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Difference between revisions of "Henry de Sainct Didier"

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(→‎Treatise: 128 updated to reflect better understanding and clarity.)
m (→‎Treatise: Small fixes + poem)
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| LETTER TO THE KING.
 
| LETTER TO THE KING.
  
SIRE, It does not please me to say how many are to be praised for those who strive, as they say, to help or even perfect the nature of reducing confusion to order, and in such a way that the face of it appeared rough, sick, and inaccessible; was made easy, accessible, and approachable by them. Even though the only harm that results from confusion and disorder, and among other things that are proper to the Gentlemen make them quite recommendable. Why would I turn my pen elsewhere to show you that to restore a battle that is in disarray, to put it back in its previous order, that a leader must be familiar with two things. To make certain decisions to save time and the place, where and when to stop the broken ranks and by a feint to divert the enemies, while the remaining troops reform and regroup. That decision cannot be acquired, even the reason for it cannot be believed without the second point that I the leader must make is truly necessary, which is having the experience of things, from which arises the aforementioned decision. SIRE, whoever wants to put art or doctrine back in order to avoid confusion lest in the end it will be wasted, decision is required, arising from the experience seen through the exercise of the said art which I have from having served in battle, very much for your grandfather as well as for your Majesty, for twenty years in Piedmont and elsewhere. I can justly attribute to myself having used my life to experience such arms, so much so that accumulating such evidence may have allowed me to to perfect the art and the practice of them. So seeing how confused and disordered they have been and are for today by everyone shown and practiced, have in my mind figured some model or idea, which as an example, I make sure that the order will not only be good so the art that consists of it will be completely restored, and will reach closer to perfection which I have longed for, both because of my powerlessness and extreme poverty (the enemy of good spirits) as well as to be prevented from serving you, kept hidden and buried among my papers in my office where the Muses after martial efforts made me, and hope that will keep me company. But I now have the desire to give you a most humble and pleasant service, far from the zeal that all my life I have had to fencing and to those who enjoy them and who make a profession of them have allowed little, that in this time, when Mars gives us some respite, I have not been emboldened to present myself to your Majesty, something not worthy of such a great Monarch, but very suitable for the exercise of a common man, both in war and in peace, namely a treatise on the sword alone, mother of all fencing, that I wrote according to my opinions, which contains six points that I declare had never been organized and their proofs, both by reason and by effect attached to the end. SIRE, this here will contain this little work, which is like a summary or collection of the first book that I still have beside me. If your Majesty appreciates this, with God giving me the grace to live, I hope by means of your Majesty to later enlighten others. Therefore, you who is the first and foremost to extricate the nobility, I thought worthy of you, who is the protector and support of fencing, of this treatise, begging you most humbly, where and when it would be reputed by other, to please take my ardent affection, which for a long time has been dedicated to offer you most humble and pleasant service, in payment for employing me for something which this concerns, and I will be more than happy with endless opportunity and will, more than great to pray to the Sovereign Rector of the Universe to give you a long, and happy life. And for the boundary of your Empire to only be the Sea.
+
SIRE, It does not please me to say how many are to be praised for those who strive, as they say, to help or even perfect the nature of reducing confusion to order, and in such a way that the face of it appeared rough, sick, and inaccessible; was made easy, accessible, and approachable by them. Even though the only harm that results from confusion and disorder, and among other things that are proper to the Gentlemen make them quite recommendable. Why would I turn my pen elsewhere to show you that to restore a battle that is in disarray, to put it back in its previous order, that a leader must be familiar with two things. To make certain decisions to save time and the place, where and when to stop the broken ranks and by a feint to divert the enemies, while the remaining troops reform and regroup. That decision cannot be acquired, even the reason for it cannot be believed without the second point that I the leader must make is truly necessary, which is having the experience of things, from which arises the aforementioned decision. SIRE, whoever wants to put art or doctrine back in order to avoid confusion lest in the end it will be wasted, decision is required, arising from the experience seen through the exercise of the said art which I have from having served in battle, very much for your grandfather as well as for your Majesty, for twenty years in Piedmont and elsewhere. I can justly attribute to myself having used my life to experience such arms, so much so that accumulating such evidence may have allowed me to to perfect the art and the practice of them. So seeing how confused and disordered they have been and are for today by everyone shown and practiced, have in my mind figured some model or idea, which as an example, I make sure that the order will not only be good so the art that consists of it will be completely restored, and will reach closer to perfection which I have longed for, both because of my powerlessness and extreme poverty (the enemy of good spirits) as well as to be prevented from serving you, kept hidden and buried among my papers in my office where the Muses after martial efforts made me, and hope that will keep me company. But I now have the desire to give you a most humble and pleasant service, far from the zeal that all my life I have had to fencing and to those who enjoy them and who make a profession of them have allowed little, that in this time when Mars gives us some respite, I have not been emboldened to present myself to your Majesty, something not worthy of such a great Monarch, but very suitable for the exercise of a common man, both in war and in peace, namely a treatise on the sword alone, mother of all fencing, that I wrote according to my opinions, which contains six points that I declare had never been organized and their proofs, both by reason and by effect attached to the end. SIRE, this here will contain this little work, which is like a summary or collection of the first book that I still have beside me. If your Majesty appreciates this, with God giving me the grace to live, I hope by means of your Majesty to later enlighten others. Therefore, you who is first and foremost to drive skill to the nobility, I thought you who is the patron of fencing worthy of this treatise, begging you most humbly where and when it would be reputed by other, to please take my ardent affection, which for a long time has been dedicated to offer you the most humble and pleasant service in payment for employing me for something of which this concerns, and I will be more than happy with endless opportunity and will, more than great to pray to the Sovereign Rector of the Universe to give you a long and happy life, and for the boundary of your Empire to only be the Sea.
  
 
   
 
   
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|-  
 
|-  
 
|  
 
|  
| These said two guards created by the said low, is often done for drawing some ignorant strikes who makes either a high right-hand or a high thrust; because we cannot use another strike, which we easily can trick and hit the attacking enemy who would be stunned, and would not consider the mistake that could come from being on the said two imagined guards. But the original low guard is the most effective, so therefore there are no more than three guards as said.
+
| These said two guards created by the said low, is often done for drawing some ignorant strikes who makes either a high right-hand or a high thrust; because we cannot use another strike, which we easily can trick and hit the attacking enemy who would be stunned, and would not consider the mistake that could come from being on the said two imagined guards. But the original low guard is the most effective, so therefore there are no more than three guards as stated.
  
 
| Cesdites deux gardes engendrées de ladite basse, elle se font bien souvent pour attirer quelque coup des ignorans, qui fera un maindroict, ou un estoc haut ; car autre coup on ne peut, sur lesquels facilement on peut attraper & toucher l’ennemy assaillant qui sera estourdy, & ne considerera l’accident qui peut venir, estant sur sesdittes deux gardes faintes. Mais la garde basse leur mere est la plus certaine, de sorte qu’il n’y a que trois gardes, comme dit est.
 
| Cesdites deux gardes engendrées de ladite basse, elle se font bien souvent pour attirer quelque coup des ignorans, qui fera un maindroict, ou un estoc haut ; car autre coup on ne peut, sur lesquels facilement on peut attraper & toucher l’ennemy assaillant qui sera estourdy, & ne considerera l’accident qui peut venir, estant sur sesdittes deux gardes faintes. Mais la garde basse leur mere est la plus certaine, de sorte qu’il n’y a que trois gardes, comme dit est.
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|-  
 
|-  
 
|  
 
|  
| It is true that they can be multiplied in six clean targets on the human body, which must be kept well, as well as a good tennis player must keep the es<ref>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.</ref> well, that the ball of the opposing party does not touch it. So too must a good fencer be careful that one of the three strikes do not hit the six targets that can be adapted as said, which will be seen later.
+
| It is true that they can be multiplied in six clean targets on the human body, which must be kept well, as well as a good tennis player must keep the es<ref>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.</ref> well, that the ball of the opposing party does not touch it. So too must a good fencer be careful that one of the three strikes do not hit the six targets that can be adapted as stated, which will be seen later.
  
 
| Bien est vray qu’ils se peuvent multiplier en six lieux propres sur corps humain, qui faut bien garder, tout ainsi qu’un bon joueur de paulme faut qu’il garde bien l’es,<ref>« 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.</ref> que lesteu<ref>L’esteuf : ancien nom pour la balle.</ref> de partie adverse ne le touche. Aussi faut il qu’un bon tireur d’armes garde bien qu’un desdits trois coups ne touchent aux six lieux ausquels se peuvent adapter comme dit est, dont se verront cy apres.
 
| Bien est vray qu’ils se peuvent multiplier en six lieux propres sur corps humain, qui faut bien garder, tout ainsi qu’un bon joueur de paulme faut qu’il garde bien l’es,<ref>« 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.</ref> que lesteu<ref>L’esteuf : ancien nom pour la balle.</ref> de partie adverse ne le touche. Aussi faut il qu’un bon tireur d’armes garde bien qu’un desdits trois coups ne touchent aux six lieux ausquels se peuvent adapter comme dit est, dont se verront cy apres.
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| ''Here is the end of every requirement to know and to understand for whoever wants to be skillful in the said fencing.''
 
| ''Here is the end of every requirement to know and to understand for whoever wants to be skillful in the said fencing.''
  
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.
+
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 next and is now commencing.
  
 
END.
 
END.
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The beasts he tamed and their fleeces softened,
 
The beasts he tamed and their fleeces softened,
 
Flocks dressed in long, relentless iron
 
Flocks dressed in long, relentless iron
A dreadful sword was made and polished.  
+
A dreadful sword was made and polished.
 +
And projecting again I know not what is higher
 +
He is at ease and flying full speed,
 +
To the highest of heavens having reached,
 +
At the path of the sun, the passing of the years;
 +
Painstaking centuries and days sought therein
 +
The treasure of science so hidden from men.  
  
 
</poem>
 
</poem>
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''This is the end of the first strike of the sword alone for the attacking Lieutenant against the defending Prevost.''
 
''This 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.''
+
''Next is to declare how the Prevost will have defended his knee and will have thrown a right-hand at the arms of the Lieutenant.''
  
 
And to do this, the said Prevost is on his left leg, having made one of the three drawings, guards, and placement, and stays on the said guard marked number 14 above, the said Prevost to properly execute, defend, and offend at the same time this said low right-hand, pulls his left foot back and throws a right-hand at the sword arm of the said Lieutenant, and unlike other ignorant demonstrators who crosses sword against sword when a strike comes from below, which is fine because by that he defends himself; but this strike is better because he defends himself and offends thereby doing two good things, I recommend that you take the better one, as the said Prevost also does in executing this said strike, keeping the left hand as shown at the portraiture marked number 16.  
 
And to do this, the said Prevost is on his left leg, having made one of the three drawings, guards, and placement, and stays on the said guard marked number 14 above, the said Prevost to properly execute, defend, and offend at the same time this said low right-hand, pulls his left foot back and throws a right-hand at the sword arm of the said Lieutenant, and unlike other ignorant demonstrators who crosses sword against sword when a strike comes from below, which is fine because by that he defends himself; but this strike is better because he defends himself and offends thereby doing two good things, I recommend that you take the better one, as the said Prevost also does in executing this said strike, keeping the left hand as shown at the portraiture marked number 16.  
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''The end of the first counter of the first strike of the 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.''
+
''Next will be declared the defense of the first counter and continuation for the Prevost against the said Lieutenant.''
  
 
And to evade and to guard himself against this first continuation, which is a high back-hand, having thrown a right-hand at the arms of the said Lieutenant, as shown above at the portraiture of the said Lieutenant marked number 15 and at the Prevost who executed the right-hand, marked number 16, the said Prevost being on the right foot to guard and to defend this said first counter, will cross the sword of the said Lieutenant with the strong on the weak, presenting him a thrust to the face of the said Lieutenant, keeping the said Prevost's left hand near his left nipple, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 18.
 
And to evade and to guard himself against this first continuation, which is a high back-hand, having thrown a right-hand at the arms of the said Lieutenant, as shown above at the portraiture of the said Lieutenant marked number 15 and at the Prevost who executed the right-hand, marked number 16, the said Prevost being on the right foot to guard and to defend this said first counter, will cross the sword of the said Lieutenant with the strong on the weak, presenting him a thrust to the face of the said Lieutenant, keeping the said Prevost's left hand near his left nipple, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 18.
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''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.''
  
''After this will show how the Prevost must defend himself of the said second counter and continuation, thrown by the attacking Lieutenant.''
+
''Next will show how the Prevost must defend himself of the said second counter and continuation thrown by the attacking Lieutenant.''
  
 
And to guard himself effectively, the said Prevost must watch the sword point of the said Lieutenant, and when he steals away below the sword hilt of the said Prevost to throw the high right-hand at him, the said Prevost not removing the step of the right foot, will cross the said right-hand that is thrown at him by the said Lieutenant with the strong on weak and will present a thrust to the face of the said Lieutenant, keeping the left hand right on his shoulder, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 20.
 
And to guard himself effectively, the said Prevost must watch the sword point of the said Lieutenant, and when he steals away below the sword hilt of the said Prevost to throw the high right-hand at him, the said Prevost not removing the step of the right foot, will cross the said right-hand that is thrown at him by the said Lieutenant with the strong on weak and will present a thrust to the face of the said Lieutenant, keeping the left hand right on his shoulder, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 20.
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|-  
 
|-  
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 21-22.png|400x400px|center]]
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 21-22.png|400x400px|center]]
| ''In these two portraitures that follows shows the guard and position for doing the second strike for the Lieutenant and the Prevost, in this following section of the sword alone.''
+
| ''The two following portraitures show the guard and position for doing the second strike for the Lieutenant and the Prevost in this section of the sword alone.''
  
 
To do this said guard for the Lieutenant effectively he must have his feet together as shown above in the general position of the said Lieutenant marked number 9, which is to demonstrate how one must make all of the guards which is required for the said fencing. And to do this guard for the said Lieutenant, being thus placed as stated, he needs to pull his right foot back a little apart under the right side and at the same time put the sword in hand, carrying the sword hilt a little higher than the right shoulder which is the high guard, placing the sword point straight at the eyes, keeping the left hand under the left thigh, as marked at the portraiture number 21.
 
To do this said guard for the Lieutenant effectively he must have his feet together as shown above in the general position of the said Lieutenant marked number 9, which is to demonstrate how one must make all of the guards which is required for the said fencing. And to do this guard for the said Lieutenant, being thus placed as stated, he needs to pull his right foot back a little apart under the right side and at the same time put the sword in hand, carrying the sword hilt a little higher than the right shoulder which is the high guard, placing the sword point straight at the eyes, keeping the left hand under the left thigh, as marked at the portraiture number 21.
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And to do this, the said  attacking Lieutenant who is demonstrating this must, as have been said in many places, be as stated on the step of the left foot, as marked above at the portraiture of the said Lieutenant, not this one but the other marked number 29. And to do this said third strike, which is a high right-hand on the left shoulder of the said Prevost, the said Lieutenant must advance the right foot and throw a right-hand at the left shoulder of the said defending Prevost, keeping the sword hand up<ref>The position of the hand illustrates the fingers down, in opposition to the text.</ref>, and his left hand right of the chin as shown above at the portraiture marked number 31.
 
And to do this, the said  attacking Lieutenant who is demonstrating this must, as have been said in many places, be as stated on the step of the left foot, as marked above at the portraiture of the said Lieutenant, not this one but the other marked number 29. And to do this said third strike, which is a high right-hand on the left shoulder of the said Prevost, the said Lieutenant must advance the right foot and throw a right-hand at the left shoulder of the said defending Prevost, keeping the sword hand up<ref>The position of the hand illustrates the fingers down, in opposition to the text.</ref>, and his left hand right of the chin as shown above at the portraiture marked number 31.
  
''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.''
+
''Next 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 hilt 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 hilt 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.
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''The end of the second counter and continuation of the said third strike for the said Lieutenant.''
 
''The end of the second counter and continuation of the said third strike for the said Lieutenant.''
  
''Hereafter will show and declare the second and last counter and continuation of the said third strike for the Prevost.''
+
''Next will show and declare the second and last counter and continuation of the said third strike for the Prevost.''
  
 
And to do this, the said Prevost must step as mentioned above, which is on the right foot, and to defend himself from that said counter or continuation, the said Prevost must cross the sword of the said attacking Lieutenant near the hilt, a bit higher than the middle of the sword of the said Lieutenant with strong on weak, keeping the sword hilt and the nails on its hand up, presenting a thrust to the face of the said Lieutenant, and also keeping the said Prevost's left hand right on his nipple as shown above at the said portraiture marked number 36 behind his back.
 
And to do this, the said Prevost must step as mentioned above, which is on the right foot, and to defend himself from that said counter or continuation, the said Prevost must cross the sword of the said attacking Lieutenant near the hilt, a bit higher than the middle of the sword of the said Lieutenant with strong on weak, keeping the sword hilt and the nails on its hand up, presenting a thrust to the face of the said Lieutenant, and also keeping the said Prevost's left hand right on his nipple as shown above at the said portraiture marked number 36 behind his back.
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| ''The following is the declaration, guard, and positioning of the fourth cut, which is a high backhand next on this section of the said sword alone for the Lieutenant and Prevost, and everything that must be done.''
 
| ''The following is the declaration, guard, and positioning of the fourth cut, which is a high backhand next on this section of the said sword alone for the Lieutenant and Prevost, and everything that must be done.''
  
And to do this, the Lieutenant must have the feet together to first make one of the said two drawings as said, and here is where the said Lieutenant places his right foot, which demonstrates the difference from where the left foot is placed, and the said Lieutenant keeps the sword hilt upon the right lap in low guard placing the sword point straight at the lap of the Prevost, keeping the left hand opposite of his chin, as shown above at the portraiture and figure of the said Lieutenant, marked in number 37.
+
And to do this, the Lieutenant must have the feet together to first make one of the said two drawings as stated, and here is where the said Lieutenant places his right foot, which demonstrates the difference from where the left foot is placed, and the said Lieutenant keeps the sword hilt upon the right lap in low guard placing the sword point straight at the lap of the Prevost, keeping the left hand opposite of his chin, as shown above at the portraiture and figure of the said Lieutenant, marked in number 37.
  
 
''This is the end of the position and guard for the attacking Lieutenant, which is to begin to throw the fourth strike.''
 
''This is the end of the position and guard for the attacking Lieutenant, which is to begin to throw the fourth strike.''
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| ''The following is the first counter and continuation of the said fourth strike for the attacking Lieutenent against the defending Prevost.''
 
| ''The following is the first counter and continuation of the said fourth strike for the attacking Lieutenent against the defending Prevost.''
  
And to do this, this Lieutenant must remain on the step of the left foot and at the same instance that he throws the said high backhand, he steal away his sword below the Prevost's and throws a high right-hand at the said Prevost as the first counter, being as said on the left foot, keeping the nails on the sword hand up and the left hand right of his chest, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 40.
+
And to do this, this Lieutenant must remain on the step of the left foot and at the same instance that he throws the said high backhand, he steal away his sword below the Prevost's and throws a high right-hand at the said Prevost as the first counter, being as stated on the left foot, keeping the nails on the sword hand up and the left hand right of his chest, as shown above at the portraiture and figure marked number 40.
  
 
''The end of the first counter for the demonstrating Lieutenant.''
 
''The end of the first counter for the demonstrating Lieutenant.''
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''The end of the counter for the said Lieutenant.''
 
''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.''
+
''Next 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.
 
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.
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''The end of the second counter for the said Lieutenant.''
 
''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.''
+
''Next 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 hilt 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.
 
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 hilt 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.
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| ''This 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.''
 
| ''This 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 sword point 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 declare this next guard and position to make and execute the thrust, which is the sixth and last strike and target, being as stated 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 sword point 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.
 
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.
Line 1,453: Line 1,459:
 
''The end and declaration fo the position and guard by the said Lieutenant.''
 
''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.''
+
''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 stated 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 perform the guard which is being done 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 sword point straight at the stomach of the said Lieutenant, and keeping his left hand right of the nipple, as we can see above at the portraiture and figure marked number 54 near the plume of the bonnet.
 
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 perform the guard which is being done 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 sword point straight at the stomach of the said Lieutenant, and keeping his left hand right of the nipple, as we can see above at the portraiture and figure marked number 54 near the plume of the bonnet.
Line 1,481: Line 1,487:
 
| ''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.''
 
| ''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 hilt of the Prevost, and throwing a thrust at his right, keeping the sword hilt 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.
+
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 stated will pretend to make a 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 hilt of the Prevost, and throwing a thrust at his right, keeping the sword hilt 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.''
 
''The end and declaration of the said sixth and last strike of the sword alone for the attacking Lieutenant.''
Line 1,543: Line 1,549:
 
''The defense of the second counter or continuation of the said sixth and last strike of the sword alone, which is a high thrust on the backhand for the defending Prevost against the said attacking Lieutenant.''
 
''The defense of the second counter or continuation of the said sixth and last strike of the sword alone, which is a high thrust on the backhand for the defending Prevost against the said attacking Lieutenant.''
  
And for the defense of this said counter and continuation for the said Prevost, he must be on the left foot, and he need to cross the sword of the said Lieutenant, strong on weak, which is near the hilt at the middle of the sword as said above in several places, and present a thrust at the left nipple or at the eye of the said Lieutenant, having nails on the sword hand down, and the left hand right of his stomach which is below the elbow, holding the sword as shown in the portraiture marked number 60 behind the hat.
+
And for the defense of this said counter and continuation for the said Prevost, he must be on the left foot, and he need to cross the sword of the said Lieutenant, strong on weak, which is near the hilt at the middle of the sword as stated above in several places, and present a thrust at the left nipple or at the eye of the said Lieutenant, having nails on the sword hand down, and the left hand right of his stomach which is below the elbow, holding the sword as shown in the portraiture marked number 60 behind the hat.
  
 
''This is the end of the six said strikes, being multiplied at the said clean targets, as stated above, with counters and continuations, both for the said attacking Lieutenant as well as for the defending Prevost.''
 
''This is the end of the six said strikes, being multiplied at the said clean targets, as stated above, with counters and continuations, both for the said attacking Lieutenant as well as for the defending Prevost.''
Line 1,761: Line 1,767:
 
''The end of the said rectangle for the said Prevost.''
 
''The end of the said rectangle for the said Prevost.''
  
''After having written the above for all of the art, order, and practice of the said sword alone and defining all the requirements; both in attacking as well as for defending, after this I intend to write and show four very effective and subtle grabs that one can do, both in attacking as well as in defending as will be seen later at their portraitures.''
+
''After having written the above for all of the art, order, and practice of the said sword alone and defining all the requirements; both in attacking as well as for defending, next I intend to write and show four very effective and subtle grabs that one can do, both in attacking as well as in defending as will be seen later at their portraitures.''
  
 
| ''Sensuit le parachevement dudit quatriangle, qui est sur un maindroit ou estoc d’hault, tiré par ledit Lieutenent, contre le Prevost.''
 
| ''Sensuit le parachevement dudit quatriangle, qui est sur un maindroit ou estoc d’hault, tiré par ledit Lieutenent, contre le Prevost.''
Line 1,779: Line 1,785:
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 77-78.png|400x400px|center]]
 
| [[File:Sainct Didier 77-78.png|400x400px|center]]
| ''Hereafter is the plan and position of the attacking Lieutenant to show and make the first grab against the Prevost.''
+
| ''Next is the plan and position of the attacking Lieutenant to show and make the first grab against the Prevost.''
  
And to do this, this said Lieutenant being on the left foot, having made as said his step, guard, and placement at the earlier aforementioned plans, and from there he must be on the right foot in middle guard, keeping the nails on the sword hand down and the left hand right of the face to be ready to beat down a high thrust that could from the said Prevost or any other defender, because all thrusts can be defended and deflected at the hand; but one not to stop them as the point is in the air and far from the force from which it proceeds from. And everything that is in the air is easy to deflect as needed, if it so happens that the Prevost advances his point further as shown above at the portraiture marked number 77 behind the collar.  
+
And to do this, this said Lieutenant being on the left foot, having made as stated his step, guard, and placement at the earlier aforementioned plans, and from there he must be on the right foot in middle guard, keeping the nails on the sword hand down and the left hand right of the face to be ready to beat down a high thrust that could from the said Prevost or any other defender, because all thrusts can be defended and deflected at the hand; but one not to stop them as the point is in the air and far from the force from which it proceeds from. And everything that is in the air is easy to deflect as needed, if it so happens that the Prevost advances his point further as shown above at the portraiture marked number 77 behind the collar.  
  
 
''The end of the guard and position for the said attacking Lieutenant to show the Prevost how to do the first grab.''
 
''The end of the guard and position for the said attacking Lieutenant to show the Prevost how to do the first grab.''
Line 1,787: Line 1,793:
 
''The following is the guard and position for the Prevost to defend from the first grab against the said Lieutenant as will be seen after at the portraiture following number 90.''
 
''The following is the guard and position for the Prevost to defend from the first grab against the said Lieutenant as will be seen after at the portraiture following number 90.''
  
And to do this guard, the said Prevost is required to do the same step, guard, and placement as said above, one of the said drawings, having pulled the right foot back and remain on the left foot in high guard, keeping the nails on the sword hand down, placing the point straight at the left eye of the said Lieutenant, keeping also the left hand right of his nipple, as shown above at the said portraiture marked number 78 behind the hat<ref>The Prevost shown at the portraiture does not correspond to the text since he is on the right foot</ref>.
+
And to do this guard, the said Prevost is required to do the same step, guard, and placement as stated above, one of the said drawings, having pulled the right foot back and remain on the left foot in high guard, keeping the nails on the sword hand down, placing the point straight at the left eye of the said Lieutenant, keeping also the left hand right of his nipple, as shown above at the said portraiture marked number 78 behind the hat<ref>The Prevost shown at the portraiture does not correspond to the text since he is on the right foot</ref>.
  
 
''The end of the said guard and position for the said defending Prevost.''
 
''The end of the said guard and position for the said defending Prevost.''
Line 1,807: Line 1,813:
 
| ''In the next two portraitures are shown the first strike which is a high right-hand or high thrust thrown by the Lieutenant against the Prevost for doing the first grab of the sword alone.''
 
| ''In the next two portraitures are shown the first strike which is a high right-hand or high thrust thrown by the Lieutenant against the Prevost for doing the first grab of the sword alone.''
  
And to do this the said Lieutenant having made his step, guard, and placement as said, is to remain on the left foot and to execute this strike which is a high right-hand or high thrust, this said Lieutenant advances his right foot and throws at his choice either a right-hand or thrust against the Prevost, keeping the nails on the sword hand up and the left hand right of his nose as shown at the portraiture marked number 79 behind the collar.
+
And to do this the said Lieutenant having made his step, guard, and placement as stated, is to remain on the left foot and to execute this strike which is a high right-hand or high thrust, this said Lieutenant advances his right foot and throws his choice of either a right-hand or thrust against the Prevost, keeping the nails on the sword hand up and the left hand right of his nose as shown at the portraiture marked number 79 behind the collar.
  
 
''This is the end of the strike that the said Lieutenant needs to throw to make the first grab of the sword alone.''
 
''This is the end of the strike that the said Lieutenant needs to throw to make the first grab of the sword alone.''
Line 1,841: Line 1,847:
 
| ''First strike thrown as a high right-hand or a high thrust for the first grab by the Lieutenant and nearly executed by the Prevost as shown here.''
 
| ''First strike thrown as a high right-hand or a high thrust for the first grab by the Lieutenant and nearly executed by the Prevost as shown here.''
  
And to do this, the said Lieutenant needs to have made his said step, guard, and placement, being on the left foot, he must advance the right foot as shown at the figure and portraiture as said in number 79. And also this said Lieutenant, being on the left foot advances his right foot and throws a high thrust or high right-hand at the Lieutenant<ref>It is meant to read as Prevost here.</ref>, keeping the nails of the sword hand up, and keeping also the left hand right of his stomach and below the sword arm, as shown at the portraiture marked number 81.
+
And to do this, the said Lieutenant needs to have made his said step, guard, and placement, being on the left foot, he must advance the right foot as shown at the figure and portraiture as stated in number 79. And also this said Lieutenant, being on the left foot advances his right foot and throws a high thrust or high right-hand at the Lieutenant<ref>It is meant to read as Prevost here.</ref>, keeping the nails of the sword hand up, and keeping also the left hand right of his stomach and below the sword arm, as shown at the portraiture marked number 81.
  
 
''This is the end of the strike thrown by the said Lieutenant to show the Prevost how to do the first grab of the sword alone.''
 
''This is the end of the strike thrown by the said Lieutenant to show the Prevost how to do the first grab of the sword alone.''
Line 1,873: Line 1,879:
 
''The following is the first grab and its execution for this said Prevost against the said Lieutenant.''
 
''The following is the first grab and its execution for this said Prevost against the said Lieutenant.''
  
And to do this the said Prevost must have made the first step, guard, and placement as said; which is to say to be on the left foot while the said Lieutenant throws either a high right-hand or high thrust and advances his right foot to execute the said first grab for this said Prevost, then pulling his left back back and crossing the sword of the said Lieutenant, strong on weak, raising a bit the sword point up and at the same time without a moment to waste the said Prevost is advancing the left foot and with the left hand grabbing the sword hilt of the said Lieutenant, twisting the top down and taking the sword from him, carrying it under the arms, presenting the sword point straight at the mouth of the said Lieutenant, as shown above at the said portraiture marked number 84.
+
And to do this the said Prevost must have made the first step, guard, and placement as stated; which is to say to be on the left foot while the said Lieutenant throws either a high right-hand or high thrust and advances his right foot to execute the said first grab for this said Prevost, then pulling his left back back and crossing the sword of the said Lieutenant, strong on weak, raising a bit the sword point up and at the same time without a moment to waste the said Prevost is advancing the left foot and with the left hand grabbing the sword hilt of the said Lieutenant, twisting the top down and taking the sword from him, carrying it under the arms, presenting the sword point straight at the mouth of the said Lieutenant, as shown above at the said portraiture marked number 84.
  
 
''This is the end of the said first grab, demonstrated by the said Lieutenant and executed by the said Prevost.''
 
''This is the end of the said first grab, demonstrated by the said Lieutenant and executed by the said Prevost.''
Line 1,979: Line 1,985:
 
| ''The second grab for the demonstrating Lieutenant against the defending Prevost.''
 
| ''The second grab for the demonstrating Lieutenant against the defending Prevost.''
  
And to do this, the Lieutenant will be in low guard on the left foot, as said, placing the sword point straight at the braies or the belt of the Prevost as stated and marked above at their portraitures number 89 and 90. And to execute this second grab for the said Lieutenant who is the attacking demonstrator, being in the low guard as stated, he will advance the right foot, pretending to throw a high right-hand or thrust coming from him. The Prevost seeing the strike charged at him, will block it, crossing and beating down the sword of the said Lieutenant and so the said Lieutenant will advance the left foot and will throw a back-hand at his head. The Prevost will want to beat down again at his sword, so the said Lieutenant will advance the left foot at an instant and will take the sword hilt with his left hand and will present a thrust at his stomach as shown at the portraiture marked number 91 behind the collar.
+
And to do this the Lieutenant will be in low guard on the left foot as stated, placing the sword point straight at the braies or the belt of the Prevost as stated and marked above at their portraitures number 89 and 90. And to execute this second grab for the said Lieutenant who is the attacking demonstrator, being in the low guard as stated, he will advance the right foot, pretending to throw a high right-hand or thrust coming from him. The Prevost seeing the strike charged at him, will block it, crossing and beating down the sword of the said Lieutenant and so the said Lieutenant will advance the left foot and will throw a back-hand at his head. The Prevost will want to beat down again at his sword, so the said Lieutenant will advance the left foot at an instant and will take the sword hilt with his left hand and will present a thrust at his stomach as shown at the portraiture marked number 91 behind the collar.
  
 
''This is the end of the second grab and demonstration for the said Lieutenant against the Prevost.''
 
''This is the end of the second grab and demonstration for the said Lieutenant against the Prevost.''
Line 2,085: Line 2,091:
 
| ''The following is the first strike to make and to demonstrate the third grab for the Lieutenant and the Prevost.''
 
| ''The following is the first strike to make and to demonstrate the third grab for the Lieutenant and the Prevost.''
  
And to do this, it is necessary that the said Lieutenant must be on the left foot, having made everything that is required as said, such as the aforementioned steps and one of the said three drawings. And to execute this said strike, he will advance the right foot and will throw a high thrust at the left shoulder of the Prevost, keeping the sword hilt somewhat up, keeping the nails on the sword hand down, and the left hand upon the right nipple, as shown above at the said portraiture marked number 99. And to execute this said third grab, the said Lieutenant must advance the left foot and at the same time take the sword of the defending Prevost, extending strongly the left arm and passing it above the right, keeping the back of the hand up, giving a twist below the arms or elbow, and presenting a wholly unrestrained thrust at the face of the Prevost, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 99.
+
And to do this the said Lieutenant must be on the left foot, having made everything that is required as stated, such as the aforementioned steps and one of the said three drawings. And to execute this said strike, he will advance the right foot and will throw a high thrust at the left shoulder of the Prevost, keeping the sword hilt somewhat up, keeping the nails on the sword hand down, and the left hand upon the right nipple, as shown above at the said portraiture marked number 99. And to execute this said third grab, the said Lieutenant must advance the left foot and at the same time take the sword of the defending Prevost, extending strongly the left arm and passing it above the right, keeping the back of the hand up, giving a twist below the arms or elbow, and presenting a wholly unrestrained thrust at the face of the Prevost, as shown above at the portraiture marked number 99.
  
 
''This is the end of the third grab for the said Lieutenant against the Prevost.''
 
''This is the end of the third grab for the said Lieutenant against the Prevost.''
Line 2,476: Line 2,482:
 
''Made and written by Henry de Saint Didier, Squire, Provencal Gentleman.''
 
''Made and written by Henry de Saint Didier, Squire, Provencal Gentleman.''
  
''Hereafter is a treatise written by the Author about tennis and how it relates to fencing, with the points and reasons that will be declared later.''
+
''Next is a treatise written by the Author about tennis and how it relates to fencing, with the points and reasons that will be declared later.''
  
 
| ''Autre fort bon, & subtil coup pour le Lieutenent contre le Prevost, laissant ledit arrieremain sur le coude & tirer un estoc au ventre, comme est monstré icy.''
 
| ''Autre fort bon, & subtil coup pour le Lieutenent contre le Prevost, laissant ledit arrieremain sur le coude & tirer un estoc au ventre, comme est monstré icy.''
Line 2,517: Line 2,523:
 
''Next will be declared the points which are necessary in the game and exercise of tennis which must be observed.''
 
''Next will be declared the points which are necessary in the game and exercise of tennis which must be observed.''
  
The first requirement of one who wants to attack another, consequently is to take shoes with leaded or else heavy heels and wear them for two or three hours before starting his game; after this time passes, one will leave these said heavy heels and be satisfied with his shoes, or he gives himself light slippers which are well in his point, and in doing so, he will find themselves more ready and skillful than those who will not do so, for experience is the master of all arts.
+
The first requirement of one who wants to attack another, consequently is to take leaded shoes or else heavy heels and wear them for two or three hours before starting his game; after the time passes, one will take off these said heavy heels and be content with his own shoes, or he wears light slippers which are sufficient, and in doing so he will find that he is more ready and skillful than those who will not do so, for experience is the master of all arts.
  
 
The second requirement is to demand and choose the primary racket that is lightest in the hand. Just as all of the said fencing requires a light sword and a heavy dagger, tennis also must have a light racket and a weighted ball, weighing not too much nor too little, because everything that is too much or too little is worthless.
 
The second requirement is to demand and choose the primary racket that is lightest in the hand. Just as all of the said fencing requires a light sword and a heavy dagger, tennis also must have a light racket and a weighted ball, weighing not too much nor too little, because everything that is too much or too little is worthless.
  
The third point that is required is that we have to watch that when we are playing tennis to have another racket other than the one we want to use, and tell the opposing party to throw the racket, to see which will be in or out, and they when then say to throw your own if he lets you, throw the bad one and not the good one for the reason that will be declared afterwards, and if he wants to throw his own, let him throw it away because throwing it weakens the cord, wasting it since the cords are loosened, and thus it will not be able to serve as well as it had done before. One could say that he will ask for another, but respond to this that it is possible to not be able to find as good in the hand as the one that had been previously found that he did not want to keep because very often a racket is an advantage just as a good sword is also an advantage that one will overcome his enemy.
+
The third point that is required that we have to watch that when we are playing tennis is to have another racket other than the one we want to use, and tell the opposing party to throw the racket to see which will be in or out, and then when they say to throw your own if he lets you, throw the bad one and not the good one for the reason that will be declared later, and if he wants to throw his own, let him throw it away because throwing it weakens the cord, wasting it since the cords are loosened, and thus it will not be able to serve as well as it had before. One could say that he will ask for another, but respond to this that it is possible to not be able to find as good in the hand as the one that had been previously found that he did not want to keep because very often a racket is an advantage just as a good sword is also an advantage that one will overcome his enemy.
  
The fourth point, having carefully observed all that is said, remains to be seen on which step, it is necessary to take to perform well the said art of the said tennis, and to serve the ball well on the roof, and give a wicked game as much as possible throughout the game. I say that as good practice for all the said strikes being multiplied, and to serve well, it is necessary to keep on the left foot initially and almost always while doing a pirouette on it: look for the ball on the side it will travel. Some might say I don't know where the ball will go and cannot decide. One should consider when deciding where the ball will be hit by their opposing party. Observe him and decide where he wants to hit it is very good. But I'll give one that's better and the apparent reason. This aforementioned judgment is often deceptive because by the observing, one cannot surely decide what the inside wants to do and execute which is to direct and cast the ball. I only want to decide based on where the opposing party can cast it. Do not observe him because he will deceive you, but instead look closely at the ball being served. And never lose sight of the said ball because whoever is outside direct and leads without being misled by the inside which is the will of your opposing party; and yet being sure of your hand, without fail you will easily defeat your opponent without observing because if you look at him you will think that he casts the ball at you in the opposite direction of his gaze yet the inside will be entirely different, and nevertheless, you could be deceived by looking at your opposing party; yet you will never be looking at the ball. And it is the argument that I have made of said fencing where you must look at the tip of the sword and not at the intent of the man.
+
The fourth point, having carefully observed all that is said, that remains is on which step it is necessary to take to effectively perform the said art of the said tennis, and to serve the ball well on the roof, and give a wicked game as much as possible throughout the game. I say that as good practice for all the said strikes being multiplied and to serve well, it is necessary to keep on the left foot initially and almost always while doing a pirouette on it: look for the ball on the side it will travel. Some might say, "I don't know where the ball will go and cannot decide." One should consider when deciding where the ball will be hit by their opposing party, observe him and decide where he wants to hit it is fine. But I'll give one that's better and the apparent reason. The aforementioned judgment is often deceptive because by observing him, one cannot truly figure out what the inside wants to do and execute which is to direct and cast the ball. I only want to decide based on where the opposing party can cast it. Do not observe him because he will deceive you, but instead look closely at the ball being served. And never lose sight of the said ball because whoever is outside direct and leads without being misled by the inside which is the will of your opposing party; and yet being sure of your hand, without fail you will easily defeat your opponent without observing him; however if you look at him you will think that he casts the ball at you in the opposite direction of his gaze yet the inside will be entirely different, and nevertheless, you could be deceived by looking at your opposing party, so you will never be looking at the ball. And it is this argument that I have made of the said fencing where you must look at the sword point and not at the intent of the man.
  
 
''I do not put these said reasons for those who already understand them, but on the contrary for those who do not understand them.''
 
''I do not put these said reasons for those who already understand them, but on the contrary for those who do not understand them.''
  
I was kind enough to speak of tennis because a brave man who is one of the good players came to see me two or three times only, and having learned effectively two or three strikes, he increased his skill almost by fifteen; and the said brave man throws a fronthand and backhand very gracefully, and thus tennis and the said fencing, as said, have a great affinity.
+
I was kind enough to speak of tennis because a brave man who is one of the good players came to see me two or three times only, and having learned effectively two or three strikes, he increased his skill almost by fifteen; and the said brave man throws a fronthand and backhand very gracefully, and thus tennis and the said fencing, as stated have a great affinity.
  
 
END.
 
END.

Revision as of 23:02, 14 February 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. The triangle represented here is not correct. The one marked 65 seems to better reflect the proposed movement.
  39. Proposition de correction pour « le ongles ».
  40. Le triangle représenté ici n'est pas correct, celui cotté 65 paraît rendre mieux compte du déplacement proposé.
  41. Dupuis thinks 75 represents this correct and that 73 is incorrect.
  42. Proposition de correction pour « Lieutent ». La marque indiquant une contraction a probablement été omise.
  43. 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.
  44. The Prevost shown at the portraiture does not correspond to the text since he is on the right foot
  45. Proposition de correction pour « dh’aut »
  46. Sic.
  47. Le prévôt représenté ici ne correspond pas au texte puisqu'il se tient sur le pied droit.
  48. The Prevost of 80 isn't on the left foot as written but is coherent with 78.
  49. Le prévôt de la figure 80 n’est pas sur le pied gauche comme écrit et mais reste cohérent avec la figure 78.
  50. It is meant to read as Prevost here.
  51. Il faut évidemment lire ici « Prevost ».
  52. Proposition de correction pour « suprint »
  53. Sic.
  54. Suppression du doublement de l'esperluette dans « sa cuisse gauche, & & tous ».
  55. Sic. Au XVIe siècle, le genre des mots était encore indécis.
  56. The author is announcing here another edition to augment his book which has never has been written.
  57. L’auteur annonce ici une prochaine édition augmentée de son oeuvre qui n’a a priori jamais eu lieu.
  58. Proposition de correction pour « ou ».
  59. Proposition de correction pour « mostré »
  60. Du latin médiéval « inquinatum » signifiant « pour combien »
  61. lit. bark or shell, outer layer. Idiom similar to "Don't judge a book by its cover.
  62. Dilection : attachement, amour pur.
  63. Un vidimus est la copie certifiée d'un acte antérieur.
  64. Il doit s'agit de Pierre ou Jean Brûlart (tout deux avait une charge au Parlement) qui signe pour le roi.