The Assault
that is, he may encounter an adversary, to attack or defend as occasion presents. He is then left to his own resources entirely. The following
General Advice
given by a very eminent fencer and excellent teacher, cannot fail to be of use:
“Do not put yourself on the position of the guard within the reach of your adversary’s thrusts, especially at the time of drawing your sword.
“If you are much inferior, make no long assaults.
“Do nothing that is useless; every movement should tend to your advantage.
“Let your movements be made as much within the line of your adversary’s body as possible.
“Endeavor both to discover your adversary’s designs and to conceal your own.
“Two skillful men, acting together, fight more with their heads than their hands.
“The smaller you can make the movements with your foil, the quicker will your point arrive at your adversary’s body.
“Do not endeavor to give many thrusts on the longe, thus running the risk of receiving one in the interim.
“If your adversary drops his foil by accident, or in consequence of a smart parade of yours, you should immediately pick it up, and present it to him politely.
“Always join blades (if possible) previously to another attack, after a hit is given.”