Backsword treatise consolidation - Neal Matheson

Silver's plate showing perfect length of sword

This article is a consolidation of five treatises dealing with the Backsword. It is my intent to provide a reference point for backsword students about specific points of the historical system. Originally I had intended this to be a handout for Backsword students on attaining the rank of beginner. Therefore it is intended to be a compliment to lessons, not as a substitute for researching the treatises personally and certainly not as substitute for teaching. I have arranged the treatises so that one can compare and contrast what various past masters have written about the art. It’s also quite nice to consolidate the treatises as we find that different aspects of the systems are highlighted or ignored by different authors so by viewing them together we can come to a better overall understanding. I have resisted the temptation to add any kind of editorial about the contrasts and in some cases contradictions between the masters and will stand aside and allow the works to speak for themselves.

I have chosen five treatises spanning the historical use of the backsword from the late 16th century to the beginning of the 19th . I have chosen works that I think are more reflective of the SRS/Drummond system or are clear and concise in their instruction. I have omitted works from authors such as Hope as their writings have proven hard to fit into this format. Also omitted Angelo’s work (which we do use) as I felt it was not reflective of the Drummond method.

George Silver (Si) 1598 wrote two pamphlets on fencing at the end of the 16th century. He was concerned with the fashionable use of the rapier which he considered unsuitable for Gentlemen. His works (one of which was an unpublished draft) contain a system of principals and is hugely popular with modern fencers.

Joseph Swetnam (Sw) 1617 was a contemporary of Silver’s who was the tutor of Charles I’s brother Henry. His work deals largely with the rapier, his principals of fencing are very similar to Silver’s.

Zachary Wylde (W)1711 wrote a work which also dealt with small sword, staff and wrestling.

Captain Miller’s (M) 1735 work is mostly in the form of wonderful illustrations he deals largely with companion weapons for the Backsword including the gauntlet and a (to my knowledge) unique basket hilted dagger.

Donald McBane (MB) 1728 was a Scotsman who served in the British army in the 17th-18th century. He learned to use the small sword to protect his person and his ahem…business interests and set himself up as a master. After his service in the army he maintained a school of defence in London and fought as a stage gladiator. His incredibly pithy work deals with the naked reality of duelling with the small sword. His work deals mostly with the small sword but includes work on the Backsword and some other weapons.

Thomas Page (P) 1746 wrote his work on the backsword and the target at the time of the Jacobite rebellion He seems to have been at (least) a part time fencing instructor to the Norwich militia. The “Highland aspect” of his work as well as the timing of its release has led to him being seen as being a kind of missing link to the swordplay practiced by the highland culture, alternatively it may have been a marketing ploy. Page’s work has some unique features.

Captain Sinclair (S) 1800 (likely the author of an earlier work by an anonymous “highland officer”) wrote a wonderful and clear work based on the sword and the stick. His work is very accessible and was designed to help a man become proficient with arms without the help of a master. It was written to be of use both to soldiers but also as a self defence manual.

The sword itself first appears in the early half of the 16th century. They were used across Europe (despite Silver and Wylde claiming the style was British) in one the most violent periods of European history. The sword appears to have been used mostly on the battlefield and was maintained as a front line weapon by the British army until the mid 19th century. Blades were about 28-36” long (averageing at about a 32”) and could have a thicker single edged blade (backsword) with the first few edges of the back edge being sharpened or could have two sharp edges (broadsword). The Historical masters maintain that there was no difference in how they were used. Silver gives his lengths for swords from 37” to 40” which as far as I am aware is not reflected in lengths for actual swords from that period. Swords could weigh from 1.2 pounds up to a shocking 4.5 pounds with 2.5 pounds being average. This fits in well with the median weight for single handed swords across history.

Let’s start with the guards

Outside guard

Outside or Dexter, thus demonstrated, Stand upon a true half Body, and extend your Sword - Hilt out at the Arms end stiff, without bowing the Elbow - joint, your Point leaning or sloping towards your left Shoulder, or your Opposer's right Eye, lying as hollow as you can with your Body; then you may see your Opposer the inside your Sword, so long as you keep this Guard: You lying on this manner, if your Opposer charge you with a Blow, Pitch, Stroke, Flirt, or Chop on the out or right Side, which is all one, you are then defended, or upon a sure Guard. (W)

The Outside Guard is rais'd when you stand with your Body square, astride the Line of Defence with the Right and Left Foot at right Angles with it, holding the Point of your Sword over against your Adversary's Right Temple, and sinking the Hilt in a Line with his Left Hip, by which the external Part of the Right Side of the Head, Neck, Arm, Body, Thigh and Leg, and secured from being Cut. In this Guard, the Position of the Right Hand differs from all other Guards, for it is to be bent at the Wrest with the back of the Hand and the Knuckels, (which are always in a Line with the Edge of the Sword) turn'd upwards and outwards, which defends the Sword Arm from the Shoulder to the Wrist, without ever moving the Sword. (P)

shows you the Outside-Guard, which covers the outside of the Body from Head to Toe, & to put yourself in a true Position, your Sword Hilt must be in a perpendicular Line with your right Toe, your right Heel in a Line with your left, and your Body resting a little upon the left Leg, the back part of your left Hand must be within half a Span of the left Side of your Face with your Sword Arm a little bent and the distance between your Feet about 12 or 14 Inches, in proportion to your Stature or Accommodation to your Ease. (M)

THIS guard does not differ from the inside, respecting the position of the body. The hand is to be reversed ; the nails downward ; and the arm a little more stretched to guard the outside. The recover is generally on this guard, in which case the elbow is drawn in to the side ; the wrist bent ; your point a little inclining to the left, forming an angle, through which you must always take especial care to look your adversary full in the face. (Si)

Carrie your Sword-hilt out at the arms end, and your point leaning or sloping towards your left shoulder, but not joining with your enemies weapon, as this Picture seems, but so long as you lie in your guard, let there be three foot distance betwixt your weapons, but if your enemy do charge you, either with blow or thrust, carry your Sword over your body against your enemies assault, and so cross with him according to the Picture, bear also your point steady over your body, something sloping towards your left shoulder; I mean the point must go so far as the hilt, but not turning your point the contrary way, but carry both together. (Sw)

Inside guard

But if strikes at your left Ear, or inside commonly called, then you must prepare an inside or left Guard, which is to be made on this manner, Cross the outside Guard, that is, a little twist or turn your Wrist towards your left Shoulder, your Arm kept straight from you; then your Point will be sloping towards your Opposer's left Eye, and you may see his Body on the outside your Sword, while you keep the Guard. Note, That as you move your Sword either to the out or inside, carry your Point almost erect, but sloping a little; these two Guards will Guard you securely, if rightly timed, so long as you keep out at length. (W)

The Inside Guard is when you stand with each Foot on the Line of Defence and hold the Point of your Sword over against your Adversary's Left Temple, and the Hilt in a Line with his Right Hip, and the Middle of your Sword cutting the Line of Defence at acute Angles, by which the internal Parts of the Limbs on the Right Side, and the fore Part of the Face and Body, with the whole Left Side, will be defended from being Cut.(P)

is the Inside-Guard which covers the Inside of your Body and the Position is much the same with the first Page only your right Heel must be in a Line with the middle of your left Foot, and the back part of your left Hand half a Span from the upper part of your Face, these are the two Guards upon which the whole Art depends. (M)

ALWAYS, when you join your adversary’s sword, do it on the inside guard ; for which purpose, in the first place, turn your hand that the nails be upward, and the knuckles perpendicular with the ground ; your wrist on a level with the flank, the arm a little bent.

Secondly, keep your point directly in a line with your adversary’s right eye, holding it just fast enough to prevent tottering. Thirdly, narrow your body so that your shoulders, right arm, and sword form a straight line. Raise the left arm as high as the forehead, forming a half circle ; the hand open. Fourthly, bend the left knee, so that the body be sustained upon that hip, and rest thereupon. Place the right leg at a foot and a half distance ; or, according to your size, that you stand easy. The knee perpendicular with the buckle ; the heel in a line, that you may slip it behind the left. (Si)

Medium guard

The Medium Unicorn or Center Guard, is made thus, Extend your Arm straight out at length, and your Sword placed between your Opposer's Eyes, lying true half Body, your Sword - Hilt as high as your Chin, keeping it out at the Arms end stiff; then if he charge you with a Blow or Strike either to the in or outside, cross his Sword, which makes a perfect Guard: This Guard keeps your Opposer from encroaching upon you, if he does, he endangers himself (W)

is the Medium-Guard, which is not accounted so safe and therefore seldom or never practiced except by very expert Masters. (M)

IS between the inside and the outside ; the thumbnail upward, so that the flat of the swords meet, both being on that guard. It is made use of when you oppose yourself in a posture of defence, before your antagonist, not knowing on what guard he means to join you. If he joins you on the outside, take care to oppose the outside ; and vice versa, if he engages on

the inside, oppose the inside. (Si)

St George’s guard

The George is seldom used, but when a down right Blow or Pitch is made at the Head, then prepare the George thus, Extend your Arm out stiff, and with your Sword cross your own or your Opposer's Forehead, then your Point will be level with the Hilt; but be sure that your Pitch be to that height, that you can see your Opposer's Head eight Inch under your Guard; I don't esteem this a good Guard to lie on, by reason I am exposed in two Places. (W)

The last Guard arises from this, and is called St George's Guard, which is perform'd by standing square across the Line, and holding the Sword a little rais'd above you own Head, parallel to your Shoulders, with the Edge turn'd upwards toward your Adversary; and is only used occasionally to stop a right down Blow aim'd at the Head of Shoulders. These are all the absolute Guards, and must be learn'd till you can raise them distinctly after each other, with a steady and erect Body, and a nimble and strong Arm; during the whole time of which the Left Hand is used as a Ballance to the Body, and by the Motion of which the Center of Gravity is kept over the standing Leg; as in the Inside Guard, by the fore Foot's being advanc'd, the Center of Gravity would be thrown too forward, if the Left Hand's being extended backward did not bring it over the Left Leg.(P)

is St George's-Guard, of singular Use on Horse back, and the only one indeed, that is proper upon that Occasion. (M)

IS seldom used but in order to prevent being broken in upon by common cudgel players, or for show. It is performed in the following manner: being on the hanging guard, draw back the right foot obliquely (Si)

St Georges guard, crossing your face, looking under your hilt which is to cover your head; your point, your left shoulder; your head close to your sword arm to defend it. If your adversarie strikes at you return to the same stroak, and come quick to your guard strike to his face. Come quick to your guard and keep to your guard. Follow those three stroaks and come quick to your guard note the first cut at his head the second at his face and third at his ribs. Apply much to this guard it being the most securest. For though you miss his face you have a hazard to reach his belly or thigh. If he stops you there, change quick to his outside and you have a chance to reach him from his ear to his heel. But still apply to the same guard when he opposes you, it in my opinion being the securest guard of the backsword. For you do not only defend your face and head, but lie in readiness to secure all other parts of your body. Whosoever follows this guard as directed may assure himself as half learned though he were never come to school. Experience hath taught me the use of it and if occasion offers it is the guard I shall depend on. (MB)

Hanging guard

The last is the Pendent or Hanging Guard, which is the surest and best Guard that can be made, a Man can't come up to half - Sword, without this Guard, it's made on this manner, Extend your Arm stiffly out, and turn your Knuckles outward, then hold your Hilt half a Foot or more, higher than your Head, then the Point of your Weapon must slope or hang dipping towards the outside of your Opposer; but before you look just under the Hilt, and observe to see your Opposer's Head six or seven Inch under it continually, or else you can not be safe: When you lie on this manner, you then will be exposed or lie open on the outside, which may be Guarded by pitching your Point to the outside of your Body, or coming to an outside Guard: I approve of this to be the best of Guards, especially if you meet with a Rustic, down right Striker, for it almost saves the whole Body; whereas any other Guard saves but half at one time. So much for Defence or Guards at Sword. (W)

From this you go to the Hanging Guard, which is thus performed, with your Right Foot step a little backward and sideways, so as to make an acute Angle with the Line of Defence, and at the some Moment raising the Elbow of the Sword Arm, and present the Point of the Sword against your Adversary's Breast, and covering your own Head, till you can see your Adversary's Face clear under your own Fort: This Guard covers the Head, Shoulders, Face and Breast, and with the Point stops your Adversary from pressing too closely upon you, and keeps himat length when he is endeavouring to come up to half Sword, and is the dernier Resort when you have retreated, or are push'd into a Corner from whence you are too weak to advance, and not enough room to Traverse. (P)

IS formed by raising the hand as high as the head, keeping the wrist firm ; the thumb pointing to the ground ; the arm bent, so as to form an angle, through which you must always see your adversary. Keep you point sloping so as to cover the left knee. Place the left hand under the sword arm ; the palm flat and close to the body, in order to parry your adversary’s

thrust, should he attempt it on the recover. If he attempts a cut at your arm, or head, you have only to straighten the arm. (Si)

Observe, That when you make either Blow, Pitch, Stroke, or Chop, True or False, let them be performed as quick as the Hand can throw them in; then recover upon the Hanging Guard, which is your greatest safety: Suppose that you be slipped just as you perceive that you lose your Point, turn your Wrist to the Hanging, which is in all Cases the most absolute and surest Guard or Defence. (W)

Turn to a Hanging guard, the pummel of your sword upward, the point down, covering your left knee for fear of the pope’s eye (according to Dr Johnson this was located in the middle of the thigh). And keep your head close to your sword arm. If he strikes at your head raise your hand; if at your ribs, turn your point from you (this is a guard of defence). Take care to save yourself as directed, and return to the same cut, covering your head as above. (MB)

An other very sure and dangerous guard at the Backsword, called the Unicorn guard, or the fore-hand guard

Before the Sword hilt so high as your face, keeping him out at the arms end, without bowing if your elbow joint, and always keep your point directly upon your enemies face, and your knuckles of your Sword hand upward; but if your enemy doe charge you with a blow to the right side of your head, then turn but your Sword hilt, and your knuckles outward, still keeping your Sword arm stiff in his place, turning but only your wrist and your hand (Sw)

Guardant fight A “hanging” guard. [Matthey] in general is of 2 sorts, the first is true guardant“True gardant” is a High Prime. [Matthey] fight, which is either perfect or Imperfect.

The perfect is to carry your hand & hilt above your head with your point down towards your left knee, with your sword blade somewhat near your body, not bearing out your point, but rather declining in a little towards your said knee, that your enemy cross not your pointCommand [Matthey] & so hurt you, stand bolt upright in this fight, & if he offer to press in then bear your head & body a little backward.

The ImperfectTo stand with the body leaning forward is an “imperfect” position. [Matthey] is when you bear your hand & sword hilt perfect height above your head, as aforesaid but leaning or stooping forward with your body & thereby your space will be too Wide on both sides to defend the blow struck at the feft side of your head or too wide to defend a thrust from the right side of the body,

Also it is Imperfect, if you bear your hand & hilt as aforesaid, bearing your point too far out from your kneee, so that your enemy May Cros, of strike Aside your point, & thereby endanger you,

Open fight

Open fight is to Carry your hand & hilt aloftThe “Guardia alta” of Marozzo & “Terza guardia” of Viggiani. [Matthey] above your head, either with point upright, or point backwards which is best, yet use that which you shall find most apt, to strike, thrust, or ward. (S)

Moving between guards

You may raise or throw your Guards on this manner, Stand upon a full or entire Body, and Ground your Sword Point at or upon the Toes of your right Foot, then advance your Arm, and bring the Point of your Sword by your left Arm, round the back side of your Head, so by a little twist of the Wrist, you come to an inside Guard; but observe, That at the same juncture that you raise your Sword, step with right Foot half a Yard or more distant from the left, being in the direct Line from the middle of your left Foot, the Toes of your right Foot turned a little outwards, then you may see your Opposer's Body the outside your Sword: From thence you may come to an outside Guard thus, by returning your Sword the same way it came, likewise your Foot, and come to the Place of an outside: From your outside you may come to a Medium, by dropping your Point, and bring it by your left Ear, then place it between your Opposer's Eyes: From there you may come to a George, by returning your Sword round the back of your Head, then come to the Place of a George: From the George cast or throw your Point upon a Level from you, then by a great Compass round, you may come to the Hanging Guard, &c. To practise Raising or Throwing the Guards on this manner, you'll find them to be your true Grounds and Rudiments of Falsifying: Without boasting, I was the first Man that ever taught or showed the Method of Raising or Throwing the Guards. (W)

When you are perfect in the Attitude and Position of the Limbs, and can dexterously raise the Guards, standing on the Line of Defence, the same Guards must be practised in the Advance, Retreat, and the Traverse. And to each Step of each Motion must be pitch'd a Guard, as in the Advance, to every Step you must change from an Inside Guard to an Outside, or from an Outside to an Inside, and as you go Step by Step change the Guard for Guard, nor are any other Guards made use of in the Advance, than the Outside and the Inside; but in the Retreat every Guard is made use of in its Turn, but must be chang'd Step by Step as in the Advance, except you choose to retreat under a Hanging Guard, which is really the best, if you lie only on the Defensive, and then instead of changing at every Step, point your Sword directly at your Adversary's Breast. (P)

In the Traverse, also the Outside and Inside, with the Hanging Guard, are made use of. The Inside can only be used to the Step of the Right Foot, but in coming about with the Left Foot you must stop under an Outside or a Hanging Guard, as you see convenient.

In the back Traverse, the very reverse of every Motion and Guard is to be observed, as in the Traversing back with the Left Foot the Inside only is to be pitch'd and in the Step with the Right Foot the Outside or Hanging is to be used; and these Steps attended by these Guards are to be practis'd and compleated before you can begin to take the first Lesson, (P)

Cutting

IT is requisite, in order to hold a sword well, that the hilt be flat in your hand, observing that it be directly perpendicular with the right knee ; and, when you

lunge, your thumb stretched at about an inch distance from the shell : when you do not intend to lunge, lay it across the knuckles as in doubling the fist. The

pummel close to and under the wrist. Keep it flexible, and loose in the hand ; but when you mean to parry, thrust, or cut, it must be griped with strength, in order to throw your adversary out of the line, or conduct your blow with force and precision. By continually having the hand fast clenched you will soon tire, as the muscle of the thumb will grow stiff, and subject you to cramp. (Si)

The angles of the seven cuts

In single Combat he aims at nothing more than disabling his Antagonist which he commonly does by chopping him across the Wrist within Side the Sword Arm, which he does in the following Manner; HE runs up boldly to half Sword, receives an Outside, and changing with his Adversary, drops his Blade below the Hilt upon the inside, draws the Edge of his Sword cross his Adversary's Wrest and springing backward saws it at the same Time. (P)

therefore with the same Spring if your Wrest as before, lodge your Edge in his Throat, and Retreating saw it. (P)

The utmost Force and Strength of a Man is exerted in straight Lines and at right Angles, thus every Throw is made perpendicular to the Part aim'd at, which the Swordsmen have called Carrying a true Edge (P)

Offence or Offending is performed thus, When your Opposer makes an inside Blow or Pitch at you, Guard him with an inside, and Pitch quick to his outside, which upon the fall of his Blow will be exposed. When he strikes to your outside, Chop quick to his open on the inside, according to the Rule of True Play; and in this Case, let all your Answers be made as quick as the Hand can perform them (W)

Footwork

That your Play at Broad-Sword is different from Small-Sword, for Broad-Sword is played Circularly, that is upon Traverse, in which, if you be cunning, you may pick several Advantages. Observe, That if your Opponent drops to your Leg, at the same time slip your Leg back out of his reach, then return your Stroke as speedily as possible: If you fall to the Leg, let it be by a Falsify, that is, offer a Pitch to the outside of his Head, or right Ear, then fall to the inside of his Leg; this will concern him so much with his Guard, that you cannot hazard. (W)

The Position of the Body mus be very erect, its Center of Gravity kept exactly over the Left Leg, with the Right Foot a little advanc'd, that the whole Weight of the Body may rest over the Left Foot, and the Right be at absolute Liberty for Motion. From this Posture the Steps to be learn'd are as follow: the Advance, the Retreat, and the Traverse.

The Advance

When the erect Attitude above describ'd is obtain'd both for Grace and Use, step forward with the Right Foot about one third of your Lunge, and at the same Time transfer so much of the Weight of your Body form your Left Leg on to your Right, as may onable you to slip your Left Foot along the Ground, (not lifting it off) up towards your Right Heel, and stopping within half a Foot thereof; at which Moment step forward again with the Right Foot, and alternately repeating the same Steps advance as far as is necessary, still preserving an erect firm and graceful Attitude through every Motion of the Advance.

The Advantage of this Step is gaining Space in the length of Ground, and pressing so upon your Adversary, as to oblige him to retreat from you unto worse Ground, or some disadvantageous Situation.

The Retreat

From the same erect Attitude before describ'd, transfer the Weight of your Body almost wholly from the Left to the Right Leg, so that you may be fully enabled to step backward with your Left Foot, lifting it clear from the Ground, the better to avoid any unevenesses that cannot be seen behind, and setting it firmly down about sixteen Inches backward, draw back the Right Foot within twelve Inches of the Left, but not lifting it off the Ground; and repeating these Steps also alternately, retreat as far back as you find useful.

The Advantages of this Step is by retiring either to dray your Adversary from the advantageous Ground he is in Possession of, or to gain a more advantageous Ground that lies behind you; or to avoid the Difficulties into which you are fallen, by your Adversary's pressing too closely upon you, and engaging you with superior Strength up

to half Sword, and very often all these three Advantages are obtained at the same time.

The Traverse

This also begins from the same erectness and firmness of Posture, and is twofold viz. The Fore Traverse, and the Back Traverse. The Fore Traverse is performed in a large Circle, the Center of which is the Middle of the Line of Defence, on which Line you and your Adversary stand; such is the Line P. Q. C. H. G. in the opposite Page, and the Circle form'd by the Traverse will be, P. A. C. E. G. I. L. N. For the Right Foot being at Q. and the Left at P. the traverse is begun by stepping about with the Left Foot from P. to A. and the Right Foot immediately after from Q. to B. and then the Line A. B C. K. I. will be the Line of Defence; at the next Step, remove the Left Foot from A. to C. and then the Right from B. to D. which will make the Line C. D. C. M. L. the Line of Defence; and you wil be still faceing C. the Center of that Circle, which you are now Traversing, an the Middle of every Line of Defence; proceed also in the same Manner with the Left Foot from C to E and the Right Foot from D. to F. then will E F. C. O. N. be the Line of Defence; in the same Manner proceed to G. H; to I. K; to L. M; to N. O; and to P. Q; which is the Place from which you set out, and you will have successively the Lines G. H. C. Q. P.; I. K C. B. A; L. M. C. D. C; N. O. C F. E; for Lines of Defence; and now you are come about to the Line P. Q. C. H. G; which was the Line of Defence when you began to Traverse.

The Back Traverse

Is the counter Part of the Fore-Traverse, doing every Step backwards as in that is done forwards; as for Example, standing in the Line of Defence P. Q. C. H. G. with the Right Foot at Q. and the Left at P. begin the Back Traverse with removing the Right Foot from Q. to P. and the Left from P. to N. both in the Line N. O. C. F. E. which will then be the Line of Defence; and then by removing the Right Foot from O. to M. and the Left from N. to L. you have L. M. C. D. C. for the Line of Defence; and in the same Manner going backwards through K I, H G, F E, D C, B A, you will arrive at Q P, from whence you began the Back Traverse.

The Advantages of these two Traverses are very great, as will be explained more at large in the Action of Fighting; but their Advantages in gaining Ground may be known here: If in the Retreat you are stopt behind by a Wall, Ditch, or any other Impediment, you may by beginning either Traverse which ever you find most convenient to extricate your self with ease, and gain Ground either to the Right or Left; and if you Traverse half the Circle, it will bring your Adversary into the very same Difficulties from which you departed.

And when you are thus perfected in a graceful Attitude, firm and Strong Position of Limbs, regular Steps and Movements, the Guards may be learn'd. (P)

'Tis less Dangerous to Retire, than to Advance upon your Adversary, and not at all Scandalous, for you may Time him every time he advances, and so get the better, by Disabling his Sword Arm, Hand or Wrist. (MB)

If you can Indirect your enemy To “indirect” is to either manœuvre or force him from the true line of direction. [Matthey] at any kind of weapon, then you have the advantage, because he must move his feet to direct himself Again, & you in the mean time may stike or thrust at him, & fly out fast, before he can offer anything at you, his time will be so long (S)

that in the continual motion & traversing of his ground he is to traverse circularly, forwards, backwards, upon the right hand, & upon the left hand, the which traverse This is exactly the traverse recommended by Roworth. [Matthey] (S)

all men know that the continual course of the feet forward is more swift than the Continual Course of the feet backwards. (S)

The feint

If you Exercise with any Man, before you make your False Play, prove him with True Play, to know what Guards he'll make, then your False Play or Falsifying will happen better in the Order.

It is a grand Cheat to make a full Thrust to your Opponent's Face, the inside his Sword, and when his Sword Answers or Guards your Weapon, turn your Stroke round over his Point to the right Ear or outside: So to the contrary, Thrust to his Face the outside his Sword, and conclude your Blow on the inside; it is a difficult thing to Guard either of these Assaults, if the Hand is quick that performs them. A single falsify, is made by feigning or offering a Blow or Stroke on the inside, and conclude it on the outside; or pretend to make a Blow on the out, and finish up on the inside. Another Falsify, is made by feigning a Blow to the outside of the Head, and immediately fall it to the inside of the right Leg; or pretend to strike at his left Ear, then conclude upon the outside of his right Leg; but be sure you consume no time in your Recovery. Likewise, you may offer a Blow at the inside of the Leg, and turn it over to the outside of the Head: Another deluding Cheat at Sword, is made thus, Lie upon a Medium, then turn to the Hanging; but at the same juncture approach or encroach one Step, then finish with a single Falsify. Another grand Deceit, is to make a Falsify with a step, which you make in different manner; that is, lie upon an outside Guard and inside Step, then offer a Blow with your Step to the in, but end it on the outside: so pretend to Strike with your Step to the out, then conclude it on the inside (W)

To make a Feint, as was observed before, is offering towards an Attempt to Cut without Throwing home, and may be practis'd with Success from every Guard, but is most useful on the Inside and Outside; and is thus practis'd; When you lie under an Inside Guard, change with a quick Motion towards an Outside, with all the Appearance of resolutely Throwing Home, but stop short the Moment you have past your Adversary's Sword, and returning back with the utmost Swiftness, throw Home to an Inside where he has given you an Opening, by his attempting to stop an Outside, where he expected your Throw. The Reverse of this is the Feint to the Outside. When you lie under a Hanging Guard there are three Feints in use, because from thence you have three Throws either to the Outside, the Inside, or right down at the Top of the Head; if you Feint to the Inside, return your Sword round the Point of your Adversary's, and make a Cut at the Crown of the Head.

Or if you make a Feint at the Crown of the Head from the Hanging Guard, as if you were going to make a Cut in the very middle betwixt the Outside and the Inside, you must stop short at the half Throw, and returning quick throw Home either to the outside or inside of the Head which you see open.

Advance to your Adversary under the cover of an Outside; Feint to an Inside; Recover to an Outside; which will oblige your Adversary to open his Play, for he must either stand still without Motion, or make some offer at some of the three Openings you have given him; if he throws an Inside at you, slip him and throw home an Outside; and recovering the same, Feint to an Outside, and throw home an Inside.

If your Adversary should throw home an Inside, stop it, and throwing home an Outside, slip an Inside; Feint to an Outside, and with a double Feint come half way to the Hanging Guard, and from thence throw swiftly at the Crown of the Head. Practise this (as all other Lessons) at first very slow, repeating every Part often over, till you can go through the whole with Life and Spirit. (P)

The Single Feint consists of two motions with the wrist, either from the outside guard to the inside guard, or vice versa, from the inside to the out, without turning the hand. You disengage over the point, making the first offer not more than three or four inches down his

blade ; --he not perceiving the feint, and supposing the cut will come home, parries your first motion ; you quickly disengage, and riposte on that side on which you were on guard. In performing this, make an appel* with the foot on each disengage. Make the extension on your first disengage. Parry as in the preceding.

The double feint consists of three motions or disengages. Example : from the inside guard, I disengage to cut on the outside, you parry ; I proceed to the inside, and perceiving you again disposed to parry it likewise, I nimbly disengage a third time, and deliver the cut on the outside the arm, and vice versa, from the outside guard ; but would not advice its being made from the outside, as it is both difficult, and likewise dangerous to attempt to cut on the inside : observe to make the extension with the left leg, as if you meant to deliver the cut on the first disengage. (Si)

*An appel is a beat with the foot on the ground, to support

yourself firm, and alarm your adversary. It ought always

to accompany your motion. “Stamping strongly with the Foot Ha----- Ha-----“ (P)

Also see that he deceive you not upon any false offering to strike at the one side, & when thereby you have turned your point aside, then to strike on the other side, but if you keep distance you are free from that, therefore still in all your actions remember your governors (S)

The slip

have a special regard to a Slip, thus explained, Lie as hollow as you can, with your Body upon a full outside, then if your Opponent Pitches or Throws to your inside, by a quick Spring, or sudden Advance of your Arm, quite out of his reach, being exactly timed as he delivers his Pitch, he missing your Guard, the strength of his Blow will carry his Sword beyond distance of Guard, so that you may easily hit him before Recovering; but let your Answer be Pitched in directly upon a Medium, with all the Life and Quickness imaginable. You may slip from lying upon any Guard whatever, but be sure that you observe your Distance; if you don't you may be hit in making of a slip; then, in my Opinion, you'll make but a bad Piece of work of it: Your Distance is, if the Point of your Sword reach ten or twelve Inch over your Opponent's Hilt, you may slip with safety; or in making of a slip, you may break Measure, by falling back with your Body. You may make a double Slip thus, When you Observe that your Opponent understands a Slip and Slips, you then time it right, and Slip him; I count this the excellency of Play, which may be acquired by frequent Practice (W)

First on the Inside; When your Adversary Throws an Inside, instead of Stopping it with an Inside Guard, draw your Right Foot backward towards the Left, in the same Manner as in the Retreat, and at the same Moment withdraw your whole Body backward and Sideways to the right of the Line, letting your Adversary's Point pass by your Sword a little out of his Reach, and steping into your former Position, Throw home at his Outside, which can't but be open by his over throwing himself, which He will do the more by missing your Body, and not being receiv'd by your Sword, which he expected, to stop the effort of his Strength. This is the Slip upon the Inside. The same practis'd upon the Outside is as follows; Dray the Right Leg with the whole Body backwards and sideways a little out of the Line, towards the Left Hand, contracting your Arm a little, your Sword still in the Line, and under an Outside Guard; let your Adversary's Point slip past you, and at the same Moment reducing your Right Foot to its former Position, Throw smartly at the Outside of his Head, which will lie so forward by his over throwing himself, that he can neither recover nor stop with a Guard. The Slip is also call'd Breaking Measure.

The next Guard in which the Slip is us'd, and in which it is more proper than any of the rest, is the Hanging Guard, insomuch that every Throw that can be made at it is better slip'd than stop'd; which is done by stepping with the Right Foot quite out of, and at right Angles with the Line, and the whole Body beyond it towards the Right, so that your Adversary's Point slipping it past you, leaves his Head, Neck, Shoulders and Breast, exposed to the full Force of your Inside, Throw. The same slip without any variation is practis'd upon a St. George's Guard, as in the Hanging. (P)

The third is to slip a little back & to strike or thrust after him

but ever remember that in the first motion of your Adversary toward you, that you slide a little back so shall you be prepared in due time to perform any of the 3 Actions Aforesaid, by disappointing him of his true place, whereby you shall safely defend yourself & endanger him.

Remember also that if through fear or policy, he strike or thrust short, & therewith go back, or not go back, follow him upon your twofold governors, so shall your ward & slip be performed in like manner as before, & yourself still be safe. (S)

Actions on the blade

To Bear is to press with some Strength against your Adversary's Sword in the Fort, with the Fort of your Own.

This gives you his Head, Neck, Shoulder and Arms quite open, and at the same Time weakens his Arm, so as to prevent his stopping your Throw, which ever you use either Outside or Inside, and which must be thrown as quick as possible from your Bearing. The Reverse of this is Bearing upon an Inside.

Bearing upon the Hanging Guard is never safely to be practised, and always to be avoided, unless at the half Sword, and even there a Cut must be either given or received, before any Advantage can be made of it, and the only Advantage that can be propos'd is bearing upon your Adversary's Sword a little out of the Line and opening his Outside, though at the same time you open your own Head and inside muchmore, and if your Enemy be alert, he may easily slip from your Bearing, and Cut you infallibly.

Bearing is never to be used but in steady Playing, and not in the Advance, the Retreat, or the Traverse.

From Bearing you proceed to Battering, which is forcibly striking upon the Foible of your Adversary's Sword, either once, twice, or thrice, so as to beat him out of the Line, which will consequently lay him open to that Side on which you Batter. The Batter may be us'd to any Guard, but with different Success, for the Inside being by much the strongest Guard that is held, the Batter scarce ever break the Line upon it, except when your Adversary's Arm is extreamly weakened by long Play, and in the Hanging Guard by its Position the Batter is apt to slip of it. The St. George's Guard is not hurt by the Batter, because it is only used to stop a Blow, and never to lie under. The Outside therefore is the only Guard in which it can be used to any Advantage, tho' not always with the same Success; however, if it be thought useful, its Practice is to strike strongly upon your Adversary's Sword once, and if you find his Sword beaten ever so little out of the Line, repeat the Batter one, two... or one, two, three, which may very likely drive his Sword quite out of the Line, (the Outside being the weakest Guard) and give you an Opportunity of throwing at the Opening, but beware at his feeling your first Batter, that he does not slip your second, and cut you more securely than if he had slipt your Throw. (P)

IF your adversary comes to parade before you, on the medium guard, and does not appear firm, raise your hand on the outside guard, making the extension of the left leg as you raise the hand ; beat his sword out of the line by striking on the feeble of his blade, and cut home in the line. You may parry his cut by dropping your point, and come to the outside guard;

by a quick change you may cut under your antagonist’s arm, but as you may receive an interchanged thrust, I would not advise you make the attempt, but rather draw back the body and right hand, so that you gain his feeble, bring him round, forcing him in the line.

YOUR adversary having come to the parade as before described, raise the hand, and make the extension ; seize your adversary’s feeble, and bear your stroke home in the line, sliding along his blade you will hit the inside of his arm ; recover the outside guard. The parry is the inside guard. These are very good attacks, as they determine, and necessarily oblige your adversary to alter his position, which you are narrowly to observe, in order, if possible, to throw in a cut in the change.

YOUR antagonist being on the medium guard, raise your hand, and seize his feeble, make a lunge, holding your body upright, bearing down his sword ; and draw yours across the breast, to oppose which he will drop his point, turning the wrist, the nails downward; break the measure of the body by drawing a little back, and drawing in his arm till he gains your feeble, then brings you around and ripostes on the outside. Observe the moment he moves his arm for that purpose, before he gains your feeble : riposte on the outside, and you will most probably hit him ; or, slipping back the foot, draw it across the body, and you will cut the inside arm. (Si)

Disarms

.....and don't be fond of Disarming. (MB)

A Close at Broad-Sword is performed thus, Engage your Opponent's Sword on the inside with all your Strength, then force it backward as low as his Knee, and at the same time step in with your left Foot, and seize the Feeble of his Blade with your left Hand, then execute your Intention: You may perform the like by engaging on the outside of his Sword, and perform as aforesaid: You may Disarm either of these Ways, after the same manner as you do at Small-Sword. Otherwise, lie upon a low Guard, or rather no Guard; that is, hold your Sword as low as your middle, so that all the upper Part of your Body be bare, or clearly exposed; and when your Opponent strikes at your Head, Pitch to the Hanging Guard, and at the same juncture step in with your left Foot, and with your left Hand, the back there of being turned towards your Face, make seizure of his Sword, then use your most merciful Discretion. Take notice, That if your Opponent strikes at the same time as you do, I call it a Counter Tempt, which be careful to avoid. (W)

The Disarm upon the Outside (though there are others) is by much the best, safest, and the most in use of the Scymiter; and is, for that reason, commonly call'd the Turkish Disarm; and is thus perform'd.

Receive an Inside full, at the same Time stepping forward with the Right Foot to the half Lunge, change to the Outside; and in the Change, bear your Adversary's Sword out of the Line; and in the same Instant step nimbly about with your Left Foot up to your Adversary's Heel, and seizing the Shell of his Hilt with your Left Hand, quit your Bearing, and with your Point fixt to his Breast force the Sword from his Hand; which he must quit or stab himself upon your Point. (P)

YOUR antagonist being on the medium guard, raise your hand, and seize his feeble, make a lunge, holding your body upright, bearing down his sword ; and draw yours across the breast, to oppose which he will drop his point, turning the wrist, the nails downward;

break the measure of the body by drawing a little back, and drawing in his arm till he gains your feeble, then brings you around and ripostes on the outside. Observe the moment he moves his arm for that purpose, before he gains your feeble : riposte on the outside, and you will most probably hit him ; or, slipping back the foot, draw it across the body, and you will cut the inside arm.

UPON attempting the cut above mentioned you’re your adversary lunges forward at the same time with you, he means to disarm you in the following manner: having parried the thrust as above described, he quickly seizes the wrist of your sword arm, under his, and pulls you forward with force ; the least struggle on your part, after he has possession of your wrist, must be fatal, as his sword is at liberty ; to prevent which, disarm when you find he has parried, bear your wrist down as low as possible, (bending his sword) so that he cannot get his left hand beneath to seize your wrist ; and, should he attempt it over the wrist, bring forward your left foot behind his right ; seize the sword-arm, and draw it close down to the left thigh ; snatch your sword from the hold, and place the point to his breast ; he cannot keep his hold on your sword, as on the least resistance, if you bend your left knee against his, you may with ease throw him down, should he persist in opposing you (Si)

Do you never attempt to close or come to the grip at these weapons unless it be upon the slow motion or disorder of your enemy, (S)

1.

If he strike aloft at the left side of your head, and run in withal to take the Close or grip of you, then ward it guardant, & enter in with your left side putting in your left hand, on the inside of his sword Arm, near his hilt, bearing your hand over his Arm, & Wrap in his hand &sword under your Arm, as he comes in, Wresting his hand & sword close to your body turning back your right side from him, so shall he not be able to reach your sword, but you shall still have it at liberty to strike or thrust him & endanger the breaking of his Arm, or the taking away of his sword by that grip.

2.

If you are both Crossed in Close fight upon the bastard guardant ward low, you May put your left hand on the outside of his sword at the back of his hand, near, or at the hilt of his sword Arm & take him on the inside of that arm with your hand, above his elbow is best, & draw him in toward you strongly, wresting his knuckles downward & his elbow upward so may you endanger to break his arm, or cast him down or to wrest his sword out of his hand, & go free yourself.

3.

In like sort upon this kind of close, you may clap your left hand upon the wrist of his sword arme, holding it strongly & therewith thrust him hard from you, & presently you may thrust him in the body with your sword for in that Instant he can neither ward, strike, nor thrust,

4.

If he strike home at the left side of your head, & therewithall come in to take the close or grip of your hilt of sword arm with his left hand, first ward his blow guardant, & be sure to put in your left hand under your sword & take hold on the outside of his left hand, Arm or sleeve, putting your hand under the wrist of his Arm with the top of your fingrs upward, & your thumb & knuckles downward, then pluck him strongly toward your left side, so shall you indirect his feet turning his left shoulder towards you, upon which instant you May strike or thrust him with your sword & fly out safe, for his feet being indirected, although he has his sword at liberty, yet shall he not be able to Make any offensive fight against you because his time will be too long to direct his feet again to use his sword in due time.

5.

Also if he attempt the close or grip with you upon his bastard guardant ward, then cross his sword with the like ward, & as he comes in with his feet you have the time of your hand & body, whereby with your left hand or Arm you May put by his sword blade, which thing you must suddenly & strongly do, casting it toward your left side so may you uncross & thrust him in the body with your sword & fly out instantly, for if you stay there he will direct his sword again & endanger you, this may safely be done, or you May uncross & turn your point up, & strike him on the head, & fly out instantly.

6.

If he press in to the half sword upon a forehand ward, then strike a sound blow at the left side of his head turning strongly your hand & hilt pressing down his sword hand & arm strongly, & strike your hilt full in his face, bearing your hilt strongly upon him, for your hand being uppermost you have the advantage in that grip, for so May you break his face with your hilt, & strike up his heels with your left foot, and throw him a great fall, all this May safely be done by reason that he is weak in his coming in by that moving of his feet, & you repel him in the fullness of your strength, as appears in the Chapter of the short single sword fight, in the 23rd ground of the same,

7.

remember that you never attempt the Close nor grip but look to his slip, Consider what is said in the 8th generall rule in the Second Chapter, & also in the 26th ground of the syngle sword fight in the 4th Chapter. (S)

place your point to his breast, this is the safest method ofdisarming, as it exposes the least, and is certain. (Si)

if after you have Disarmed your Adversary, or he submitted and delivered his Sword, you return him his Sword again, be sure give it with the Point towards him……… take care least he Spring in upon you, and trip you up, or by being Stronger, he may disarm you of your own Sword, or break one or other, and stab you with the Piece……. Experientia Docet. (MB)

Principles of Backsword fencing

– According to Page

Principle the First
A Body is said to be in Equilibrio when the Center of Gravity is in its Center of Magnitude; or when both are Perpendicular over its Base, that Body is in its firmest Situation, for then any Part of it can be mov'd round that Center without falling: And in this Position it is that the Swordsman uses all his Limbs with the greatest Freedom and Activity, and yet with the greatest Strength and Firmness, whilst he preserves this Equilibrium, and whilst his Right Hand is varying the Center of Gravity every Moment by continually Throwing from Side to Side and guarding every part successively; the Left is its Counter Ballance, and by moving Diametrically Opposite, preserve the Center of Gravity in the Center of Magnitude, and both still perpendicular over the standing Foot.

Principle the Second
Two Lines Parallel to the Line of Defence of Tangents to the Surface of the Combatants Body's are the Bounds of every Throw and every Guard, not can the Sword be mov'd any distance beyond those two Lines but it must leave the Body unguarded; and a Guard held beyond either of those Lines for exposes the Body in general without defending any particular Part.

Principle the Third
The utmost Force and Strength of a Man is exerted in straight Lines and at right Angles, thus every Throw is made perpendicular to the Part aim'd at, which the Swordsmen have called Carrying a true Edge.

Principle the Fourth
Action and Reaction are the same, and always equal to each Other; an upon this Principle every Guard was contriv'd, and every Stop executed, as for Example:

The Inside Guard stops an Inside Throw in the same Direction in which the Throw is made, and with a Resistance exactly equal to the Force, for if it was less the Sword would be beat back upon the Defendant, and if it was greater, the Assailant's Sword must recoil; either of which would be equally disadvantageous to the Defendant, who from the very instant of stopping his Antagonist's Sword is supposed to change, recover or throw Home.

When the Rules, Lessons and Instructions already taught, are perfectly learned; there are many other artful Throws which safely Cut the Adversary, yet not commonly known or taught by every Master; but have been the peculiar Inventions of two the eminent Men in the Science; and kept inviolably secret by the very few to whom they have been imparted; and are commonly called Finesses, because they are of all the most artful, and certain Ways of wounding and disabling.

– According to Sinclair

NEVER lean over your adversary, but keep upright and firm ; let not your eyes be fixed on any one part more than another, which will mask your intentions in what you are going to perform, and baffle his parades. Look boldly, and with confidence, in his face, and reflect on the probably consequences of every motion before you make it. Appear undetermined in your mind, and aim in all your attacks, that he may be at a loss what you are about to do. Make your attack coolly and with prudence, and when your blow has succeeded, recover quickly, lowering your point, but so that you may act defensively. Should you be more skillful than your antagonist never attack him : to be sure you may not hit him so often, but then he will not have the satisfaction of touching you. There are many good players that are hit by very bad ones, but it is their own fault : they probably may give six hits to one, but, however, they seldom or never come off untouched, which proceeds from their impatience and imprudence : in making frequent attacks they are hit by change rather than by the skill of their adversary, therefore always keep on the defensive, taking care to parry well, and then you will be almost certain of throwing a hit on the return, unless you perceive a palpable opening. When you engage, be careful of not remaining on the medium guard ; if it is on the

inside, turn your wrist well up, if on the outside reverse the wrist, and secure well the outside, so that you have but one side to defend. When you advance to give your measure, never disengage, but make sure of your antagonist’s blade, for should you quit it you expose yourself to be forced from the line, and consequently to his return. In parrying, keep the

sword fast in your hand ; on the contrary, when you propose a feint ; your arm must be flexible, and the sword easy, so that you may perform your intentions with more celerity, disregarding the disengages and false attacks of your opponent, but follow him coolly,

and you will soon find an opportunity of throwing in a cut, or lunge, with effect. When you come to the guard, and have a mind to attack in your turn, change quickly from the in to the outside guard, and observe narrowly by the motion of his wrist, what parry he puts in practice, and then determine on your stroke. If you perceive him languid in his motions, force his blade, and make the cut across the breast, or straight home in the line.

Should you perceive any irresolution in the part of your adversary, in making his attack, force him out of the line, and attack him with vivacity.

– According to Silver

The four grounds or principals of that true fight at all manner of Weapons are these 4, viz.

1. Judgement

2. Distance

3. Time

4. Place

The reason whereof these 4 grounds or principles be the first & chiefest, are the following, because through Judgement, you keep your distance, through Distance you take your Time, through Time you safely win or gain the Place of your adversary, the Place being won or gained you have time safely either to strike, thrust, ward, close, grip, slip or go back, in the which time your enemy is disappointed to hurt you, or to defend himself, by reason that he has lost his true Place, the reason that he has lost his True place is by the length ofTime through the number of his feet to which he is of necessity Driven to that would-be Agent.

The 4 governors are those that follow.

1.

The first governor is Judgement which is to know when your Adversary can reach you, & when not, & when you can do the like to him, & to know by the goodness or badness of his lying, what he can do, & when & how he can perform it.

2.

The second gouernor is Measure. Measure is the better to know how to make your space true to defend yourself, or to offend your enemy.

3. 4.

The third & fourth governors is a twofold mind when you press in on your enemy, for as you have a mind to go forward, so you must have at that instant a mind to fly backward upon any action that shall be offered or done by your adversary.