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Difference between revisions of "Henry de Sainct Didier"

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| Some teachers, when they define the said guards, start at the top. As for me, I start on the lowest, since everything begins at the foundations. For example, learned men do not start by teaching science at a high level, neither do masons start on the buildings when they build houses, they start on the foundations. And so I start on the low guard, which is the foundation to guarding well.
+
| Some teachers, when they define the said guards, start at the top. As for me, I start on the bottom, since everything begins at the foundations. For example, learned men do not start by teaching science at a high level; neither do masons start on the buildings when they construct houses, they start on the foundations. And so I start on the low guard which is the foundation to guarding well.
  
 
| Les aucuns demonstrateurs, quand ils definissent lesdites gardes, accommencent à la haute. Quant à moy, je commence à la basse, attendu que toutes choses se commencent aux fondements. Comme pour exemple, les gens doctes ne commencent à monstrer les sciences aux hautes, ne les maçons quand ils viennent à commencer à bastir les maisons, ne commencent pas à la tuille, ains au fondement. Et par ainsi je commence à la basse, qui est le fondement qu’on doit bien garder.
 
| Les aucuns demonstrateurs, quand ils definissent lesdites gardes, accommencent à la haute. Quant à moy, je commence à la basse, attendu que toutes choses se commencent aux fondements. Comme pour exemple, les gens doctes ne commencent à monstrer les sciences aux hautes, ne les maçons quand ils viennent à commencer à bastir les maisons, ne commencent pas à la tuille, ains au fondement. Et par ainsi je commence à la basse, qui est le fondement qu’on doit bien garder.
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| The fifth is that it is necessary to be defending and offending at the same time with the said three strikes, adapting and throwing at the said targets, both in attacking and in defending observing well the time that is required. All of which will then be shown and declared at length in the instruction of this sword only.
+
| The fifth is that it is necessary to be defending and offending at the same time with the said three strikes, adapting and throwing at the said targets, both in attacking and in defending observing well the time that is required. All of which will then be shown and declared at length in the instruction of the sword alone.
  
 
| Le cinquiesme est, qu’il fault sçavoir soy deffendre & offencer à un mesme temps desdits trois coups, adaptez & tirez aux susdits lieux, tant en assaillant qu’en deffendant observant bien le temps qui est requis. Dont le tout sera cy aprés monstré & declaré au long à l’instruction de ceste espée seule.
 
| Le cinquiesme est, qu’il fault sçavoir soy deffendre & offencer à un mesme temps desdits trois coups, adaptez & tirez aux susdits lieux, tant en assaillant qu’en deffendant observant bien le temps qui est requis. Dont le tout sera cy aprés monstré & declaré au long à l’instruction de ceste espée seule.
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| And to respond and to conclude, to what was said above we need to know how many strikes the enemy can offend us, to know how to remedy and defend our body and honor, like a camp master who has a camp of a hundred or fifty thousand men because it is our specific interest. As for me, I say with the learned that what can be done with little is better than what can be done with a lot. Because of this I will remove two of the said five blows that Fabrice have because I say they are redundant, which is Fendante and Imbronccade, and will remain no more than three, which are defined above, and will be here after.
+
| And to respond and to conclude, to what was said above we need to know how many strikes the enemy can offend us, to know how to remedy and defend our body and honor, like a camp master who has a camp of a hundred or fifty thousand men because it is our specific interest. As for me, I say with the learned that what can be done with little is better than what can be done with a lot. Because of this I will remove two of the said five blows that Fabrice have because I say they are redundant, which is Fendente and Imbrocatta, and will remain no more than three, which are defined above, and will be here after.
  
 
| Et pour respondre & conclure, à ce que dessus est dit nous avons autant de besoin de scavoir de combien de coups l’ennemy nous peut offenser, pour scavoir à iceux remedier & deffendre nostre corps & honneur, comme un Maistre de camps qui a un camp de cent ou cinquante mille hommes car c’est nostre interest particulier. Quant à moy je dis avec les doctes que ce qui ce peut faire avec peu est meilleur que ce qui ce fait avec beaucoup. À ceste cause j’osteray deux desdites cinq bottes que tient le dit Fabrice par ce que je les dy estre superflus, qui sont Fendant, & Imbronccade, & n’en demeurera plus que trois, qui sont cy dessus par moy definis, & seront cy apres.
 
| Et pour respondre & conclure, à ce que dessus est dit nous avons autant de besoin de scavoir de combien de coups l’ennemy nous peut offenser, pour scavoir à iceux remedier & deffendre nostre corps & honneur, comme un Maistre de camps qui a un camp de cent ou cinquante mille hommes car c’est nostre interest particulier. Quant à moy je dis avec les doctes que ce qui ce peut faire avec peu est meilleur que ce qui ce fait avec beaucoup. À ceste cause j’osteray deux desdites cinq bottes que tient le dit Fabrice par ce que je les dy estre superflus, qui sont Fendant, & Imbronccade, & n’en demeurera plus que trois, qui sont cy dessus par moy definis, & seront cy apres.
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| ''The following is the declaration and reason hereafter why the said Author remove the said Fendente, against the opinion of the said Fabrice and Jules and many others, this nevertheless always put them and put in the row of the said strikes.''
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| ''The following is the declaration and reason why the said Author removes the said Fendente against the opinion of the said Fabrice and Jules and many others, who nevertheless always put them in the list of the said strikes.''
  
The reason why I first removed the said Fedante is because it could not be done properly. Because any Fendente that is proper must hold and must not leave the top and middle of the thing you want to slash. Or is it that I do not know a man, as long as he is practiced in all sciences or arts, that having a sword in hand, cutlass, or another weapons that can properly slash, whatever strikes that he can do, do not participate either side or the other, gives up the middle. And yet if such a strike is thrown in the right side, is not Fedente but is Right-Hand, and if kept on the left side, it is not Fendente but will be Backhand.
+
The reason why I first removed the said Fedante is because it cannot truly be done. Because any Fendente that is true must hold and must not leave the top and middle of the thing you want to slash. I know of no man, as long as he is practiced in all sciences or arts, that having a sword in hand, cutlass, or another weapons that can properly slash, with whatever strikes that he can do, will not participate either on one side or the other, which gives up the middle. And yet if such a strike is thrown in the right side, is not Fedente but is Right-Hand, and if kept on the left side, it is not Fendente but will be Backhand.
  
 
| ''S’ensuit la declaration & raison cy aprés pourquoy ledit Autheur oste ledit Fendant, contre l’opinion desdits Fabrice & Julle, & plusieurs autres, ce neantmoins de tout temps les ont mis & mettent au ranc desdits coups.''
 
| ''S’ensuit la declaration & raison cy aprés pourquoy ledit Autheur oste ledit Fendant, contre l’opinion desdits Fabrice & Julle, & plusieurs autres, ce neantmoins de tout temps les ont mis & mettent au ranc desdits coups.''
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| ''Here is also declared why by the author that he removed the said Imbrocatta from the number of the said five blows.''
 
| ''Here is also declared why by the author that he removed the said Imbrocatta from the number of the said five blows.''
  
The reason is because Stoccata and Imbrocatta are both the same, like grapejuice green and green grapejuice, which are also the same. Because by asking for one or the other, one will never present that they are the same. Also, a Stoccata and an Imbrocatta are the same thing, since it is only the point that makes the difference. And by removing the Fendente and Imbrocatta as stated, there will remain no more than three of the said strikes that are above declared in the said third point.
+
The reason is because Stoccata and Imbrocatta are both the same, like grapejuice green and green grapejuice, which are also the same. Because by asking for one or the other, one will never admit that they are the same. As such, a Stoccata and an Imbrocatta are the same thing since it is only the point that differs. And by removing the Fendente and Imbrocatta as stated, there will remain no more than three of the said strikes that are above declared in the said third point.
  
 
| ''Cy aprés est aussi declaré pourquoy ledit autheur oste ladite Imbronccade du nombre desdites cinq bottes.''
 
| ''Cy aprés est aussi declaré pourquoy ledit autheur oste ladite Imbronccade du nombre desdites cinq bottes.''
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| ''Here is the end of all that is required and necessary to know and to understand, who want to be skillful in the said fencing.''
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| ''Here is the end of everything that is required and necessary to know and to understand, whoever wants to be skillful in the said fencing.''
  
To truly understand the said fencing, and to discover the art, order and pratice of it, one had to create three personas: the first is the Author, the second the Lieutenant, the third the Prevost. The Author will describe all the orders that the said Lieutenant and Prevost must follow in the art of this sword alone, which follows after this, and is now commencing.
+
To truly understand the said fencing and discover the art, order and pratice of it, he must imagine three personas: the first is the Author, the second the Lieutenant, the third the Prevost. The Author will describe all of the orders that the said Lieutenant and Prevost must follow in the art of the sword alone, which follows after this and is now commencing.
  
 
END.
 
END.
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| The following below is how one must be planted to put the sword in hand, both in time of peace and in times of war, with the steps, guards, drawings placements required in this art, which is very necessary to those who wish to practice the said fencing.
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| The following is how one must be planted to put the sword in hand, both in time of peace and in times of war, with the steps, guards, drawings placements required in this art, which is very necessary to those who wish to practice the said fencing.
  
 
Four footprints are placed under the feet of the Lieutenant and Prevost, which is listed in number 1, and another in 2, and another in 3, and another in 4, which serves the Lieutenant and Prevost and everyone else, to teach how one must skillfully make all the steps, drawings, guards, and placement of the weapons well as imagined in this rectangle. <br>
 
Four footprints are placed under the feet of the Lieutenant and Prevost, which is listed in number 1, and another in 2, and another in 3, and another in 4, which serves the Lieutenant and Prevost and everyone else, to teach how one must skillfully make all the steps, drawings, guards, and placement of the weapons well as imagined in this rectangle. <br>
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''Here then is the declaration of this position and plan for the Lieutenant.''
 
''Here then is the declaration of this position and plan for the Lieutenant.''
  
And to do this it is necessary that the Lieutenant first has the feet together thus placed, keeping the left foot in the foot print where it is marked near number 1, and the right foot in the other footprint, where it is marked in number 2, keeping the right hand at the sword guard, and the left hand on the scabbard of the sword, showing that he wants to teach the Prevost how one must be faced: as is shown above here at the portrait of the said Lieutenant marked number 1 behind the hat.
+
And to do this the Lieutenant first must have the feet together thus placed, keeping the left foot in the foot print where it is marked near number 1, and the right foot in the other footprint, where it is marked in number 2, keeping the right hand at the sword guard, and the left hand on the scabbard of the sword, showing that he wants to teach the Prevost how one must be faced: as is shown above here at the portrait of the said Lieutenant marked number 1 behind the hat.
  
 
''The end of what the said Leiutenant must do.''
 
''The end of what the said Leiutenant must do.''
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| ''Guard and position for commencing to make the third drawing for the demonstrating Lieutenant at the defending Prevost.''
 
| ''Guard and position for commencing to make the third drawing for the demonstrating Lieutenant at the defending Prevost.''
  
This third drawing for the Lieutenant is to be done with the feet together, as is stated above and shown at the said general plan, keeping the left foot on the footprint where it is marked below number 1, and the right foot at the footprint where it is marked 2, and in order to start well this said third drawing, the said Lieutenant must remove the right foot from the said footprint which is marked 2, and carry it forward in the air, making the first drawing, which can be seen above at its place in content 1, and while keeping the foott in the air, turn the sword guard, the top of the hand low, and the nails high, placing the point of the sword right at the belly, keeping the left hand behind, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 5 behind the hat.
+
This third drawing for the Lieutenant is to be done with the feet together, as is stated above and shown at the said general plan, keeping the left foot on the footprint where it is marked below number 1, and the right foot at the footprint where it is marked 2, and in order to start well this said third drawing, the said Lieutenant must remove the right foot from the said footprint which is marked 2, and carry it forward in the air, making the first drawing, which can be seen above at its place in content 1, and while keeping the foott in the air, turn the sword guard, the back of the hand down and the nails high, placing the point of the sword right at the belly, keeping the left hand behind, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 5 behind the hat.
  
 
''The end of the start of the said third drawing for the Lieutenant.''
 
''The end of the start of the said third drawing for the Lieutenant.''
  
The third drawing for the said Prevost, is to be done by having the feet together, as is shown above in the plan of the said Prevost, marked number 2, keeping the left foot in the footprint, where it is marked near number 1, and the right foot in the other footprint where it is marked 2, and to start and do the said third drawing, the Prevost must put the right foot which is on the footprint marked 2 a bit up in the air. And doing the first drawing that has been made by the said Prevost above in content 1. And to complete this said drawing, he must turn the nails on the hand of the sword upwards, content 2, placing the point of the sword straight at the eyes, keeping the left hand behind, as is shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 6 behind the bonnet.
+
The third drawing for the said Prevost, starts by having the feet together, as is shown above in the plan of the said Prevost, marked number 2, keeping the left foot in the footprint, where it is marked near number 1, and the right foot in the other footprint where it is marked 2, and to start and do the said third drawing, the Prevost must put the right foot which is on the footprint marked 2 a bit up in the air. And doing the first drawing that has been made by the said Prevost above in content 1. And to complete this said drawing, he must turn the nails on the hand of the sword upwards, content 2, placing the point of the sword straight at the eyes, keeping the left hand behind, as is shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 6 behind the bonnet.
  
 
''Here is the end of the start of the said third drawing for the said Prevost.''
 
''Here is the end of the start of the said third drawing for the said Prevost.''
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| [[File:Sainct Didier 9-10.png|400x400px|center]]
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 9-10.png|400x400px|center]]
| ''General position for both the attacking Lieutenant as well as for the defending Prevost, in order to execute the art, order, and practice contained in this sword alone.
+
| ''General position for both the attacking Lieutenant as well as for the defending Prevost, in order to execute the art, order, and practice contained in the sword alone.
  
 
In order to show and declare this general position for the Lieutenant, he needs to place his feet together for all strikes, to keep the left foot roughly in the footprint marked number 1, and the right foot in the other footprint also marked on number 2, keeping the right hand at the sword guard, and the left hand on the scabbard, showing to the Prevost how he must do so, as is shown above at the portraiture, marked number 9.
 
In order to show and declare this general position for the Lieutenant, he needs to place his feet together for all strikes, to keep the left foot roughly in the footprint marked number 1, and the right foot in the other footprint also marked on number 2, keeping the right hand at the sword guard, and the left hand on the scabbard, showing to the Prevost how he must do so, as is shown above at the portraiture, marked number 9.
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| [[File:Sainct Didier 11-12.png|400x400px|center]]
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 11-12.png|400x400px|center]]
| ''Postion and guard of the first strike of this sword alone, for the Lieutenant, which is a low right-hand at the leg of the Prevost, thrown by the Lieutenant, and defended by the Prevost, as will be seen after the first strike.''
+
| ''Postion and guard of the first strike of the sword alone, for the Lieutenant, which is a low right-hand at the leg of the Prevost, thrown by the Lieutenant, and defended by the Prevost, as will be seen after the first strike.''
  
And to do this the Lieutenant is to have the feet together, as is shown above in the portraiture of the said Lieutenant marked number 9, pull the right foot back a little apart, and in drawing his sword will take the sword guard higher than his shoulder, placing the point straight at the left nipple of the Prevost, keeping the left hand below the arm, as is shown above at the portraiture marked number 11 behind the bonnet.
+
And to do this the Lieutenant is to have the feet together as shown above in the portraiture of the said Lieutenant marked number 9, pull the right foot back a little apart, and in drawing his sword will take the sword guard higher than his shoulder, placing the point straight at the left nipple of the Prevost, keeping the left hand below the arm, as is shown above at the portraiture marked number 11 behind the bonnet.
  
''Written for the first guard and position for the said Prevosit, in order to begin the section on this sword alone.''
+
''Written for the first guard and position for the said Prevosit, in order to begin the section on the sword alone.''
  
 
And to do this, the said Prevost must have his feet together as is portrayed above marked in number 10. And the said Prevost having made one of the said three drawings, is to remain in the high guard, having pulled the right foot back, keeping the sword hand a bit higher than the right shoulder, placing and aiming the point of the sword straight at the chin, and keeping the left hand right of his nipple, ready to do whatever is necessary, and will be willing afterwards as is shown above at the portraiture and figure of the said Prevost marked number 12 behind the hat.
 
And to do this, the said Prevost must have his feet together as is portrayed above marked in number 10. And the said Prevost having made one of the said three drawings, is to remain in the high guard, having pulled the right foot back, keeping the sword hand a bit higher than the right shoulder, placing and aiming the point of the sword straight at the chin, and keeping the left hand right of his nipple, ready to do whatever is necessary, and will be willing afterwards as is shown above at the portraiture and figure of the said Prevost marked number 12 behind the hat.
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| [[File:Sainct Didier 13-14.png|400x400px|center]]
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 13-14.png|400x400px|center]]
| ''This guard is almost similar to the one before, barely being different, and yet it will serve as another one in order to make and execute said first strike of this sword alone for the Lieutenent and Prevost.''
+
| ''This guard is almost similar to the one before, barely being different, and yet it will serve as another one in order to make and execute said first strike of the sword alone for the Lieutenent and Prevost.''
  
 
In order to declare this guard for the Lieutenant, he must have his feet together to throw the right foot<ref>Dupuis states the original says left but is incompatible with the rest of the text and the engraving.</ref> back a little apart, carrying the sword guard higher than the right shoulder, placing the point of the sword straight at the throat; the guard of the Lieutenant above marked in number 11 is the same, but the placement isn't because he places the point at the left nipple, whereas this one states it is at the throat, keeping the left hand under the arm of the sword, as is shown below at the portraiture marked on number 13.
 
In order to declare this guard for the Lieutenant, he must have his feet together to throw the right foot<ref>Dupuis states the original says left but is incompatible with the rest of the text and the engraving.</ref> back a little apart, carrying the sword guard higher than the right shoulder, placing the point of the sword straight at the throat; the guard of the Lieutenant above marked in number 11 is the same, but the placement isn't because he places the point at the left nipple, whereas this one states it is at the throat, keeping the left hand under the arm of the sword, as is shown below at the portraiture marked on number 13.
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''Here is the purpose of this guard for the Lieutenant.''
 
''Here is the purpose of this guard for the Lieutenant.''
  
The said Prevost being such that the feet were together and having pulled the right foot back while having remained on the left foot, having made one of the said three drawings, and having carried the sword guard a little higher than the right shoulder by keeping the top of the sword hand up and the nails down as he should, unlike the said Lieutenant, as expected since the painter made an error with all of the said future Lieutenants because they should be keeping the nails of the sword hand down and keeping them high, but the said Prevost does this better, and also keeping the left hand above the left lap, as is shown below at the portraiture marked number 14.
+
The said Prevost being such that the feet were together and having pulled the right foot back while having remained on the left foot, having made one of the said three drawings, and having carried the sword guard a little higher than the right shoulder by keeping the back of the sword hand up and the nails down as he should, unlike the said Lieutenant, as expected since the painter made an error with all of the said future Lieutenants because they should be keeping the nails of the sword hand down and keeping them high, but the said Prevost does this better, and also keeping the left hand above the left lap, as is shown above at the portraiture marked number 14.
  
 
''Here is the end of the second position, which serves as another one for said defending Prevost.''
 
''Here is the end of the second position, which serves as another one for said defending Prevost.''
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|-  
 
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| [[File:Sainct Didier 15-16.png|400x400px|center]]
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 15-16.png|400x400px|center]]
| ''The following is the first strike of this sword alone for the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Prevost.''
+
| ''The following is the first strike of the sword alone for the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Prevost.''
  
And to do this, this next said Lieutenant must have taken the step and one of the said drawings, staying on the left foot as the portraiture above marked number 13, and in order to do and execute this first strike of this sword alone, the said Lieutenant will advance the right foot, being on the said guard marked 13, and will throw a low right-hand at the left knee of the Prevost, raising the sword guard almost as high as the left shoulder, lowering well the point of the sword down to do this said right-hand at the leg more perfectly, keeping the left hand as is shown below at the portraiture of the said Lieutenant marked number 15.
+
And to do this, this next said Lieutenant must have taken the step and one of the said drawings, staying on the left foot as the portraiture above marked number 13, and in order to do and execute this first strike of the sword alone, the said Lieutenant will advance the right foot, being on the said guard marked 13, and will throw a low right-hand at the left knee of the Prevost, raising the sword guard almost as high as the left shoulder, lowering well the point of the sword down to do this said right-hand at the leg more perfectly, keeping the left hand as is shown above at the portraiture of the said Lieutenant marked number 15.
  
''Here is the end of the first strike of this sword alone for the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Prevost.''
+
''Here is the end of the first strike of the sword alone for the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Prevost.''
  
 
''After this is to declare how the Prevost will have defended his knee and will have thrown a right-hand at the arms of the Lieutenant.''
 
''After this is to declare how the Prevost will have defended his knee and will have thrown a right-hand at the arms of the Lieutenant.''
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And to do this, the Lieutenant being again on the right foot, having thrown the said low right-hand at the knee, while the Prevost threw a right-hand at the sword arm at the same time, as is shown above at the said Lieutenant on number 15 and the Prevost on 16. The said Lieutenant being again on the right foot, seeing himself about to be struck by a right-hand on the sword arm, immediately lifts and carries his sword high and throws a back-hand<ref>per Dupuis's transcription, it's literally "backhand" as opposed to the technique before named "renver" for whatever reason Didier thought to use a different word this time. I've included a hyphen to differentiate but I think it's supposed to be the same.</ref> on the side of the right shoulder of the Prevost, keeping the said Lieutenant's fingernails of the right hand to face left, and his left hand is keeping right of his face, as is shown above at the portraiture, marked behind the collar in number 17.
 
And to do this, the Lieutenant being again on the right foot, having thrown the said low right-hand at the knee, while the Prevost threw a right-hand at the sword arm at the same time, as is shown above at the said Lieutenant on number 15 and the Prevost on 16. The said Lieutenant being again on the right foot, seeing himself about to be struck by a right-hand on the sword arm, immediately lifts and carries his sword high and throws a back-hand<ref>per Dupuis's transcription, it's literally "backhand" as opposed to the technique before named "renver" for whatever reason Didier thought to use a different word this time. I've included a hyphen to differentiate but I think it's supposed to be the same.</ref> on the side of the right shoulder of the Prevost, keeping the said Lieutenant's fingernails of the right hand to face left, and his left hand is keeping right of his face, as is shown above at the portraiture, marked behind the collar in number 17.
  
''The end of the first counter of the first strike of this sword alone for the said Lieutenant.''
+
''The end of the first counter of the first strike of the sword alone for the said Lieutenant.''
  
 
''After this will be declared the defense of the first counter and continuation for the Prevost against the said Lieutenant.''
 
''After this will be declared the defense of the first counter and continuation for the Prevost against the said Lieutenant.''
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| ''The following is the second counter and continuation for the Lieutenant and the Prevost of the first strike of the sword alone, which is a right-hand.''
 
| ''The following is the second counter and continuation for the Lieutenant and the Prevost of the first strike of the sword alone, which is a right-hand.''
  
And to do and finish this second continuation by the said Lieutenant, he must be still on this right foot, and having made the said second counter and continuation, having seen the said Prevost defending himself, the said Lieutenant again for this second continuation steals away<ref>In modern fencing, dérobement is a fencing term for disengage.</ref> his sword below the sword guard of the Prevost, and throws a high right-hand at the said Prevost, keeping low the sword hand down and the nails high, and the left hand right of his face, as shown below at the portraiture and figure marked number 19.
+
And to do and finish this second continuation by the said Lieutenant, he must be still on this right foot, and having made the said second counter and continuation, having seen the said Prevost defending himself, the said Lieutenant again for this second continuation steals away<ref>In modern fencing, dérobement is a fencing term for disengage.</ref> his sword below the sword guard of the Prevost, and throws a high right-hand at the said Prevost, keeping low the sword hand down and the nails high, and the left hand right of his face, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 19.
  
 
''The end of the second continuation of the said first strike for the Lieutenant.''
 
''The end of the second continuation of the said first strike for the Lieutenant.''
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''After this will show how the Prevost must defend himself of the said second counter and continuation, thrown by the attacking Lieutenant.''
 
''After this will show how the Prevost must defend himself of the said second counter and continuation, thrown by the attacking Lieutenant.''
  
And to guard  himself well, the said Prevost must see the point of the sword of the said Lieutenant, and when he steals away below the sword guard of the said Prevost to throw the high right-hand at him, the said Prevost, not removing the step of the right foot as he is, will cross the said right-hand that is thrown at him by the said Lieutenant strong on the weak, and will present to him a thrust to the face of the said Lieutenant, keeping the left hand right of his shoulder, as is shown below at the portraiture and figure marked number 20.
+
And to guard  himself well, the said Prevost must see the point of the sword of the said Lieutenant, and when he steals away below the sword guard of the said Prevost to throw the high right-hand at him, the said Prevost, not removing the step of the right foot as he is, will cross the said right-hand that is thrown at him by the said Lieutenant strong on the weak, and will present to him a thrust to the face of the said Lieutenant, keeping the left hand right of his shoulder, as is shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 20.
  
 
''Here is the end of the second counter and continuation of the said first strike for the Prevost.''
 
''Here is the end of the second counter and continuation of the said first strike for the Prevost.''
Line 1,110: Line 1,110:
 
''The following is the guard and position of the said third strike for the said defending Prevost.''
 
''The following is the guard and position of the said third strike for the said defending Prevost.''
  
And to do this, the said Prevost must also be on the left foot having done the said step, and having remained on the left foot on high guard, keeping the sword guard and the top of the hand up, and let this sword be plain so that it can remain high there, otherwise such guard would be imperfect, and it must place the point of the sword straight at the left eye, which is the high guard and keeping the left hand right of the stomach, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 30.
+
And to do this, the said Prevost must also be on the left foot having done the said step, and having remained on the left foot on high guard, keeping the sword guard and the back of the hand up, and let the sword be plain so that it can remain high there, otherwise such guard would be imperfect, and it must place the point of the sword straight at the left eye, which is the high guard and keeping the left hand right of the stomach, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 30.
  
 
''Here is the end of the guard and position for the Prevost in order to execute and defend against the said third strike of the sword alone from the said Lieutenant''
 
''Here is the end of the guard and position for the Prevost in order to execute and defend against the said third strike of the sword alone from the said Lieutenant''
Line 1,134: Line 1,134:
 
''Hereafter is the declaration and defense of the said third strike which is a high right-hand thrown by the said attacker and defended by the said Prevost.''
 
''Hereafter is the declaration and defense of the said third strike which is a high right-hand thrown by the said attacker and defended by the said Prevost.''
  
And to do this the said Prevost needs to be on the step of the left foot, having done one of the said three drawings in high guard, as shown in the figure of the said defending Prevost marked number 30. And to do execute and defend well against the high right-hand of the third strike, the Prevost, following the section of the true teachings of the sword alone, must pull the left foot back, cross the sword of the said attacking Lieutenant with strong on weak, that is to say from the guard near the middle of the sword of the said Lieutenant, keeping the hand on the sword, the nails high, placing and throwing a thrust straight at the chin of the said Lieutenant, and keeping the left hand right of the nipple as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked 32.
+
And to do this the said Prevost needs to be on the step of the left foot, having done one of the said three drawings in high guard, as shown in the figure of the said defending Prevost marked number 30. And to do execute and defend well against the high right-hand of the third strike, the Prevost, following the section of the true teachings of the sword alone, must pull the left foot back, cross the sword of the said attacking Lieutenant with strong on weak, that is to say from the guard near the middle of the sword of the said Lieutenant, keeping the hand on the sword, the nails high, placing and throwing a thrust straight at the chin of the said Lieutenant, and keeping the left hand right of the nipple as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked 32.
  
 
''The end of the said third strike fro the said Prevost.''
 
''The end of the said third strike fro the said Prevost.''
Line 1,150: Line 1,150:
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 33-34.png|400x400px|center]]
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 33-34.png|400x400px|center]]
| ''The followin is the first counter and continuation for the Lieutenant and the Prevost, for the said third strike of the sword alone.''
+
| ''The following is the first counter and continuation for the Lieutenant and the Prevost, for the said third strike of the sword alone.''
  
To do this first counter and continuation for the said third strike well, which is a high right-hand the said Lieutenant must be under the right foot having thrown the said right-hand against the Prevost, as shown in the figure and portraiture number 31 above. And at an instant in order to execute and do the first counter and continuation well the said Lieutenant must steal away his sword in passing a back-hand below the sword guard of the Prevost, and throw a backhand or a back-hand high at the left shoulder of the Prevost, as shown above in the figure of the said Lieutenant, marked number 33.
+
To do this first counter and continuation for the said third strike well, which is a high right-hand the said Lieutenant must be under the right foot having thrown the said right-hand against the Prevost, as shown in the figure and portraiture number 31 above. And in an instant in order to execute and make the first counter and continuation well the said Lieutenant must steal away his sword in passing a back-hand below the sword guard of the Prevost, and throw a backhand or a back-hand high at the left shoulder of the Prevost, as shown above in the figure of the said Lieutenant, marked number 33.
  
 
''The end of the counter and continuation of the third strike for the Lieutenant.''
 
''The end of the counter and continuation of the third strike for the Lieutenant.''
Line 1,230: Line 1,230:
 
''Here is the end of the fourth strike for the Lieutenant.''
 
''Here is the end of the fourth strike for the Lieutenant.''
  
Next is the defense of the said fourth strike for the defending Prevost, which is a high backhand thrown by the said agressive Lieutenant. And to do this, the said Prevost is to be on the right foot in middle guard, as shown above at the portraiture and figure number 38, and he must pull his right foot back and cross his sword at the sword of the said Lieutenant, strong on weak, on the said backhand, which is the fourth strike thrown by the said Lieutenant, keeping the nails on the sword hand down and consequently the top of the hand up, and presents a thrust at the said Lieutenant, also keeping the left hand right on his shoulder, as shown above at the portraituremarked number 40 behind the collar.
+
Next is the defense of the said fourth strike for the defending Prevost, which is a high backhand thrown by the said agressive Lieutenant. And to do this, the said Prevost is to be on the right foot in middle guard, as shown above at the portraiture and figure number 38, and he must pull his right foot back and cross his sword at the sword of the said Lieutenant, strong on weak, on the said backhand, which is the fourth strike thrown by the said Lieutenant, keeping the nails on the sword hand down and consequently the back of the hand up, and presents a thrust at the said Lieutenant, also keeping the left hand right on his shoulder, as shown above at the portraituremarked number 40 behind the collar.
  
 
''Here is the end of the said fourth strike for the defending Prevost.''
 
''Here is the end of the said fourth strike for the defending Prevost.''
Line 1,275: Line 1,275:
 
| ''The following is the second and last counter for the said fourth strike, which is a high backhand, and will also begin on the left foot for this attacking Lieutenant and defended by this Prevost.''
 
| ''The following is the second and last counter for the said fourth strike, which is a high backhand, and will also begin on the left foot for this attacking Lieutenant and defended by this Prevost.''
  
And to do this this Lieutenant in order to execute the second counter well must, without leaving where he's currently planted which is on the left foot, steal away the sword below the Prevost's and throw a high backhand, which is the proper strike, keeping the sword hand high and the left hand right of the chin, as is shown below at the said portraiture and figure marked number 43 behind the bonnet.
+
And to do this this Lieutenant in order to execute the second counter well must, without leaving where he's currently planted which is on the left foot, steal away the sword below the Prevost's and throw a high backhand, which is the proper strike, keeping the sword hand high and the left hand right of the chin, as is shown above at the said portraiture and figure marked number 43 behind the bonnet.
  
 
''After having declared the second counter by the said attacking Lieutenant, stay to treat and declare the second counter for the defending Prevost.''
 
''After having declared the second counter by the said attacking Lieutenant, stay to treat and declare the second counter for the defending Prevost.''
Line 1,295: Line 1,295:
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 45-46.png|400x400px|center]]
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 45-46.png|400x400px|center]]
|  
+
| ''The following is the position and guard for the attacking Lieutenant and for the defending Prevost to execute and throw a high thrust which is the fifth strike.''
 +
 
 +
And to do this the Lieutenant is to have the feet together as stated in the said first plan, which is necessary for doing the first low guard well, he then pulls the right foot back while drawing the sword, and to carry the guard on the left lap, the sharp edge down, placing the point straight more or less at the braies, also keeping the left hand right of the nipples as shown above at this portraiture of the said Lieutenant marked number 45 behind the top of the collar.
 +
 
 +
''Here is the end of the guard and position to make the said fifth strike for the sword alone, following the section for the Lieutenant.''
 +
 
 +
''Next is declared the guard and position for this said Prevost to defend himself from the said fifth strike which is the thrust thrown by the Lieutenant.''
 +
 
 +
And to di this, the said Prevost is to also have the feet together to do this said guard and position, he then must pull his right foot back and do one of the three drawings, and to carry the sword guard a bit higher than the right shoulder to be in high guard, keeping the back of the sword hand up, placing the point of the sword at the mouth of the said Lieutenant, also keeping the left hand right of the chest as shown and can be seen above at the said portraiture marked number 46.
 +
 
 +
''Here is the end of the position and guard for this said Prevost to defend and guard himself from the said thrust, the fifth strike, thrown by the said attacking Lieutenant.''
 +
 
 
| ''Sensuit la tenue & garde pour le Lieutenent assaillant, & pour le Prevost deffendant, pour executer, & tirer un estoc d’haut, pour le cinquiesme coup.''
 
| ''Sensuit la tenue & garde pour le Lieutenent assaillant, & pour le Prevost deffendant, pour executer, & tirer un estoc d’haut, pour le cinquiesme coup.''
  
Line 1,310: Line 1,321:
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 47-48.png|400x400px|center]]
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 47-48.png|400x400px|center]]
|  
+
| ''The following is the fifth strike which is a high thrust with the right-hand, this subsequent section of the sword alone for the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Prevost.''
 +
 
 +
And to do this, this Lieutenant must be on the left foot as shown above at the other portraiture marked 45, then advances the right foot and throws a thrust at the nipples of the Prevost, turning the nails sword guard up and the left hand right of his face as apparently shown by this writing for the said portraiture, marked number 47 behind the back of the head.
 +
 
 +
''Here is the fifth strike fo the sword alone, thrown by the said attacking Lieutenant.''
 +
 
 +
''The following is the defense for the said fifth strike, which is a high thrust, made from a high right-hand by the defending Prevost against the said attacking Lieutenant.''
 +
 
 +
And to do this, the said Prevost must be on the right foot, then pulls the left foot back, beats down and crosses the sword of the said Lieutenant with his own, strong on weak, which is to say to be near the middle guard, with the point of the sword a bit higher, the nails up, presenting a thrust at the said Lieutenant straight at his face, keeping the left hand of the said Prevost right of his left nipple, as shown by the portraiture and figure marked number 48 above. And if the said Prevost is left-handed and the said right-handed Lieutenant shoots a thrust at him, he must advance the right forward, and cross the sword of the said Lieutenant, strong on weak as can be seen  by the example and exercise against a left-hander. It is true that if the Prevost is left-handed, the said Lieutenant or whoever must adapt to the left-handed Prevost to teach him, that is to say that he needs to be left-handed and make the first step be with the feet together and pulls the left foot on the footprint marked at the first portraitures 4, and leaves the footprint marked 1, strange as it seems and in its place.
 +
 
 +
''The end and declaration of the said fifth strike for the said Lieutenant and the Prevost when one or the other is left-handed.
 +
 
 
| ''Sensuit le cinquiesme coup, qui est un estoc d’hault sur le maindroit, suivant l’ordre de ceste espée seule pour le Lieutenent assaillant, contre le Prevost deffendant.''
 
| ''Sensuit le cinquiesme coup, qui est un estoc d’hault sur le maindroit, suivant l’ordre de ceste espée seule pour le Lieutenent assaillant, contre le Prevost deffendant.''
  
Line 1,325: Line 1,347:
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 49-50.png|400x400px|center]]
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 49-50.png|400x400px|center]]
|  
+
| ''The following is the first counter and continuation of the said fifth strike which is the high thrust thrown by the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Prevost here.''
 +
 
 +
And to do this, the said Lieutenant must be on the step of the right foot to do this counter and continuation a little after he has thrown the said thrust, the fifth strike with the right-hand, the said Lieutenant steals away his sword below the sword guard of the Prevost that he throws at this Lieutenant, for the first counter and continuation another on the backhand, which is on the right side of the Prevost, keeping the left hand right of the nipple as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 49. And if the said Lieutenant is left-handed, he must throw the strike at the opposite of what is described, holding the opposite step of the said counter and continuation, that is to say that if the said Lieutenant throws a right-handed backhand, the Prevost if left-handed would have to beat it down with a right-hand<ref>The technique.</ref> using his left hand.
 +
 
 +
''The end of the counter for the said Lieutenant.''
 +
 
 +
''Hereafter will be declared the defense of the first counter and continuation of the said fifth strike for the said Prevost against the agressive Lieutenant.''
 +
 
 +
And to do this, the said Prevost is to also be on the right foot while the said Lieutenant steals away his sword to throw at him the first counter which is a high thrust on the right. The said Prevost seeing this, being on his right foot crosses his sword on that of the said Lieutenant with strong on weak, keeping the back of the sword hand up and presenting a thrust to his neck, keeping the left hand right of his left nipple as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 50.
 +
 
 +
''Here  is the end of the said counter for the said Prevost.''
 +
 
 
| ''Sensuit la premiere opposite & suitte dudit cinquiesme coup, qui est sur l’estoc d’hault, tiré par le Lieutenent assaillant, contre le Prevost deffendant que voicy.''
 
| ''Sensuit la premiere opposite & suitte dudit cinquiesme coup, qui est sur l’estoc d’hault, tiré par le Lieutenent assaillant, contre le Prevost deffendant que voicy.''
  
Line 1,340: Line 1,373:
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 51-52.png|400x400px|center]]
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 51-52.png|400x400px|center]]
|  
+
| ''The following is the second counter and continuation of the said fifth strike fo the sword alone, which is a high thrust for the attacking Lieutenant and for the defending Prevost.''
 +
 
 +
In order to declare and understand the said second counter and continuation for this Lieutenant well, he must be on the step of the right foot, as he has been when he threw the said fifth strike, the high thrust, passing his sword to steal away on the back-hand below the sword guard of the Prevost, and in an instant the said Lieutenant for the second continuation throws again his choice of a high thrust or high right-hand on the left side of the defending Prevost, keeping the back of the sword hand down, the nails up, and the keeping left hand right of the nipple as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 51.
 +
 
 +
''The end of the second counter for the said Lieutenant.''
 +
 
 +
''Hereafter is declared the protection and defense of the second counter of the said fifth strike, which is to guard this said Prevost further against the said Lieutenant.''
 +
 
 +
And to do this, the said Prevost needs to be on the step of the right foot, cross and beat down the sword of the said attacking Lieutenant, strong on weak, on the right-hand otherwise called the fore-hand, and by this means will defend and ward the said Prevost from the said second counter and continuation, thrown by the said Lieutenant, and when all is done the said Prevost will present a thrust at the face of the said Lieutenant, keeping the sword guard and the nails on the hand holding it up, and the left hand right of the left nipple, as shown above at this portraiture marked number 52 behind his hat.
 +
 
 +
''The end of the second counter and continuation of the said fifth strike, which is a high thrust with the right-hand, defended by the said Prevost against the said demonstrating Lieutenant.''
 +
 
 
| ''Sensuit la seconde opposite & suitte dudit cinquiesme coup de ceste espée seule, qui est un estoc d’hault pour le Lieutenent assaillant, & pour le Prevost deffendant.''
 
| ''Sensuit la seconde opposite & suitte dudit cinquiesme coup de ceste espée seule, qui est un estoc d’hault pour le Lieutenent assaillant, & pour le Prevost deffendant.''
  
Line 1,356: Line 1,400:
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 53-54.png|400x400px|center]]
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 53-54.png|400x400px|center]]
|  
+
| ''Here is the guard and position of the Lieutenant and the Prevost for the sixth strike the thrust, multiplied at the sixth clean target on the defender.''
 +
 
 +
One must declare this next guard and position to make and execute the thrust, which is the sixth and last strike and target, being as said multiplied in several strikes and counters of the sword alone above. And this is multiplied on the right side. One could begin to pull the left foot but will have to multiply the strikes, or execute them with a feint. But to begin this said guard by the said Lieutenant the said sixth strike, he will hold himself on the right foot in middle guard, keeping the back of the sword hand up, placing the point of the sword straight at the eyes of the Prevost, and the keeping left hand right of the chin, as shown at the portraiture marked number 53 behind the collar.
 +
 
 +
One must note for left-handers to defend this said high thrust well, it is necessary that he holds on the left foot and crosses the sword with strong on weak for defense, as will be seen after the subsequent strike.
 +
 
 +
''The end and declaration fo the position and guard by the said Lieutenant.''
 +
 
 +
''The following is the declaration of the guard and position for the said Prevost, to prepare to defend from the said high thrust, which will be thrown after by the Lieutenant against the Prevost, the sixth and last strike being mulitplied as said at the sixth target.''
 +
 
 +
This said guard and position for the Prevost is, which must be on the right foot like the said Lieutenant, how much one can keep on the left foot, and advance the right foot, but at the last strike and target being mulitplied, we will treat the guard which is done being on the right foot. To do this, the said Prevost will be on the right foot in low guard, keeping the nails on the sword hand down, placing the point of the sword straight at the stomach of the said Lieutenant, and keeping his left hand fight of the nipple, as  we could see above at the portraiture and figure marked number 54 near the plume of the bonnet.
 +
 
 +
One must note that all the left-handed who follow the instrucion that I put, both for the Lieutenant and also the Prevost must make the opposite step, and similarly the drawings, and the strikes are also the opposite of right-handers, and those who strive to follow these said reasons will improve. Because experience will make them improve.
 +
 
 +
''Here is the end of the said position and guard for the Prevost, to defend himself from the sixth strike, which will be next by the demonstrating Lieutenant.''
 +
 
 
| ''Voicy la garde & tenue du Lieutenent & Prevost pour l’estoc sixiesme coup, estant multiplié au sixiesme lieu propre sur le deffendeur.''
 
| ''Voicy la garde & tenue du Lieutenent & Prevost pour l’estoc sixiesme coup, estant multiplié au sixiesme lieu propre sur le deffendeur.''
  
Line 1,375: Line 1,434:
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 55-56.png|400x400px|center]]
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 55-56.png|400x400px|center]]
|  
+
| ''The following is the sixth and last strike and target of the sword to be multiplied, which is a high thrust on the backhand thrown by the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Prevost.''
 +
 
 +
And to do this, this Lieutenant must be on the said guard and said step shown above at the portraiture marked number 53. This Lieutenant being on the right foot as said, will make a pretend thrust at the left side of the Prevost on the said right foot, and in an instant will advance the left foot, stealing away his sword below the sword guard of the Prevost, and throwing a thrust at his right, keeping the sword guard and the fingertips on the hand holding it facing left, and keeping the left hand right on his left nipple, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 55 behind the collar of the said Lieutenant.
 +
 
 +
''The end and declaration of the said sixth and last strike of the sword alone for the attacking Lieutenant.''
 +
 
 +
''After having treated the sixth and last strike of the sword alone for the said attacking Lieutenant, also stay to treat the defense of it for the defending Prevost.''
 +
 
 +
And to do this, the said Prevost is to be on the right foot, as shown at the said portraiture being on his guard marekd number 54, throwing it back and crossing his sword on the sword of the attacking Lieutenant, beating down and defending the said thrust with strong on weak, defining again strong on weak, which is that he must cross all strikes near the sword guard at the middle of the sword of the enemy, and that is the strong on weak, and doing this the said Prevost will present a thrust at the chest of the said attacking Lieutenant, keeping the back of the sword hand up and the left hand below the sword elbow, as shown above at the portraiture marked 56.
 +
 
 +
''The end and the declaration of the defense of the sixth and last strike for the said defending Prevost against the said attacking Lieutenant.''
 +
 
 
| ''Sensuit le sixiesme & dernier coup & lieu de ceste espée seule, estant multiplié, qui est un estoc d’hault sur le renvers tiré par le Lieutenent assaillant, contre le Prevost deffendant.''
 
| ''Sensuit le sixiesme & dernier coup & lieu de ceste espée seule, estant multiplié, qui est un estoc d’hault sur le renvers tiré par le Lieutenent assaillant, contre le Prevost deffendant.''
  
Line 1,390: Line 1,460:
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 57-58.png|400x400px|center]]
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 57-58.png|400x400px|center]]
|  
+
| ''The following is the first counter and continuation of the said sixth and last strike being multiplied, which is a high thrust for the attacking Lieutenant and defended by the Prevost.
 +
 
 +
''Here is shown by the author Henry d S. Didier what the said Lieutenant must do to attack the Prevost well with the last strike and target of the said sword alone, following the art and order of this.''
 +
 
 +
And to do this, the said Lieutenant is to be on the left foot, having thrown the sixth strike as shown above at the portraiture marked number 55. His sword being on the back-hand and to make and execute the first counter well, this Lieutenant will steal away his sword below the sword guard of the Prevost, and throws at him a thrust on the right-hand for the first counter, turning the nails on the sword hand up and the left hand right of his face, to protect against the point of the sword of the Prevost as shown above a the portraiture and figure marked number 57 behind the collar of the said Lieutenant.
 +
 
 +
''The end of the first counter and continuation of the sixth strike and target for the said attacking Lieutenant.''
 +
 
 +
''Here is the defense of the first counter and continuation for the said Prevost of the said sixth strike, which is a high thrust being multiplied and thrown by the said attacking Lieutenant and defended by the Prevost, as will be seen by the writings after the said author directs and teaches, as it should be defended from the said thrust.''
 +
 
 +
And to do this, the said Prevost must remain firm and stable on the step of the left foot, and for the defense and conservation fo the said counter, which will be a thrust the Prevost will cross on his sword on the sword of the said Lieutenant with strong on weak coming from the side of a right-hand, carrying the nails on the sword hand  up and presenting a thrust at the face of the said Lieutenant, keeping also the left hand of the said Prevost right of the left nipple, as shown above at the portraiture marked 58.
 +
 
 +
''Here is the end and defense of the first counter and continuation of the sixth and last strike for the said defending Prevost.''
 +
 
 
| ''Sensuit la premiere opposite & suitte dudit sixiesme & dernier coup, estant multiplié, qui est un estoc d’hault pour le Lieutenent assaillant, & deffendu par le Prevost que voicy.''
 
| ''Sensuit la premiere opposite & suitte dudit sixiesme & dernier coup, estant multiplié, qui est un estoc d’hault pour le Lieutenent assaillant, & deffendu par le Prevost que voicy.''
  

Revision as of 11:42, 23 January 2021

Henry de Sainct Didier
Born 1530s (?)
Pertuis, Provence
Died after 1584
Paris, France (?)
Occupation Fencing master
Patron Charles IX of France
Influences
Influenced Salvator Fabris (?)
Genres Fencing manual
Language Middle French
Notable work(s) Les secrets du premier livre sur l'espée seule (1573)
Translations Traducción castellano
Signature Henry de Sainct Didier sig.png

Henry de Sainct Didier, Esq. was a 16th century French fencing master. He was born to a noble family in Pertuis in the Provence region of France, son of Luc de Sainct Didier. Sainct Didier made his career in the French army, ultimately serving 25 years and seeing action in Piedmont, Italy from 1554 - 1555. He wrote of himself that he "lived his whole life learning to fight with the single sword" and eventually "reached a point of perfection" in his art. Apparently he became a fencing master of some renown, for in ca. 1573 he secured a royal privilege for a period of ten years for treatises on a number of weapons, including the dagger, single side sword, double side swords, sword and buckler, sword and cloak, sword and dagger, sword and shield (both rotella and targe), and greatsword. Unfortunately, only his treatise on the single side sword, titled Les secrets du premier livre sur l'espée seule ("Secrets of the Premier Book on the Single Sword") and printed on 4 June 1573, is known to survive; it seems likely that the others were never published at all.

Treatise

Additional Resources

  • Hyatt, Robert Preston and Wilson, Devon. "The Single Sword of Henry de Sainct Didier." Masters of Medieval and Renaissance Martial Arts. Ed. Jeffrey Hull. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press, 2008. ISBN 978-1-58160-668-3
  • Sainct Didier, Henry de. The Single Sword of Henry de Sainct-Didier (Traicté Contenant Les Secrets Du Premier Livre Sur L'Espée Seule). Trans. Robert Preston Hyatt and Devon Wilson. Boulder, CO: Paladin Press, 2009. ISBN 978-1581607048
  • Slee, Chris. Secrets of the Sword Alone. LongEdge Press, 2014. ISBN 978-0646926353

References

  1. Pristin : ancien, antérieur
  2. Insertion du « a ».
  3. Dupuis describes this as a wooden board placed in the back wall of the tennis court which, if hit by a volley, is scored immediately. In modern tennis, this board is replaced by a grid.
  4. « L'es », habituellement orthographiée « ais », désigne une planche de bois placée dans le mur du fond de la salle de jeu de paume qui, si elle est touchée par un coup de volée, donne le point immédiatement. Dans le jeu de paume moderne, cette planche est remplacée par une grille. Il est possible que cet « ais » ait donné le terme anglais d'« ace » que les étymologies modernes confondent avec l'« as » du jeu de carte. Voir la définition d' « ais » de l'Encyclopédie de Diderot et d'Alembert.
  5. L’esteuf : ancien nom pour la balle.
  6. précéder. « Préaller » subsiste en français sous la forme « préalable ».
  7. Il s’agit très probablement du maître d’arme italien Fabris Salvator de Padoue (1544-1617). Voir la note sur Fabris Salvator de Vigeant p. 162 et aussi les références à ses publications (Vigeant p. 55-56)
  8. Version alimentaire de l’adage « blanc bonnet et bonnet blanc ».
  9. Transcription la plus sûre du texte : « gran d erre »
  10. Serviteur du grand prêtre venu arrêter Jésus au Mont des Olivier et dont l’oreille coupée a été immédiatement guérie. Selon la lecture du passage, il est parfois pris pour celui qui soufflète Jésus.
  11. Un des anciens nom de l’abeille.
  12. Sens incertain ; peut-être s'agit-il d'une mauvaise graphie de « filial ».
  13. drillant : étincellant, brillant (dictionnaire de Nicot).
  14. Correction du texte d’origine donnant « peid ».
  15. Cette correction sur les images d'Henri de Saint-Didier indique que celles-ci ont été réalisées avant la version finale du texte.
  16. Le « o » de troisiesme est curieusement placé en exposant.
  17. Suppression du doublement de l'esperluette.
  18. Dupuis states the original says left but is incompatible with the rest of the text and the engraving.
  19. Proposition de correction de l’édition originale qui donne « gauche », en incohérence avec la gravure et le texte plus bas qui confirme que la posture du Lieutenent est identique à celle de la section précédente où c’était bien le pied droit qui était reculé.
  20. Deuxième remarque de l'auteur sur les gravures montrant que le texte a été retouché après réception des gravures. À comparer avec une remarque similaire faite dans le i.33.
  21. per Dupuis's transcription, it's literally "backhand" as opposed to the technique before named "renver" for whatever reason Didier thought to use a different word this time. I've included a hyphen to differentiate but I think it's supposed to be the same.
  22. Correction du texte d’origine donnant « Leiutenent ».
  23. In modern fencing, dérobement is a fencing term for disengage.
  24. Correction de l'édition originale qui omet lors d'un changement de page le début du mot « haute »
  25. The position of the hand illustrates the fingers down, in opposition to the text.
  26. La position de la main illustrée a les doigts au-dessus, en opposition avec le texte.
  27. Proposition de correction pour « bessoin »
  28. Proposition de correction pour « avan-main »
  29. Proposition de correction pour « couté »
  30. Proposition de correction pour « Vola ».
  31. Proposition de correction pour « ongle »
  32. Sens inconnu.
  33. The technique.
  34. La tuition est un synonyme de « garde », « défense », très souvent employé à cette époque pour appuyer le mot « défense ».
  35. Proposition de correction pour « Provost »
  36. Proposition de correction de « du–sixiesme »
  37. Proposition de correction pour « persent ».
  38. Proposition de correction pour « le ongles ».
  39. Le triangle représenté ici n'est pas correct, celui cotté 65 paraît rendre mieux compte du déplacement proposé.
  40. Proposition de correction pour « Lieutent ». La marque indiquant une contraction a probablement été omise.
  41. On pourrait compléter : « ...et le mettre en 4 ». L'illustration 73 est incorrecte puisque le pied gauche est resté sur la semelle 1 et n'est pas placé sur la semelle 3 (à gauche) comme demandé ; la position des pieds de l'illustration 75 correspond à ce qui aurait dû être représenté.
  42. Proposition de correction pour « dh’aut »
  43. Sic.
  44. Le prévôt représenté ici ne correspond pas au texte puisqu'il se tient sur le pied droit.
  45. Le prévôt de la figure 80 n’est pas sur le pied gauche comme écrit et mais reste cohérent avec la figure 78.
  46. Il faut évidemment lire ici « Prevost ».
  47. Proposition de correction pour « suprint »
  48. Sic.
  49. Suppression du doublement de l'esperluette dans « sa cuisse gauche, & & tous ».
  50. Sic. Au XVIe siècle, le genre des mots était encore indécis.
  51. L’auteur annonce ici une prochaine édition augmentée de son oeuvre qui n’a a priori jamais eu lieu.
  52. Proposition de correction pour « ou ».
  53. Proposition de correction pour « mostré »
  54. Du latin médiéval « inquinatum » signifiant « pour combien »
  55. lit. bark or shell, outer layer. Idiom similar to "Don't judge a book by its cover.
  56. Dilection : attachement, amour pur.
  57. Un vidimus est la copie certifiée d'un acte antérieur.
  58. Il doit s'agit de Pierre ou Jean Brûlart (tout deux avait une charge au Parlement) qui signe pour le roi.