s good & bad n to "k h[ necess>y x is to be on "o's gu>d aga9/ ! dang]s ( wild play4 ,= in/ance1 ^? :o make a practice ( /raight5+ _! arm z !y retire ne>ly always drop _! h&1 & ! po9t ( _! weapon1 :e!r !y wi% x or no1 is necess>ily direct$ t[>ds ! l[ l9e4 ,x is equally inevitable t ! same "p %\ld be ?reat5$ by ^? :o rightly or wrongly rev]se ! lunge by ?r[+ ! left foot back on y\r attack1 at ! same "t /oop+ =w>ds1 s z to let y\r po9t pass ov] _! head2 & ignorant f5c]s ne>ly always hit y !re1 q innoc5tly & un9t5tionally4 ,y %\ld !re=e gu>d t "p ( ! body z /rictly z y gu>d ! *e/1 &1 by a p>ity ( reason+1 :5 y meet an adv]s>y :o neglects to protect ! l[ l9e annoy him 9 t region frequ5tly4 ,,iv4 ,x (t5 happ5s t ?+s t are mo/ neglect$ 9 "o age become ! rul+ fa%ions ( ! next1 j z ?+s once highly hon\r$ may (t5 fall into complete discr$it4 ,take ?is in/ance4 ,9 an old & du/y folio1 entitl$ ',acadmie de l',espe#b1' :i* ,i discov]$ ye/]day bani%$ to ! d>ke/ corn] ( ! libr>y1 ,i f\nd sev]al pages entirely devot$ to ! art '( deliv]+ a /roke ) ! po9t at ! "r eye4' ,! po9t is specifi$ because 9 ^? days cuts & ?ru/s 7 held 9 equal fav\r4 ,:at d y say to a ?ru/ 9 ! eye8 ,& yet if y w consult my folio y w f9d a collection ( plates illu/rat+ all ! passes by :i* ?is brilliant /roke may be br\ght (f4 ,y "k :at is ?\ght n[-a-days ( a hit 9 ! face1 t is to say on ! mask2 we are taught1--aga9 q wrongly1--n to take ! smalle/ notice ( x4 ,& ?is leads me to hope t "s day we may yet see a revolution1 by :i* ! vulg> belly w claim its rights & 9 its turn drive out ! lordly bosom4 ,x w be rat$ too highly !n1 z x is too mu* degrad$ n[4 ,b :5 did revolutions ev] "k :]e to /op8 ,= ! assault ! "o ?+ ne$ful is self-reliance4 ,tru/ to y\r own res\rces1 & d n imag9e t y h to repeat ^w = ^w ! lesson t y h got by he>t f y\r book1 b r look = inspiration to ! res\rces ( y\r native wit4 ,v4 ,if any "o came to me = advice1 ! c\rse ,i %\ld recomm5d1 n z a h>d & fa/ rule1 b 9 a g5]al way1 w\ld be some?+ ( ?is sort3--,act z mu* z possible on ! def5sive1 keep out ( di/ance1 9 ord] to prev5t y\r oppon5t f attack+ y )\t %ift+ 8 position1 & 9 ord] to compel him to advance on y\r po9t1 ! mo/ dang]\s ?+ he c d1 & )\t a d\bt ! mo/ difficult art to acquire4 ,if y make up y\r m9d to /& y\r gr\nd :atev] happ5s1 & to attack always 9 exact measure1 in/ead ( retir+ & advanc+ ) quick & irregul> movem5ts1 & in/ead ( try+ to surprise & ov]:elm y\r adv]s>y ) comb9ations = :i* he is unprep>$1 y are to my m9d simply act+ )\t ! lea/ judgm5t1 or r y are mak+ a p]v]se blund]4 ,!n ,i %\ld g on to say1 always suppos+ t ,i 0 ask$ = my op9ion3--,make a practice ( /epp+ back z y =m ! p>ry1 if only half a pace4 ,!re is ev]y?+ to be ga9$ by x1 & !re is no objection to x t ,i c see1 unless x be ! /rong objection t y\r oppon5t w feel to be+ consid]ably emb>rass$ on e possible occasion4 ,! advantages1 on ! o!r h&1 are manifold4 ,by /epp+ back y increase ! effectiv5ess ( ! p>ry1 because by )draw+ ! body y1 9 a s5se1 d\ble ! rapidity ( ! h&4 ,if ! attack has be5 deliv]$ ) suffici5t rapidity to beat ! p>ry1 by retir+ y p>ry twice1 ! fir/ "t ) y\r blade1 ) :i* y try to f9d y\r adv]s>y's weapon1 ! second "t by remov+ ! body to a great] di/ance1 ) ! result t ! po9t1 :i* w\ld h hit y if y _h /ood y\r gr\nd1 does n rea* y\r *e/4 ,by employ+ ?is manoeuvre aga9/ simple attacks y c\nt]act rapidity ( execution1 & by employ+ x aga9/ composite attacks or aga9/ fe9ts y enc\nt] ! la/ movem5t =cibly4 ,x is also ( s]vice 9 scre5+ "o f attacks made by draw+ back ! arm1 = x (t5 happ5s if y /& y\r gr\nd1 t y\r h& />ts too soon1 & y\r sword enc\nt]s no?+ b empty air4 ,x has ! fur!r advantage ( increas+ ! f5c]'s confid5ce 9 himself4 ,d n imag9e t x h9d]s ! ripo/e4 ,x r5d]s x easi] & m c]ta94 ,ne>ly always1 :5 a f5c] has lung$ "r out1 &--z (t5 happ5s--does n recov] imm$iately1 ! two oppon5ts are s close toge!r t x is v difficult to get 9 ! ripo/e )\t %ort5+ ! arm1 & s giv+ an opportunity = a remise4 ,! p>ry & ripo/e )\t break+ gr\nd are c]ta9ly ( value1 ,i d n dispute t1 b aga9/ ! f5c]s ( all sorts1 :om y h to meet1 & :o (f] all sorts & k9ds ( difficulty1 !y %\ld n be employ$ except occasionally1 & only :5 !y are almo/ c]ta9 to succe$4 ,to my m9d x w\ld be dang]\s & unreasonable to adopt !m z ! sy/ematic basis ( y\r play4 ,,vi4 ,my reason = insi/+ s /rongly on ?is po9t is t ,i h ne>ly always f\nd t x is ?\ght to be v magnific5t to /& up to ! p>ry1 :]eas break+ gr\nd is reg>d$ z ! %ift ( a man h>d press$1 a la/ resort :5 ! h& has prov$ too sl[1 or :5 x is necess>y to retrieve an error ( judgm5t4 ,n[ my plan provides y ) a second l9e ( def5ce1 )\t infr++ any ( ! recognis$ canons2 x is consi/5t ) ! mo/ classical /yle1 & ) p]fect control ( y\r weapon4 ,& "o may well ask :y1 :5 two *ances ( safety are at y\r disposal1 y %\ld delib]ately resolve to avail y\rself ( only "o ( !m8 ,i %\ld accord+ly rev]se ! usual advice1 ?us3-- ',z a g5]al rule & on pr9ciple break gr\nd z y p>ry1 ei!r by a few in*es or by a cle> pace1 accord+ to ! mom5tum ( y\r oppon5t's attack1 = by break+ gr\nd ,i d n mean to say t y are to avoid a hit by cont9ual & precipitate bolt+4 ',sometimes /& firm1 b only :5 y are sure t y h at la/ induc$ y\r oppon5t to develope an attack1 :i* y h long be5 wait+ = him to make4' ,,vii4 ,unless ,i "k my man1 or h come to an und]/&+ ) him be=eh&1 ,i h v little fai? 9 a prolong$ concat5ation ( p>ries1 ripo/es & c\nt]-ripo/es1 & "h aga9 ,i %\ld try to relieve ! m9d1 z mu* z may be1 f an unnecess>y burd51 by gett+ rid ( complications in/ead ( multiply+ !m4 ,i look at x 9 ?is way4 ,if a f5c] has to conc]n himself ) ! diff]5t l9es 9 :i* he may be attack$1 he mu/ be 9 a /ate ( cont9ual susp5se4 ,he w be cont9ually ask+ himself :e!r ! attack is com+ 9 ! inside l9e or ! outside1 9 ! high l9e or ! l[4 ,?us1 9 ord] to p>ry to advantage & correctly he mu/ wait until 8 enemy's object is cle>ly disclos$4 ,take ! case ( a simple attack promptly execut$2 x is obvi\s t ! attack] mu/ ga9 a consid]able />t4 ,true1 !re are a few f5c]s1 b v few1 gift$ ) s f9e a s5se ( t\*1 t !y c div9e _! adv]s>y's int5tion1 & read 8 inmo/ ?\ght4 ,less gift$ mortals %\ld be cont5t ) a p>ry :i* me*anically trav]ses all ! l9es4 ,su* a p>ry mu/ ( necessity enc\nt] ! adv]se blade =cibly 9 :i*ev] l9e ! enemy has select$ = 8 attack4 ,:5 once y h acquir$ ?is univ]sal p>ry ! /ra9 is less5$1 y\r m9d is m at ease1 y are m sure ( y\rself & feel t y c act ) c]ta9ty & decision4 ,,viii4 ,!re are two k9ds ( p>ry1 among ^? :i* ,i enum]at$ ! o!r day1 :i* answ] ?is purpose equally well4 ,! fir/ consi/s 9 comb9+ ! p>ry ( ti]ce or c\nt] ti]ce ) a cut ov] & beat 9 qu>te2 ! second 9 p>ry+ c\nt] ti]ce & c\nt] qu>te 9 succession1 & vice v]sa1 or c\nt] qu>te & circle4 ,^! cov]+ p>ries ?\gh !y are te*nically composite1 9 practice are fairly simple1 & rapidly pass ?r\gh all ! l9es t are op5 to attack4 ,*oose ! "o :i* y pref] in/9ctively1 :i* is ano!r way ( say+ ! "o t comes mo/ naturally to y\r h&4 ,or1 if y l1 use sometimes "o1 sometimes ! o!r4 ,b :at if ?is p>ry is deceiv$8 ask$ ! ,comte de ,r4 ,well1 ,i answ]$1 ',deception no *eat+' is ! f5c]'s motto4 ,!re is no su* ?+ z an attack t _c be p>ri$1 or a p>ry t _c be deceiv$4 ,soon] or lat] ! fatal mom5t comes1 & sup]ior activity or sup]ior cunn+ prevails4 ,if any pr(essor c inv5t an attack :i* x is impossible to resi/1 or a p>ry :i* x is impossible to deceive1 ,i %\ld advise him to take v good c>e to secure ! pat5t rights ( 8 inv5tion )\t a mom5t's delay4 ,he w\ld c]ta9ly h no difficulty 9 float+ a company to put x on ! m>ket 9 all ! capitals ( ,europe4 ,i h already express$ my op9ion t a f5c]'s /r5g? lies mu* m 9 pres5ce ( m9d & 9 quickness ( h& ?an 9 a v v>i$ play4 ,?is is s true t ! majority ( f5c]s1 amateur & pr(essional alike1 affect c]ta9 fav\rite /rokes2 !y h fav\rite attacks1 fav\rite p>ries & ripo/es1 & always come back to !m z to old fri5ds on ^: s]vices !y c confid5tly rely4 ,9 ! c\rse ( an assault ! same /roke is (t5 repeat$ 9 _m diff]5t ways2 ! %ape x takes *anges ) ! *ang+ incid5ts ( ! fight1 & accord+ly z x is adapt$ to suit ! peculi>ities ( ! individual aga9/ :om x is employ$4 ,t is ! great beauty ( a /roke 9 f5c+4 ,"s ( y1 ,i "k1 are n f5c]s1 b !re are "o or two connoisseurs pres5t1 :o h /udi$ ! art1 & are exp]ts4 ,x is to !m t ,i n[ appeal4 ,z an illu/ration ( my argum5t ,i w take ! mo/ simple p>ry1 ! p>ry ( qu>te1 & ,i w ask !m if x is n ! fact t x con/antly *anges & und]goes surpris+ trans=mations8 ,sometimes x is a light t\*1 sometimes a vigor\s1 almo/ a viol5t bl[2 x may =m a high p>ry1 x may =m a l[ p>ry1 x s]ves = e purpose & answ]s e call t c be made ^u x4 ,wat* ! blade z ! p>ry is =m$2--p]haps x j meets ! adv]se blade & sudd5ly quits x or x may hold & dom9ate x4 ,x is ?is p[] ( v>y+ ! /roke & trans=m+ x at w t m>ks ! true f5c]4 ,! man1 ,i repeat1 :o is cont5t to recite 8 lesson by rote1 h[ev] well he has le>nt x1 c nev] be any?+ m ?an a s*ool-boy2 call him t or an accompli%$ p>rot1 :i*ev] he pref]s4 ,,ix4 ,i 0 read+ "o ( ! anci5t treatises1 :i* are repos+ peacefully on y\r du/y %elves1 my de> ,c41 :5 ,i came across ! foll[+ passage1 :i* r /ruck my fancy3-- ,! law ( def5ce decl>es t y\r motions %\ld be ! natural motions ( a man's body4 ,b1 h[ev] sacr$ ! dignity ( law may be1 nev]!less y ought to consid] t necessity kn[s no law1 & t x ov]rides ev5 ! weightie/ laws ( human contrivance4 ,t 0 writt5 9 #afjj4 ,! maxim is a trifle too sweep+ = g5]al application1 b x seems to me to be a good & s]viceable maxim :5 appli$ to sword-play4 ,my rem>ks are p]haps some:at disconnect$4 ,i am simply giv+ y my ideas at r&om1 z !y occur to me4 ,b my ma9 object is to direct y\r att5tion to ! po9ts :i* appe> to me ( "s importance4 ,aft] ! p>ries come ! ripo/es4 ,on ?is subject a few words w suffice4 ,nev] =get t ! p>ry & ripo/e are tw9 si/]s1 ^: lives are s closely b\nd up 9 ea* o!r1 t !y _c exi/ ap>t4 ,ripo/e & p>ry ought to be s closely alli$ t ! ripo/e may seem to be ! second "p ( ! p>ry4 ,!re=e1 z a g5]al pr9ciple1 ripo/e direct1 9 ! l9e 9 :i* y h f\nd ! blade4 ,*ang+ ! l9e wa/es "t1 & gives y\r adv]s>y an opportunity to pull himself toge!r & make a remise or r5ew ! attack4 ,nev]1 on any consid]ation1 all[ y\rself to draw back y\r arm1 = !n y\r ripo/e is lo/1--z well ?r[ y\r purse 9 ! gutt]4 ,if y\r judgm5t tells y t y\r adv]s>y is wait+ = y\r direct ripo/e1 & has attack$ y ) ! object ( draw+ x1 or if y h notic$ t he cov]s himself effectively on t side1 :ile he leaves y a cle> op5+ else:]e1 !n avoid ! trap by a dis5gagem5t or a cut-ov]2 b only make "o fe9t1 nev] m ?an "o4 ,=1 if y d1 ?\gh y may succe$ once1 y w probably f9d out lat] t y\r success 0 de>ly b\ght4 ,x is always wise1 y "k1 to c\nt ! co/1 & economise y\r res\rces1 unless y wi% to take ! /raight road to ru94 ,x4 ,our *at to-night1 ,i rem>k$ aft] a mom5t's sil5ce1 if x has n be5 v long1 has at lea/ be5 v s]i\s4 ,i only compla9 t y h n suffici5tly int]rupt$ me4 ,we h be5 li/5+ to y1 said ! ,comte de ,r41 v att5tively1 because y w>n$ u ( ! importance ( y\r subject4 ,v well1 my de> ,r41 ,i repli$4 ,n[ j imag9e y are 9 c\rt1 & let u he> h[ y w\ld sum up ! case = ! b5efit ( ! jury4 ,i fancy ,i c d t r well1 answ]$ ,r4 ,let me try3--,! lesson1 y say1 is ! s*ool-room1 ! assault is ! f5c]'s c>e]1 a free field = ent]prise1 :]e he mu/ /& or fall by d9t ( 8 own unaid$ g5ius4 ,! only c\nsels1 :i* are wor? any?+1 are ^? :i* h gov]n$ attack & def5ce f "t immemorial4 ,= attack1 ! union ( desp]ate en]gy ) cool & calculat+ caution2 = def5ce1 firmness1 w>9ess1 self-reliance4 ,!n1 pass+ f ! g5]al "q to po9ts ( detail1 or execution1 ,i %\ld add3--,x is a great mi/ake1 a piece ( inconceivable folly1 to h boycott$1 to use y\r own expression1 hits 9 ! v l[ l9es1 because ! f5c] is prev5t$ !reby f acquir+ ! habit ( /rictly gu>d+ ^? p>ts ( ! body1 :]e 9 a s]i\s enc\nt] any w\nd w\ld probably prove fatal4 ,z a g5]al rule /ep back z y =m ! p>ry1 to make assurance d\bly sure1 & to give great] fre$om to y\r ripo/e4 ,/& y\r gr\nd only :5 y ?9k y h judg$ ! /roke to a nicety1 & :5 y hold y\r adv]s>y 9 a tight place1 f :i* he _c escape4 ,i am inf9itely oblig$ to y1 my de> ,r41 ,i rem>k$4 ,y h summ>is$ mo/ excell5tly ! po9ts t ,i h work$ out 9 detail1 & y h exactly caught my mean+4 ,v good ( y to say s1 answ]$ ,r41 b let me f9i%3--,9 ord] to keep y\r wits ab\t y1 & to avoid try+ to ?9k ( too _m ?+s at once1 adopt z a rule a univ]sal p>ry1 :i* w cut all ! l9es1 & mu/ meet & drive away y\r oppon5t's blade4 ,always ripo/e direct1 & be c>eful on y\r ripo/e to avoid mak+ fe9ts :i* expose y to a remise or to a r5ewal ( ! attack4 ,does t satisfy y8 ,y h tak5 u ov] ! gr\nd mo/ admirably1 my de> ,pr(essor4 ,to-morr[1 ,i propose to discuss ! attack1 & 9 ?is connection we %all h to consid] :at is usually call$ 'le s5tim5t du f]1' ! f5c]'s s5se ( t\*4 ,to ?is sov]eign pr9ciple we are ask$ to swe> allegiance1 z ?\gh x occupi$ ! ?rone by div9e "r4 ,i %all ask y to consid] ! pret5sions ( ano!r claimant ( v noble l9eage to a %>e ( ! royal hon\rs4 ,illu/ration3 ,a ripo/e 9 ti]ce4 ,! ,fif? ,ev5+ ,illu/ration ,i4 ,al?\gh our conv]sation 0 q in=mal & simply an aft]-d9n] amusem5t1 ,i f\nd t x involv$ dilig5t prep>ation1 especially :5 ,i 0 approa*+ "o ( ! que/ions :]e ,i 0 9 op5 conflict ) curr5t !ories1 :i* are (t5 tak5 = grant$ on no bett] gr\nd ?an _! respectable antiquity4 ,"o ( ^! !ories1 :i* is describ$ 9 f5c+ language z ! importance ( judg+ ! blade by t\*1 ,i 0 n[ prep>$ to *all5ge1 & ,i 0 ready to ma9ta9 ! sup]iority ( ano!r pr9ciple1 aga9/ :i* ! pr(essors raise _! voices1 almo/ ) "o accord1 9 a *orus ( unm]it$ abuse4 ,accord+ly :5 we assembl$ 9 ! smok+-room1 ,i took my usual seat & began )\t preface4 ,,ii4 ,p]haps ,i _h bett] expla9 :at is meant by refus+ to jo9 blades4 ,x means t1 z soon z y h come on gu>d1 y break away f ! engagem5t1 & avoid cross+ swords ) y\r adv]s>y1 in/ead ( all[+ ! blades to rema9 9 contact4 ,?is1 ,i consid]1 0 "o ( ! mo/ successful innovations ( :at x is ! fa%ion to call ',! ,new ,s*ool'2 & ,i am !re=e v f> f %>+ ! op9ions ( ! pr(essors1 :o discov] 9 ! practice ! corruption ( ! be/ traditions ( sword-play1 & decl>e t ! refusal to jo9 blades is equival5t to f5c+ bl9dfold1 & )\t judgm5t2 x leads1 !y say1 to mutual hits1 & deprives ! f5c] ( "o ( ! f9e/ accompli%m5ts he c acquire1 ! p[] ( judg+ ! sword by t\*4 ,,iii4 ,und\bt$ly ! f5c]'s t\* is a great res\rce2 ,i am ev5 will+ to all[ t x is invaluable1 & x is a ?+ t c only be obta9$ by practice & p]sev]ance2 x gives lightness & dext]ity to ! h&1 & enables ! foil to be manipulat$ ) accuracy & spe$4 ,x is ! ref9$ result t is d]iv$ f extreme ease 9 regulat+ ! ext5sion ( ! arm1 f exquisite subtlety 9 ! use ( ! f+]s1 & f precision ( play1 :i* involves its victim almo/ unaw>es1 dismays1 & utt]ly conf\nds him4 ,i pr(ess ! greate/ admiration = ?is consummate p[] ( f5ce1 s seldom se5 to p]fection4 ,no "o c ?9k m highly ( x ?an ,i d1 & on t acc\nt ,i am /rongly conv9c$ ( ! necessity ( devis+ a means to resi/ x1 :5 x is us$ aga9/ me4 ,i %all p]haps be told to combat x by an equally f9e s5se ( t\*2--b x is /ill m r>e to see a b\t ( f5c+ 9 :i* ! two m5 are ev5ly mat*$ 9 ?is respect1 & g5]al pr9ciples %\ld be bas$ on g5]al gr\nds1 n on exceptional cases4 ,! man :o possesses ?is consummate sleight ( t\* may almo/ be said to control 8 oppon5t's blade by ! ex]cise ( 8 w4 ,by a sort ( hypnotic influ5ce or fasc9ation he does ) x :at he pleases4 ,if y refuse ! engagem5t1 y create a difficulty = him2 if y d n all[ him to br+ 8 blade into contact ) y\rs1 y put an imp$im5t 9 8 way1 :i* 8 skill w d\btless ov]come1 b ) less c]ta9ty2 8 c\rse is n s cle>1 & he is no long] completely ma/] ( ! situation4 ,= if y jo9 blades y are always )9 /rik+ di/ance ( 8 po9t1 t is to say he c attack y at any mom5t )\t %ift+ 8 gr\nd4 ,n[ su* attacks are exce$+ly difficult to /op1 ev5 = ! mo/ practis$ h&1 especially simple attacks su* z /raight ?ru/s or simple dis5gagem5ts4 ,! m9d p]petually held 9 susp5se is h>ass$ & di/ress$1 y h no leisure to ?9k = y\rself & are demoralis$ by ! sl[ torture ( a con/ant /ra94 ,=1 ,i repeat1 x is v r>e to f9d two f5c]s s ev5ly mat*$ 9 ?is respect t ! risk is equally divid$4 ,9 t case ,i %\ld say3--',d :at y please4' ,9 ! o!r case3--',by refus+ ! engagem5t y c at fir/ keep y\r oppon5t out ( di/ance1 :i* w compel him to advance 9 ord] to attack y1 & s give y fair w>n+ ( 8 int5tion4 ,y are no long] expos$ to ! p>alys+ influ5ce ( a con/antly ?reat5$ attack1 :i* de/roys y\r lib]ty ( action & judgm5t2 y disconc]t y\r adv]s>y by leav+ him 9 ! d>k z to ! l9e 9 :i* he w enc\nt] y\r blade2 & y c *oose y\r own "t1 :5 y are ready to attack or p>ry1 to engage 8 blade ) decision4' ,= my own "p1 ,i am q satisfi$ t ! sy/em is a safe & s\nd def5sive measure1 :i* (f]s advantages t _c be d5i$4 ,pressures1 b9ds1 beats & croiss1 all ^? dang]\s movem5ts by :i* y\r oppon5t c br+ ! =t ( 8 blade to be> on ! faible ( y\rs1 are r5d]$ v difficult to p]=m1 & are mu* less likely to succe$4 ,surprise attacks are entirely or at lea/ s ne>ly elim9at$1 t _! occurr5ce is a r>e ev5t4 ,,iv4 ,i h endeav\r$ to /ate z cle>ly z possible ! advantages t a weak f5c] may d]ive f ?is sy/em1 :5 he is oppos$ to a combatant m exp]i5c$ & m skilful ?an himself2 b fur!r ?an t1 ,i believe t ! skilful & exp]i5c$ f5c] has also some?+ to ga9 by adopt+ ?is mu* despis$ me?od4 ,i h myself nev] be5 able to discov] t x is incompatible ) p]fect '=m1' or t x t5ds to wild play4 ,x op5s a wid] field1 x %[s ! fallacy ( c]ta9 ideas1 :i* h be5 wrongly suppos$ to be unassailable1 & x furni%es a :ole range ( new situations1 ano!r _w to conqu]4 ,:at gr\nd is !re1 ,i w\ld ask my critic1 = y\r ass]tion t ,i mu/ be f5c+ bl9dly1 because my sword does n happ5 to be 9 con/ant t\* ) y\rs8 ,:y d y say t mutual hits mu/ occur m frequ5tly8 ,if y are talk+ ( a pair ( duff]s1 :o *>ge ea* o!r bl9dly1 y may tru/ !m to commit e possible blund]1 :e!r !y jo9 blades or n4 ,b :y %\ld y exalt s highly :at y call ! faculty ( t\*1 ! p[] ( judg+ ! blade by t\*1 & be s ready to degrade t o!r sov]eign pr9ciple1 :i* may be call$ ! faculty ( sight1 ! p[] ( judg+ ! sword by eye8 ,c y d5y ! controll+ influ5ce ( ! eye1 ! au?ority t belongs to x8 ,d y believe t ! eye _c be tra9$ to ! same degree ( nicety z ! h&8 ,:y1 :5 y h ^! two =ces at y\r disposal1 are y cont5t to let "o ( !m d duty = bo?8 ,y may keep y\r oppon5t at 8 di/ance by ! m5ace ( y\r nimble po9t1 :i* fla%es 9 8 sight incessantly2 :ile y\r wat*ful eye foll[s ! movem5ts ( 8 sword & reads 8 ?\ght1 z well z if ! blades 7 cross$ & que/ion$ ea* o!r by ! language ( ! /eel4 ,!n1 :5 x suits y\r conv5i5ce1 :5 y see a fav\rable opportunity1 :5 y h by a rapid calculation reckon$ up ! situation1 weigh$ ! *ances1 tak5 ev]y?+ into acc\nt1 !n is ! "t to (f] y\r sword1 !n is ! "t to engage y\r adv]s>y1 or by bold decid$ movem5ts to get control ( 8 blade4 ,v4 ,b1 object$ "o ( my he>]s1 :at if y\r adv]s>y adopts ! same tactics1 & refuses ! engagem5t8 ,t is :]e sci5ce & /r5g?1 skill & p]sonal sup]iority tell4 ,:at is f5c+ if x is n ! art ( lead+ y\r oppon5t into a trap1 ! art ( mak+ him ?9k t he w be attack$ 9 "o place1 :5 y mean to hit him 9 ano!r8 ! skill to outwit 8 calculations1 to ma/] 8 game1 p>alyse 8 action1 outmanoeuvre him1 r$uce him to impot5ce8--,t is ! sort ( ?+ ! accompli%$ f5c] sets himself to d4 ,y\r adv]s>y1 y say1 w n come to an engagem5t4 ,v good2 !n y mu/ =ce him to x by fe9ts1 or by ?reat5+ to attack4 ,ei!r he attempts to p>ry or he attempts to ?ru/4 ,9 ei!r case y get comm& ( 8 blade by a simple or by a d\ble beat1 z ! case may be1 & !n y drive y\r attack home4 ,x holds good ) f5c+1 z x does ) all w>like measures1 :e!r on a l>ge scale or small1 t y mu/ n wait = :at y want to be br\ght to y2 y mu/ le>n to help y\rself2 take no d5ial1 b by =ce or fraud get possession4 ,n[1 ,i appeal to y all z critics1 n on a te*nical "q ( f5c+1 on :i* no "o c be expect$ to give an op9ion )\t a ?or\gh k ( ! art1 b on a simpl] matt]4 ,i w contra/ two assaults4 ,imag9e t y are ! spectators4 ,! fir/ is betwe5 two f5c]s ( ! classical s*ool1 to use ! conv5tional phrase4 ,! swords are cross$1 & ! two adv]s>ies1 bo? gift$ ) consummate skill1 /& fac+ ea* o!r1 foot to foot4 ,fe9t foll[s fe9t1 & p>ry p>ry2 a simple attack is deliv]$1 x is succe$$ by a comb9ation4 ,! attitudes ( bo? are irreproa*able2 ! body always upright2 ! quick h& ) exquisite f9esse manipulates ! danc+ po9t by subtle & accurate f+]-play4 ,y admire ! exhibition2 = a mom5t y foll[ ! quick passage ( ! blades1 b y\r sympa?ies are n ar\s$1 y are n c>ri$ away1 or en?rall$ 9 spite ( y\rself 9 a fev] ( anxi\s expectation4 ,n[ turn to ! o!r assault4 ,?is also is f\ght by two skilful f5c]s1 b !y g to "w on q a diff]5t sy/em4 ,look at ! combatants4 ,in/ead ( /&+ foot to foot1 & blade to blade1 !y are out ( di/ance1 on ! al]t1 ready to /rike b cauti\s4 ,_! eyes foll[ ea* o!r1 & wat* = ! tell-tale movem5t4 ,sudd5ly !y close1 ! blades cross1 int]lock1 & break away4 ,t 0 a se>*+ ?ru/6 ,b by a sudd5 retreat1 a rapid movem5t1 p]haps a leap backw>ds1 ! f5c] evades ! hit1 & is ready on ! in/ant to give back ! po9t4 ,?is assault is a battle betwe5 two m51 :o mean h>d fight+1 ke5 swordsm51 dodgy1 artful1 & slipp]y1 :o br+ to be> all _! sci5ce1 employ e trick !y c ?9k (1 & ?r[ !mselves body & s\l into ! fight4 ,n[ let me ask y1 :i* ( ^! two assaults is ! m int]e/+ to foll[8 ,,vi4 ,i rememb] an assault1 9 ,m4 ,pons's rooms1 betwe5 "o ( my fri5ds & a man :o 0 g5]ally consid]$ & really 0 a /rong f5c]1 al?\gh he insi/$ on cl++ to t mis*iev\s r\t9e1 :i* ) "s m5 is a sup]/ition4 ,!y came on gu>d1 & my fri5d1 aft] cross+ swords to %[ t he 0 ready to def5d himself1 quitt$ ! engagem5t1 attack$1 & hit 8 oppon5t sev]al times4 ',b1 ,sir1' 8 oppon5t object$1 'y d n jo9 blades4' ',:y %\ld ,i8' ',unless y jo9 blades1 h[ am ,i to f5ce8' ',t is y\r look-out4' ',b y mu/ jo9 blades4' ',:y mu/ ,i8 ,my only object1 ,i assure y1 is to endeav\r1 z well z ,i am able1 to disconc]t my oppon5t1 & z ,i f9d t ?is plan disconc]ts y consid]ably1 ,i see all ! m reason :y ,i %\ld cont9ue to employ x4' ',t may be1' rejo9$ ! o!r /ick+ to 8 po9t1 'b if y d n jo9 blades1 x is n f5c+4' ',well1' said my fri5d1 'let u try = a mom5t to discuss ! matt]4 ,tell me1 are my hits improp]ly deliv]$8' ',oh1 no4' ',did ,i /ab1 or come 9 ) a r\nd-arm8' ',c]ta9ly n' ',is !re any?+ wrong ) my p>ries8 ,are !y too wide1 or :at8 ,is my h& too heavy1 or d y compla9 ( mutual hits8' ',no1 t is n ! po9t4' ',!n1 :at m d y want8' ',i want y to jo9 blades4' ',to oblige y8' ',no1 ,i d n say t4 ,b unless y jo9 blades x is n f5c+4' ,& say :at "o might1 no?+ w\ld make him budge f 8 ev]la/+ axiom4 ,x is always s1 :5ev] an attempt is made to int]f]e ) ! traditions ( any art :atev]4 ,! man :o tries to /rike out a new l9e _c fail to di/urb ! tranquil repose ( anci5t cu/om4 ,! cons]vatives resi/1 !y object to int]f]5ce1 !y feel t _! placid triumphs1 _! *]i%$ habits are ?reat5$4 ,! regul> r\t9e1 :i* has be5 drill$ into !m1 till !y "k x l an old tune ( :i* e turn & e note is famili>1 w be unsettl$4 ,!y h good reason to be annoy$1 b t does n prove !m to be "r4 ,,vii4 ,at ! pres5t day p h gradually come to admit t !re is "s good 9 ^! innovations1 :i* h sudd5ly enl>g$ ! scope ( f5c+4 ',f5c+1' !y say1 'is m difficult ?an x us$ to be1 b less graceful4' ,are ^! qualities !n necess>ily incompatible ) ea* o!r8 ,9 ord] to make a cle> di/9ction betwe5 ^? :o run aft] /range gods1 & ! 'auld li*ts' :o h pres]v$ intact ! primitive tradition ( ! true fai?1 a phrase has be5 inv5t$ to describe ! backslid]s4 ,!y are said to be 'difficult f5c]s4' ,n[ :at are ^! words suppos$ to mean8 ,d !y imply t a graceful f5c] is n difficult8 ,no d\bt1 classical grace & a ma/]ly /yle are v f9e ?+s1 :i* ,i1 = "o1 c appreciate & admire4 ,b if ,i am ask$ to *oose betwe5 ! graceful & ! difficult f5c]1--if x is n possible to be bo? at once1--,i mu* pref] ! latt]1 = ,i suppose t 'difficult' c only mean difficult to hit1 difficult to defeat4 ,b !re is no ne$ to suppose t difficulty is incompatible ) grace1 at lea/ ) grace ( a c]ta9 k9d1 ! grace ( manly & robu/ en]gy1 :i* sits well ^u ! fight+ man1 su* grace z 9 old times s well became ! gallant *evali]s1 :o illum9$ by _! pr[ess ! spaci\s days ( ruff & rapi]4 ,we h "h ano!r ( ! important po9ts ( diff]5ce betwe5 ! two s*ools4 ,"s p treat ! newcom] l an inconv5i5t gue/1 :om !y _c v well turn out ( doors4 ,b !y may z well make up _! m9ds t ! intrud] c take c>e ( himself1 & w f9d room = 8 ample proportions 9 ! dome/ic circle4 ,he has come to /ay1 & :e!r !y l him or n he means to make "o ( ! p>ty4 ,! axiom--',hit & d n be hit back' ought1 9 spite ( ev]y?+ t c be said aga9/ x1 to be ! motto ( all :o fight ) ! sword4 ,sci5ce may tea* h[ to hit well1 b its fir/ lesson %\ld be1 h[ n to be hit at all by ! arrant duff]1 :o uses 8 sword by ! light ( nature4 ,:5 swordsman%ip fails to keep ?is end 9 view1 we may be v sure t x is (f ! track4 ',bus9ess fir/' mu/ be ! inv>iable rule4 ,,viii4 ,!re 0 a "t :5 ! mask 0 n worn = ! assault4 ,& ,i rememb] read+ "s "t ago 9 ! ,encyclopa$ia1 publi%$ ab\t ! middle ( la/ c5tury 7#agee71 "u ! ^w mask ! foll[+ rem>ks3-- ',9 foil-play ,f5c]s h sometimes c>ri$ precaution s f> z to we> a mask1 to protect !mselves f possible hits 9 ! face4 ,x is true t ^? :o h acquir$ little skill 9 ! ,art may *ance to w\nd _! ,adv]s>y by a clumsy ?ru/1 or cause !mselves to be w\nd$ by ?r[+ up ! po9t ) a bad p>ry4 ,x is h[ev] nev] worn at ! pres5t day4' ,?is encyclopa$ia evid5tly reflects ! ideas :i* 7 g5]ally accept$ at ! "t4 ,to we> a mask 9 a b\t ) ! foils 0 z mu* z to say t y consid]$ y\r oppon5t a duff]1 & 0 n f> %ort ( an insult4 ,f5c+ 9 ^? days 0 no?+ b a =mal s]ies ( attacks1 fe9ts1 p>ries & ripo/es1 well und]/ood & def9$ by ! code2 e movem5t l$ up to "s o!r movem5t1 :i* 0 rigidly prescrib$4 ,if a f5c] _h v5tur$ on a /raight ?ru/ :ile ! fe9ts 7 9 progress1 in/ead ( elaborately foll[+ ! blade ?r\gh e turn ( ! labyr9?1 he w\ld h be5 consid]$ an unmann]ly cub1 & s5t back to /udy 8 rudim5ts4 ,x 0 only 9 ! la/ ye>s ( ! p]iod signalis$ by ! fam\s ,sa9t-,georges t ! mask came into g5]al use4 ,ev5 !n ! only masks us$ 7 made ( t91 & ! pr(essors' view 0 t su* safegu>ds 7 p]missible = r\gh play]s4 ,b x s happ5$ t ?ree pr(essors ea* lo/ an eye4 ,& _! respect = anci5t tradition did n g f> en\gh to induce !m to risk los+ ! "o t rema9$4 ,aft] t ! wire mask 0 g5]ally adopt$1 b n )\t regret4 ,,ix4 ,e g5]ation takes ! m>* ( progress "o /age fur!r1 or at lea/ modifies exi/+ in/itutions 9 its own way4 ,x is n s long s9ce ! fanciful multiplication ( fe9ts1 ( :i* ,i 0 speak+ j n[1 0 consid]$ ! correct game2 ! "r ?+ to d 0 to foll[ ! blade until y f\nd x4 ,at ! pres5t day x is no long] "p ( ! necess>y ritual to foll[ always e vag>y4 ,suppose y fe9t inord9ately1 ,i sudd5ly let drive ) opposition ( ! h&1 or simply /raight5 my arm & hit y ) a /op ?ru/1 :i* int]f]es r effectively ) y\r trick9ess1 & spoils ! magnific5t fl\ri%es ( y\r arabesques4 ,^! hits are n[ recognis$ & regul>ly taught4 ,if ne$ be1 in/ead ( lung+ y slip ! left foot to ! re>1 ?r[ ! left %\ld] well back1 s z to be out ( ! way1 & drop ! body1 9 ord] to avoid be+ hit y\rself4 ,! sy/em ( our fa!rs1 :i* 9 _m respects 0 excell5t b at ! same "t 0 rem>kable = sev]al v odd & v p]emptory !ories1 has 9 _m in/ances be5 successfully assail$4 ,p]haps 9 "s cases its assailants h !mselves be5 too p]emptory1 & ?is has l$ to t loss ( temp] & angry recrim9ation1 by :i* ! debate has be5 embitt]$4 ,b ,i mu/ n tax y\r pati5ce fur!r to-night4 ,we _h bett] adj\rn ! discussion until to-morr[2 o!rwise y w be tir$ ( he>+ me talk1 & ,i am s9c]ely anxi\s to comm& y\r :ole att5tion4 ,illu/ration ,! ,six? ,ev5+ ,illu/ration3 ,a v old trick4 ,i4 ,f5c+1 ,i began1 :5 we _h all reassembl$ z usual1 is su* an inexhau/ible topic1 t ,i c\ld n1 if ,i w\ld1 pret5d to g m9utely into all its practical details4 ,no "o gift$ ) a modicum ( s5se1 a little det]m9ation1 & a da% ( ent]prise1 c fail to /rike out a l9e = himself4 ,i am oblig$1 z y see1 to cont5t myself ) a g5]al view4 ,= we _c consid] ! assault1 & especially an assault 9 :i* ! combatants use _! heads z well z _! h&s1 )\t assum+ t our "y fri5d has ga9$ "s sci5ce1 & has become an educat$ f5c]4 ,i h already spok5 ( p>ries & ripo/es1 & y h se5 t ! lesson tea*es h[ ^! %\ld be employ$4 ,y "k :at use may be made ( ! s5se ( t\*1 ! p[] ( feel+ ! blade1 & ( ! electric influ5ce ( ! eye4 ,x rema9s to say a few words on ! subject ( attacks4 ,x is m dang]\s to attack ?an to p>ry4 ,in/ead ( wait+ y let y\rself g4 ,& ! great difficulty is to "k h[ to let y\rself g f> en\gh )\t go+ too f>4 ,rememb] t discretion is ! bett] "p ( val\r2 b d n conf\nd discretion ) timidity4 ,i h already said t y ought to be able & will+1 & m ?an t1 t y ought to make x y\r object to enc\nt] e sort ( /yle1 ev5 ^? /yles :i* are h>dly wor?y or--to be q c&id--are q unwor?y ( ! "n4 ,z a matt] ( fact !re are su* /yles1 & !re=e x is j z well n to all[ _! expon5ts to become conceit$1 or to imag9e t by any *ance !y c possibly be effective4 ,x is important = ! pre/ige ( f5c+1 t ^? :o h no k ( _! weapon1 or at mo/ a m]e smatt]+1 %\ld n be all[$ to suppose t !y c dep5d ^u m]e en]gy & a bl9d ru% to def5d !mselves aga9/ a man :o has be5 tra9$ to ! skilful h&l+ ( ! sword4 ,confid5ce1 t ma9e/ ma9/ay ( def5ce1 ought n to be possible = ! ignorant f5c]2 x ought to be ! peculi> privilege ( ! tra9$ & sci5tific exp]t4 ,,ii4 ,to come back to ! v>i\s situations :i* may occur 9 ! assault4 ,if ,i see a f5c]1 z soon z he falls on gu>d1 engage swords1 & at once hurri$ly let fly ?ru/ aft] ?ru/1 attack foll[+ attack 9 quick succession1 if he neglects to te/ ! l5g? ( 8 oppon5t's sword by gradually feel+ 8 way1 by employ+ all ! necess>y tactics ( ! prelim9>y skirmi%1 by prospect+ = in=mation & discreetly s\nd+ ! enemy1 !n to my m9d he may be class$ at once4 ,he may h "s dext]ity1 a c]ta9 p[] ( execution1 b by ! m]e act ( jo9+ blades he may be set d[n z a bl9d f5c]1 f> m truly ?an ! man :o keeps out ( di/ance1 & *ooses ! prop] mom5t at "o "t to refuse1 at ano!r1 :5 lea/ expect$1 to take ! engagem5t1 or to seize 8 oppon5t's blade ) c\rage & resolution4 ,i suppose1 rem>k$ ! ,comte de ,r41 t1 a few ye>s h5ce1 x is highly probable t a new set ( !ories w be inv5t$ to sup]s$e ^! mod]n ideas1 :i* are s hotly disput$ n[1 & !y 9 _! turn w be consid]$ out ( date4 ,no d\bt t is to be expect$ 9 ! nature ( ?+s4 ,! =m may or r c]ta9ly w *ange1 b ! sub/ance w be unalt]$4 ,let me submit evid5ce to prove x4 ,i m5tion$ ! o!r day "s old books on sword-play :i* ,i hop$ to look ?r\gh4 ,i w only ref] to !m = "o mom5t4 ,i manag$ to read !m all1 & dre>y read+ x 01 b ,i got ?r\gh !m1 be+ support$ by a consci5ti\s s5se ( duty1 & ,i une>!d among o!rs ! two foll[+ passages4 ,! fir/ on ! subject ( ,approa*es 0 writt5 9 ! sev5te5? c5tury1 t is to say1 x is ab\t two hundr$ ye>s old3-- ',! reason :y y mu/ make y\r /eps ( unequal ,measure is t !reby y always hold y\r ,adv]s>y 9 ,susp5se & unc]ta9 :at y w\ld be at4 ,= if y always g ab\t y\r bus9ess ( a set way & ) a set regul>ity ( /ep1 x may happ5 t ! ,enemy w make 8 reckon+ s exactly1 t he c direct 8 sword n only at ! place :]e he sees y to be1 b ev5 at t place to :i* he kn[s y w pres5tly come1 :]e( by ?is means he is h9d]$4' ,"o might suppose t ?is 0 writt5 ye/]day4 ,c\ld any pr(essor1 h[ev] skilful1 put ! po9t bett] or m logically8 ,! weapons h[ev] 7 v diff]5t f ours1 heavy cut & ?ru/ rapi]s1 wield$ sometimes 9 "o h&1 sometimes 9 bo?2 b ! laws ( judgm5t1 caution1 & /rategy 7 ! same1 & w be ! same a hundr$ ye>s h5ce4 ,to prove once m t ?is new s*ool1 :i* a few ye>s s9ce 0 receiv$ ) a h[l ( abuse1 really did n advance su* v extravagant doctr9es1 & t ! p[] ( eye1 :i* we 7 discuss+ ye/]day1 is intimately connect$ ) ! p[] ( t\*1 ,i h made a note ( ^! o!r few l9es1 /ill on ! subject ( attacks3-- ',x foll[s t ! great ga9 t ,sci5ce gives is ,security 9 mak+ y\r ,approa*es1 :i* _c be obta9$ except y ?or\ghly compreh5d ! ,importance bo? ( ,t\* & ,eye2 & y may re/ assur$ t bodily activity & read9ess ( h& are alike z no?+ :5 weigh$ aga9/ a good ,approa*4' ,& we are reluctantly oblig$ to admit t aft] all our orig9al ideas h be5 anticipat$1 & we /& convict$ ( plagi>ism4 ,i might rev5ge myself = ! tr\ble ,i h tak5 to ransack ^! anci5t folios1 by inflict+ ^u y any numb] ( quotations1 b ,i w be m]ciful1 & am cont5t to h demon/rat$ t ! ideas t are suppos$ to be mo/ radical are (t51 :5 !y come to be exam9$1 mo/ truly cons]vative4 ,,iii4 ,i h ano!r "q = y1 cont9u$ ! ,comte de ,r4 ,y 7 speak+ ! o!r day ( fe9ts & /op ?ru/s4 ,( c\rse x 0 ridicul\s to expect an oppon5t to foll[ e gyration1 :i* y *ose to describe ) ! po9t ( y\r sword1 b don't y ?9k t n[adays ! practice ( /raight5+ ! arm on e possible occasion is utt]ly ov]done8 ,no d\bt x is by "s m5--ov]done1 or r v badly done1 :i* am\nts to ! same ?+4 ',ne quid nimis' y "k is a good motto1 & ,i q agree ) y1 h[ev] little y may l x1 t ?is movem5t1 :i* comes m by in/9ct ?an by int5tion1 is n[ ! refuge ( ^? :o _c p>ry2 b1 m9d ?is1 x is a refuge1 f :i* x is (t5 v difficult to dislodge !m4 ,i q admit t ^? :o /raight5 ! arm )\t any ju/ification are hopelessly unsci5tific1 b !y pres5t a difficulty to surm\nt1 :i* requires s]i\s att5tion4 ,let me expla9 be=e go+ on4 ,!re is a di/9ction to be made betwe5 /op ?ru/s1 & "t ?ru/s4 ,! /op ?ru/ is tak51 :5 y\r oppon5t advances incauti\sly1 or :5 he draws back 8 arm :ile execut+ a complicat$ attack1 :5ev] 9 fact he makes a movem5t :i* leaves him expos$4 ,! "t ?ru/ on ! o!r h&1 correctly speak+1 is a p>ry ( opposition1--! mo/ dang]\s ( all p>ries1 = if x fails x leaves y absolutely expos$ & at ! m]cy ( y\r oppon5t4 ,i h se5 x taught 9 ! lesson by e ma/] 7z an ex]cise no d\bt71 b ,i h h>dly ev] se5 a ma/] put x into practice 9 ! assault4 ,! ?ru/ has no?+ to recomm5d x1 b on ! contr>y x is to be condemn$ on _m gr\nds4 ,i %\ld l to see x ignom9i\sly expell$ f ! f5c+ room1 z ! buy]s & sell]s 7 expell$ f ! temple4 ,,iv4 ,d y foll[ ! di/9ction8 ,a "t ?ru/ is tak5 on ! f9al movem5t ( an attack1 :5 y ?9k y "k exactly :at is com+1 & c judge ) c]ta9ty 9 :at l9e ! po9t w be deliv]$4 ,v well1 !n p>ry in/ead ( tim+2 = if y are wrong--& :o is n sometimes8--y c at any rate h rec\rse to ano!r p>ry4 ,:]eas ! "t ?ru/1 :5 misjudg$1 results 9 a mutual hit1 & = "o t is good t5d] h[ mu* base metal y w put into circulation4 ,! /op ?ru/1 :i* is tak51 z ,i h said1 on ! oppon5t's advance1 is less dang]\s4 ,!re=e nev] attack a man1 :o /raight5s 8 arm on e occasion1 )\t mak+ sure ( 8 blade1 & y ne$ h no fe> ( ! result4 ,x is q true t ! practice ( /raight5+ ! arm is mu* m preval5t ?an x us$ to be2 simply because ?is /yle ( play1 :i* is ( great antiquity1 _h gone out ( fa%ion1 & giv5 place to ano!r me?od1 :i* 9 its turn 0 ov]done1--! me?od ( fe9ts & fl\ri%es4 ,s too1 ! trick ( rev]s+ ! lunge by ?r[+ back ! left foot & dropp+ ! body1 to all[ ! attack to pass ov] y\r head1 is n an inv5tion ( ! ',romantic' s*ool1 z x has be5 ridicul\sly *ri/5$4 ,x is an old trick1 a ruse ( great antiquity1 :i* may or at all ev5ts ought to be f\nd 9 ,hom]4 ,/ill1 unless y\r oppon5t drives y to x by wild & frantic ru%es1 x is a /roke to be us$ sp>+ly1 & ) ! object ( lett+ him "k t y are ready to receive him4 ,by ?is means y w /op him f ru%+ at y on e possible occasion4 ,i l to see a /op ?ru/ correctly tak51 always provid$ t ,i d n see o!rs 9 ! c\rse ( ! same assault tak5 incorrectly1--= !n x is obvi\s t ! correct ?ru/ 0 a simple fluke4 ,v4 ,i am speak+ n[ f ! sci5tific /&po9t4 ,p]haps ,i c put my po9t m cle>ly4 ,if my oppon5t says3--',i don't pr(ess to be sci5tific2 ,i simply def5d myself by ! light ( nature1' he may d :at he likes1 ,i %all n compla9 ( 8 mi/akes2 he is p]fectly )9 8 rights & kn[s no bett]4 ,b ! exp]t f5c] has no bus9ess to make mi/akes1 or at lea/ he %\ld try to avoid !m z f> z he c4 ,ev5 at ! risk ( be+ lyn*$ = my unor?odox op9ions1 ,i %\ld v5ture to say to ! w\ld-be f5c]3--',above all ?+s make y\rself dang]\s4 ,be 'a difficult f5c]1' s9ce t is ! /]eotyp$ phrase4 ,)\t x !re is no salvation2 y\r guns are n %ott$1 y\r p]=mance is m]e fire-works4' ,b be c>eful n to give ^! words a wid] application ?an !y are meant to c>ry4 ,all t ,i w\ld say is ?is3--t y are to foll[ y\r natural in/9ct1 to tru/ y\r impulse1 to be y\rself & n y\r ma/]'s puppet4 ,i d n mean to prop\nd an acrobatic !ory ( f5c+1 or to recomm5d a mean+less1 objectless1 indiscrim9ate *>g+ ab\t1 l ! convulsive /ruggles ( a wild bea/1 t has receiv$ its dea? w\nd4 ,x w\ld be z wrong to take su* extravagant exceptions = y\r model1 z x w\ld be unfair to argue f !m 9 ord] to demon/rate ! futility ( ! new s*ool4 ,no d\bt f5c]s ( ?is k9d1--!y call !mselves f5c]s1--may score an occasional hit1 =1 z ,i h _h occasion to rem>k already1 !re is always a c]ta9 am\nt ( luck 9 f5c+2 b ?is sort ( ?+ is n f5c+2 x is mu* m l m]e brutal fi/icuffs4 ,su* ecc5tric me?ods are ( no importance1 !y are n bas$ on any sort ( pr9ciple1 b are ! m]e outcome ( ignorance2 !y belong to no s*ool & h no p]man5t value4 ,b x does n d to despise an unbeat5 enemy4 ,!re=e confront ^! me?ods & defeat !m fir/2 y c af=d to despise !m aft]w>ds4 ,q s1 exclaim$ ,monsieur de ,c41 t is exactly my op9ion4 ,"o mom5t1 ,i said1 ,i h n q done4 ,i 0 go+ to say1 t ,i h v little fai? 9 ! /ories "o he>s ( ! regim5tal f5c+ ma/] be+ run ?r\gh by ! recruit4 ,su* an ev5t may happ51 j z a *imney-pot may fall on y\r head :5 y are walk+ 9 ! /reet1 b ,i fancy t if y 7 to apply ! rule ( ?ree to all ! cases ! result w\ld n exactly support ! p>adox4 ,!re is a class ( f5c]s :o are ?or\ghly--9 fact too ?or\ghly--conv9c$ t !y are v dang]\s fell[s1 & t !y are nev] hit4 ,y repeat$ly come across ?is sort ( ?+ 9 ! f5c+ room3--,y\r oppon5t deliv]s an attack :i* y p>ry2 he /ays on ! lunge d\bl$ up1 ) 8 body dropp$ =w>d2 y\r ripo/e l&s p]haps 9 8 mask1 p]haps 9 8 back1 or arm4 ,!reupon he recov]s & rem>ks ) a neglig5t air3 'hit 9 ! mask1' 'hit 9 ! back1' 'arm only1' z ! case may be4 ,oh1 only 9 ! mask6 ,b1 ,sir1 ! po9t w\ld h run y ?r\gh ! head & trav]s$ y\r bra94 ,9 fact x w\ld h be5 q z effective z a hit 9 ! *e/1 :i* p5etrat$ y\r lungs4 ,! o!r w\ld h gone six in*es into y\r back2 :ile ! ?ird w\ld h pi]c$ y\r arm & run y ?r\gh ! *e/ aft]w>ds4 ,y (f] y\r head1 back1 or arm in/ead ( y\r *e/1 ,i hit ! "p expos$ & am q satisfi$4 ,y _c evade or p>ry a ?ru/ by sub/itut+ = ! "p t w\ld o!rwise be hit "s o!r "p1 :i* y d n attempt to cov]2 all t y d is to (f] an ex*ange4 ,,vi4 ,d y suppose t ^! f5c]s w\ld pursue ! same tactics1 if !y _h to face a nak$ po9t in/ead ( ! button ( a foil1 & t !y w\ld fancy !mselves out ( dang]1 if !y laid !mselves op5 to be run ?r\gh ! head or back or neck8 ,su* w\nds are n trivial & _c be ignor$4 ,a %>p po9t is a p]emptory fact1 :i* makes %ort "w ( illusions4 ,or aga91 d y imag9e t anyone w\ld be v anxi\s 9 a real fight to run ! risk ( d\ble hits1 by :i* he might succe$ 9 inflict+ a s]i\s w\nd1 b only at ! exp5se ( be+ run ?r\gh ! body himself8 ,no "o w\ld resort to su* desp]ate measures z ^!1 unless !re 0 absolutely no?+ else left to be done4 ,?is is s ?or\ghly true1 t if y set two m5 to fight 9 a f5c+-room ) blunt swords1 y notice at once t ! assault is some?+ v diff]5t f :at x w\ld h be5 ) m]e foils4 ,y might almo/ fancy t ! swords1 ?\gh !y c no long] w\nd1 are /ill possess$ by ! _s ( mortal combat1 & reta9 "s rem9isc5ce ( ! real ?+1 ( nak$ *e/ oppos$ to nak$ /eel4 ,!re is none ( t brilliant da%1 none ( ^? brilliant /rokes t are usually m conspicu\s = tem]ity ?an judgm5t4 ,! fight is a %am fight /ill1 b ! play]s _c help tak+ x s]i\sly4 ,ea* is say+ to himself3--',n[ let me see :at w\ld happ51 if we 7 9 e>ne/4' ,! diff]5t %ape ( ! hilt1 ! h>% grat+ ( ! /eel affect ! imag9ation4 ',wat* t fell[1 see :at he is up to1 make him keep 8 di/ance1 give him some?+ to ?9k ab\t4' ,t is ! sort ( caution t ! swords are :isp]+4 ,y may easily satisfy y\rselves ( ! tru? ( my rem>ks ! next "t y h an opportunity ( wat*+ a b\t ( ?is sort4 ,& if !re is s great a diff]5ce betwe5 simple foils & blunt swords1 y w h no difficulty 9 believ+ t ! diff]5ce betwe5 blunt swords & %>p is f> great]4 ,wild play subsides1 & ^? :o 7 will+ to *>ge bl9dly1 :5 !y risk$ no?+ m ?an a d5t 9 a lea!r jacket1 pref] to /udy ways & means a little m closely4 ,x is a v natural prompt+ ( ! in/9ct4 ,! rule is almo/ univ]sal1 b !re are occasional exceptions1 :i* y may be call$ ^u to face1 & if y d n want to be tak5 by surprise1 y _h bett] make y\rself acqua9t$ ) !m be=eh& = :at !y are wor?4 ,!n y approve1 said ,m4 de ,c41 ( occasional practice ) muffl$ swords8 ,n only ( occasional b ( con/ant practice1 & t n 9 ! assault only1 b 9 ! lesson too4 ,! great] weight ( ! sword & ! wid] blade1 :i* is /raight & less :ippy ?an ! foil1 /eady ! h&1 keep x 9 position1 & give a tru] aim4 ,,vii4 ,i notice1 obs]v$ "o ( my fri5ds1 t y h said no?+ ab\t left-h&$ f5c]s4 ,no1 ,i answ]$4 ,! fact is1 !re is h>dly any?+ to say1 & ev5 ! text-books1 :i* d n usually err on ! side ( brevity1 devote v little space to !m4 ,= !re is really no p>ticul> rule1 :i* applies to !m exclusively4 ,b surely !y are v difficult8 ,yes 9 a way no d\bt !y are1 ?\gh "o ( my fri5ds1 a left-h&] ( c\rse1 us$ to say t ! suppos$ difficulty is only a conv5i5t excuse inv5t$ by "r-h&$ f5c]s4 ,8 sugge/ion is m witty ?an true1 & ,i am will+ to all[1 )\t hesitation1 t left-h&]s really are puzzl+ to ^? :o are n accu/om$ to f5ce ) !m4 ,_! only real advantage is t !y h m opportunities ( f5c+ aga9/ "r-h&]s1 ?an "r-h&]s h ( f5c+ aga9/ !m4 ,:5 once y are us$ to !m ! difficulty vani%es4 ,! left-h&] on ! contr>y1 :5 x comes to fight+1 is nev] rid ( ! f> grav] risk :i* he takes by expos+ 8 left side4 ,i may add t ! left-h&]'s advantage1 :i* consi/s entirely 9 8 incognito1 w\ld exi/ no long]1 if ! pr(essors1--:o ,i hope may take ! h9t1--w\ld make a practice ( giv+ lessons occasionally ) ! left h&4 ,"s ( !m d s already1 & ,i congratulate !m on _! good s5se4 ,if y come to ?9k ( x1 !re is n a s+le left-h&$ ?ru/ or p>ry1 :i* _c be equally well execut$ by a "r-h&$ play]4 ,only1 f want ( practice1 ! latt] f9ds x m difficult to direct 8 po9t because ! l9es are rev]s$4 ,qu>te becomes sixte1 & vice v]sa4 ,! left-h&] pref]s to take ! inside engagem5t1 t is to say qu>te4 ,?is l9e suits him bett]1 & accord+ly x is good policy n to let him take x )\t a /ruggle4 ,x is usually m difficult to hit him 9 ! outside l9e4 ,s mu* = g5]al pr9ciples1 = ( c\rse left-h&$ play v>ies z mu* z "r-h&$1 al?\gh ! contr>y is sometimes ma9ta9$4 ,b if all left-h&]s 7 provid5tially made alike1 "o w\ld ?9k t x c\ld n be v difficult to get to "k ! patt]n by he>t4 ,,viii4 ,well1 y mu/ admit t 9 ! c\rse ( my rem>ks ,i try n to pass ov] any?+ t is likely to int]e/ ^? :o h1 or ^? :o %\ld1 c\ld1 or w\ld h a fancy = sword-play4 ,my object is to br+ out ! ess5tial features 9 cle> relief1 & ,i int5tionally omit ! ?\s& & "o m9ute details1 :i* w\ld ov]cr[d my canvas1 & prev5t y f prop]ly appreciat+ ! lead+ features4 ,^! ref9em5ts1 :i* come ) exp]i5ce & habit1 _c be =c$1 !y mu/ be sl[ly acquir$ by ! friction ( ! blades1 by meet+ all sorts & conditions ( f5c]s1 by fac+ ! un=ese5 & sudd5 p]ils1 :i* confront y j :5 !y are lea/ expect$4 ,y "k h[ awkw>d a "y fell[ is :5 he makes 8 fir/ appe>ance 9 society4 ,:5 he f9ds himself 9 a draw+-room1 he is %y & uncom=table1 he does n "k h[ to sit d[n or h[ to /& up or h[ to talk1 b pres5tly )\t consult+ any pr(essor1 simply1 s to speak1 by ! daily friction ( 8 common int]c\rse ) o!r p1 old] & m exp]i5c$ ?an himself1 he acquires confid5ce1 ease1 address1 mann]s1 & s =?4 ,x is j ! same ) f5c]s4 ,craft1 f9esse1 tact1 & judgm5t come by degrees1 z w+s gr[ out ( fea!rs2 b d n =get t ! lesson & ! ma/]'s pad are y\r fir/ in/ructors & mu/ n be neglect$4 ,to neglect !m w\ld be ungrateful1 & +ratitude is always base4 ,besides y _c af=d x4 ,i am sure ,i don't "k :at else ,i c f9d to say2 ,i %all be 9 a difficulty to-morr[1 unless y promise to help me out4 ,illu/ration3 ,a ,/op ,?ru/4 ,! ,sev5? ,ev5+ ,illu/ration3 ,t\*] et ne pas l'tre4 ,i4 ,well1 :at is y\r text to-night8 ask$ my ho/ z he jo9$ ! gr\p :i* _h met z usual 9 ! smok+-room4 ,oh1 ,i repli$1 ,i h no?+ left to prea* ab\t4 ,& ,i1 said ! ,m>quis de ,g41 :o 0 look+ ?r\gh ! ev5+ pap]1 don't mean to let y (f s easily4 ,"h is a piece ( news1 :i* is v int]e/+ 9 connection ) our nightly symposia4 ,read x6 ,read x6 exclaim$ a *orus ( voices4 ,! ,m>quis read out ! foll[+ p>agraph3-- ',an un=tunate enc\nt] rec5tly took place 9 ! ,papal ,/ates betwe5 ! "y ,m>quis de ,monte ,c4 & ! ,*evali] d',a4 ,! duel arose out ( a v s+ul> incid5t4 ,! ,*evali] d',a41 a ,neapolitan1 has ! reputation ( a jettatore1 t is to say he is suppos$ to h ! evil eye4 ,! ,m>quis de ,monte ,c41 happ5+ to meet him 9 a draw+-room1 took up )\t ?9k+ a little coral h&1 a *>m t he 0 we>+ on 8 wat*-*a91 & po9t$ x at ! ,*evali] d',a4 z he 0 pass+ close by him4 ,! ,*evali] :o knew :at p ?\ght ( him1 notic$ ! movem5t & call$ ! "y ,m>quis out4 ,!y met ! foll[+ morn+1 & ! un=tunate ,m>quis receiv$ a sword ?ru/ 9 ! *e/ & 0 kill$ outright4 ,! ,*evali]1 besides be+ a v exp]t swordsman1 is said to h acquir$ a k ( sev]al secret ?ru/s4' ,,ii4 ,! read+ ( ?is p>agraph 0 foll[$ by a mom5t>y sil5ce4 ,!n someone rem>k$3--,i h (t5 he>d 'secret ?ru/s' spok5 (1 b h[ is x t !y are n taught by ! ,pr(essors8 ,well1 ,i said smil+1 = "o suffici5t reason1 t if !y 7 taught !y w\ld no long] be secret4 ,b1 jok+ ap>t1 ,i may z well say at once t my belief 9 secret ?ru/s is ab\t equal to my belief 9 gho/s4 ,come1 ?is mu/ be look$ into4 ,i believe 9 out ( ! way & unlook$ = /rokes1 b fur!r ?an t ,i _c g4 ,yet1 surely !y mu/ h exi/$ "s "t or o!r1 object$ my critic1 or h[ did !y come by _! "n8 ,oh1 !y exi/$ m or less at "o "t1 or p]haps x w\ld be ne>] ! m>k to say t !y 7 suppos$ to exi/4 ,!y are a %ad[y survival1 a sort ( family gho/ t we h inh]it$ f ! ,italian s*ool4 ,= ,fr5* f5c+1 ?\gh x has develop$ *>act]i/ic features ( its own1 traces its desc5t1 z y "k1 9 a direct l9e f ,italian ance/ry4 ,secret ?ru/s di$ & 7 buri$ :5 ,sci5ce 0 9 its infancy2 & ,sci5ce has s9ce gr[n up 9 o!r conditions1 & gr[n /rong by work+ on o!r l9es4 ,!y c\ld n be reviv$1 unless ! att5dant ritual ( an effete tradition1 ! sy/em ( a bygone age long s9ce =gott51 7 reviv$ along ) !m4 ,at ! pres5t day1 ) our mod]n weapons & our mod]n me?ods1 to use a secret ?ru/ w\ld am\nt almo/ to a crime4 ,& if x 7 n exactly t1 if a *>ge ( murd] or manslaught] w\ld n lie1 x c]ta9ly w\ld be consid]$ iniquit\s by all hon\rable m54 ,no "o ) a consci5ce c\ld conceivably buy success 9 an affair ( hon\r at su* a price4 ,,iii4 ,be=e we leave ?is "q ,i %\ld l to make my mean+ p]fectly cle>4 ,9 ! _w z we f9d x !re are "s ?+s = :i* no def9ite p5alty is prescrib$1 ?+s t d n br+ a man )9 ! law1 b t are none ! less (f5ces 9 ! c\rt ( consci5ce & v prop]ly c5sur$4 ,an action1 su* z we are n[ discuss+1 is to my m9d a case 9 po9t1 always suppos+ x to be a possible action2 b is x possible8--t is ! "q4 ,put y\rself 9 ! place ( a man :o is compell$ by =ce ( circum/ances to fight a duel4 ,y\r success1 if y d succe$1 may be due to ! bless+ ( ,provid5ce1 to skill1 or to accid5t1 b x mu/ satisfy "o condition1--x mu/ be unequivocal4 ,y are meet+ an hon\rable enemy 9 an hon\rable fight1 & obvi\sly ! means y employ mu/ be beyond all "q '/raight1' & n devices s crook$ z almo/ to des]ve ! epi!t 'feloni\s4' ,i f\nd myself speak+ ) "s w>m?1 & 0 pleas$ to see t my rem>ks 7 receiv$ ) great int]e/4 ,( c\rse1 ,i cont9u$1 9 speak+ or writ+ on a subject ( ?is sort1 "o c only express a /rictly p]sonal op9ion4 ,n[1 :at d y say8 ,we h be5 let 9 = ?is duel by an ev5+ pap]4 ,%all we drop x1 or %all we see x ?r\gh8 ,i 0 answ]$ by a g5]al cry3--,g on6 ,i am afraid x may take u r f> afield1 = x involves important consid]ations4 ,s mu* ! bett]1 obs]v$ my ho/1 we h pl5ty ( cig>s1 & ! night is "y4 ,we provid$ ourselves ) fre% cig>s to foll[ ^? already alight1 & settl$ d[n 9 our arm-*airs1 & ! mo/ pr(\nd sil5ce reign$ 9 ! smok+-room4 ,,iv4 ,well1 ,i began1 hi!rto we h _h 9 view sword-play 9 ! lit]al s5se ( ! ^w1 t is to say !oretical f5c+1 f5c+ reg>d$ z a sport1 z a b\t ) ! foils 9 a f5c+ room4 ,we %all n[ h to consid] x f ! /rictly utilit>ian /&po9t4 ,9 ! "o case we h an assault1 consi/+ ( a succession ( fancy /rokes play$ by connoisseurs1 :o 9 po9t ( skill may ( c\rse be equally or unequally mat*$1 b :o nev]!less play ! game on ! :ole 9 accordance ) pr9ciples t are tol]ably well asc]ta9$4 ,9 ! o!r case we h a s]i\s enc\nt] ) swords %>ply po9t$1 fla%+ 9 ! sun1 & dang]\s to life4 ,! fir/ hit1 correct or incorrect1 is decisive1 no matt] h[ x is deliv]$1 no matt] :]e4 ,d n =get t y h to reckon n only ) skill b ) ! possibility ( surprise1 n only ) subtlety b ) brute =ce1 n only ) sci5ce b ) bl9d & headlong ignorance4 ,y\r oppon5t does n greatly c>e :e!r he lets y\r blood 9 or?odox /yle1 or :e!r he op]ates on y\r face = in/ance1 or on ^? p>ts ( ! body t are too mu* neglect$ 9 ! f5c+ room4 ,y d n *oose y\r oppon5t1 he is *os5 = y by accid5t2 he may be tall or %ort1 /rong or weak4 ,y are no long] engag$ 9 a sport 9 :i* y\r object is to play correctly1 9 a conte/ ( skill 9 :i* y may p]haps all[ y\rself to be hit occasionally 9 ord] to lead y\r oppon5t on & aft]w>ds defeat him m easily4 ,! man :o confronts y ) t ?reat5+ po9t may be an arti/ic & accompli%$ swordsman1 b he may equally well nev] h t\*$ a sword 9 8 life1 & be tru/+ to luck1 or to 8 g5]al sm>tness1 or to a cool head4 ,y may f9d t y h to d ) an enemy ^: e movem5t is /udi$2 :o keeps 8 di/ance clev]ly2 :o nev] advances or retires )\t a reason4 ,or on ! contr>y1 x may turn out t y\r oppon5t1 tru/+ to "o supreme ef=t ( audacity1 9 defiance ( all calculation1 & ?r[+ to ! w9d e %r$ ( !ory1 w make su* brutal use ( 8 sword z ! primitive & untutor$ in/9ct ( self-pres]vation dictates4 ,v4 ,we realise at once h[ f> we h got f ! h>mless div]sion ( ! assault1 ! %am fight conduct$ "u ! ma/]'s eye on /rictly correct pr9ciples & ) in(f5sive weapons4 ,! assault & ! duel are ev5 fur!r ap>t ?an ! assault & ! =mal lesson4 ,9 %ort ?is newspap] p>agraph has br\ght u face to face ) ! real duel1 & :at we h to d is to discuss x 9 all its be>+s1--s we _h bett] beg9 at ! beg9n+4 ,un=tunately1 "o always f9ds t x is impossible to discuss ! art ( f5ce )\t com+ to ! duel2 = say :at y w1 cases mu/ sometimes occur :5 an affront = :i* ! law (f]s no r$ress compels y to g out4 ',! duel1' z someone puts x1 '_c be suppress$4 ,x is l a bad neighb\r ) :om we h to live on ! be/ t]ms we c4' ,"s ye>s ago ,i happ5$ to read a great deal ( f5c+ lit]ature4 ,! v>i\s au?ors1 ?\gh n "o ( !m c\ld f9d a good ^w to say = duell+1 contriv$ betwe5 !m to fill 9 a sket* ( its rise & progress f ! e>lie/ times d[n to ! pres5t day4 ,?is is evid5tly "o ( ! po9ts :]e ! civilis$ man & ! savage meet on common gr\nd1 & is an in/ance ( ! law t civilisation modifies1 ref9es1 p]haps trans=ms our in/9cts1 dresses or disguises !m 9 ! late/ fa%ion1 b nev] gets rid ( !m4 ,at "o "t ! duel 0 call$ ,trial by ,battle or simply ,! ,judicial ,combat4 ,!n x 0 pron\nc$ illegal1 & ^? :o f\ght 9 a private qu>rel 7 s5t5c$ ei!r to dea? or to long & cruel p]iods ( imprisonm5t4 ,at a lat] p]iod1 gr[+ insol5t ) impunity1 ! duel l a /ray$ revell] swagg]$ 9 ! /reets & public places2 we f9d x haunt+ ! tav]ns1 we see ! flick] ( ! blades "u a /reet lamp1--drawn = a ^w1 = a ribbon1 = a bet1 = any?+1 or = no?+4 ,ev5 ! seconds :o p>t$ good fri5ds ov]-night did _! be/ to spit ea* o!r next morn+4 ,well1 :at bett] evid5ce c\ld we require to prove t ?is la/ resort ( w\nd$ hon\r is someh[ deeply root$ 9 human nature1 ?an ! fact t ! anci5t & hon\rable practice ( duell+ has rema9$ ! f9al c\rt ( appeal1 9 spite ( *ang$ surr\nd+s1 9 spite ( ho/ile op9ion1 & 9 spite ( ! extravagant follies t h sometimes disgrac$ x8 ,,vi4 ,b ?is is a digression = :i* ,i apologise4 ,i 0 l$ a/ray by my subject & drift$ q unconsci\sly into an unprem$itat$ preface4 ,don't apologise1 said ,m4 de ,c41 y\r digression is *>m+4 ,& besides1 ,i cont9u$1 y "k ,i h a sort ( moral claim on y\r indulg5ce1 = ,i might h display$ my erudition1 & h quot$ names & dates & facts une>!d f du/y folios1 & yet ,i h m]cifully sp>$ y4 ,oh1 ?ank y1 ?ank y6 came f sev]al arm-*airs4 ,:5 "o talks ( duell+1 !re is a po9t t /rikes "o at ! outset1 & ?\gh x is n directly connect$ ) sword-play1 x is too ne>ly alli$ to ! duel to be dismiss$ )\t notice4 ,i mean ! duties ( seconds4 ,i %all n n[ ent] ^u ! "q ( :at ^? duties may be be=e ! combatants meet4 ,^! consi/ 9 press+ = mod]ate c\nsels1 9 act+ or ev5 ov]-act+ ! "p ( peacemak]4 ,y all "k z well z ,i d t no *ance ( arriv+ at an hon\rable settlem5t %\ld be neglect$ be=e all[+ y\r m5 to g out4 ,:at %\ld we ?9k ( ! man :o c\ld =get t 8 fri5d's hon\r & 8 fri5d's life are equally committ$ to 8 keep+1 & t he ought n1 out ( a quixotic reg>d = ! "o1 to jeop>dise ! o!r ne$lessly8 ,:5 a man fights1 8 conviction t "r is on 8 side is ev]y?+4 ,& !re=e ! correct attitude ( a second is t ( a man1 :o act+ calmly b firmly 9 8 fri5d's int]e/ seeks to avoid a qu>rel4 ,any o!r attitude is n only incorrect b ev5 r5d]s him liable to be call$ to acc\nt = neglect+ 8 b\nd5 duty4 ,p]sonally1 if aft] exhau/+ e ef=t to obta9 a fri5dly settlem5t ,i f\nd t a meet+ 0 unavoidable1 al?\gh ,i 0 ?or\ghly satisfi$ 9 my own m9d t x 0 a case n ( injur$ hon\r b only ( injur$ vanity1 or ( w\nd$ pride1 ,i %\ld n hesitate to )draw4 ,duels play$ to ! gall]y are ei!r odi\s or absurd2 !y are out ( date1 & %\ld be numb]$ ) ! obsolete fa%ions ( ! pa/4 ,,vii4 ,!y arose 9 ! mann]s & cu/oms ( a flamboyant era1 :5 ev]yone c>ri$ a sword & x 0 consid]$ ! "r ?+ to air x on e opportunity1 9 ord] to fill up ! "t :i* might o!rwise h pass$ some:at heavily4 ,e age has its fa%ions & its vices1 its *ildi% toys & fav\rite follies4 ,^? gallant blades t cut su* a trem5d\s figure 9 ! old days w\ld meet ) a v poor reception n[1 if !y c\ld revisit ! sc5es ( _! da%+ exploits4 ,b if x is ! duty ( a second to play ! "p ( m$iator be=e ! action1 x is equally 8 duty to be cool & collect$ on ! gr\nd4 ,8 p]sonal responsibility is increas$1 b o!rwise 8 rle rema9s un*ang$4 ,x !n becomes imp]ative on him to anticipate & all[ = e cont+5cy1 he mu/ let no?+ escape him1 & mu/ give ! close/ att5tion to ! m9ute/ detail1 9 ord] t 8 pr9cipal may be reliev$ ( all anxiety1 & may pres]ve t cool pres5ce ( m9d :i* is s absolutely indisp5sable4 ,,viii4 ,9 %ort ! fact t has to be grasp$ is simply ?is1--t n "o ( ! ?\s& & "o prelim9>y details is unimportant2 & t ?+s seem+ly ! mo/ trivial may sudd5ly assume ! mo/ unexpect$ gravity4 ,! /ake is too high to ju/ify any man 9 gambl+ x away ) a light he>t4 ,9 ! fir/ place ! selection ( ! gr\nd mu/ be c>efully consid]$4 ,! surface %\ld be smoo? & ev51 )\t dips or inequalities t c be 9 ! slighte/ degree dang]\s4 ,be p>ticul> to avoid a spot :]e !re is any grass4 ,grass is slipp]y & may imp]il y\r fri5d's life4 ,"h is ano!r po9t wor? rememb]+4 ,run y\r eye quickly b c>efully ov] ! gr\nd :]e y\r fri5d w /&2 he is v likely to neglect ?is precaution himself1 & may fail to see a root = in/ance1 almo/ unnoticeable to a c>eless glance1 :i* might v easily trip him up or ?r[ him (f 8 gu>d at a critical mom5t1 :5 x 0 too late to /ay ! impetus ( 8 oppon5t's po9t4 ,all ?is no d\bt seems extremely trivial2 b h[ d y "k t ! tuft ( wet slipp]y grass1 ! half hidd5 root1 or trea*]\s /one w n turn ! scale a mom5t lat]8 ,! cont5d+ p>ties1 x has be5 said1 are entitl$ to a fair division ( light & gr\nd4 ,if t is s1 y w be well advis$ n to /& out = y\r %>e ( light1 & y %\ld nev] cons5t to let y\r pr9cipal face ! sun4 ,! glitt] ( ! blades confuses ! eye & causes hesitation4 ,rememb] t 9 fight+ ! eye is an implem5t at lea/ z important z ! sword4 ,see+ 9 ?is case is ?9k+4 ,! eye w>ns y ( dang]1 & in/9ctively picks out ! enemy's weak spot4 ,& m ?an t1 a /eady eye1 an eye t looks "o 9 ! face unfl9*+ly1 ov]awes & fasc9ates4 ,:ile ! sword ?reat5s1 ! spy+ que/ion+ eye is ! intellig5t sc\t4 ,aga91 nev] all[ ! combatants to /rip4 ,! impression ( ! cold air on ! b>e sk9 & ! unaccu/om$ exposure may affect "o m ?an ! o!r1 if he is naturally m s5sitive1 ev5 ?\gh he may be q unconsci\s ( ! fact4 ,b1 object$ ! ,comte de ,r41 :at if ! o!r side insi/8 ,y mu/ refuse to give way4 ,no "o has a "r to insi/ ^u x4 ,x is a b>rack-room practice1 usual among soldi]s1 & does n hold good outside ! gu>d-room4 ,,ix4 ,:ile we are on ?is po9t1 rem>k$ "o ( my fri5ds1 !re are two que/ions ,i %\ld l to ask y4 ,i w d my be/ to answ] !m1 ,i repli$1 =--z my lawy] w\ld put x--,i may say1 t ,i am ?or\ghly acqua9t$ ) all ! lead+ cases4 ,well1 is x all[able to use a f5c+ glove8 ,x is usual4 ,b cu/om is n always "r1 & ?\gh _m m5 suppose t !y are entitl$ to x z a matt] ( c\rse1 !y _c /rictly speak+ claim x4 ,g5]ally ! p>ties agree be=eh& :e!r f5c+ gloves %all be us$ or n4 ,x ne>ly always happ5s t bo? sides pref] to use !m1 = ) ! help ( a f5c+ glove y get a firm] & m confid5t grip ( ! sword1 & are less likely to be dis>m$4 ,besides1 ! hilt ( a sword is h>d2 x tires & bruises ! h&2 ! f+]s 9 contact ) x are j>r$ at e p>ry t is at all /rong1 or :5ev] ! blades meet %>ply4 ,on ^! gr\nds f5c+ gloves are g5]ally all[$4 ,h[ev]1 if ! seconds ( "o side object1 ! seconds ( ! o!r side _c ei!r require !m to use a f5c+ glove or claim ! "r = _! own pr9cipal4 ,= in/ance1 ! objection may be rais$ t ! use ( a f5c+ glove is famili> to a man accu/om$ to f5c+1 b unfamili> & ( no value to "o :o has nev] f5c$4 ,true1 ?is objection is seldom rais$1 because1 z ,i po9t$ out j n[1 ! man :o is n us$ to f5c+ is ( all m5 ! "o :o f9ds a s]i\s difficulty 9 h&l+ ! r\gh hilt ( a sword1 & :o has ev]y?+ to ga9 by us+ a padd$ glove4 ,9 any case y are at lib]ty to we> an ord9>y lea!r glove1 :e!r y\r oppon5t *ooses to d s or n4 ,or y may wrap a h&k]*ief r\nd y\r h&1 to give y a firm] grip ( ! sword1 provid$ y are c>eful n to leave a hang+ end1 :i* may dangle loose1 & h9d] ! action ( y\r oppon5t's po9t4 ,x4 ,i w n[ put my second "q1 cont9u$ my inquisitor4 ,well1 :at is y\r second "q8 ,is x p]missible to use ! un>m$ h& to p>ry & put aside y\r oppon5t's blade8 ,oh6 t is a v s]i\s matt]1 :i* ,i did n mean to pass ov] 9 sil5ce4 ,b x involves ! consid]ation ( sev]al po9ts1 :i* w\ld p]haps take u too f> to-night4 ,suppose we leave x = to-morr[4 ,!n we adj\rn until to-morr[1 said ! ,comte de ,c4 ,& s we broke up4 ,illu/ration ,! ,eigh? ,ev5+ ,illu/ration3 ,a ,p>ry ) ! h&4 ,i4 ,y ask$ me ye/]day1 if x is all[able to use ! un>m$ h& to p>ry & put aside ! sword4 ,my answ] is v emphatic3--,no4 ,b :at if ! p>ties agree to all[ x be=eh&8 ask$ ! ,m>quis de ,r4444 ,t is an agreem5t :i* 9 my op9ion ought n to be made4 ,! practice is :olly =eign to our ways & to ! traditions t h come d[n to u4 ,i am fully aw>e ( ! fact t !re is ! au?ority ( a v pr(\nd writ]1 ! ,comte de ,*atauvill>d1 :o has _m /rong support]s1 = ! /atem5t t '! p>ry ) ! h& may be a matt] ( agreem5t4' ,& o!r writ]s1 among :om is m ?an "o em95t ma/]1 may be quot$ = ! view t x is a prop] matt] = arrangem5t betwe5 ! cont5d+ p>ties4 ,t does n affect my op9ion 9 ! lea/2 & ,i say v emphatically & v di/9ctly3--,z y cle>ly h ! "r to say yes or no1 say no inv>iably4 ,su* a concession or su* an agreem5t1 ev5 if x is freely ent]$ ^u by bo? sides1 is only too likely to lead to disa/r\s & fatal mi/akes1 :ile x does n (f] any c\nt]balanc+ advantage4 ,i w try to expla9 :y4 ,! p>ry made ) ! h& t does n hold ! sword goes back to ! anci5t traditions ( ! ,italian s*ool1 to ! me?ods 9 vogue :5 m5 f\ght ) sword & dagg]4 ,!y p>ri$ & attack$ ) ei!r weapon indiff]5tly1 br++ "o or o!r into play by voltes & passes1 :i* h be5 dismiss$ f ! !ory & practice ( mod]n f5c+4 ,! art1 :i* 0 adapt$ 9 ^? days to ! d\ble means ( (f5ce & def5ce1 employ$ a sy/em v diff]5t f t :i* prevails n[4 ,?is p>ry1 or to speak m accurately ?is me?od ( div]t+ an oppon5t's blade1 :i* 0 done ) ei!r h& indiff]5tly1 0 reasonable !n2 n[adays x w\ld be a fanta/ic & dang]\s anomaly4 ,i rememb] try+ by way ( exp]im5t1 "s ye>s ago at ,naples1 sev]al assaults ( ?is sort ) an ,italian pr(essor1 nam$ ,p>isi4--,! poor fell[ di$ ,i believe 9 prison1 aft] tak+ "p 9 "o ( ! _m revolution>y attempts t 7 made to wreck ! k+dom ( ,naples4 ,p>isi us$ to come regul>ly to my h\se :]e ,i _h furni%$ a room = f5c+4 ,i wi%$ to make a s]i\s /udy ( ,italian play1 & ( ! surviv+ traditions ( ?is s*ool1 :i* is rapidly disappe>+ & is only connect$ ) its pa/ by a few almo/ invisible ?reads4 ,well1 ,p>isi us$ to f5ce ) a long ,italian sword 9 "o h&1 & 9 ! o!r a sort ( /iletto1 :i* he employ$ to p>ry my attacks 9 c]ta9 l9es2 & :ile he ?us /opp$ my attack ) 8 dagg]1 he made n exactly a ripo/e b r a simultane\s c\nt]-attack on me ) 8 sword4 ,?is k9d ( play1 :i* cont9ually produc$ new & difficult situations1 0 v int]e/+4 ,if ,p>isi dropp$ 8 dagg]1 :at happ5$8 ,8 left h&1 in/ead ( foll[+ my blade1 sprang at once to a fix$ position4 ,& to :at position8 ,:y1 y c\ld see at a glance1 by ! way he c>ri$ 8 =e>m1 ?r[n r high across 8 *e/ & only a few in*es away f x1 t he 0 ready = ! p>ry ) ! h&1 9 fact d\bly ready = x1 bo? by ! position ( 8 body & by ! =w>d position ( 8 left arm4 ,n[ we :o foll[ ! rules ( ,fr5* f5c+ d j ! rev]se4 ,we c>ry our left arm to ! re>1 & s leave a small] surface expos$ to our oppon5t's po9t2 we !re=e _c br+ our left h& into play )\t ab&on+ ! ,fr5* position1 or at all ev5ts )\t sacrific+ "s ( its fundam5tal pr9ciples4 ,,ii4 ,x is a good _m ye>s s9ce ,i fir/ took up f5c+2 ,i h be5 9 all ! f5c+-rooms2 ,i h f5c$ ) _m pr(essors & ) all sorts & conditions ( amateurs1 & no "o has ev] sugge/$ to me t we %\ld agree to p>ry ) ! h&4 ,i h nev]1 no n once 9 all ! assaults t ,i h witness$1 he>d su* a sugge/ion made2 ,i h nev] se5 ?is k9d ( p>ry employ$2 ,i h nev] he>d ( a ma/] %[+ or tea*+ x to 8 pupils z a possible case or ev5 z a highly improbable case1 aga9/ :i* x 0 8 duty1 z a wise & exp]i5c$ pr(essor1 to put on _! gu>d ^? ^: in/ruction 0 committ$ to 8 c>e4 ,!n :y1 :5 ! assault ceases to be an ex]cise or an amusem5t1 :y1 :5 y /ake y\r life ^u ! issue1 %\ld y g out ( y\r way to sugge/ or ass5t to some?+ =eign to all recognis$ practice8 ,if y approve ( ! surviv+ me?ods ( ! old ,italian s*ool1 y %\ld admit all ! precepts ( t s*ool1 & !n y w at lea/ be logical4 ,y\r sword w h a long heavy blade1 broad & p]fectly rigid2 ! hilt w be surm\nt$ by a little cross-b> ( /eel on :i* y w place y\r f+]s1 & to :i* y w atta* !m ) a long ribbon2 incid5tally y w d away ) ! fre$om ( ! h&1 ! supple action ( ! wri/ & ! niceties ( f+] play4 ,y w h to make frequ5t use ( p>ries ( contraction1 :i* are indisp5sable to ,italian play1 ?\gh !y are little valu$1 n to say altoge!r ignor$ by ! ,fr5* s*ool4 ,y mu/ le>n y\r voltes & passes1 ! manoeuvres ( duck+ & dodg+2 & !n1 ,i repeat1 y w at lea/ be logical4 ,b an agreem5t :i* recognises only "o ( ^! practices1 :ile x disreg>ds all ! re/1 seems to me absurd4 ,let me n[ %[ y ! dang]1 :i* c h>dly be avoid$1 ( admitt+ ?is p>ry ) ! left h&4 ,betwe5 ! op5 palm1 :i* m]ely bru%es ! blade aside1 & ! h&1 :i* by a n]v\s movem5t closes unconsci\sly on ! blade & holds x fa/1 ! diff]5ce is v h>d to seize4 ,! ?+ is done 9 a mom5t4 ,x passes l a fla% 9 ! confusion ( ! enc\nt] & leaves no trace beh9d4 ,)\t a d\bt ! man :o has unconsci\sly arre/$ ! blade1 in/ead ( m]ely turn+ x aside1 w be 9 despair1 & 9 ! loyalty ( 8 he>t w be ! fir/ to accuse himself4 ,b if 8 po9t has tak5 effect1 if he has deliv]$ a fatal ?ru/1 w 8 despair or regret or any self-reproa* heal ! w\nd t he has inflict$1 or re/ore ! life t he has tak58 ,if ! odds 7 a ?\s& to "o aga9/ a fatal issue1 t "o *ance w\ld be en\gh to condemn fatally ?is dang]\s agreem5t4 ,moreov]1 ,i may rem>k1 speak+ f ! exp]i5ce t is obta9$ by long famili>ity1 & p]haps f "s small skill 9 ! practice ( arms1 t x is (t5 v difficult1 n to say impossible1 = ! mo/ practis$ eye 9 ! confusion ( a multitude ( ?ru/s1 swiftly p>ri$ & z swiftly return$1 to foll[ ) accuracy ! c\rse ( two swords1 t pass to & fro & int]lace l liv+ ?+s1 or to judge ) indisputable c]ta9ty ! diff]5ce betwe5 ^! two movem5ts1 "o ( :i* is au?oris$ by cons5t1 :ile ! o!r may sudd5ly turn an hon\rable fight into a f\l assass9ation4 ,! m]e act ( judg+ s bri/les ) difficulties1 t x is likely to lead to a conflict ( op9ion betwe5 ev5 ! mo/ unbiass$ judges4 ,:o c decide betwe5 !m8 ,! fact on :i* _! judgm5t is bas$ is !re no long]4 ,x pass$ 9 a mom5t1 quick z ?\ght4 ,consid] ! t]rible position 9 :i* y are plac$1 9 ! pres5ce ( a man ly+ /ret*$ on ! gr\nd be=e y1 cold & lifeless1 :o ought to be a liv+ man full ( /r5g? & vig\r4 ,& n[1 ,i appeal to all seconds4 ,9 ! "n ( good s5se1 9 common fairness1 c\ld y or c\ld y n ) a cle> consci5ce take ! heavy responsibility ( su* a risk8 ,,iii4 ,i am try+1 y see1 to obta9 a compreh5sive view ( ! manifold duties ( seconds1 & to omit none ( ! m9ute matt]s ( detail1 :i* x is _! duty to att5d to1 & :i* ought to be pres5t to _! m9ds4 ,"h is ano!r po9t1 :i* is wor?y ( _! s]i\s att5tion4 ,:5 ! combatants h tak5 sword 9 h& & ! blades are cross$1 ! seconds %\ld /& )9 rea*1 hold+ a sword or walk+-/ick1 & ready to /op ! fight %\ld any irregul>ity occur1 or if ei!r ( ! m5 %\ld slip1 or /umble1 or be dis>m$1 or w\nd$4 ,?is la/ case especially requires _! utmo/ vigilance1 = !re are two ev5ts1 bo? equally disa/r\s1 t may occur4 ,suppose "o ( ! m5 is w\nd$4 ,9 ! natural excitem5t ( ! mom5t1 ! man :o has deliv]$ ! ?ru/ is (t5 unaw>e t 8 po9t has tak5 effect4 ,be=e he c tell t 8 oppon5t is disabl$1 p]haps be=e he c *eck himself1 he may inflict a second w\nd1 unless ! swords are in/antly knock$ up4 ,! w\nd$ man1 on ! o!r h&1 may n imm$iately feel ! effect ( 8 w\nd1 & by cont9u+ to fight may run ! risk ( be+ w\nd$ a second "t1 & t m s]i\sly4 ,x may also happ51 & ?is is ! great dang]1 t 9 a fit ( bl9d rage he w ru% madly on 8 oppon5t4 ,aga91 ! man :o has inflict$ a w\nd & has felt 8 po9t g home1 in/antly & in/9ctively /ays 8 h&1 & ev5 if 8 oppon5t r5ews ! attack hesitates to /rike a second "t "o :o is already hurt4 ,x is dur+ ?is juncture ( a mom5t's pause ) a mom5t's hesitation t ! w\nd$ man may make 8 mad ru%1 & ei!r run 8 oppon5t ?r\gh ! body1 or meet 8 own de/ruction1 if 8 oppon5t has promptly recov]$ 8 gu>d1 & calmly (f]s him 8 po9t4 ,,iv4 ,bo? cases are alike disa/r\s1 = ei!r may lead to a fatal result at a "t :5 by ! w\nd already receiv$ ! fight may be reg>d$ z clos$1 or at lea/ z susp5d$4 ,! seconds1 :o by r$\bl+ _! precautions might h sav$ ! useless %$d+ ( blood1 w ( c\rse be held to blame4 ,no d\bt x sometimes happ5s t 9 spite ( ! close/ att5tion ! attack is s prompt1 s impetu\s1 s swift1 t x is impossible to int]v5e 9 "t4 ,b !n at all ev5ts ! seconds w h no cause = self-reproa*4 ,=tunately su* cases are ( v r>e occurr5ce1 b !y d sometimes happ52 & x is !re=e v necess>y = ! seconds to wat* ! cross$ swords incessantly1 & to foll[ _! e movem5t1 9 ord] to int]v5e ! mom5t t "o ( ! m5 is w\nd$1 h[ev] slight ! w\nd may seem4 ,if on exam9ation ! w\nd is f\nd to be s trivial t ! fight c cont9ue )\t disadvantage to ! w\nd$ man1 ! combatants w at lea/ h _h "t to recov] _! coolness & self-possession4 ,?is close att5tion is "o ( ! mo/ important po9ts2 x is 9 fact a matt] ( absolute necessity4 ,"h is ! seconds' real difficulty1 = "h ! :ole responsibility re/s ) !m4 ,i h /ill sev]al ?+s to say1 ( :i* y w recognise ! importance4 ,b x is gett+ late1 & if y w all[ me ,i w po/pone !m to our next meet+4 ,illu/ration ,! ,n9? ,ev5+ ,illu/ration3 ,corps ,corps4 ,i4 ,i wi%1 rem>k$ ! ,comte de ,c4441 :5 we met ! next day1 t y w\ld tell u :at y ?9k ( ! corps corps 9 ! duel4 ,t1 ,i repli$1 is ! v ?+ ,i 0 go+ to talk ab\t4 ,! "r c\rse 9 my op9ion is to come to an agreem5t ) ! seconds ( ! o!r side t ! combatants %all be sep>at$ & />t afre%1 :5 !y become entangl$ at close qu>t]s 9 :at is t]m$ a corps corps4 ,o!rwise1 9 a /ruggle ( ?is sort x is impossible to say :at may happ51 except t bo? m5 are likely to receive _! quietus1--a v symmetrical settl+ ( _! acc\nts by ! process ( d\ble entry4 ,b "h aga91 "o _c help feel+ t we h ano!r ?orny case1 :i* calls = ! ex]cise ( judgm5t ) due reg>d to ! circum/ances ( ! mom5t & fair play = bo? sides4 ,if "o ( ! m5 makes a furi\s ru% on ! o!r1 ! seconds ought n to knock up ! swords until ! man :o has /ood ! attack has deliv]$ 8 ripo/e4 ,= he has ga9$ ?is cle> advantage1 t aft] /opp+ ! ru% he is prep>$ ) an effective rejo9d]1 & ?is advantage he is cle>ly entitl$ to use4 ,_m que/ions ( duell+ mu/ be left to ! imp>tial discretion ( ! seconds4 ,!re is !re=e no ne$ to consid] :at w\ld happ51 if a second 7 to take unfair advantage ( an agreem5t1 hon\rably ent]$ into on bo? sides1 by int]f]+ :5 ! case expressly provid$ = _h n aris54 ,well1 b suppose su* a ?+ did happ58 ,:y1 !n1 y\r consci5ce mu/ tell y h[ to act4 ,p]haps y might int]f]e summ>ily to /op ! proce$+s1 if ! nature ( ! qu>rel all[$ x1 or y might call ^u ! second :o _h s miscon/ru$ 8 duty to )draw & take no fur!r "p 9 ! affair4 ,i h (t5 he>d m5 say3--',if ,i 7 act+ second 9 an affair t 0 n s s]i\s z to w>rant a fatal issue1 & 7 to see t my pr9cipal 0 ab\t to be run ?r\gh ! body by a ?ru/ t w\ld c]ta9ly be fatal1 ,i %\ld n hesitate to knock up ! swords4 ,i c\ld n resi/ ! temptation2 my feel+s w\ld be too /rong = me4 ,& z a matt] ( fact %\ld ,i be v f> wrong8' ,yes1 my fri5d1 y w\ld be absolutely wrong4 ,y w\ld be assum+ ! mo/ on]\s1 ! mo/ t]rible responsibility1 & y\r action1 ?\gh dictat$ by a praisewor?y impulse1 w\ld probably cause y ! mo/ bitt] remorse4 ,= consid]3--y h arre/$ ! sword :i* w\ld h /ruck "o ( ! oppon5ts full 9 ! body4 ,! fight cont9ues1 & ! man ^: bl[ y int]cept$ ) ! praisewor?y motive1 ,i q admit1 ( prev5t+ a mortal w\nd1 is himself w\nd$ or possibly kill$4 ,=tune :i* fav\r$ him at ! outset sudd5ly turns aga9/ him & fav\rs 8 oppon5t1 p]haps ) a lucky fluke1 a ?+ :i* no =esight c prev5t4 ,:at w\ld y\r feel+s be1 :5 y saw /ret*$ at y\r feet a man ^: dea? y _h caus$ by expos+ him to a dang] t he ought nev] to h enc\nt]$8 ,a duel is always a mis]able bus9ess2 b :5 once y h fai?fully & en]getically done all t y c to prev5t x1 y mu/ leave *ance to decide betwe5 ! combatants2 only see t y take all ! measures t are 9 y\r p[] to m9imise ! *ances ( a fatal issue4 ,x seems to me1 someone rem>k$1 t if1 :5 a fri5d asks y to oblige him ) y\r s]vices1 "o 7 to ?9k ( all ^! innum]able responsibilities1 "o w\ld inv>iably decl9e to act4 ,i don't "k :e!r "o w\ld always decl9e1 b ,i "k v well t ! second's "p is "o ( unsp>+ self-sacrifice & devotion4 ,i "k t ! man :o und]takes x lightly _c be too sev]ely blam$1 & ,i may add t ,i h nev] accept$ ! *>ge )\t pass+ a sleepless night haunt$ by ! mo/ gloomy =ebod+s4 ,! second :o conceives t he is m]ely requir$ to be a passive witness1 robs ! "p ( all its mean+1 all its value1 all its dignity4 ,y rememb]1 ,i 0 speak+ j n[ ( ! case ( a second :o act+ on ! spur ( ! mom5t in/9ctively int]cepts a bl[4 ,i w give y an exp]i5ce ( my own4 ,i 0 once act+ = a fri5d 9 an affair ( hon\r2 ,i 0 ?or\ghly on ! al]t & c>efully foll[+ ! play ( ! po9ts ) t close att5tion1 & p]haps ,i may say ) t sur5ess ( eye1 :i* "o acquires f "s famili>ity ) sword-play1 :5 ,i saw ! oppon5t's po9t com+ /raight at my fri5d's body4 ,be=e ,i c\ld ?9k1 ,i saw 9 an in/ant1 z no "o accu/om$ to f5c+ c\ld fail to see1 t ! w\nd w\ld be mortal4 ,i knock$ up ! swords1 & z ! two m5 _h got to close qu>t]s1 ,i call$ out3--',on gu>d4' ,b ,i _h h>dly done s1 :5 ,i realis$ ! full ext5t ( my unconsid]$ action1 & ,i felt--well1 ,i really _c tell y :at my feel+s 7 at t mom5t4 ,luckily = me1 my fri5d1 :o 0 no less clumsy ?an brave1 0 n ! man to leave me long 9 ?is cruel position4 ,he fell a few seconds lat] s]i\sly w\nd$4 ,! simple fact is1 t :]e s _m consid]ations h to be tak5 into acc\nt1 y _c be too c>eful nev] to g a /ep beyond ! limits ( /rict & unassailable ju/ice1 9 fairness to y\rself & to ev]yone else conc]n$4 ,,ii4 ,9 ?is connection ,i am rem9d$ ( ano!r case1 :i* n unfrequ5tly occurs1 & on :i* ,i h sometimes he>d ! mo/ contradictory op9ions express$1 = x pres5ts a really difficult problem4 ,9 ! c\rse ( ! fight "o ( ! antagoni/s calls = a halt--h y ! "r to insi/ t ! fight %all cont9ue )\t int]ruption8 ,9 my op9ion y unque/ionably h t "r1 unless ! case has be5 already provid$ =1 or bo? m5 cons5t4 ,/ill surely1 said ! ,comte de ,c4441 9 a prolong$ set-to1 if y\r oppon5t is exhau/$1 if he is s done t he c h>dly hold 8 sword1 if he is bl[n & di/ress$1 y _c refuse to give him a m9ute or two to recov] 8 w9d4 ,well1 ,i repli$1 ,i h /at$ :at ,i believe to be ! rights ( ! case1 on :i* ei!r combatant c fairly insi/4 ,i w n[ give y my reasons4 ,y\r oppon5t1 y say1 is done2 well1 p]haps he may be1 b h y consid]$ :y8 ,is n 8 fatigue due to ! viol5ce & ! excessive en]gy ) :i* he began ! fight1 to ! reg>dless eag]ness ) :i* he has assail$ y1 )\t consult+ 8 /ay+ p[]s or husb&+ 8 /r5g?8 ,y h _h to be> ! brunt ( all ?is fury1 y h su/a9$ incessant attacks1 b y ) m skill h economis$ y\r res\rces & h bid$ y\r "t to attack him4 ,t opportune mom5t evid5tly comes j :5 y\r oppon5t1 exhau/$ by ! failure ( 8 repeat$ attacks1 is likely to (f] y ! lea/ resi/ance4 ,!n :at happ5s8 ,he calls = a halt6 ,& are y to let him (f )\t press+ ! advantage t y ) y\r judgm5t & self-re/ra9t h held 9 res]ve8 ,are y to give him leave to recov] 8 w9d1 t is to say to recov] 8 /r5g? & rally 8 scatt]$ =ces1 9 ord] t he may />t afre% to make a second onset ) ! same ard\r & ! same viol5ce z be=e8 ,! dang] t y h safely enc\nt]$ once may prove too mu* = y ! second "t4 ,h[ does t /rike y8 ,surely x is z ?\gh a man1 engag$ 9 a duel ) pi/ols1 9 :i* ea* p>ty is at lib]ty to fire :5 he *ooses1 7 to be 9 too great hurry to let fly at 8 oppon5t1 & !n1 :5 8 b>rels 7 empti$ & useless1 7 to ask p]mission to reload1 be=e he has receiv$ 8 oppon5t's fire4 ,,iii4 ,situations requir+ n]ve & self-control und\bt$ly occur 9 a duel ) pi/ols1 b simil> situations1 m try+ & m critical1 occur 9 a duel ) swords4 ,y are will+ to admit !m 9 ! "o case1 yet y refuse to admit !m 9 ! o!r4 ,b1 aft] all1 p]si/$ my critic1 y c h>dly /rike a man1 :o is s utt]ly done t he c h>dly keep 8 po9t up4 ,q true2 b d y feel t hesitation1 :5 y raise y\r pi/ol to fire on a man :o has empti$ 8 b>rels8 ,d y n say1 & ) p]fect ju/ice1 ',i h /ood 8 fire1 x is 8 turn n[ to /& m9e'8 ,yet ! cases are /rictly p>allel4 ,9 ea* case y h tak5 ! risk & h escap$ unhurt1 & ! empty pi/ol 9 y\r oppon5t's h& is m completely sp5t ?an a sword 9 a h& t is n]veless f fatigue4 ,= no p[] c re*>ge ! pi/ol ) ! ball t has sp$1 b on ! contr>y a man ) a sword 9 8 h& may possibly by a supreme ef=t pull himself toge!r1 & dang]\s to ! la/ /rike y be=e y c /rike him4 ,b "h1 z usual1 fa%ion refuses to be logical1 & ! s5tim5t ( *ivalry1 :i* we look = 9 all "r-m9d$ m51 does n n[adays all[ u to make use ( an advantage1 :i* "s day or o!r1 p]haps 9 precisely id5tical circum/ances1 may v likely be claim$ )\t scruple4 ,,iv4 ,!re is1 by ! way1 ano!r argum5t :i* ,i rememb] 0 once put to me by a fri5d1 & :i* /ruck me =cibly at ! "t4 ,my fri5d1 :o is some?+ ( a s*ol>1 & has n =gott5 8 ,lat91 quot$ ^! l9es f ,virgil3-- ,ille p$um melior motu fretusque iuv5ta2 ,hic membris et mole val5s2 s$ t>da trem5ti ,g5ua labant1 va/os quatit aeg] anhelitus artus#c4 ,^! v]ses describe ! fight+ qualities ( two h]oes1 :o are ab\t to ent] ! r+4 ,no "o1 ,i suppose1 w\ld s]i\sly ma9ta9 t !y ought to be h&icapp$1 t "o ( !m %\ld be made to conc$e "s po9ts 9 :i* he is sup]ior1 t is to say "s ( ! *ances 9 8 fav\r1 :ile ! o!r reta9s all t he c mu/]4 ,& yet c we n easily imag9e two m5 meet+ to fight a duel1 "o ( :om has 9 8 fav\r e *ance b "o1 advantage ( rea*1 dext]ity1 spe$1 & swordsman%ip1 :ile ! o!r relies only on s\nd condition & great /ay+ p[]8 ,9 an unequal combat su* z ?is1 :at c ! latt] d b tire 8 oppon5t out1 get him ?or\ghly well bl[n1 & s r$uce ! balance ( advantage1 :i* until !n tells ) full =ce aga9/ him8 ,! o!r man :o !reupon calls = a truce is practically ask+ 8 antagoni/ to =go 8 sup]iority ( s\nd w9d & limb1 :ile he1 s f> f giv+ up 8 own advantages ( rea*1 dext]ity1 & sci5ce1 has e int5tion ( mak+ ! mo/ ( !m :5 ! fight beg9s afre%4 ,!n aga91 ! /ay+ p[] :i* y h&icap1 is v likely d]iv$ f a well develop$ *e/ :i* incid5tally (f]s a l>g] t>get to ! adv]se po9t2 ! great] vig\r may be due to ! fact t its own] is ?ick-set1 ) heavy muscul> limbs :i* make 8 movem5ts sl[ & pond]\s4 ,:y recognise ! inequality ( ! mat* 9 ! "o case1 & disreg>d x 9 ! o!r8 ,v4 ,suppose1 add$ my fri5d1 t ! "q is discuss$ by ! seconds be=e ! fight beg9s4 ,"o side might say3--',if our man is tir$ or bl[n1 y w h no objection1 we presume1 to all[+ a %ort int]val8' ',we _c agree to t1' ! o!r side w\ld reply4 ',! only *ance we h ( mak+ an ev5 fight ( x is t our man %\ld out/ay y\rs4' ,if !y insi/1 ! answ] is ?is3--',y\r man has e acquir$ advantage1 ours has only ! "o advantage ( sup]ior physique4 ,if we are to give up our po9ts1 y mu/ =feit y\rs1 & h[ c y8'--,"s argum5ts are s "o-sid$4 ,9 conclusion1 ,i ?9k t su* que/ions may v prop]ly be debat$ betwe5 ! seconds1 b t !y ought nev] to come to ! e>s ( ! pr9cipals1 = "o ( !m might seem to be ask+ a fav\r1 :i* ! o!r w\ld h a p]fect "r to refuse4 ,i feel t ,i h dwelt on ?is matt] at great l5g?1 b ,i 0 anxi\s to sift x ?or\ghly1 because x is ( vital importance & has (t5 giv5 rise to a s]i\s conflict ( op9ions4 ,i h tri$ to give y ! rights ( ! case 9 a /rictly imp>tial _s4 ,exceptional cases may occur1 to :i* ! rule _c be appli$ )\t h>d%ip1 b su* circum/ances1 z = example ! bad heal? or feeble con/itution ( "o ( ! combatants1 %\ld be provid$ = by arrangem5t4 ,,vi4 ,"o m "q1 please1 cont9u$ ! ,comte de ,c41 j to complete my cross-exam9ation4 ,:5 a man is call$ out1 c he be requir$ to fight two duels ) two oppon5ts 9 succession8 ,no1 t _c be expect$ ( him4 ,! man :o has f\ght once ought to be treat$ z a privileg$ p]son1 & _c 9 any case be compell$ to cross swords a second "t4 ,tir$ z he is1 or z he may be by ! fir/ enc\nt]1 he /&s at a disadvantage 9 meet+ a fre% antagoni/4 ,a second enc\nt]1 if x _c be avoid$ & if bo? sides cons5t1 ought n to take place until ! next day1 or aft] an int]val ( at lea/ "s h\rs1 unless ! p>ty int]e/$1 t is to say ! man :o has already f\ght1 reque/s t x may take place at once4 ,b on no acc\nt %\ld ! man1 :o at a lat] /age may probably or possibly become a pr9cipal1 witness ! fir/ enc\nt] ei!r z a simple spectator or z a second4 ,= ! m]e fact ( 8 pres5ce gives him a real & indisputable advantage1 especially if ! duel is f\ght ) swords4 ,& !n ! fir/ law ( ! duel1--t x %\ld be a fair fight ) no fav\r1--is brok54 ,!re is "o case & /rictly speak+ only "o1 9 :i* 8 pres5ce is p]missible4 ,t is1 :5 be+ ! p>ty injur$ & !re=e hav+ ! *oice ( weapons he selects diff]5t weapons f ^? employ$ 9 ! fir/ enc\nt]1--pi/ols = example1 if ! =m] fight 0 ) swords1 or swords if x 0 f\ght ) pi/ols4 ,b1 ,i repeat1 ?is c only be all[$1 if ! man :o has already f\ght wi%es x or cons5ts to x freely4 ,9 any o!r circum/ances if ,i 7 act+ second on an occasion ( ?is sort1 ,i %\ld refuse to c\nt5ance a duel :i* ,i %\ld consid] equally irregul> & unfair4 ,,vii4 ,take ! "q on its m]its4 ,9 a duel ) swords !re are two ?+s y want to "k3 fir/1 :at is y\r oppon5t's natural temp]1 :5 he is fight+ 9 e>ne/2 secondly1 :at is ! "* ( 8 play & ! quality ( 8 swordsman%ip4 ,no "o c d5y t x is v advantage\s to "k1 :e!r ! man t y h to face is impati5t & excitable or self-possess$ & cool2 :e!r he w attack y ) resolution or play a wait+ game2 :e!r he w attempt to p>ry or simply (f] 8 po9t2 :e!r he is en]getic or ! rev]se1 skilful or clumsy1 an ugly cu/om] or n p>ticul>ly =midable4 ,! fact ( y\r pres5ce at a previ\s enc\nt] is suffici5t by itself to give y in=mation on all ^! heads4 ,y are reassur$ & re9=c$2 undi/urb$ by d\bt & hesitation y c mature y\r plans at leisure ) a quiet m9d4 ,y h be5 ov] ! gr\nd & "k h[ ! l& lies4 ,ev5 if y h n ! vague/ notion ( f5c+1 if y\r ignorance is s complete t y are n 9 a position to make ! be/ use ( all ?is valuable in=mation1 /ill ! fact t y h be5 a spectator ( ! fir/ fight1 ap>t f any conclusions y may draw1 robs ( its imag9>y t]rors ! great unkn[n1 & %[s y :at y h to d4 ,y\r antagoni/ on ! contr>y has ev]y?+ to le>n4 ,he does n "k :e!r y are skilful or incompet5t2 :e!r he ought to attack y or to wait = y\r attack2 :e!r y\r n]ves are %aky or firm2 :e!r y are naturally cool or excitable4 ,he is 9 ! d>k1 a /rang] feel+ 8 way 9 a new c\ntry4 ,y1 mean:ile1 hav+ no ne$ to wa/e "t on su* delib]ations1 g to "w at once1 ) e probability ( w9n+ an easy victory4 ,!re=e1 j z 9 ! case ( ! man :o is at a disadvantage 9 po9t ( sci5ce & practice1 b sup]ior 9 bodily /r5g?1 s\ndness ( w9d1 & condition1 ,i ma9ta9$ t he has z mu* "r to make full use ( ^? advantages z 8 oppon5t has to use ^? :i* he possesses1 s 9 ! situation we are n[ consid]+1 ,i ma9ta9 t we mu/ refuse to all[ any?+ t goes to h&icap ! combatants1 or t5ds to incl9e ! scales unfairly on "o side r ?an ! o!r4 ,x may be t "s ( ! consid]ations1 t ,i h put =w>d1 h n occurr$ to y be=e4 ,b n[1 be>+ !m 9 m9d1 c y say t y really & truly believe t su* a fight z ?is is a fair fight1 or t y w\ld cons5t to h any?+ to d ) x8 ,i ?9k t ,i h said ev]y?+ t ,i _h to say on ! duties ( seconds1 z !y appe> to me 9 ! light ( my own exp]i5ce & ( ! hi/ory ( ! subject4 ,to-morr[ we w discuss a /ill m important matt]1 ! me?ods to be adopt$ by ! pr9cipals4 ,illu/ration ,! ,t5? ,ev5+ ,illu/ration3 ,! in/9ctive position4 ,i4 ,! next day f\nd u light+ our cig>s z usual4 ,brilliant conv]sation1 y "k1 _c be ma9ta9$ )\t some?+ to smoke4 ,our talk ?is ev5+ 0 to be ab\t ! me?ods ( attack & def5ce1 :i* (f] ! mo/ likely *ances ( success 9 an actual duel4 ,i began at once3--,ye/]day1 ,i said1 ,i 0 speak+ ( ! :ole duty ( seconds4 ,i endeav\r$ to describe z cle>ly & fully z possible1 :at !y ought to d & provide =1 & ,i %[$ :y x is ess5tial t !y %\ld foll[ e /age & e incid5t ( ! fight ) ! utmo/ ke5ness1 = ! onus ( responsibility is rightly held to re/ on !m4 ,! prelim9>ies are n[ settl$2 ! antagoni/s1 arm$ ) swords ( equal l5g?1 /& face to face4 ,"o ( ! seconds is /ation$ betwe5 !m4 ,he addresses to ea* 9 turn ! v5]able =mula3--',are y ready8--,on gu>d4' ,^u _! ass5t+ he /eps back & gives ! fatal ^w3--',g4' ,! fight+ is ab\t to beg91 & ! two m5 /& expectant1 nei!r /irr+ yet1 ea* %elt]+ 8 life beh9d a few in*es ( cold /eel4 ,,ii4 ,!re are only ?ree cont+5cies t we ne$ consid]1 :i* naturally divide ! discussion "u ?ree heads4 ,! fir/ arises1 :5 a man :o has nev] t\*$ a sword f9ds himself oppos$ to an old h&4 ,! second1 :5 bo? antagoni/s are alike unskill$4 ,! ?ird1 :5 bo? are adepts4 ,i may say at once ) reg>d to ?is la/ case1 t 9 a duel betwe5 two skilful oppon5ts ! advantage ( sup]ior sci5ce :i* "o or ! o!r ( !m may possess vani%es m (t5 ?an n1 & is comp5sat$ = by diff]5ce ( temp]am5t4 ,= ,i _c rem9d y too (t51 t 9 actual fight+ x is n a "q ( hitt+ y\r oppon5t (t51 or ( plac+ y\r po9t arti/ically1 b ( /rik+ someh[ & anyh[ "o bl[ & only "o4 ,swords are n worn n[1 & swordsman%ip z a necess>y "p ( polite education has gone out ( fa%ion4 ,our m punctili\s ance/ors prid$ !mselves on nev] w\nd+ _! antagoni/ except ) "s ?ru/ +5i\sly conceiv$ & brilliantly execut$4 ,p]haps x 0 bett] s4 ,x 0 c]ta9ly m picturesque1 m *ivalr\s & magnific5t4 ,to mi/ake y\r sword = a spit1 ?\gh y might succe$ 9 runn+ y\r antagoni/ ?r\gh & ?r\gh1 w\ld h be5 vot$ a blackgu>dly proce$+1 unwor?y ( a g5tleman4 ,molire's pr9ciple is good en\gh = u3--',hit ! o!r man1 & don't be hit y\rself4' ,our object is to hit no matt] :]e1--no matt] h[4 ,! art ( f5ce is n[ s mu* neglect$ t x seldom happ5s :5 two m5 g out to fight1 t !y h ev5 a passable k ( _! weapon4 ,,iii4 ,:5 a man kn[s no?+ ab\t f5c+1 ei!r because he has nev] t\*$ a sword1 or because he has only knock$ ab\t ) 8 fri5ds 9 a r\gh way & v occasionally1 8 fir/ ?\ght :5 he has to fight is to call on a pr(essor1 & endeav\r to obta9 "s ideas :i* w enable him to def5d himself on ! field ( battle4 ,i w describe "o ( ^! lessons :i* ! pr(essor is expect$ to give1 & ,i %all try to po9t out ! only sort ( advice t is ( univ]sal application 9 su* cases4 ,! novice expla9s t he has to g out ! next morn+1 & reque/s ! pr(essor to be good en\gh to give him a h9t or two4 ',d y "k any?+ ab\t f5c+8' enquires ! pr(essor4 ',no1 practically no?+4' ',y "k t "o holds ! sword by ! hilt & tries to hit ! o!r man ) ! po9t1 & t is ab\t all1 ,i suppose1' cont9ues ! pr(essor1 :o w h 8 little joke4 ,& he takes d[n a pair ( swords provid$ ) buttons1 h&s "o to 8 pupil1 & ! lesson beg9s4 ,"o wond]s h[ (t5 ?is same lesson has be5 repeat$4 ,x nev] v>ies1 & x nev] ought to v>y4 ,its :ole value lies 9 its simplicity4 ,! ignorant f5c] c d no?+ )\t a cool head & /eady n]ve1 :i* are ! m effective1 :5 !y are oppos$1 z !y (t5 are1 to blu/] & ov]-confid5ce4 ,fir/ & =emo/ ! pr(essor mu/ make 8 pupil und]/& ! absolute necessity ( /&+ firmly on 8 feet ) an easy balance t all[s p]fect fre$om ( movem5t4 ,! position1 :atev] x may be1 t y\r extempore pupil falls into naturally1 is ! position y mu/ accept4 ,x is important to give him confid5ce 9 x & to modify x only s f> z is absolutely necess>y to enable him to move ab\t easily4 ,y\r bus9ess is to make ! be/ ( ?is position1 & if possible turn ev5 its defects to acc\nt4 ,! body %\ld be incl9$ =w>ds r ?an backw>ds4 ,9 ?is some:at cr\*+ attitude ! upp] "p ( ! body1 t is to say ! *e/1 by its advanc$ position ) ! sword arm held 9 front1 acts z a k9d ( natural ramp>t or %ield to cov] ! l[] "p1 :]e a w\nd is almo/ c]ta9 to prove mortal4 ,keep 9 view f ! v fir/ ! importance ( inspir+ confid5ce 9 ! unpractis$ f5c]4 ,= confid5ce alone implies "s sort ( self-possession & reacts imm$iately on n]ve & muscle4 ,he soon beg9s to feel some:at m at ease4 ,"s slight modifications are all t is requir$ to correct ! gl>+ faults t are mo/ obvi\sly dang]\s4 ,i am n afraid ( putt+ ! tru? ( my /atem5t to a practical te/4 ,if y w n[1 all ( y1 take "o ( ^? swords :i* ,i see hang+ on ! wall & place y\rselves on gu>d1 n 9 :at y imag9e to be a f5c+ attitude1 b z y w\ld /& if y 7 s]i\sly ?reat5$1 y w f9d t ! attitudes y assume w all be v mu* alike1 ap>t f su* slight v>iations z are due to diff]5ces ( physique4 ,,iv4 ,come1 ,i'll be y\r %ock+ example1 said "o ( my he>]s4 ,i h nev] t\*$ a sword 9 my life4 ,see :at y c make ( me4 ,v good1 ,i repli$1 ris+ z ,i spoke2 & tak+ d[n a pair ( swords ,i h&$ him "o4 ,!n )\t giv+ him "t to ?9k1 ,i made a quick movem5t & ?reat5$ him ) ! po9t4 ,in/9ctively he ?rew himself on gu>d4 ,!re1 t w d1 ,i said1 /ay z y are2 ,i only wi% y c\ld be photograph$ to illu/rate ! in/9ctive attitude4 ,oh1 don't be too conceit$2 ,i d n mean to say t y\r position is faultless1--v f> f t2 b ! attitude 9 :i* y are /&+ is ! orig9 ( ! or?odox gu>d z taught 9 ! f5c+-room1 because x is ess5tially ! attitude t accords ) our natural fight+ in/9cts4 ,i am gett+ tir$ ( ?is1 obs]v$ my pati5t1 :o _h scrupul\sly /uck to 8 position4 ,"o mom5t1 ,i repli$4 ,y are tir$ because y\r arm is too mu* ext5d$4 ,draw x back a trifle1 to relax ! muscles & give !m _! natural play4 ,c>ry y\rself m upright by slightly rais+ ! body4 ,y\r left foot is too f> f ! "r2 br+ x r m =w>d2 s9k d[n a little on y\r legs1 s z to be ready ei!r to spr+ quickly to ! re> or to advance4 ,br+ y\r "r %\ld] =w>d1 9 ord] to expose y\r *e/ less1 b n fur!r ?an y c manage ) com=t4 ,y see ,i am n v exact+4 ,!re1 t w d v well4 ,n[1 if ,i make a movem5t1 /raight5 y\r arm boldly1 & /ep back4 ,v well done4 ,& yet y tell me y h nev] t\*$ a sword1 or ev5 a foil 9 a f5c+-room4 ,!n all ,i c say is t ,i c\ld n h *os5 a bett] subject = my demon/ration4 ,we w n[ put ! swords back 9 _! place1 & return to our discussion4 ,p]haps ,i may h occasion to tr\ble y aga9 by & by4 ,i am entirely at y\r disposal1 ,pr(essor1 repli$ my oblig+ pupil4 ,v4 ,! re/ ( ! lesson may be summ$ up 9 a conv5i5t =mula4 ,= s f> z ,i "k1 !re is only "o really useful tip t a pr(essor c give to ! un9/ruct$ novice :o says3--',?is aft]noon or to-morr[ morn+ ,i h to g out4' ,! pr(essor w make a great mi/ake if he attempts to tea* him "s fancy /roke1 = he w only di/urb ! natural work+ ( 8 in/9ct1 )\t controll+ x4 ,he mu/ rememb] t ! excitem5t ( fight+ does n leave mu* room = ?\ght1 & he mu/ accord+ly take c>e to limit 8 in/ruction to ! simple/ & cle>e/ ideas1 easy to und]/& & easy to put into practice1 su* z arise naturally out ( ! in/9ctive s5se ( self-pres]vation4 ,^! rem>ks ( c\rse d n apply to ^? dull & in]t creatures1 curs$ ) a temp]am5t s heavy1 & s sluggi%1 t !y d n "k :at x is to move briskly & c nev] rise to ! occasion4 ,y c put no?+ into su* z ^! & c get no?+ out ( !m4 ,:5 swords are cross$1 ! ?+ to d is simply :at our fri5d "h did j n[3--,retire4 ,i say 'retire' 9 ord] to avoid say+ 'run away4' ,retire always1 retire incessantly1 b retire little by little1 s z n to consume once & = all ! entire h9t]l&2 retire 9 %ort1 n l a man 9 a panic1 b l "o :o is wat*+ 8 opportunity4 ,nev] =get ?is1--! only pr9ciple t at ! critical mom5t is available = him :o _c c\nt on sci5ce to assi/ him3--,get back & /raight5 ! arm2--or 9 o!r words3--,def5d y\rself by ?reat5+ y\r oppon5t4 ,nev] attack2 t is ! po9t on :i* y\r att5tion mu/ be conc5trat$4 ,b1 exclaim$ "o ( my he>]s1 :at d y mean by '?reat5+8' ,x is n s easy to ?reat5 :5 y are an absolute duff]4 ,,vi4 ,! nak$ po9t ( a sword resolutely (f]$ at ! body or at ! face is always a ?reat4 ,no "o :o sees x direct$ /raight at him ) a set fixity ( purpose & a sugge/ive glitt] c fail to be al>m$ by x or c af=d to disreg>d x1 m especially p]haps if he kn[s t ! man beh9d x is unsophi/icat$1 & _c be dep5d$ ^u to obey ! ord9>y rules1 t he has no deep design or artful s*eme 9 ! backgr\nd1 b j "o idea--to keep 8 po9t always !re1 l a s5try at 8 po/4 ,put %ortly1 my advice am\nts to ?is3--,def5d y\rself by retreat+2 ?reat5 by (f]+ ! po9t4 ,(f]+ ! po9t1 t is to say /raight5+ ! arm1 is ! attack ( ! incapable f5c]4 ,by retreat+ y ma9ta9 ! di/ance betwe5 y\rself & y\r oppon5t1 & make x difficult = him to get comm& ( y\r blade on a simulat$ attack4 ,!re is only "o o!r movem5t t ,i %\ld tea* to a novice1 :o came to me = advice 9 ^! circum/ances4 ,i %\ld tell him--z he retires & /raight5s 8 arm--to *ange ! l9e occasionally2 t is to say to pass 8 po9t "u 8 oppon5t's blade & ?reat5 him on ! o!r side1 9 fact a simple dis5gagem5t4 ,x is ! easie/ ?+ 9 ! _w to und]/&1 & anyone1 h[ev] little he may be skill$ 9 ! art ( f5c+1 c d x ) ! greate/ ease2 ! act ( retir+ itself facilitates ! execution ( ! movem5t4 ,an h\r's practice w make him famili> ) ?is *ange ( l9e1 :i* z ,i rem>k$ j n[ answ]s ! d\ble purpose ( attack & def5ce4 ,i %\ld make my pupil repeat ?is v simple p]=mance ov] & ov] aga91 in/ruct+ him to /raight5 8 arm1 sometimes ) 8 po9t held high on a level ) ! *e/1 attack+ ! high l9es1 sometimes ) ! po9t l[]$1 attack+ ! l[ l9es4 ,y und]/& ( c\rse :at is meant by ! high & l[ l9es4 ,x is ! ,a--,b--,c ( f5c+4 ,notice t my lesson is simplifi$ to a degree t is almo/ ludicr\s4 ,i dissect e movem5t & expla9 h[ ! p>ts are put toge!r1 be+ p>ticul>ly c>eful to avoid ! use ( te*nical t]ms1 = my imag9>y pupil is suppos$ to be completely ignorant1 & he w\ld be hopelessly puzzl$ by !m4 ,if on ! o!r h& he happ5s to h "s smatt]+ ( k he w appreciate m fully & d]ive all ! m b5efit f ! lesson ?us r$uc$ to its simple/ expression4 ,,vii4 ,y say no?+1 rem>k$ "o ( my he>]s1 ab\t ! movem5t1 :i* consi/s 9 rev]s+ ! lunge4 ,no1 ,i answ]$2 because ,i believe t ?is device1 :i* is only prop] 9 c]ta9 exceptional circum/ances1 is likely to prove v dang]\s if x is employ$ at ! wrong mom5t or at r&om4 ,if x does n come (f1 y are left )\t def5ce at y\r oppon5t's m]cy4 ,to put ! matt] %ortly3--if y adopt my plan1 y retire & at ! same mom5t (f] y\r po9t ei!r ) a /raight ?ru/ or ) a dis5gagem5t2 !n y imm$iately recov] y\r gu>d & br+ y\r =e>m back to its orig9al position4 ,:e!r y\r ?ru/ has succe$$ or n1 y are always provid$ ) a s\nd def5ce1 y are set firmly on y\r legs1 y\r balance is undi/urb$1 & ^u y\r oppon5t's advance y c repeat ! process aga9 & aga94 ,n[ suppose t y decide to lunge to ! re>2 t is to say1 to rev]se ! lunge by ?r[+ ! left leg back to its full ext5t & dropp+ ! body1 )\t mov+ ! "r foot2 well1 :5 w y d ?is & h[8 ,y are n an exp]t4 ,:at secret in/9ct w in=m y t ! opportune mom5t has come = execut+ ?is manoeuvre8 ,= aft] y h execut$ x1 y mu/ recov]1 & recov] sm>tly1 if y are to rega9 y\r gu>d2 no easy matt]1 ,i assure y4 ,9 attempt+ to p]=m a movem5t s complicat$1 y ) y\r want ( exp]i5ce c h>dly fail to be ?r[n into disord]1 to ! great advantage ( y\r adv]s>y1 :o w seize ! opportunity to press y briskly & get comm& ( y\r blade4 ,ev5 suppos+ t y escape f ?is dang]1 y _c g on repeat+ ! process cont9ually2 y _c repeat x indiff]5tly on e attack1 or on e semblance ( an attack t is made ^u y4 ,y mu/ judge y\r opportunity4 ,n[ f5c+ judgm5t1 especially 9 a duel1 implies k1 & rememb] we are argu+ on ! assumption t y are ignorant4 ,= ^! reasons ,i %\ld nev] ?9k ( recomm5d+ ! lunge to ! re> to anyone :o has n acquir$ "s famili>ity ) 8 weapon4 ,,viii4 ,if we n[ turn f ! man ^: only *ance lies 9 8 gett+ a rule ( ?umb to "w by to ! man :o is m or less us$ to f5c+1 ! case is diff]5t4 ,! scope ( ! lesson is enl>g$4 ,! pupil kn[s a few words ( ! language1 we mu/ try to turn 8 k to acc\nt4 ,my advice to him w\ld be3--,9 ! fir/ place1 take ! same gu>d z t already indicat$2 b make a little play ) y\r po9t1 by *ang+ ! l9e occasionally f inside to outside & s on1 9 ord] to bo!r y\r oppon5t4 ,make a %[ ( attack+ n[ & !n1 9 ord] to recov] any gr\nd t y may h lo/ by retreat+4 ,b be v c>eful nev] on any acc\nt to attack 9 real e>ne/4 ,y mu/ be d\bly /rong & d\bly sure ( all y\r movem5ts to enable y to attack )\t gett+ out ( y\r dep?1 & p]haps ?r[+ y\rself away 9 a mom5t ( inadv]t5ce4 ,& !n ,i %\ld g on to say3--,sometimes1 b always accompany+ ! movem5t ) a %ort /ep to ! re>1 make a p>ry ( c\nt] qu>te & circle1 a sweep+ p>ry :i* cuts all ! l9es1 & is b\nd to f9d ! blade some:]e4 ,come back to y\r fir/ position at once1 hold+ y\r po9t well 9 front ( y\r body4 ,!n if y f9d t y\r oppon5t means to develope 8 attack fully1 & t 8 po9t is direct$ high1 ?r[ y\r left foot back boldly1 rememb]+ to drop y\r head & body at ! same mom5t1 9 ord] to avoid ! po9t :i* w\ld o!rwise /rike y 9 ! upp] "p ( ! *e/ or 9 ! face4 ,above all1 recov] z sm>tly z y c by spr++ quickly to ! re>1 s z to rega9 y\r def5sive position be=e y\r adv]s>y1 if he has avoid$ or p>ri$ y\r ?ru/1 c take advantage ( 8 opportunity4 ,b once m ,i mu/ caution y t ?is sort ( ?+ requires su* tra9+ & judgm5t z ,i %\ld n expect anyone to possess :o has n by regul> practice made himself ?or\ghly at home ) ! sword4 ,,ix4 ,we are all[$ to criticise1 ,i believe1 rem>k$ ! ,comte de ,c4 aft] a pause :i* foll[$ ^! rem>ks4 ,by all means1 ,i repli$2 ,i n only all[ b invite criticism4 ,9 work+ out an idea1 ,i may v likely neglect "s side ( x t ought n to be pass$ ov]4 ,well1 y seem to me inconsi/5t4 ,y said ! o!r day1 & ,i q agre$ ) y3--',! fir/ & fundam5tal rule ( f5c+ is to p>ry2' & n[ y tell u on ! contr>y n to attempt to p>ry4 ,t is fair criticism1 ,i answ]$1 b ,i d n admit ! inconsi/5cy4 ,y w rememb] t we 7 !n talk+ ( sci5tific f5c+1 t is to say ( ! sy/ematic /udy ( swordsman%ip4 ,b t has no?+ to d ) ! pres5t "q4 ,! :ole art ( f5c+ _c be le>nt 9 ?ree or f\r h\rs4 ,let me give y an analogy1 = an analogy (t5 s]ves to put an argum5t simply4 ,two m5 are on a s9k+ %ip2 "o ( !m kn[s h[ to swim1 ! o!r only kn[s h[ to g to ! bottom & /ay !re4 ,mean:ile ! dang] is imm$iate4 ,w\ld y say to ! man :o _c swim a /roke3--',look "h1 ?is is ! way to swim2 y move y\r arms l ?is1 & at ! same "t y move y\r legs l t'8 ,d y mean to tell me t he w be able to put into practice /raight away :at y h j %[n him8 ,or d y suppose1 t ?anks to y\r demon/ration he w be able to swim :5 he f9ds himself 9 ! wat]8 ,no1 ( c\rse y are n s fooli% z to suppose any?+ ( ! sort4 ,y w\ld ( c\rse tell him to cat* hold ( some?+ or o!r1 any?+--a sp>1 an o>1 or a plank1 & to support himself on x z be/ he c2 t is 8 only *ance4 ,well1 my case is on all f\rs ) t4 ,my pupil is 9 imm95t p]il ( 8 life4 ,my bus9ess is to give him ! sp> or ! plank1 :i* may s]ve to keep him afloat4 ,i don't bo!r ab\t tea*+ him to swim4 ,x4 ,( c\rse !re is no?+ to prev5t "o f %[+ "o or two p>ries to ! novice :o has to fight a duel at %ort notice4 ,b ! only p>ries t w\ld be ( any use to him are ! compreh5sive & r complicat$ p>ries1 :i* sweep ?r\gh all ! l9es4 ,:at w\ld be ! result8 ,8 p>ries w\ld be weak1 undecid$1 & sl[4 ,in/ead ( tripp+ neatly r\nd ! blade1 !y w\ld lab\r pa9fully aft] x 9 wide circles4 ,to deceive !m w\ld be ! m]e/ *ild's play1 & ! poor novice1 enc\nt]+ no?+ b empty air1 w\ld let 8 blade fly into space1 & s5d 8 arm aft] x1 leav+ himself completely expos$4 ,ev5 suppos+ t 8 oppon5t does n take advantage ( 8 opportunity1 ! novice realises h[ helpless he is1 & racks 8 bra9s = "s device to avoid ! dang] :5 he is aga9 attack$4 ,!n he does n "k :at to d1 :at n to d2 he loses 8 head & is seiz$ ) panic2 he /rikes wildly at 8 oppon5t's blade1 z a dr[n+ man /rikes wildly at ! wat]1 & no?+ rema9s to be done b to wait = ! f9i%+ ?ru/1 or to ru% bl9dly at 8 oppon5t1 ) ! probability t he w run ^u 8 po9t4 ,^? are my reasons = n attempt+ to tea* an untutor$ novice ?+s :i* he _c possibly p]=m4 ,n[1 on ! o!r h&1 consid] 9 detail ! measures t ,i d put at 8 disposal4 ,by retir+ he evades ! po9t4 ,evad+ ! po9t1 by draw+ ! body back or by spr++ to ! re>1 may n be ! same ?+ z p>ry+1 b x am\nts to mu* ! same 9 ! end1 s9ce y retire out ( range & are n hit4 ,or if y are hit1 at ! wor/ y c be only lightly t\*$1 because by retir+ y make y\r oppon5t lose ! gr\nd :i* he reckon$ on ga9+ by 8 attack4 ,moreov] :5 he sees t y /raight5 y\r arm e "t on ! *ance ( rea*+ him1 he d>e n lunge out recklessly4 ,if he does1 y h at lea/ a *ance ( hitt+ him1--by a fluke no d\bt1 b ,i suppose y d n mu* m9d t4 ,,xi4 ,!re is "o la/ objection t ,i w anticipate4 ,:at1 ,i may be ask$1 becomes ( y\r s*eme ( def5ce1 if1 ! mom5t t ! novice ext5ds 8 sword at a v5ture1 ! adv]s>y engages x8 ,)\t a d\bt t is :at he ought to d1 & :at he w d1 z ,i %all pres5tly expla94 ,b y d n imag9e1 ,i suppose1 t a man completely ignorant ( ! use ( 8 weapon1 :o goes to a pr(essor = advice on ! eve ( an enc\nt]1 c hope to come away com=t$ ) ! assurance t he has le>nt ! :ole art ( h[ to hit 8 oppon5t )\t be+ t\*$ himself8 ,t1 ,i fancy1 w\ld be too conv5i5t4 ,x w\ld be bett] !n to /udy ! art ( n le>n+ to f5ce1 in/ead ( sp5d+ mon?s & ye>s 9 /udy+ ! art ( f5c+4 ,ignorance w\ld inde$ be bliss & wisdom folly4 ,! man :o has n le>nt ! use ( ! weapon to :i* he entru/s 8 life1 may ?9k himself lucky if he c less5 ! *ances1 to :i* he is expos$1 ( a fatal issue4 ,! ma/] c hope to accompli% no?+ m ?an to give 8 pupil "s confid5ce1 & %[ him ! only c\rse t c be comm5d$ by common s5se & at ! same "t furni%es "s sort ( def5ce4 ,if ! novice does :at he is told he w1 ,i repeat1 put difficulties & dang]s 9 ! way ( 8 oppon5t2 he w =ce him to act ) caution1 he w keep him at long range1 & compel him to %ift 8 gr\nd :5 he attacks4 ,9 %ift+ 8 gr\nd he may1 ei!r ?r\gh c>elessness or 9 ! excitem5t ( ! mom5t1 leave himself uncov]$1 & give an op5+ to ! po9t t is cont9ually direct$ at him4 ,b ,i d n = a mom5t suppose t a w>y & exp]i5c$ f5c]1 :o keeps 8 head cool1 w n easily defeat su* elem5t>y /rategy4 ,y may tell y\r pupil to be prud5t1 y may tell him to be calm & resolute1 b n[ or nev] y %\ld add ! pi\s wi% ',heav5 help y'4 ,,xii4 ,may ,i ask "o m "q8 said "o ( my fri5ds4 ,i h (t5 he>d x said t if y don't "k mu* ab\t f5c+ ! be/ ?+ to d is1 z soon z y come on gu>d1 to make a sudd5 ru% at ! o!r man be=e he has "t to collect himself4 ,well1 ,i repli$1 if y wi% to make sure ( be+ incurably spitt$1 t is ! mo/ infallible way to set ab\t x4 ,! seconds1 be=e giv+ ! signal to beg91 h j ask$ y\r oppon5t if he is ready4 ,is x likely t he w all[ himself to be ru%$1 or to be victimis$ by su* a transp>5t piece ( bluff8 ,is x n mu* m likely t he w h be5 told to look out = a surprise attack8 ,"o ( two ?+s1--ei!r ! man :o confronts y is a skilful f5c]1 9 :i* case he w n want y to give him "t to collect himself1 b w be q capable ( tak+ 8 own "t2 or 8 ignorance ( f5c+ is on a p> ) y\rs1 & !n x is a toss up4 ,x foll[s t if ?is desp]ate plan ( attack is *os51 because x is ?\ght likely to succe$1 x is absurd4 ,if h[ev] x is *os51 because ! man :o *ooses x is ( a re/ive impati5t disposition1 "o :o _c wait & = :om cool def5sive tactics are an impossibility1 ! case is diff]5t4 ,all t "o c say to ! pupil1 ^: temp] is su* t he _c play a wait+ game1 is some?+ ( ?is sort3--,tru/ y\r in/9ct1 be guid$ by y\r natural impulse4 ,y q und]/& t by act+ z y propose y run a great] risk2 = y\r attack is deliv]$ at r&om1 y are emb>k+ on a wild & haz>d\s speculation4 ,y\r only *ance ( success1 z y y\rself admit1 is t y may1 by sudd5ly & viol5tly lett+ y\rself g = all y are wor?1 take y\r oppon5t by surprise & put him (f 8 p>ry4 ,i c only give y "o ^w ( advice4 ,be=e lett+ y\rself g1 try at any rate to beat ! o!r man's sword out ( l9e 9 any way y c4 ,knock x up or d[n1 to "o side or ! o!r2 z soon z y h made y\r beat1 let y\rself g /raight1 )\t ! lea/ hesitation4 ,by ?is means y w avoid an int]*ange ( hits or a /op ?ru/4 ,b ,i w>n y ?is is n s easy z x s\nds4 ,possibly1 :]e s mu* dep5ds on luck & accid5t1 y may br+ (f y\r hit4 ,b if y are ! w\nd$ man1 y w be w\nd$ ) a v5geance1 = y w probably run on ! sword up to ! hilt1--a trifl+ consid]ation1 :i* is p]haps wor? tak+ into acc\nt4 ,?is plan 9 fact c nev] be recomm5d$2 x involves n only too _m risks1 b risks t are too s]i\s & too c]ta94 ,i w %[ y pres5tly 9 great] detail :y ?is is s1 :5 we look at ! "q f ! o!r side1 f ! po9t ( view ( a f5c] m or less skilful1 :o is oppos$ to a novice ignorant ( swordsman%ip b a det]m9$ natural fight]1 :o is ?or\ghly r\s$ by a ke5 s5se ( dang]4 ,,xiii4 ,! case we %all consid] next w be ! rev]se ( ?is4 ,by rev]s+ ! position we %all he> :at is to be said on bo? sides1 & we %all !n h consid]$ f e po9t ( view1 ! probabilities ( victory or defeat1 :i* are likely to occur 9 a duel4 ,we w leave t = to-morr[4 ,& s we broke up4 ,illu/ration ,! ,elev5? ,ev5+ ,illu/ration3 ,! real ?+4 ,i4 ,we h n[ to exam9e ! duel ) swords f a diff]5t po9t ( view4 ,! ignorant & inexp]i5c$ f5c]1 try+ at ! la/ mom5t to f9d a desp]ate rem$y = a desp]ate /ate ( affairs1 may be dismiss$1 & we h n[ to consid] ! case ( combatants :o are m or less ev5ly mat*$1 & :o are fight+ 9 deadly e>ne/4 ,= z ,i h already said1 a duel g5]ally equalises ! =ces on ei!r side1 except :5 a skilful & resolute swordsman meets a clumsy hesitat+ duff]1 or :5 a cool head is oppos$ to t ra% & furi\s blu/] :i* m (t5 ?an n leads a man to 8 de/ruction4 ,fir/ & =emo/1 y\r inv>iable rule mu/ be3--,di/ru/ y\r enemy2 nev] be ov]confid5t4 ,i _c too (t5 repeat t ! unexpect$ always turns up j :5 y are lea/ prep>$ = x4 ,x is ?is glori\s unc]ta9ty t to my m9d makes fight+ ) swords ! only sort ( duell+ t is fair & sportsmanlike1 ! only sort 9 :i* en]gy1 c\rage1 & resolution always give "s *ance to ! weak] combatant4 ,9 a duel f\ght ) pi/ols1 :at a wret*$ rle is assign$ to ! combatants4 ,en]gy is ( no use1 c\rage ( no value2 y /& up l a t>get to be %ot at1 )\t any possibility ( def5ce4 ,c\rage & c[>dice meet on equal t]ms2 ! feeble/ & mo/ spiritless sneak may succe$ 9 defeat+ ! mo/ det]m9$ c\rage & ! manlie/ en]gy4 ,a f+] presses a trigg]1 & ! ?+ is done4 ,duell+ ) pi/ols has always seem$ to me a mon/r\s practice4 ,i am delight$ to see x disappe>+ f our mann]s1 & go+ m & m out ( fa%ion e day4 ,,ii4 ,to return to my subject1--!re are c]ta9 elem5t>y pr9ciples ( self-def5ce1 f :i* ! prud5t f5c] ought nev] to dep>t2 pr9ciples ( su* univ]sal application1 t !y may be consid]$ ! f\ndation on :i* is bas$ all s]i\s fight+1 :i* is conduct$ ) any sort ( me?od4 ,z soon z ! second :o und]takes to />t ! proce$+s has put y on gu>d1 & /eps back1 leav+ y at lib]ty to set to1 y %\ld imm$iately take two or ?ree paces to ! re>1 be=e y\r oppon5t c realise or anticipate :at y are ab\t4 ,by ?is means y at once put y\rself out ( range1 & out ( dang] ei!r f a surprise or f "o ( ^? bl9d & frantic ru%es1 to :i*1 z we h se51 "s m5 are apt to p9 _! fai?4 ,b1 exclaim$ "o ( my he>]s1 n altoge!r s]i\sly1 if y\r oppon5t does ! same ?+1 y w f9d y\rselves at a range m suitable = pi/ol practice ?an = sword-play4 ,9 t case1 ,i repli$1 tak+ him s]i\sly1 y h ?ree advantages = "o1--surely a sub/antial ga94 ,9 ! fir/ place1 if ! same idea has occurr$ to y\r oppon5t z to y1 or if ! same advice has be5 giv5 to y bo?1 ! advice is ! m likely to be s\nd4 ,9 ! second place1 8 quick /rategic movem5t to ! re> tells y v pla9ly t he too has no fancy = a surprise1 or = t r\gh & tumble /yle ( fight+ :i* r$uces sword-play to a sort ( fi/icuffs4 ,y are able to make up y\r m9d at once t he is n t sort ( fight]1 & t 8 attacks w be prud5t & well consid]$4 ,9 ! ?ird place1 ! brief pause gives y a mom5t or two to pull y\rself toge!r & get /eady1 to take a good look at y\r oppon5t's po9t1 & get ov] t fir/ involunt>y s5sation1 t mom5t>y *ill1 :i* no "o1 n ev5 ! brave/ ( u1 ev] fails to exp]i5ce4 ,x also gives y "t to run y\r eye ov] y\r antagoni/1 & by not+ h[ he /&s1 h[ he holds 8 sword1 9 a ^w h[ he %apes1 to look ! situation 9 ! face & settle y\r plan ( campaign4 ,t1 ,i ?9k y w admit1 is some?+ ga9$1 ev5 if y h to /& = a few seconds at a range :i*1 z y say1 seems m suitable = pi/ol practice4 ,,iii4 ,h y nev] obs]v$ h[ all animals1 f ! mo/ insignificant creatures up to ! mo/ savage bea/s1 set ab\t fight+8 ,look at two cocks 9 a back-y>d or two bulls 9 a field4 ,notice h[ !y skirmi% & sp> be=e really lett+ !mselves g2 notice ! wick$ glitt] ( _! eyes z !y int5tly wat* = an op5+1 :]e !y w pres5tly plant _! mo/ tell+ bl[4 ,:at tea*es !m n to ru% at ea* o!r's ?roat 9 bl9d fury8 ,:y1 simply in/9ct1 ! sci5ce ( self-pres]vation :i* is common to e liv+ ?+2 & common in/9ct %\ld tea* y ! same lesson4 ,y w easily realise h[ completely y upset or at lea/ di/urb ! calculations ( ! man :o is cl++ to advice ( ?is k9d3--',! mom5t y are on gu>d1--lunge1 be=e y\r oppon5t has "t to collect himself'2 or ( ! man1 ^: "o idea is to make a wild & indiscrim9ate *>ge4 ,su* m51 h[ev] lack+ !y may be 9 bra9s1 c h>dly fail to p]ceive t ! di/ance betwe5 y & !m makes a surprise impracticable4 ,if !y d attempt x1 _! movem5ts w be disconc]t$2 !y w give !mselves away1 & may probably run ^u y\r po9t if y hold x /raight be=e y1 or 9 any case !y mu/ give y "t to see !m com+4 ,y may be attack$ no d\bt1 & attack$ furi\sly1 b y w n be surpris$4 ,,iv4 ,:5 y h plac$ y\rself out ( range y rema9 free to *oose y\r next move4 ,if y\r oppon5t n[ seems incl9$ to %ort5 ! di/ance betwe5 y1 wait = him )\t break+ gr\nd4 ,he is compell$ to advance1 & !re=e is at a disadvantage2 = if he exposes himself1 y are ready = him2 y d y\r be/ to h>ass 8 advance1 y wat* y\r opportunity1 & :atev] movem5t he makes y let him see t he is cont9ually ?reat5$ by y\r po9t4 ,he _c help giv+ y notice ( 8 attack2 y see :at is com+1 & are able to take y\r measures accord+ly4 ,! way he manages 8 advance1 & ! accompany+ movem5ts ( 8 po9t1 h&1 & arm1 are sure signs by :i* y c tell h[ mu* or h[ little he kn[s4 ,if on ! o!r h& he /&s on ! def5sive & seems incl9$ to wait = y\r attack1 y may advance cauti\sly1 ) %ort /eps1 keep+ y\r legs well "u y & y\r body well balanc$1 levell+ y\r po9t n[ at 8 eyes1 n[ at 8 *e/2--= y mu/ be c>eful to gu>d aga9/ ! dang]s t ,i h j m5tion$4 ,9 ord] to c\nt]act1 or at lea/ to less5 ! disadvantage to :i* y are expos$ on y\r advance1 y mu/ occupy y\r oppon5t's att5tion by cont9ually ?reat5+ him 9 ! diff]5t l9es2 = by compell+ him to protect himself y prev5t him f attack+ y1 & mean:ile little by little y ga9 gr\nd4 ,x is a good plan to fe9t a s]i\s attack 9 ord] to compel him to %[ 8 h&1 & to f9d out :e!r he means to rely on a p>ry1 or if he w simply /raight5 8 arm4 ,b y mu/ be v sure ( y\rself1 & h complete control ( y\r movem5ts1 or y w v likely disclose y\r own plans by "s involunt>y & incauti\s ge/ure4 ,all t ,i h said applies ) equal =ce to good & bad f5c]s1 to ! exp]t z well z to ! novice4 ,prud5ce & self-control are m ?an half ! battle4 ,to ^! mu/ be add$ sci5ce1 :i* enables y to deceive y\r oppon5t by delud+ him z to y\r real object1 :ile y compel him unwill+ly to betray himself4 ,v4 ,i hope1 ,i said1 int]rupt+ myself1 t y f9d me tol]ably intelligible & t y foll[ ! connection betwe5 ! successive /eps ( my argum5t8 ,my audi5ce ) "o voice assur$ me t ,i 0 p]fectly intelligible1 & t !y 7 foll[+ me ) ! greate/ int]e/4 ,i may be a trifle long-w9d$ 9 deal+ ) ^! po9ts1 b please rememb] t aft] po9t+ out a dang] or giv+ a piece ( advice1 ,i h to %[ h[ ! dang] may be met1 by expla9+ ! answ]+ move4 ,to proce$1--:i*ev] ( y has made ! fir/ advance1 y are n[ )9 /rik+ di/ance4 ,if y are absolutely ignorant ( sword-play1 l ! un=tunate duelli/ ^: case we 7 consid]+ la/ night1 ,i h already told y :at 9 my op9ion y c d1 or at lea/ may attempt to d4 ,i h no?+ m to say on t head4 ,! oppon5ts t we n[ h 9 view are suppos$ to h a k ( ! use ( weapons4 ,x foll[s t ! que/ions to be consid]$ w naturally resemble ^? t we h already discuss$ :5 talk+ ( !oretical sword-play & m p>ticul>ly ( ! assault4 ,! only diff]5ce is ! diff]5ce betwe5 a %am fight & a real fight1 ! diff]5ce betwe5 a muzzl$ foil & an unmuzzl$ sword4 ,besides t1 9 an assault y are gov]n$ by conv5tional re/rictions cle>ly def9$ & well und]/ood2 y d n attempt to hit y\r oppon5t except 9 accordance ) ! rules2 y we> a mask & a jacket4 ,b ! mi/akes :i* y are mo/ anxi\s to avoid 9 an assault are ! v ?+s t y try to turn to acc\nt 9 a fight1 9 ord] to p]plex y\r oppon5t & spoil 8 game4 ,= f5c+1 if ! pr(essors w all[ me to say s1 is p]haps ! "o art 9 :i* mi/akes may ^u occasion prove ( ! greate/ possible advantage to him :o makes !m4 ,o!rwise x w\ld be m]e bookwork1 to be le>nt m or less ?or\ghly1 & ! man :o knew 8 book completely w\ld h no?+ to fe>2 b to my m9d x is no?+ ( ! sort4 ,no k ( f5c+ c make a man invuln]able4 ,if anyone imag9es t he is an exception to ! rule he betrays a s+ul>ly misplac$ confid5ce 9 8 own p[]s1--a v dang]\s error4 ,b ought we to condemn swordsman%ip on t acc\nt8 ,my own op9ion is t ?is unc]ta9ty is ! great beauty ( ! sword1 ! "o feature t di/+ui%es x z ! only weapon = a fair fight2 = ev5 ! weake/ play] has 8 opportunity1 8 lucky mom5ts1 8 /rokes ( =tune1 :i* mu/ always prev5t ! duel f deg5]at+ into simple but*]y4 ,if f5c+ 7 an exact sci5ce1 if y knew1 t z sure z two & two make f\r1 y c\ld c]ta9ly hit y\r man1 & t he z c]ta9ly c\ld n hit y1 h[ c\ld y 9 common hone/y cross swords ) him8 ,,vi4 ,i am afraid t ,i h be5 w&]+ some:at f my text2 b ?is digression1 ?\gh x may at fir/ sight seem out ( place1 /ill :5 "o comes to consid] x is v closely connect$ ) our subject4 ,= x s]ves to emphasise once m ! fact t1 9 spite ( e probability1 luck may always turn ! scale 9 fav\r ( ! o!r side1 & to rem9d y t y _c atta* too mu* importance to ! mo/ m9ute p>ticul>s ( y\r def5ce4 ,habitual mi/ru/ is "o ( ! mo/ necess>y requirem5ts = ?is complicat$ art4 ,put 9 ano!r way x is ! c>eful /udy ( ! enemy :om y h to face4 ,! mi/ru/ t m>ks ! w>y1 calculat+ play]1 n only pres]ves him f dang] b creates dang]s = 8 oppon5t4 ,,vii4 ,i 0 say+ ! o!r day t ,i did n believe 9 secret ?ru/s1 & t ! ?ru/s t h receiv$ ?is absurd misnom] are no?+ b /rokes t are n g5]ally recognis$ by ! ord9>y rules ( f5c+4 ,/rip !m ( _! imag9>y t]rors1 & f> f be+ dang]\s to y !y become m ?an a little dang]\s = ! man :o attempts !m4 ,to describe !m1 we ne$ n di/+ui% m ?an two sorts1--me?ods ( attack1 & me?ods ( evad+ or dodg+ an oppon5t's attack4 ,^! tricks are all v mu* ( ! same "*4 ,take ?is = an example3--lunge z ?\gh y 7 mak+ a simple attack1 !n sudd5ly draw y\r arm back to make y\r oppon5t p>ry 9 ! air1 ?r[ y\rself out ( l9e & let drive1 hitt+ him 9 ! ribs4 ,or aga93--aft] a false attack1 dodge by /oop+ l[ to avoid ! p>ry & ripo/e1 & hit y\r oppon5t 9 ! l[ l9es4 ,! sudd5 disappe>ance ( y\r body w probably a/oni% him4 ,"s m5 delight 9 *>g+ at y ) a %\t1 at ! same "t draw+ back _! arm to avoid y\r p>ry4 ,?is /range w>-cry occasionally has ! effect ( caus+ a mom5t's involunt>y pause1 ( :i* !y take advantage to drive _! po9t home anyh[ & any:]e4 ,o!rs aga91 :5 ! blades are engag$ 9 ti]ce1 sudd5ly br+ _! left foot to ! front1 at ! same "t sw++ ! body r\nd1 left %\ld] =w>d & out ( l9e ) y\r po9t4 ,if on ! o!r h& ^! /rokes1 :i* if n f\l are decid$ly irregul>1 are employ$ to meet an attack1 ! same ?+ is done ) slight v>iations4 ,suppose ,i deliv] an attack2 my oppon5t1 in/ead ( p>ry+1 spr+s aside out ( l9e4 ,sword & body vani%2 ! t>get has mov$ away2 my attack loses itself 9 space1 & ,i am hit by a flank movem5t4 ,or aga91 he ducks sudd5ly1 support+ himself on 8 free h&1 & all[s my po9t to pass h>mlessly ov] 8 head1 :ile at ! same "t he hits me some:]e1--9 ! l[ l9es ( c\rse4 ,or aga91 he seizes my blade 9 ti]ce1 sw+s ! left foot r\nd to ! front1 sudd5ly arrives at close qu>t]s1 & be=e ,i h "t ei!r to retreat or to recov] my gu>d1 /abs me by draw+ back or dropp+ 8 h&4 ,i might ext5d ?is li/ ( examples indef9itely1 b y see t all ^! /rokes are contriv$ on ! same plan1 & only diff] f ea* o!r 9 unimportant details4 ,x ne$s no argum5t to prove h[ completely ! man :o resorts to su* tactics gives himself away if !y are unsuccessful1 = 9 ord] to make !m really =midable !re mu/ be no hang+ back1--y mu/ let y\rself g )\t ! lea/ res]ve4 ,,viii4 ,b surely1 someone object$1 9 ! h&s ( a skilful swordsman !y w\ld be d\bly dang]\s8 ,t cont+5cy1 ,i repli$1 is wor? consid]+1 b a skilful swordsman w\ld be v unlikely to resort to su* me?ods4 ,:y %\ld he8 ,if 8 oppon5t is a duff]1 he has no ne$ to be s tricky4 ,if on ! o!r h& 8 oppon5t is a cool-head$ f5c]1 z skilful z himself1 he kn[s ! p5alty ( failure too well to make ! attempt4 ,i ne$ h>dly tell y1--?\gh ,i believe ,i h m5tion$ ! fact already1--t :5 y attack y ought to be p>ticul>ly c>eful n to let y\rself g s completely t y _c recov] y\r def5sive position1 if y\r attack fails4 ,all ^! rem>ks illu/rate h[ necess>y x is to di/ru/ y\r enemy1 to approa* a /range antagoni/ ) caution1 & always keep him at a di/ance4 ,by retreat+ ! mom5t y come on gu>d y h already provid$ aga9/ a surprise & aga9/ wild ru%es4 ,:5 y are )9 range1 take my advice & d n jo9 blades1 & always1 z mu* z possible1 avoid com+ to su* close qu>t]s t y\r oppon5t c rea* y )\t break+ gr\nd4 ,b d n misund]/& me :5 ,i tell y n to jo9 blades4 ,i d n mean t y are nev] to cov] y\rself1 & nev] to all[ ! blades to meet2 t w\ld be a mi/ake4 ,all t ,i mean is t y %\ld take c>e nev] to all[ y\r oppon5t to hold y\r blade4 ,by play+ light & refus+ a pr(f]$ engagem5t y put a /op to all =c+ /rokes1--croiss1 beats1 b9ds1 flanconnade1--:i* are ! mo/ dang]\s ( all /rokes1 because !y are ! mo/ c]ta94 ,i call !m c]ta91 because by hold+ y\r blade prison] !y control x =cibly1 & make a /op ?ru/ or an ex*ange ( hits impossible4 ,,ix4 ,!re are ( c\rse sev]al ways ( deal+ ) a man :o refuses to engage1 b !y are difficult & require mu* practice4 ,x g5]ally happ5s t y\r refusal disconc]ts y\r oppon5t4 ,he has no def9ite po9t to />t f1 he hesitates1 & 8 hesitation ret>ds 8 attack4 ,if 8 attack is complicat$1 y may v5ture on a /op ?ru/1 (f]$ ) caution & accompani$ by a %ort /ep to ! re>2 & y worry1 & annoy1 & we> him out to ! be/ ( y\r ability4 ,if 8 attack is simple1 he w be afraid ( an ex*ange ( hits2 & ! m skilful he is1 ! m cauti\s y w f9d him2 & z ,i said :5 speak+ ( ! assault1 y may less5 ! dang] ( a simple attack by a brisk retreat to a great] or less di/ance1 z ! case may be4 ,by ?is means y p>ry m easily1 y increase ! di/ance to be trav]s$1 & y c\nt]act ! rapidity ( ! attack by two me?ods ( def5ce in/ead ( "o4 ,if y are hit1 ! w\nd is slight1 or at all ev5ts mu* less sev]e ?an x w\ld h be51 if y _h tri$ to p>ry )\t break+ gr\nd4 ,if on ! o!r h& y\r p>ry is successful1 y h escap$ ! dang] ( a corps corps1 & are 9 a bett] position = deliv]+ y\r ripo/e4 ,s mu* = ! def5ce1 n[ let u suppose t y are ! attack+ p>ty4 ,y attack1 ei!r because y place m reliance on ! quickness ( y\r h& ?an on ! c]ta9ty ( y\r ripo/e1 or because y\r oppon5t1 by conf9+ himself to def5sive tactics1 compels y to d s4 ,y mu/ be d\bly cauti\s n[4 ,x4 ,if x is important1 z ,i h j n[ po9t$ out1 to avoid engag+ blades :5 y are act+ on ! def5sive1 9 ord] to protect y\rself f :at may be call$ attacks on ! sword1 x is obvi\sly ( equal importance nev] to attack )\t fir/ attempt+ to ma/] y\r oppon5t's =t4 ,es*ew fe9ts2--,i h %[n y h[ dang]\s !y are--!re=e be cont5t ) direct attacks1 prefac+ !m ) an engagem5t 9 c>te or ti]ce1 or ) a pressure1 or a beat1 light or heavy1 accord+ly z y wi% to draw y\r oppon5t to "o l9e or ano!r4 ,y\r object w be ga9$ m easily1 if he is will+ to jo9 blades4 ,if on ! o!r h& he is unwill+ to d s1 y mu/ by =ce or fraud br+ him to an engagem5t1 & y %\ld nev] f9i% y\r attack until y h succe$$ 9 f9d+ 8 blade2 unless 9 8 ef=ts to elude y he leaves himself completely expos$4 ,:5 t happ5s a /raight ?ru/ is a c]ta9ty4 ,:at y h mo/ to fe> is a /op ?ru/1 ! /raight5+ ( y\r oppon5t's arm on y\r prep>ation or advance4 ,?is is g5]ally a fav\rite /roke ) ^? :o delib]ately /& on ! def5sive4 ,9 n9e cases out ( t5 ! refusal to jo9 blades may be successfully met by a simulat$ attack1 if x is well m>k$4 ,ei!r y\r oppon5t attempts to p>ry1 or he /raight5s 8 arm2 :]eupon y imm$iately engage 8 blade1 & drive y\r attack home1 )\t quitt+ 8 blade1 & above all )\t any fe9t4 ,,xi4 ,x is evid5tly impossible to enum]ate 9 ! c\rse ( conv]sation all ! situations t may occur1 or to describe all ! traps t y may set = y\r oppon5t or t he may set = y4 ,^! ?+s are matt]s ( in/9ct & inspiration1 ! happy ?\ghts ( ! mom5t1 & dep5d on "* & individual temp]am5t1 physical & moral4 ,! art ( fight+ _c ( c\rse be le>nt 9 a day2 x gr[s ^u y gradually1 z y le>n by exp]i5ce to comb9e ! v>i\s elem5ts sci5tifically into a well-ord]$ :ole4 ,picture = y\rselves two m5 fight+4--,y see !m at "o mom5t /&+ _! full height1 ! next b5t d\ble1 sw]v+ to "r & left1 collid+ viol5tly1 & entangl$ 9 a furi\s enc\nt]2 sudd5ly !y break away1 recoil+ f ea* o!r ) a b\nd1 re/ = a mom5t1 pant+ & gl>+1 till sudd5ly !y r5ew ! /ruggle4 ,d y suppose t all ^! intricate evolutions1 & ! subtle application ( muscul> =ce t !y imply1 c be sy/ematically analys$ & taught8 ,( c\rse n4 ,9 e art pr(ici5cy c only be obta9$ by p]si/5t & intellig5t application4 ,practice alone makes p]fect4 ,x is by /udy+ comb9ations1 by try+ to adapt ! means at 8 disposal to ! object 9 view1 t ! arti/ te/s ! limits ( 8 art & discov]s its hidd5 secrets1 fa%ions x at w1 & makes x 8 ob$i5t slave4 ,^! rem>ks w\ld n be complete1 if ,i fail$ to caution y aga9/ a v p]nici\s habit1 :i* "o is apt to contract 9 ! f5c+-room1 & :i* 9 a duel may easily lead to a fatal issue4 ,i mean ! habit ( /opp+ aft] y h made a hit1 in/ead ( imm$iately recov]+ y\r gu>d & putt+ y\rself out ( di/ance4 ,nev] =get ?is important po9t2 if y d1 y may aft] w\nd+ y\r oppon5t receive a mortal w\nd1 = :i* y w h only y\rself to blame4 ,e f5c] kn[s h[ commonly x happ5s 9 an assault1 t a man ripo/es automatically aft] he is hit1 & /rikes 8 oppon5t almo/ simultane\sly1 especially :5 ! latt] has n tak5 ! tr\ble to att5d /rictly to 8 recov]y4 ,rememb] t a sword-?ru/1 ev5 ?\gh x be mortal1 does n take effect imm$iately4 ,!re is always a mom5t>y int]val be=e ! w\nd$ man falt]s1 or drops 8 sword1 or falls to ! gr\nd unconsci\s4 ,! mom5t y ?9k y h made a hit1--= y may be mi/ak51--get back z sm>tly z y c1 & be ready to g on fight+4 ,,xii4 ,well1 ,i add$ aft] a %ort pause1 no?+ else occurs to me 9 ! way ( g5]al advice1 :i* ,i c comm5d to y\r notice4 ,:5 ! "t = actual fight+ arrives1 y\r att5tion mu/ be conc5trat$ on ! important po9ts1 & ^! may be summ$ up 9 two or ?ree words3--self-reliance1 well-judg$ caution1 re/ra9$ & well-tim$ en]gy4 ,y h giv5 u mo/ excell5t advice1 exclaim$ ! ,comte de ,c4 ,if "o c\ld only ?9k ( x all at ! critical mom5t1 "o w\ld be well provid$4 ,?9k ( only half ( x1 ,i answ]$1 & y w n d s badly1--!re are s _m m5 :o _c ?9k at all4 ,,xiii4 ,! next day we all met z usual 9 ! smok+-room4 ,well1 someone ask$ me1 :at are y go+ to talk ab\t to-night8 ,:y1 ,i answ]$1 my subject is exhau/$1 ,i h told y all ,i "k1 or at any rate all t ,i ?9k wor? kn[+4 ,illu/ration ,,footnotes3 #a ,lafaugre1 ,trait sur les ,armes4 #b ,acadmie de l',espe1 by ,g]>d ,?ibault1 ,antw]p1 #afbh4 #c ,d>es ! nimbl]-foot$1 9 manhood's confid5t ease2 ,huge ,entellus ( limb & ( weight1--b 8 t>di] knees ,tott]1 & tr\bl$ brea? convulses 8 t[]+ frame4 ,,virgil1 ,a5eid ,v4 ,,b[54 ,small ,po/ #hvo4 #fs4 ,,s*ools ,,& ,,ma/]s ,,( ,,f5ce1 f ! ,middle ,ages to ! ,end ( ! ,eighte5? ,c5tury4 ,by ,eg]ton ,ca/le1 ,m4,a41 ,f4,s4,a4 ,) a ,complete ,bibliography4 ,illu/rat$ ) #adj ,reproductions ( ,old ,engrav+s & #f ,plates ( ,swords1 %[+ #aad ,examples4 99 99 99 99 99 ,small ,cr[n #hvo4 #as4 ,,f5c+4 ,by ! late ,h4 ,a4 ,colmore ,dunn1 ,b>ri/]-at-,law1 ,inns ( ,c\rt ,s*ool ( ,arms1 ,w9n] ( ! ,m$al at ! ,g]man ,gymnasium4 ,) #ag ,illu/rations4 99 99 99 99 99 ,small #dto4 #a4 #as4 #j;d4 net4 ,,! ,,works ,,( ,,george ,,silv]4 ,compris+ ',p>adoxes ( ,def5ce' 7,pr9t$ 9 #aeii & n[ repr9t$71 & ',bref in/ructions vpo my ,pradoxes ( ,def5ce' 7,pr9t$ = ! fir/ "t f ! ,,ms4 9 ! ,briti% ,museum74 ,edit$ ) an ,introduction by ,cyril ,g4 ,r4 ,mat!y1 ,capta91 ,london ,rifle ,brigade2 ,memb] ( ! ,london ,f5c+ ,club2 & ,membre d'honneur du ,c]cle d',escrime de ,bruxelles4 ,) #h ,collotype ,reproductions f ! ,,ms4 9 ! ,briti% ,museum4 99 99 99 99 99 ,london3 ,george ,bell & ,sons1 ,york ,/reet1 ,cov5t ,g>d54 ,transcrib]'s ,note3 ,e ef=t has be5 made to replicate ?is text z fai?fully z possible4 ,italic text has be5 m>k$ ) und]scores4 ,,oe ligatures h be5 exp&$4