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Difference between revisions of "Giacomo di Grassi"

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| Therefore casting away deceit for this present, which shall hereafter be handled in his proper place and restraining myself to the truth, which is the true and principal desire of my heart, presupposing that Justice (which in every occasion approaches nearest unto truth) obtains always the superiority, I say whosoever minds to exercise himself in this true and honorable Art or Science, it is requisite that he be endued with deep Judgment, a valiant heart and great activity, In which three qualities this exercise does as it were delight, live and flourish.
 
| Therefore casting away deceit for this present, which shall hereafter be handled in his proper place and restraining myself to the truth, which is the true and principal desire of my heart, presupposing that Justice (which in every occasion approaches nearest unto truth) obtains always the superiority, I say whosoever minds to exercise himself in this true and honorable Art or Science, it is requisite that he be endued with deep Judgment, a valiant heart and great activity, In which three qualities this exercise does as it were delight, live and flourish.
| ''lasciando dunque da parte per hora.l'inganno delquale si tratterà poi a suo loco & restringendomi alla uerità laquale e il uero & principal desiderio del anima nostra, presuponendo che la giustitia uicinissima alla ue- ritàin ogni occasione sia sempre superiore , dico a chiunque uol in tal mestiero essercitarsi ; gli e dibisogno hauer fornivo giuditio, ani moso core, & gran prestezza nelle quali tre cose si mantiene é ui ue tutto questo esercitio.''
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| ''lasciando dunque da parte per hora.l'inganno delquale si tratterà poi a suo loco & restringendomi alla uerità laquale e il uero & principal desiderio del anima nostra, presuponendo che la giustitia uicinissima alla ueritàin ogni occasione sia sempre superiore , dico a chiunque uol in tal mestiero essercitarsi ; gli e dibisogno hauer fornivo giuditio, ani moso core, & gran prestezza nelle quali tre cose si mantiene é ui ue tutto questo esercitio.''
 
| Therefore casting away deceit for this present, which shal hereafter be handled in his proper place and restraining my selfe to the truth, which is the true and principall desier of my hart, presupposing that Justice (which in everie occasion approcheth neerest unto truth) obteineth allwaies the superioritie, I say whosoever mindeth to exercise hemselfe in this true and honorable Art or Science, it is requisite that he be indued with deep Judgement, a valiant hart and great activitie, In which thre qualities this exercise doth as it were delight, live and florish.
 
| Therefore casting away deceit for this present, which shal hereafter be handled in his proper place and restraining my selfe to the truth, which is the true and principall desier of my hart, presupposing that Justice (which in everie occasion approcheth neerest unto truth) obteineth allwaies the superioritie, I say whosoever mindeth to exercise hemselfe in this true and honorable Art or Science, it is requisite that he be indued with deep Judgement, a valiant hart and great activitie, In which thre qualities this exercise doth as it were delight, live and florish.
  
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| '''OF THE SWORD AND TARGET, CALLED THE SQUARE TARGET'''
 
| '''OF THE SWORD AND TARGET, CALLED THE SQUARE TARGET'''
It is most manifest, that the Target is a most ancient weap- on, found out only for the use of warfare, and peculiar quarrels between man and man : albeit, since the finding thereof, there have been devised by the industry of man a thousand ways to serve them at their need: From whence it has come to pass, (because it seemed convenient unto the Professors of this Art) that this weapon was very commodious and profitable, aswell for his fashion, as for it is a mean or middle weapon, between the buckler and the round Target: That they have framed a special kind of play therewith, although it differs from the other two weapons in no other thing then fashion. Therefore, diverse professors of this Art, being moved some by reason of the form, some by the bigness, and some by the heaviness thereof, have accustomed to bear it after diverse ways, Those who make most account of the heaviness, would for some consideration, that the right and proper bearing thereof, was to hold it leaning on the thigh, not moving there hence, but being greatly constrained thereunto.
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It is most manifest, that the Target is a most ancient weapon, found out only for the use of warfare, and peculiar quarrels between man and man : albeit, since the finding thereof, there have been devised by the industry of man a thousand ways to serve them at their need: From whence it has come to pass, (because it seemed convenient unto the Professors of this Art) that this weapon was very commodious and profitable, aswell for his fashion, as for it is a mean or middle weapon, between the buckler and the round Target: That they have framed a special kind of play therewith, although it differs from the other two weapons in no other thing then fashion. Therefore, diverse professors of this Art, being moved some by reason of the form, some by the bigness, and some by the heaviness thereof, have accustomed to bear it after diverse ways, Those who make most account of the heaviness, would for some consideration, that the right and proper bearing thereof, was to hold it leaning on the thigh, not moving there hence, but being greatly constrained thereunto.
 
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| '''''Of the Sworde & Target, called the Square Target.'''''
 
| '''''Of the Sworde & Target, called the Square Target.'''''
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| <p>'''Of the Two Hand Sword.'''</p>
 
| <p>'''Of the Two Hand Sword.'''</p>
  
<p>The two hand Sword, as it is used now a days being four handfuls in the handle, or more, having also the great cross, was found out, to the end it should be handled one to one at an equal match, as other weapons, of which I have entreated. But because one may with it (as a galleon among many galleys) resist many Swords, or other weapons: Therefore in the wars, it is used to be place near unto the Ensign or Ancient, for the defense thereof, because, being of itself able to contend with many, it may the better safeguard the same. And it is accustomed to be carried in the City, aswell by night as by day, when it so chances that a few are constrained to withstand a great many. And because his weight and bigness, requires great strength, therefore those only are allotted to the handling thereof, which are mighty and big to behold, great and strong in body, of stout and valiant courage. Who (forasmuch as they are to encounter many, and to the end they may strike the more safely, and amaze them with the fury of the Sword) do altogether use to deliver great edge blows, down right and reversed, fetching a full circle, or compass therein, staying themselves sometimes upon one foot, sometimes on the other, utterly neglecting to thrust, and persuading them- selves, that the thrust serves to amaze one man only, but those edge blows are of force to encounter many. The which manner of skirmishing, besides that, it is most gallant to behold, being accompanied with exceeding swiftness in delivery, (for otherwise it works no such effect) it also most profitable, not properly of itself, because men considering the fury of the sword, which greatly amazes them, are not so resolute to do that, which otherwise they could not choose but do. That is, either to encounter the sword in the middle towards the handle, when it carries small force, or else to stand far off, watching whilst the sword goes, and is carried compassing in his great circle, being of the compass of ten arms, or more, and then to run under it, and deliver a thrust. And these two ways are effectual, when such men are met withal, who are exercised to enter nimbly and strike, or such as dare, and have the spirit and courage, to set, and oppose themselves single against the two hand sword, even as the single two hand sword adventures to oppose itself against many. Neither is this thing to be marveled at, for in these our days, there be things performed of greater activity and danger. And there be some which dare do this with the sword and round Target, but yet they are not resolute to strike first, but will receive and sustain the blow, with the round Target, and then enter and thrust, this truly betokens great courage and activity, although not such is required in this behalf.</p>
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<p>The two hand Sword, as it is used now a days being four handfuls in the handle, or more, having also the great cross, was found out, to the end it should be handled one to one at an equal match, as other weapons, of which I have entreated. But because one may with it (as a galleon among many galleys) resist many Swords, or other weapons: Therefore in the wars, it is used to be place near unto the Ensign or Ancient, for the defense thereof, because, being of itself able to contend with many, it may the better safeguard the same. And it is accustomed to be carried in the City, aswell by night as by day, when it so chances that a few are constrained to withstand a great many. And because his weight and bigness, requires great strength, therefore those only are allotted to the handling thereof, which are mighty and big to behold, great and strong in body, of stout and valiant courage. Who (forasmuch as they are to encounter many, and to the end they may strike the more safely, and amaze them with the fury of the Sword) do altogether use to deliver great edge blows, down right and reversed, fetching a full circle, or compass therein, staying themselves sometimes upon one foot, sometimes on the other, utterly neglecting to thrust, and persuading themselves, that the thrust serves to amaze one man only, but those edge blows are of force to encounter many. The which manner of skirmishing, besides that, it is most gallant to behold, being accompanied with exceeding swiftness in delivery, (for otherwise it works no such effect) it also most profitable, not properly of itself, because men considering the fury of the sword, which greatly amazes them, are not so resolute to do that, which otherwise they could not choose but do. That is, either to encounter the sword in the middle towards the handle, when it carries small force, or else to stand far off, watching whilst the sword goes, and is carried compassing in his great circle, being of the compass of ten arms, or more, and then to run under it, and deliver a thrust. And these two ways are effectual, when such men are met withal, who are exercised to enter nimbly and strike, or such as dare, and have the spirit and courage, to set, and oppose themselves single against the two hand sword, even as the single two hand sword adventures to oppose itself against many. Neither is this thing to be marveled at, for in these our days, there be things performed of greater activity and danger. And there be some which dare do this with the sword and round Target, but yet they are not resolute to strike first, but will receive and sustain the blow, with the round Target, and then enter and thrust, this truly betokens great courage and activity, although not such is required in this behalf.</p>
 
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| <p>Touching the first, All men use to deliver thrusts, aswell as edge blows, down right, and reversed, with both hands to the Sword which way albeit, it be profitable in the bestowing of edge blows, as being the better able to sustain the Sword, yet in the discharge of thrusts it is hurtful, for it causes them to be much shorter, then they would be, if in the beginning, they were forcibly delivered with both the hands, and then by taking away one hand from the cross, they were springed as far forth, as the pommel hand, foot, and all the body of that side, may be stretched out. For, being discharged in this manner, if they hit home they make great passage, and if they be voided, yet the Two hand sword may be quickly had again, by the retiring of a pace, and of the hand and arm, placing the other hand there where it was, and so settling in the low ward. Therefore, when one finds himself to stand at the high ward, (the which at the two hand Sword, is framed, either with the right side towards the enemy, either with the left, in either of which ways, the arm would be borne aloft, and far off from the body, causing the point somewhat to bend both towards the ground and the body, to the end it may defend both the length of the body, and cover it in a manner thwarting or crossing, it being so far off from the sword.</p>
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| <p>Touching the first, All men use to deliver thrusts, aswell as edge blows, down right, and reversed, with both hands to the Sword which way albeit, it be profitable in the bestowing of edge blows, as being the better able to sustain the Sword, yet in the discharge of thrusts it is hurtful, for it causes them to be much shorter, then they would be, if in the beginning, they were forcibly delivered with both the hands, and then by taking away one hand from the cross, they were springed as far forth, as the pommel hand, foot, and all the body of that side, may be stretched out. For, being discharged in this manner, if they hit home they make great passage, and if they be voided, yet the Two hand sword may be quickly had again, by the retiring of a pace, and of the hand and arm, placing the other hand there where it was, and so settling in the low ward.</p>
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| <p>Therefore, when one finds himself to stand at the high ward, (the which at the two hand Sword, is framed, either with the right side towards the enemy, either with the left, in either of which ways, the arm would be borne aloft, and far off from the body, causing the point somewhat to bend both towards the ground and the body, to the end it may defend both the length of the body, and cover it in a manner thwarting or crossing, it being so far off from the sword.</p>
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| <p>The thrust is discharged (as soon as the enemy's sword is found) as far in the beginning as he may with both arms: Then, taking away the cross hand, he shall force it farther on with the pommel hand, as much as he may stretch it forth, always in the discharge, increasing a slope pace. And the thrust being thus delivered, he shall presently retire his said pace, and return his hand again to the cross, settling himself either in the high or low warde. But if he would deliver a down right blow with the edge which I counsel him not to do, because he may easily be struck under it, he shall first discharge a thrust with both his hands, and then increasing a pace, shall turn the said downright blow, stretching out the arm as much as he may. In the delivery of which blow, if he meet with the enemy's sword, he shall take away his hand from the cross, and stretch out the pommel hand as much as he may, with the increase of a pace. And farther, turning the said hand which holds the sword upwards, to the end, to lengthen the thrust, he shall drive, and force it on, and presently retire himself in the manner aforesaid.</p>
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| <p>The thrust is discharged (as soon as the enemy's sword is found) as far in the beginning as he may with both arms: Then, taking away the cross hand, he shall force it farther on with the pommel hand, as much as he may stretch it forth, always in the discharge, increasing a slope pace. And the thrust being thus delivered, he shall presently retire his said pace, and return his hand again to the cross, settling himself either in the high or low warde.</p>
 
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| <p>But if he would deliver a down right blow with the edge which I counsel him not to do, because he may easily be struck under it, he shall first discharge a thrust with both his hands, and then increasing a pace, shall turn the said downright blow, stretching out the arm as much as he may. In the delivery of which blow, if he meet with the enemy's sword, he shall take away his hand from the cross, and stretch out the pommel hand as much as he may, with the increase of a pace. And farther, turning the said hand which holds the sword upwards, to the end, to lengthen the thrust, he shall drive, and force it on, and presently retire himself in the manner aforesaid.</p>
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| And that this is true, it is to be seen in the ancient weapons of this sort, which are great and so well tempered, that they are of force to cut any other Iron. Afterwards, as men had considered, that as this weapon was only to strike, it might in some part thereof, have aswell something to ward withal, whereby it might be said to be a perfect weapon, they devised to add unto it two crooks or forks, by the which, that blow might be warded, which parting from the point and continuing down the staff, should come to hurt the person. And these forks, or (I may say) these defenses were by some men placed on that part of the Iron, which next adjoins to the staff, making them crooked and sharp, and handful long, and for the most part, with the points toward the enemy, to the end they might serve not only to defend, but also to strike. And to the end, the bigness and weight of the Partisan, (which ought to be apt and commodious to be handled) might not be increased, they diminished part of the Iron thereof, and gave the same to the forks or defenses: And by that means they framed another weapon called the javelin which (because the broadness, and happily the weight and place thereof is diminished) is not very forcible to strike with the edge, but all his power consists in three thrusts. others afterwards would not that these defenses should be placed at the lowermost part of the Iron, but in the middle thereof. And these men bearing great respect to the blows of the edge, left the Iron which should serve for the defense behind, in his breadth and weight, adjoining thereunto in the opposite part of the right edge, a most sharp point of Iron, to the end, that what way soever it were moved, it might strike and hurt. But if any man object and say: if the said point of Iron were put there in respect of striking, they might also as well have left there an edge, which being longer would strike more easily. I answer, that the blows of the false (that is to say, the hinder or back edge of the weapon) are very weak, and the point does strike and hurt more easily then the edge. And therefore it was requisite that there be facility where there was weakness. These men by these means framed the ancient weapon called the Halberd, out of the which, men of our age have derived and made another kind of Halberd and Bill. And these bearing also respect to some one profitable thing or other, did maintain the defense, and increase the hurting or offense. The respect was, that as they discoursed and pondered with themselves, at length they very warily perceived that a man with his weapon in his hand, might make size motions, that is to say, one towards the head, one towards the feet, one towards the right side, one towards the left, one forwards and towards the enemy, the other backward and toward himself. of all the which, five of them might very well strike, and the last might neither strike nor defend. Therefore, providing that this last motion also should not be idle and unprofitable, they added a hook with the point turned towards the handle, with the which one might very easily tear armor, and draw perforce men from their horses. Those who framed the middle or mean Halberd, would that the same hook should be placed in the safe or back edge. And those that devised the Bill, would have it on the right edge, leaving the edge so long that the hook might not altogether hinder the low of the edge, but rather (to the end the edge might make the greater effect) they would that the hook should bear and edge and be cut- ting in every part thereof. Where I gather, that the Bill is the most perfect weapon of all others, because it strikes and hurts in every of these six motions, and his defenses both cut and prick: which the new kind of Halberd does not perform, because framed after the said fashion, and rather for lightness aptness and bravery, then for that it carries any great profit with it: for the edge is not so apt to strike, and the point thereof is so weak, that hitting any hard thing, either it bows or breaks: neither is it much regarded in the wars, the Harquebus and the Pike being now adays the strength of all armies.
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| And that this is true, it is to be seen in the ancient weapons of this sort, which are great and so well tempered, that they are of force to cut any other Iron. Afterwards, as men had considered, that as this weapon was only to strike, it might in some part thereof, have aswell something to ward withal, whereby it might be said to be a perfect weapon, they devised to add unto it two crooks or forks, by the which, that blow might be warded, which parting from the point and continuing down the staff, should come to hurt the person. And these forks, or (I may say) these defenses were by some men placed on that part of the Iron, which next adjoins to the staff, making them crooked and sharp, and handful long, and for the most part, with the points toward the enemy, to the end they might serve not only to defend, but also to strike. And to the end, the bigness and weight of the Partisan, (which ought to be apt and commodious to be handled) might not be increased, they diminished part of the Iron thereof, and gave the same to the forks or defenses: And by that means they framed another weapon called the javelin which (because the broadness, and happily the weight and place thereof is diminished) is not very forcible to strike with the edge, but all his power consists in three thrusts. others afterwards would not that these defenses should be placed at the lowermost part of the Iron, but in the middle thereof. And these men bearing great respect to the blows of the edge, left the Iron which should serve for the defense behind, in his breadth and weight, adjoining thereunto in the opposite part of the right edge, a most sharp point of Iron, to the end, that what way soever it were moved, it might strike and hurt. But if any man object and say: if the said point of Iron were put there in respect of striking, they might also as well have left there an edge, which being longer would strike more easily. I answer, that the blows of the false (that is to say, the hinder or back edge of the weapon) are very weak, and the point does strike and hurt more easily then the edge. And therefore it was requisite that there be facility where there was weakness. These men by these means framed the ancient weapon called the Halberd, out of the which, men of our age have derived and made another kind of Halberd and Bill. And these bearing also respect to some one profitable thing or other, did maintain the defense, and increase the hurting or offense. The respect was, that as they discoursed and pondered with themselves, at length they very warily perceived that a man with his weapon in his hand, might make size motions, that is to say, one towards the head, one towards the feet, one towards the right side, one towards the left, one forwards and towards the enemy, the other backward and toward himself. of all the which, five of them might very well strike, and the last might neither strike nor defend. Therefore, providing that this last motion also should not be idle and unprofitable, they added a hook with the point turned towards the handle, with the which one might very easily tear armor, and draw perforce men from their horses. Those who framed the middle or mean Halberd, would that the same hook should be placed in the safe or back edge. And those that devised the Bill, would have it on the right edge, leaving the edge so long that the hook might not altogether hinder the low of the edge, but rather (to the end the edge might make the greater effect) they would that the hook should bear and edge and be cutting in every part thereof. Where I gather, that the Bill is the most perfect weapon of all others, because it strikes and hurts in every of these six motions, and his defenses both cut and prick: which the new kind of Halberd does not perform, because framed after the said fashion, and rather for lightness aptness and bravery, then for that it carries any great profit with it: for the edge is not so apt to strike, and the point thereof is so weak, that hitting any hard thing, either it bows or breaks: neither is it much regarded in the wars, the Harquebus and the Pike being now adays the strength of all armies.
 
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| And that this is true, it is to be seene in the auncient weapons of this sort, which are great and so well tempered, that they are of force to cut any other Iron. Afterwardes, as men had considered, that as this weapon was only to strike, it might in some part thereof, have aswell something to warde withall, whereby it might be said to be a perfect weapon, they devised to add unto it two crookes or forkes, by the which, that blow might be warded, which parting from the point and continuing downe along the staffe, would come to hurt the person. And these forkes, or (I may saie) these defences were by some men placed on that part of the Iron, which next adjoyneth to the staffe, making them crooked & sharp, & a handfull long, & for the most part, with the pointes toward the enimie, to the end that they might serve not only to defend, but also to strike. And to the end, the bignesse and weight of the Partesan, (which ought to be apt and commodious to be handled) might not be encreased, they diminished part of the Iron thereof, and gave the same to the forkes or defences: And by that meanes they framed another weapon called a Javelin which (because the broadnes, and happily the weight and paize thereof is diminished) is not very forcible to strike with the edge, but all his power consisteth in there thrustes. Othersome afterwards would not that these defences should be placed at the lower-most part of the Iron, but in the middle thereof. And these men bearing great respect to the blowes of the edge, left the Iron which should serve for the defence behinde, in his bredth and waight, adjoyning thereunto in the opposite parte of the right edge, a most sharpe point of Iron, to the end, that what way soever it were moved, it might strike and hurt. But if any man object & saie: if the said point of Iron were put there in respect of striking, they might also as well have left there an edge, which being longer would strike more easily. I answere, that the blowes of the false (that is to saye, the hinder or backe edge of the weapon) are verie weake, and the point doth strike and hurt more easily then the edge. And therefore it was requisite that there be facilitie where there was weaknes. These men by these meanes framed the auncient weapon called the Holberd, out of the which, men of our age have dirived & made another kind of Holberd & Bill. And these baring also respect to some one profitable thing or other, did maintaine the defence, and encrease the hurting or offence. The respect was, that as they discoursed & pondred with themselves, at length they verie warily perceived that a man with weapon in his hand, might make sixe motions, that is to saie, one towards the head, one towards the feete, one towardes the right side, one towards the left, one forwards & towards the enimie, the other backward & toward him selfe. Of all the which, five of them might verie well strike, & the last might neither strike nor defend. Ther fore providing that this last motion also should not be idle & unprofitable, they added a hook with the point turned towards the handle, with the which one might verie easily teare armour, & draw perforce men from their horses. Those, who framed the middle or meane Holbert, would that the said hooke should be placed in the safe or backer edge. And those that devised the Bill, would have it on the right edge, leaving the edge so long that the hook might not altogether hinder the blow of the edge, but rather (to the end the edg might make the greater effect) they would that the hooke shuld beare and edg & be cutting in every part therof. Where I gather, that the Bil is the most perfect weapon of all others, because it striketh & hurteth in every of these sixe motions, & his defences both cut & prick: which the new kind of Holbert doth not perform, being framed after the said fashion, & rather for lightnes aptnes & braverie, then for that it carrieth any great profit with it: for the edge is not so apt to strike, & the point thereof is so weake, that hitting any hard thing, either it boweth or breaketh: neither is it much regarded in the warres, the Harquebush & the Pike being now adaies the strength of all armyes.
 
| And that this is true, it is to be seene in the auncient weapons of this sort, which are great and so well tempered, that they are of force to cut any other Iron. Afterwardes, as men had considered, that as this weapon was only to strike, it might in some part thereof, have aswell something to warde withall, whereby it might be said to be a perfect weapon, they devised to add unto it two crookes or forkes, by the which, that blow might be warded, which parting from the point and continuing downe along the staffe, would come to hurt the person. And these forkes, or (I may saie) these defences were by some men placed on that part of the Iron, which next adjoyneth to the staffe, making them crooked & sharp, & a handfull long, & for the most part, with the pointes toward the enimie, to the end that they might serve not only to defend, but also to strike. And to the end, the bignesse and weight of the Partesan, (which ought to be apt and commodious to be handled) might not be encreased, they diminished part of the Iron thereof, and gave the same to the forkes or defences: And by that meanes they framed another weapon called a Javelin which (because the broadnes, and happily the weight and paize thereof is diminished) is not very forcible to strike with the edge, but all his power consisteth in there thrustes. Othersome afterwards would not that these defences should be placed at the lower-most part of the Iron, but in the middle thereof. And these men bearing great respect to the blowes of the edge, left the Iron which should serve for the defence behinde, in his bredth and waight, adjoyning thereunto in the opposite parte of the right edge, a most sharpe point of Iron, to the end, that what way soever it were moved, it might strike and hurt. But if any man object & saie: if the said point of Iron were put there in respect of striking, they might also as well have left there an edge, which being longer would strike more easily. I answere, that the blowes of the false (that is to saye, the hinder or backe edge of the weapon) are verie weake, and the point doth strike and hurt more easily then the edge. And therefore it was requisite that there be facilitie where there was weaknes. These men by these meanes framed the auncient weapon called the Holberd, out of the which, men of our age have dirived & made another kind of Holberd & Bill. And these baring also respect to some one profitable thing or other, did maintaine the defence, and encrease the hurting or offence. The respect was, that as they discoursed & pondred with themselves, at length they verie warily perceived that a man with weapon in his hand, might make sixe motions, that is to saie, one towards the head, one towards the feete, one towardes the right side, one towards the left, one forwards & towards the enimie, the other backward & toward him selfe. Of all the which, five of them might verie well strike, & the last might neither strike nor defend. Ther fore providing that this last motion also should not be idle & unprofitable, they added a hook with the point turned towards the handle, with the which one might verie easily teare armour, & draw perforce men from their horses. Those, who framed the middle or meane Holbert, would that the said hooke should be placed in the safe or backer edge. And those that devised the Bill, would have it on the right edge, leaving the edge so long that the hook might not altogether hinder the blow of the edge, but rather (to the end the edg might make the greater effect) they would that the hooke shuld beare and edg & be cutting in every part therof. Where I gather, that the Bil is the most perfect weapon of all others, because it striketh & hurteth in every of these sixe motions, & his defences both cut & prick: which the new kind of Holbert doth not perform, being framed after the said fashion, & rather for lightnes aptnes & braverie, then for that it carrieth any great profit with it: for the edge is not so apt to strike, & the point thereof is so weake, that hitting any hard thing, either it boweth or breaketh: neither is it much regarded in the warres, the Harquebush & the Pike being now adaies the strength of all armyes.
Line 2,078: Line 2,090:
 
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|-  
 
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| <br/>
| I will not therefore at this present stand to declare any more of the true knowledge of the weapon, then that, which only appertains to be spoken in this work, but will hereafter at my more leisure, handle it more at large, at what time, it shall be known, that men (giving over all other false & vain kind of skirmishing) ought to settle themselves in this, by means where- of, their judgments are perfected, and they more insured under their weapons, and so by consequence are made more bold and hardy. And forasmuch as all this ought to be verified in deeds, and not in words, it shall be every mans part, that will exercise himself in this Art, first diligently to learn the principles, & afterwards by exercise of the weapon to attain to the most subtle and delicate knowledge & consideration of the times, without which (as I have said elsewhere) is not possible to profit therein. For although there be happily some, who (being strong of arm, and nimble in delivering falses, either right, reversed, or straight) have been in our time accompted for tall men, yet for all that, those who are skillful in this true Art, ought not to give credit unto it, because they know assuredly that not right or reversed edge blows, get the mastery, but rather the thrusts of the point, neither the bestowing of them every way, but with advantage and in due time. Neither ought a man to strike, thereby to be stroked again, (which is the part and point, rather of a brute beast, then of a reasonable man) but to strike and remain without danger. And all which things by this true Art are easily learned.
+
| I will not therefore at this present stand to declare any more of the true knowledge of the weapon, then that, which only appertains to be spoken in this work, but will hereafter at my more leisure, handle it more at large, at what time, it shall be known, that men (giving over all other false & vain kind of skirmishing) ought to settle themselves in this, by means whereof, their judgments are perfected, and they more insured under their weapons, and so by consequence are made more bold and hardy. And forasmuch as all this ought to be verified in deeds, and not in words, it shall be every mans part, that will exercise himself in this Art, first diligently to learn the principles, & afterwards by exercise of the weapon to attain to the most subtle and delicate knowledge & consideration of the times, without which (as I have said elsewhere) is not possible to profit therein. For although there be happily some, who (being strong of arm, and nimble in delivering falses, either right, reversed, or straight) have been in our time accompted for tall men, yet for all that, those who are skillful in this true Art, ought not to give credit unto it, because they know assuredly that not right or reversed edge blows, get the mastery, but rather the thrusts of the point, neither the bestowing of them every way, but with advantage and in due time. Neither ought a man to strike, thereby to be stroked again, (which is the part and point, rather of a brute beast, then of a reasonable man) but to strike and remain without danger. And all which things by this true Art are easily learned.
 
|  
 
|  
 
| I will not therfore at this present stand to declare any more of the true knowledge of the weapon, then that, which onelie appertayneth to be spoken in this worke, but will hereafter at my more leasure, handle it more at large, at what time, it shal be knowen, that men (giving over all other false & vain kind of skimrmishing) ought to settle them selves in this, by meanes wherof, their judgements are perfected, and they more insured under their weapons, and so by consequence are made more bold and hardie. And forasmuch as all this ought to be verified in deedes, and not in wordes, it shall be every mans part, that will exercise himselfe in this Art, first diligentlie to learn the principles, & afterwards by exercise of the weapon to attaine to the most subtil and delicate knowledge & consideration of the times, without which (as I have said els where) it is not prossible to profit therin. For although there be happilie some, who (being strong of arme, and nimble in delivering falses, either right reversed, or straight) have bin in our time accompted for tall men, yet for al that, those who are skilfull in this true Art, ought not to give credite unto it, because they know assuredlie that not right or reversed edge blowes, get the masterie, but rather the thrusts of the point, neither the bestowing of them every way, but with advantage and in due time. Neither ought a man to strike, therby to be stroken againe, (which is the part and point, rather of a bruite beast, then of a reasonable man) but to strike and remaine without daunger. All which things by this true Art are easilie learned.
 
| I will not therfore at this present stand to declare any more of the true knowledge of the weapon, then that, which onelie appertayneth to be spoken in this worke, but will hereafter at my more leasure, handle it more at large, at what time, it shal be knowen, that men (giving over all other false & vain kind of skimrmishing) ought to settle them selves in this, by meanes wherof, their judgements are perfected, and they more insured under their weapons, and so by consequence are made more bold and hardie. And forasmuch as all this ought to be verified in deedes, and not in wordes, it shall be every mans part, that will exercise himselfe in this Art, first diligentlie to learn the principles, & afterwards by exercise of the weapon to attaine to the most subtil and delicate knowledge & consideration of the times, without which (as I have said els where) it is not prossible to profit therin. For although there be happilie some, who (being strong of arme, and nimble in delivering falses, either right reversed, or straight) have bin in our time accompted for tall men, yet for al that, those who are skilfull in this true Art, ought not to give credite unto it, because they know assuredlie that not right or reversed edge blowes, get the masterie, but rather the thrusts of the point, neither the bestowing of them every way, but with advantage and in due time. Neither ought a man to strike, therby to be stroken againe, (which is the part and point, rather of a bruite beast, then of a reasonable man) but to strike and remaine without daunger. All which things by this true Art are easilie learned.
Line 2,105: Line 2,117:
 
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| <br/>
 
| '''The Second Part entreating of Deceits and Falsings OF BLOWS AND THRUSTS'''
 
| '''The Second Part entreating of Deceits and Falsings OF BLOWS AND THRUSTS'''
Being come to the end of the true Art, and having declaredall which seemed convenient and profitable for the attainment of true judgment in the handling of the weapon & of the entire knowledge of all advantages, by the which as well all disadvan- tages are known: It shall be good that I entreat of Deceit or Falsing, aswell to perform my promise, as also to satisfy those who are greatly delighted to skirmish, not with the pretense to hurt or overcome, but rather for their exercise and pastime:
+
Being come to the end of the true Art, and having declaredall which seemed convenient and profitable for the attainment of true judgment in the handling of the weapon & of the entire knowledge of all advantages, by the which as well all disadvantages are known: It shall be good that I entreat of Deceit or Falsing, aswell to perform my promise, as also to satisfy those who are greatly delighted to skirmish, not with the pretense to hurt or overcome, but rather for their exercise and pastime:
 
|  
 
|  
 
| '''''THE Second Part intreatinge of Deceites and Falsinges of Blowes and Thrustes.'''''
 
| '''''THE Second Part intreatinge of Deceites and Falsinges of Blowes and Thrustes.'''''
Line 2,200: Line 2,212:
 
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| These manner of strikings ought and may be practiced at all other weapons. Therefore this rule ought generally to be ob- served, and that is, to bear the body different from the enemy's sword, and to strike little or much, in small time as is possible.
+
| These manner of strikings ought and may be practiced at all other weapons. Therefore this rule ought generally to be observed, and that is, to bear the body different from the enemy's sword, and to strike little or much, in small time as is possible.
 
|  
 
|  
 
| These maner of strikings ought and maie be practised at all other weapons. Therefore this rule ought generally to be observed, and that is, to beare the bodie different from the enimies sword, and to strike litle or much, in as small time as is possible.
 
| These maner of strikings ought and maie be practised at all other weapons. Therefore this rule ought generally to be observed, and that is, to beare the bodie different from the enimies sword, and to strike litle or much, in as small time as is possible.
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| All these three weapons ought to be borne in the fist, the arm stretched out forwards, and this is evidently seen in the square Target and buckler: the round Target also, because by reason of his greatness and weight, it may not be held in the only fist, & forward, in which kind of holding, it would ward much more is borne on the arm, being stretched forth with the fist forwards, which is in manner all one, or the self same. Therefore one may false as much with the one as with the other, considering there is no other false used with them then to discover and frame diverse wards, bearing no respect to any advantage. And yet there is this difference between them, that with the round Target, one may easily ward both edgeblows and thrusts, and with the square Target, better than with any other, he may ward edgeblows, because it is of square form: and the edge of the sword may easily be retained with the straight side thereof, which is not so easily done with the buckler: for over and be- sides the warding of thrusts, the buckler is not so sure of itself, but requires aid of the sword. Edgeblows also when they come a thwart (for in that case, they encounter the circumference thereof: the which if it chance, the sword not to encounter on the diameter, or half, in which place the sword is only stayed, but does encounter it, either beneath, either above the said diameter (may easily slip and strike either the head or thighs : therefore let every man take heed and remember, that in striking at the buckler, either with the point or edge of the sword, he deliver it crossing or a thwart.
+
| All these three weapons ought to be borne in the fist, the arm stretched out forwards, and this is evidently seen in the square Target and buckler: the round Target also, because by reason of his greatness and weight, it may not be held in the only fist, & forward, in which kind of holding, it would ward much more is borne on the arm, being stretched forth with the fist forwards, which is in manner all one, or the self same. Therefore one may false as much with the one as with the other, considering there is no other false used with them then to discover and frame diverse wards, bearing no respect to any advantage. And yet there is this difference between them, that with the round Target, one may easily ward both edgeblows and thrusts, and with the square Target, better than with any other, he may ward edgeblows, because it is of square form: and the edge of the sword may easily be retained with the straight side thereof, which is not so easily done with the buckler: for over and besides the warding of thrusts, the buckler is not so sure of itself, but requires aid of the sword. Edgeblows also when they come a thwart (for in that case, they encounter the circumference thereof: the which if it chance, the sword not to encounter on the diameter, or half, in which place the sword is only stayed, but does encounter it, either beneath, either above the said diameter (may easily slip and strike either the head or thighs : therefore let every man take heed and remember, that in striking at the buckler, either with the point or edge of the sword, he deliver it crossing or a thwart.
 
|  
 
|  
 
| All theis three weapons ought to be borne in the fist, the arme stretched out forwardes, and this is evidently seene in the square Target and buckler: the round Target also, because by reason of his greatnes and waight, it may not be holden in the onelie fist, & forwarde, in which kind of holding, it would warde much more is borne on the arme, being stretched foorth with the fist forwardes, which is in manner all one, or the selfe same. Therefore one may false as much with the one as with the other, considering there is no other false used with them then to discover and frame divers wards, bearing no respect to any advantage. And yet there is this difference betwene them, that with the round Target, one may easely warde both edgeblowes and thrustes, and with the square Target, better than with any other, he may warde edgeblowes, because it is of square forme: and the edge of the sword may easely be retained with the streight side thereof, which is not so easely done with the buckler: for over and besides the warding of thrustes, the buckler is not so sure of itself, but requireth aide of the sworde. Edge-blowes also when they come a thwart (for in that case, they incounter the circumference thereof: the which if it chaunce, the sword not to encounter on the diameter, or halfe, in which place the sword is onelie staied, but doth encounter it, either beneath, either above the saide diameter) maie easelie slippe and strike either the heade or thighs: therfore let everie man take heede and remember, that in striking at the buckler, either with the poynte or edge of the sword, he deliver it crossing or athwarte.
 
| All theis three weapons ought to be borne in the fist, the arme stretched out forwardes, and this is evidently seene in the square Target and buckler: the round Target also, because by reason of his greatnes and waight, it may not be holden in the onelie fist, & forwarde, in which kind of holding, it would warde much more is borne on the arme, being stretched foorth with the fist forwardes, which is in manner all one, or the selfe same. Therefore one may false as much with the one as with the other, considering there is no other false used with them then to discover and frame divers wards, bearing no respect to any advantage. And yet there is this difference betwene them, that with the round Target, one may easely warde both edgeblowes and thrustes, and with the square Target, better than with any other, he may warde edgeblowes, because it is of square forme: and the edge of the sword may easely be retained with the streight side thereof, which is not so easely done with the buckler: for over and besides the warding of thrustes, the buckler is not so sure of itself, but requireth aide of the sworde. Edge-blowes also when they come a thwart (for in that case, they incounter the circumference thereof: the which if it chaunce, the sword not to encounter on the diameter, or halfe, in which place the sword is onelie staied, but doth encounter it, either beneath, either above the saide diameter) maie easelie slippe and strike either the heade or thighs: therfore let everie man take heede and remember, that in striking at the buckler, either with the poynte or edge of the sword, he deliver it crossing or athwarte.
Line 2,303: Line 2,315:
 
| <br/>
 
| <br/>
 
| '''AN ADVERTISEMENT CONCERNING THE DEFENSES OF THE FALSE OF THE ROUND TARGET.'''
 
| '''AN ADVERTISEMENT CONCERNING THE DEFENSES OF THE FALSE OF THE ROUND TARGET.'''
Every time one uses to false with round Target, square Target, and buckler, or as I may better say, with the sword accompa- nied with them, he falses either an edgeblow, either a thrust, either leaves some part of the body before discovered. Against all the falses of the edge, which come from the knee upwards, the round Target or any of the rest, must be oppressed, and then suddenly under them a thrust be delivered, against that part which is most disarmed. But if blows come from the knee downwards, they of force must be encountered with the sword, and always with the false or back edge thereof, whether that the blow be right or reversed: & therewithall the enemy's leg must be cut with the edge prepared without moving either the feet or the body. And this manner of striking is so short that it safely speeds. Moreover, all thrusts and other edgeblows, aswell high as low may, nay rather ought to be warded, by accompanying the target or other weapon of defense with the sword, whose point would be bent towards the enemy, & as soon as the enemy's sword is encountered, if it be done with the false edge of the sword, there is no other to be done, then to cut his face or legs.  
+
Every time one uses to false with round Target, square Target, and buckler, or as I may better say, with the sword accompanied with them, he falses either an edgeblow, either a thrust, either leaves some part of the body before discovered. Against all the falses of the edge, which come from the knee upwards, the round Target or any of the rest, must be oppressed, and then suddenly under them a thrust be delivered, against that part which is most disarmed. But if blows come from the knee downwards, they of force must be encountered with the sword, and always with the false or back edge thereof, whether that the blow be right or reversed: & therewithall the enemy's leg must be cut with the edge prepared without moving either the feet or the body. And this manner of striking is so short that it safely speeds. Moreover, all thrusts and other edgeblows, aswell high as low may, nay rather ought to be warded, by accompanying the target or other weapon of defense with the sword, whose point would be bent towards the enemy, & as soon as the enemy's sword is encountered, if it be done with the false edge of the sword, there is no other to be done, then to cut his face or legs.  
 
|  
 
|  
 
| '''''An advertisement concerning the defences of the false of the round Target.'''''
 
| '''''An advertisement concerning the defences of the false of the round Target.'''''

Revision as of 19:10, 10 February 2018

Giacomo di Grassi
Born 16th century
Modena, Italy
Died after 1594
London, England
Occupation Fencing master
Genres Fencing manual
Language
Notable work(s) Ragione di adoprar sicuramente l'Arme (1570)
First printed
english edition
His True Arte of Defence (1594)
Concordance by Michael Chidester
Translations Český Překlad

Giacomo di Grassi was a 16th century Italian fencing master. Little is known about the life of this master, but he seems to have been born in Modena, Italy and acquired some fame as a fencing master in his youth. He operated a fencing school in Trevino and apparently traveled around Italy observing the teachings of other schools and masters.

Ultimately di Grassi seems to have developed his own method, which he laid out in great detail in his 1570 work Ragione di adoprar sicuramente l'Arme ("Discourse on Wielding Arms with Safety"). In 1594, a new edition of his book was printed in London under the title His True Arte of Defence, translated by an admirer named Thomas Churchyard and published by an I. Iaggard.

Treatise

This presentation includes a modernized version of the 1594 English translation, which did not follow the original Italian text with exactness. This will hopefully be replaced eventually by a translation incorporating both versions.

Additional Resources

References