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Konrad Kyeser
Text from Talhoffer
Images |
Transcription [edit] | |
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[1] He "inscribes" a message within a knotted twine. |
[011r] der schribt an ain knuo faden | |
He records the words of the mouth upon paper and those shall become black later. Talhoffer (?) stands in the middle of the scene while speaking from an inscribed scroll, between two cryptographers, perhaps Rotwyler (?) and Pflieger (?), while the one to the left knots a message in cordage as the one to the right puts unseen words on a scroll with invisible ink. |
der schribt uf dem mund und wirt schwartz | |
[2] Talhoffer (?) stands in the middle of the scene and breaks apart an iron chain with his bare hands, while a man to the left with quill & inkpot inscribes or draws something unseen on the back of a half-barefoot running courier, while another man to the right seemingly starts knotting or rending a yard of heavy cloth. |
[011v] [No text] | |
[3] Two possibilities:
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[012r] [No text] | |
[4] Quick-shooting targets with the crossbow, fire-pots or grenades, air-mattress, peacock. |
[012v] [No text] | |
[5] Hardware — wheels, hinge, hasps & clasps, perhaps lock-works — the stuff of various mechanical devices. |
[013r] [No text] | |
[6] Medicine or poison mixing? |
[013v] [No text] | |
[7] Shooting a life-line to swimmer with blunt-bolt from crossbow and poisoned dagger-attack? |
[014r] [No text] | |
[8] A man in the load-basket of a perriere spies the carriaged culverin (?) upon the battlements of a burgh-tower, as river-borne men float by means of cantilevering bladder-raft and air-ring, utilised perhaps to cross over river to burgh. |
[014v] [No text] | |
[9] Various belt-buckles and/or belt-graffles to aid crossbow-spanning. Pole-cleaver head, pike-head, lash-flail & pole-flail — weaponry especially for troopers in war-wagons. |
[015r] [No text] | |
[10] This war-wagon which flies the flag of Saint George should be wrought in this form and fortified with thick planking and hub-threshers as designed here; and therefrom troopers strike; they shall have weaponry as depicted here of spear, halberd, morning-star, pike, corseque. |
[015v] Dyser strittwagen sol nauch diser form mit geschmid gevestnet sin und mit ainem schirm alß hie gezaichnet statt und die dar uff strittent die süllent waffen haben alß hie gemalet statt. | |
[11] This is a manlike effigy; made of fine metalwork and hollow inside; and shall become filled with amber and with flower-mincings; which one shall set in palatial chambers — wherever it turns its face, there goes good smoke all the time. An elaborate & symbolic censer.[1] |
[016r] Diß ist ain mentschlich bild gemachet von geschmid in wendig hol und sol gefült werden it ambra und mit nägelin bluost dz sol man setzen in die örter der palaste war es sin antlüt kert da git es guoten rouch ze allin zeitten ~ | |
[12] This is a great trebuchet wherewith one may throw stones and break cities and forts. |
[016v] Diß ist ain grosse plid mit dem man stain würffet und stett und vestin brichet | |
[13] A "cat" / catafalque and also a "ladle" with a speeding shelter, wherewith one heaves armed folk onto battlements. This lacks the wheels, but this is the top part of a catafalque or belfrey (wheeled siege-tower) — the cloven lance thrusts out to smite defenders at ground level, while the invaders teeter-totter over the wall. |
[017r] Diß ist ain katz und ouch ain löffel mit einem schnellen schirm mit dem man gewapnet volk in zinnen hebt. ~ | |
[14] This is called a "big dog". It goes to castles upon its wheels and with walls shall deal. It has the square bridge affixed with ropes, which lowers once the forward irons grapple the wall. Thereafter go the "foxes" out of the hull, who strike and fight — and they clear away whatever they desire. |
[017v] Diß haisset der groß rud Es gaut zu schlossen uff dem redern und sol der muren eben hölin han die gefierten bruck die dar an hanget solt mit dem sail nider lauffen bis dz das vorder yfer die mur begriffet dar nauch gand die fichß uß der hüle die stritten und vechtet umz dz sy behebent dz sy begeret ~ | |
[15] Mark this ladle — it is way-good. The upper part shall be wrought of planks whereupon are the faring-rungs that convey you to the walls; whereby armed folk go up onto the walls; the hinter-part heaves you forth as the forward iron grapples that wall. Again, part of a belfrey. |
[018r] Mörck disen löffel der ist edel gut dz obertail sol geuestnet sin mit bretter bis uff den viern sprossen das du tribest an die muren dz hinder tail machst uf hebn als dz vorder ~ | |
[16] With this cat, one quickly wins walls with the holds upon the tops of buildings. The bridge hangs down therefrom by ropes once the forward irons grapple at the wall. Thereafter lope the armed folk upon the wall. Again, part of belfrey. |
[018v] Mit diser katzen gewinet man geschwind muren mit der höhi die obnan uf gezimert ist henge der bauß mit dem sail biß dz die vorderen ysen die mur begriffent der nach louffent die gewapbeteb in die muren ~ | |
[17] This is a holding-bridge that goes over water and over all trenches / moats; it shall be built of a high room topped by a bridge hanging therefrom, so that one be lifted up outside when the wheels are set to let it grapple. And so one lets fall the bridge and by that fall the pointed iron grapples the Earth and makes a mighty even hold. |
[019r] Diß ist ein hohi bruck die gaut uber wasser und uber aller grabn die sol gezimert sin von hohem gezimer und sol die bruck dar an hangen dz man sy uss wendig uff gebt bis dz die reder die reder die statt begriffent so lauf mn die bruch vallen und mit dem val begrift dz spitzig ysen das ertrich und macht der höhi ebenhöhi mach | |
[18] This is called a "nodder" and it is a nice rig. It goes upon six wheels and props upon two. Should it rotate forth upon two wheels, then it tilts the "head" to the Earth and raises up the "tail" until it comes to the wall; such that it raises up the head at / upon the wall and touches the Earth with the tail; and so then thereunder are ravages wrought upon the wall. The upper part of the nodder should be festooned with oakum, muck and green protection; so that what men call "water-fire", or even guns, may not hurt men when one tugs that back; one thus tugs the head again onto the Earth and the tail upward; around that thereupon it comes to certain stance. |
[019v] Diß haisset ain gnaper und ist ain hüpscher züg / Es gaut uff sechß redern und staut uff zwain sülen an dem zuo gan so naiget eß dz houpt zuo der erde und richt den schwanz uff biß daß eß zuo der mure kompt so richt eß dz houpt uff die mur und rürt die erden mit dem schwanz und die dar under sint die sehed gar die uf den muren dz ober tail von dem gnapper sol gevestnet sin mit kuder mit mist und mit grünen hüten daß men haiß wasser für noch geschütz nit schaden müge wen man den hinder sich züchet so züchet sich das houpt wider uff die erde und der schwanz über sich umz dz dar an die sicher statt komest ~ | |
[19] The present hold shelters folk inside from attacks ahead and behind and also above. Screen to protect pioneers? |
[020r] Dise gegenwürtige höhe beschirmet daß volk in wendig hindenan und vornan und ouch obnan ~ | |
[20] This is a "monks-hood", which leads from the front upon a wagon; which one directs upon three wheels, one in front under the peak and two after at the mouth; it shall be sealed with oakum and bedecked with protection and other things that are fitting. It should be configured together with strong woodwork, braced with iron such that it is not makeshift, thus hard stones or high-powered shot damage it not. When you come to a wall then raise up the peak climbing with that one wheel, then all come out who are within. Mobile battlefield-tunnel, apparently with a pop-top, for conveying troopers. |
[020v] Daß ist ainß münches kappe die im hindenan uf dem waggen lit die furt man uf den drin redern ainß vornan under der spuz und zwain nauch gende obnan sol sy verschoppet sin mit kuder und verdecket mit hüten und andren dingen die dar zuo gehörend / es sol mit starckem holtzwerck zesamen gefügt sin versorget mit ysen daß eß notdürftig ist daß im schwer stain oder starck geschoss nyt schde wan an muren kumst so richt im den spitz uf mit der aine schiben dem kumet hinach alle die dar inn sind ~ | |
[21] This is a bread that one calls biscuits and is a twice-baked bread. And theses nuts, whether upon the battlements or camping, stay good a long time without getting moldy. Zwieback croissants and hazelnuts — minimal rations for siege. |
[021r] Diß ist ain brot daß man haisset biß cuit und ist zwürend gebachen brot. Es ist nutz uff festinen und in gezelten eß belibt gar lang zitt guot one schimel ~ | |
[22] This wooden escalade-ladder, made with discs inside, so you shall join to the battlements with attached ropes controlling & lowering it from the belfrey. Thereafter bind it; thereupon tether the steps of the ladder when you will deposit troopers thus vexingly; that aligns the upper part of the ladder with the fastening-rope — thus it is vexing. |
[021v] Diß hulzin laiter inwendig gemachet mit schiben sol sich zuo der mur fügen mit ainem angeschlagnen sail / Dar nach sich an bindet Die stufe von der lait wen du die ablegen wilt so ledige dz ein obeteil von der laitern mit dem vesten sail so ist sy ledig ~ | |
[23] This whip is a knife when you want it to be. This "knapper" bores through double-plating. This is a curve-bladed knife for some purpose. |
[022r] Dise gaisel ist ain messer wen du wilt und diser näpper boret durch ain zwifaltig blecht ~ | |
[24] You shall mark that one goes forth with this while digging — while you dig bent over, the shelter is set above you with long spars; the digging is protected, the missiles are repulsed and the folk go forth certainly and the work be flowing; so should the shelter be dragged after you from within. So you certainly be going. Mobile shelters — both man-borne and wheeled sows — to cover pioneers with picks & shovels during siege. |
[022v] Du solt mercken ain zu gan mit graben Du solt graben krumbe umm wider und fur dar über ainen schirm setzen der sich für mit langen stangen die graben behüttent dz volk vor werffen und gaud sicher zuo und wene sy wellent abreitten so söllent sy den schirm nauch inen ziehen so gand sy sicher ~ | |
[25] This is one deadly weapon: The trooper has run out from the mountain-burgh pushing a small stone-filled cart prowed with sharpened irons. The same one may attack that armed lot in the trench — that is when he wreaks havoc, with sharpened irons and falling rocks — they get what-for. |
[023r] Diß ist ain tötlich wer kleine stoß kerrlin gefüllet mit stainen vornenan mit scharpffen ysen die berg abgelouffen den selben mügent gewapnet lüte nauch lauffen wen die wegen wüstent mit den scharpfen ysen wz vor in ist | |
[26] See — they are going toward the fortress. With the "basket" they should lurch around. Within the shelter of the basket they go. |
[023v] Sihe den zuo gang zuo den vestinen mit körben die stotzen dar umb söllend in die spüz der körb gan. | |
[27] What stops the buzzing of folk in confined shelter — whom you otherwise may not overcome? There you should take beds or cushions filled with feathers; do thereto with pitch / piss (?) and kindle it; so the smoke goes therefrom. So that sticks it to those in the confines — thus you get to them. |
[024r] wa in velsen und un hülinen volk versumet si die du sust nit über winden mügent da soltu bett oderr küssi mit federn nemen Tuo dar zuo irem und pisch und zünd eß an so der rouch da von gaut so er stecket die in den hülinen sint also kumpst du inen zuo | |
[28] You may make a light upon a tower and set thereover a lantern of red glass with a long neck. Set that upon an edge and put a great light therein. That illumines for many miles around you. |
[024v] du macht machen ain liecht uff ainen turn und dar über ain laternen von rotem glaß mit ainem langen halß setz dz uff ain egk und tuo ain groß liecht dar in dz lüchtet vil milen von dir ~ | |
[29] Setting up a pavillion, this one flying an Árpád / Hapsburg flag, you make it protected in this way — with either wooden or else wrought-iron spikes set round in the Earth. With this cunning the King Wenzel / the King Sigismund of Hungary quelled the Turks.[2] |
[025r] Ufgerichte gezelt im machst du vestnen in disen weg mit höltzern obnan mit geschmit gespizet und in die erde gesetzt mit der kluoghait über wonden die türgen den küng von ungarn. | |
[30] This file is made of best steel, with twofold ridging, hollow inside, filled with lead. This same file does file so secretly and so quietly that no man may hear. The arrow is given no remarks, although it could carry an egg-shaped ordnance. |
[025v] Dise vihele sol von dem besten stahel gemachet sin mit ainer zwifalt ruggen und in wendig hol und mit bly gefüllet die selbe vyle vilet so haimlich und so linse dz eß nieman gehören mag ~ | |
[31] Beautiful instinct whereby horsemen outstretch — see why and consider likewise who and whereby. When it may finish is when it withdraws and finally gets it. (?) Text that tells nothing about the thing portrayed — which is a swimming-girdle. |
[026r] Ingenius pulcherium quo protulit equestres vide quod considera quantum quod quo quado finire quado placeat retrahe sumtulo quo | |
[32] Seems like a pulley that mounts into or grapples either belfry or battlement. |
[026v] [No text] | |
[33] This is a rig wherewith you swim; make it so the "belly" binds around; and the "tail" should hang up to the head; the legs should be in line and the rings should be of iron. |
[027r] Diß ist ain zuog mit dem du schwimen machst bind eß für den buch deß schwantzeß houpt sol hangen die baine süllent lini sin und die ringgen ysinyn ~ | |
You go or swim with this rig over / through any water. You shall notice that the head be in front; the hands and the back are covered. This rig is made of buck-leather and the "bridle" would be silken. A swimming-girdle. |
Du gaust oder schwimest mit dise züg über ain yeglich wasser Du solt war nemen dz hopt vor- nan die hend und den ruggen sint verdeckt und diser züg gemachet von bukinem leder und die kand süllent sidin sin ~ | |
[34] Escalade-ladders, with single-file and double-file foot-rungs. Up it goes and you drive yourself up. And the long twofold forks hang up the ladder from underneath. |
[027v] Diß ist stigen mit der laiter mit ainmaligem und zwifaltigem foußstapffn uf gan und tribt sich uf und die lang zwifaltig gabel ufenthalt die laitt undenan. | |
[35] These escalade ladders are made of ropes; you should slap them up against battlements with the long forks. |
[028r] Diß stiglaiteren sind von sailen gemacht die soltu mit diser langen gabel anschlachen | |
[36] You gild a wreath of white roses in this way: take golden blooms and mash them and take beaten egg-whites and brandy-wine and mix the mashed blooms therewith and then paint the roses so that they become gold-colored. |
[028v] Du vergüldest ain krantz mit wissen rosen in disen weg nim goldpluomen und zerstoß die und nim zerschlagen ayer klar und gebrenten win und mische die zerstossen bloumen da mit und besch bestrich die rosen so werdent sy goldvar ~ | |
[37] This "snake" tracts and retracts again, when it climbs up battlements and up towers, for when one storms those from outside; so it goes up and thereafter one shall turn those discs with ropes from belfry until the hooks grapple the fortress and the pointed irons pierce into the earth. |
[029r] Diser schlang ist funden wider grossen gebresten wonn er klinet uff zinnen und uf türn wenn man in us wendig streket so gaut er mit den schiben uff dar nauch sol man in und keren biß die hoken die vestning begriffent und die spazigen ysen undenen in die erde gand ~ | |
[38] Four specialized tactical arrows, for cutting ropes, maiming enemy horses, or making mayhem with malicious incendiary or "water-fire". |
[029v] [No text] | |
[39] This dagger should have a blade four-hands long or more. Fight with the dagger in the right hand and the swiveling buckler in the left hand. |
[030r] Diser tegen sol ain ?bomel haben vier hende lang oder mer viht mit dem tegen in der rechten hand mit der sinwelen schilt in der lingk hand. | |
[40] This great mace belongs with the shield: You should advance the shield in the left hand and the mace in the right hand; and with both those fighting, stabbing and striking. Perhaps these are in style of the Turks or Mongols. |
[030v] Diser gros kolb hört zü dem schilt du solt den schilt in der lingken hand füren und den kolben in der rechten hand und mit inen baiden vehten stechen und schlachen | |
[41] This is a pole-sling for throwing stones and is a cunning armament; with this weapon David overwhelmed Goliath; it is useful at forts or afield. |
[031r] Diß ist ain schling da mit man stain würfft und ist ain künelich gewer mit diser wer über wand dauid golyaun und ist ring uff vestinen und uff dem velde ~ | |
[42] This bath portrayed is a sauna which is near a hole-in-the-ice; the oven is outside. And this bath is good for treating many hand-maladies, especially jittery limbs / joints and for the flow of "golden arteries". While resting therein, you shall take these herbs — mugwort, wormwood, valerian, bertram, einkorn, bennet, heather, agrimony, sorrel — chop them to pieces and extract them well with sweet water; pack them in the pot / basket underneath the bath wherefrom steaming water arises through the grating. When one then swishes or sweats in the bath, so shall one take the herbs out of the pot / basket and rub and wash oneself therewith — so may one invigorate. It is beneficial every month, especially for those dog-days. |
[031v] Diß bad ist beschriben wo ßaheno den obrosten auzat und ist guot für mange hand gebresten besunder für dz zittren der gelider und für den gebresten deß flusseß der guldin ader du solt nemen dise krütt - bugg werwmuot. baldrion bertram Eindorn benedict // heid agrimonie ßarwe und gewinne die by schönem wetter wesche eß wol und schnid sy ze stucken und leg die in den hafen under dem bad dz der tampff durch dz tor in gaunge wenn man denn dar inne geschwizet so sol man die krütt uß dem hafe nemen und sich da mit riben und weschen so mann iemer haissen mag Es ist all monat nütze ou in den hundtagen | |
[43] This is another sling and it is useful to wield at forts or upon mountains. |
[032r] Diß ist ain schling ist nütz zeweld uff vestinen und uf bergen ~ | |
[44] This is a kitchen with a chimney, where the smoke vents quickly away to all the winds, via the chute turned by the weather-vane. Take some egg-whites that you separated from the yolks; and pour those whites through a funnel into a hollowed-out rutabaga; thereafter beat the yolks well together. Unify the whites in that relocking rutabaga; thereafter beat the yolks therein; and boil it until it becomes hard. Then that is a great "egg", of which many may eat. |
[032v] Diß ist ain kuchi mit ainem kemi da der rouch in allen winden schnellerlig en weg flühet nim claur von eyern und tuo eß von den tottern und güß dz clar durch ain wachte in ein blater dar nauch klopff die tüttern wol durch aun andern uber sind dz clar in der beschlosse blatter dar nauch güß die tuttern dar in und süd eß hert werde dz ist denn ain groß ey dar ali vil essen mügent ~ | |
[45] You will carry this secret formula: kernels of gold, silver or precious stone; take linen and make a husk thereof and lay the kernels therein; thereafter, take lime and salt and mix egg-whites and then overcoat the husk; when that solidifies to become harder than stone, then make a bread of two parts and hollow out and lay this stone therein and reassemble it, or make instead a little shell of a block of wood, bore a plug therein, saw it out of the block of wood, hollow it out, stuff the stuffing therein and plug the shell. |
[033r] wiltu verborgen tragen brieff kerlin gold silber oder edel gestain nim leyn und mach ain holding dar uß und leg eß dar in dar nauch nim kalch und saltz und tepers dz mit ayerclar überzüch eß da mit wenn daß erdrucknet so wird eß herter dar ain stain ouch machtu ain brot en zwai tailen und hülen und dar in legid und wider tzesemen machtu oder ain hülzin holtz klotz boren und ain zapffen dar in drengen und absegen dz der zapff und der klotz ain holtzens sie | |
An herb called darnel;[3] some name it ninilol; it grows readily in the spots where man has burnt charcoal / coal; brew the root in wine until the wine has brewed down into a quarter-mass; and then that mixed with more wine, that brings the strongest sleep for any man who may make that. Whoever thus does ready such a cider into a fully brewed wine and imbibes or consumes it, thus becomes drunken with a most exquisitely and strikingly strong sleep. Whoever drinks that, he falls asleep because all of its efficacy and potency. And therewith someone makes a great many folk lay down. And wit you that this is a secret matter. |
Ain krutt haisset lolin ettlich nenent eß ninilol dz wachset gern an den stetten da man kol brenett gebrent hautt wer der wurtzel südet in win bis der win das vierdtail in gesüdet und denn dz mit anderm win müschet dz bringt den aller sterckisten schlauff den man yenen gemachen mag und wer eß sich da mit verainet und vermist so wird eß alß ain über treffenlichen starck schloff getranck wer des trincket der kumet von schlauffen wege von aller kraft und wer. und man mächt da mit nider legen ain groß volk und wiß dz diß ain haimlich sach ist | |
[46] This is a windlass made of twofold pairs of wheels which thus work methodically, such that the parts lock together with ropes and posts / spindles, so you draw yourself through space and so this elevator goes upward and downward and wherever again. |
[033v] Diß ist ain haspel gemachet von zwifaltigen redern und also geordnet dz ain tail sich dem sich sail zu dem andrern schlüsset so du zuo der ainen siten zügest so gaut eß über sich zuo der andern siten wider under sich ~ | |
[47] This is a footbridge viewed from overhead that slides forth by its iron side-ropes and pulled by the middle rope it goes back again; this is a clever rig; the ropes shunt beneath and within, thus it arrives. |
[034r] Diß ist ain louffende brugge die sich fur schübet mit den ysern sailen und mit dem mitel sail gaut sy wider hinder sich und ist ain klügen züg und sail die sail undenan und innan also angelaind | |
[48] This wheeled gun-shelter is made of woodwork and goes up and down, for when the stones shoot thereout. Thus it goes out, and when the screen goes down, then may the shafts and shot wreak havoc, which are behind the screen. |
[034v] Diser büchsen schirm machet sich son holtz werck und gaut uff und nider wan schüsset den stain her ob so eß uf gaut und wenn eß nider gaut so mag dem dchain geschoss schaden der hinder dem schirm ist ~ | |
[49] This ship runs quickly through / against water — thus briskly as a horse — at speedy pace. It should have two paddle-wheels as sort of portrayed here. |
[035r] Diß schiff loufet schnelle-klich wider wasser also geschwind alß ain pfärt mit schl schnellem louff Es sol zway reder haben alß hie geformirt statt ~ | |
[50] Mark where the Sun gleams upon the gold or polishment of the harness and goes thereafter. So shall a manly fighter advance the shield and overcome his foe with the Sun's help. The Sun glints in the gilding, or shines in the mirroring, of the pretty plate-armor, which thus sends rays thereout and into the foe's eyes. Left-man wards in SS-2 and right-man wards in SS-4. |
[035v] Merck wo die sunn dem gold oder liechten glantze harnasch nach gaut so sol der schilt vor gan also über windet ain manlicher vechter sinen veyent mit der sunnen hilff der sunnen glantz un dem gold oder in dem liechten schöne | harnasch sendet gemist dar uß in der veyent ougen ~ | |
[51] This weaponised ravens-head shears with ears to either side; it goes upon two wheels; and with the beak and tongue it spears and kills; and is warlord of strife. Inside it should be wooden and outside strongly sheathed with iron, such that it may never be hewn asunder, with hammers nor yet axes. The King bores out fords in these battle-lines and therewith smites low many of his foes. |
[036r] Diß gewapnet houpt schnidet mit den oren zuo ettwedren siten es gaut uff zwain redern und mit der zungen und dem horn sticht eß und töttet und ist vechther in stritte Eß sol in wendig hültzin sin und uswendig starck mit ysen beschlagen dz eß niemal mit hamern noch mit axen zerhowen müge der künig porrus fürte disen schirm und leite vil siner veyent damit nider ~ | |
[52] A wise man should strike because he may strongly strike. Order firstly one battering-wagon, after that another, that makes two, yet another thereafter is three, thereafter four, however more and so forth. Next, put them in lines such that you be all the result (?) of the might of lordly forces (?); deal these among the horsemen and among the footmen, thus you deal all your tactical spearhead this array. Breaching thusly, you move into the foreign territory. |
[036v] Ain wiser stritte sol sin wegen in starcken stritt also ordne deß ersten ain wagen nauch dem anderen der nauch zwen nebet ain ander dar nauch drey dar nauch vier ye merye me nach der linien untz dz du sy alle erfollest mach des hereß craft dar in tail dz roß volk und ouch dz füsfolk also tailest du alle spiß dise ordnung bruch so du ziehest in die frömde | |
[53] This "spur" is driven by six horses and is formed half of iron and half of sticks; it is broken apart in the foreign territory and takes many a certainty / much aplomb when it forces the man to hold fast. Framing around harnessed horses. |
[037r] Diser sporn zwingt sechs pfert und sind die formen daran halb ysin und halb stechlin eß ist zebruche in der frömde und nemet man/ch ain sicherhait wen eß zwinget den manvest ze finde ~ | |
[54] One shall make two wagons of this form as viewed from below; from there, within the wagons, folk combat those outside, they fight with the guns and the lances; the lorication is all-around them. If you come to water, then set the two wagons one after the other such that only half the train be in the water while fording. Either wagon should have six wheels supporting its bulk; and driving these are the horses equaling half the wagon's length, while also the first pair of wheels equal two ells length; and so they be secure. And so are laid out all the things beneath, the poles which are thereunder and inboard, protected from whatever happens; and likewise upon the boarding of the sides hangs shelter for the unarmored horses. It should go with one horse after the other; and to either side is one pair enough; and those are linked with twofold chains. An early light tank. |
[037v] man sol machen zwen wägen uf dise form da inmitten uff gewäpnet lute strittet die wägen die vechtet die buchsen die letzent und die beschlagenen tromen Ist dz zuo wasser kumest so setze die zwen wegen nach ain ander so stand wasser halb sicher / jeder wagen sol sechs reder nauch siner grossi haben und under halb wagen lang sin die pfärt sond näch den zwain ersten redern uf zwo eln gon so sint si sicher und legent alle ding nid sie stangen die da under inen sint die behüttent sy vor vallen und die brett die dazuo den siten hanget beschirment die ungewaupneten pfärd Es sol ain pfart nauch dem andern gon und zuo yetwedrer siten ist ain an zwaine gnuog und sind mit zwifaltigen ketten zesamen geheft sin | |
[55] This rig is called a "crayfish" and is wrought from iron and goes hin and yon. It conducts itself upon four speeding wheels. It shears front and behind. There are twofold sickles of long iron to either side at the axles of the wheels. It has four eyes. If one kindles its munitions then it shoots stones before it, steel buckshot as a hail, wherewith one smites low the foes. One may make this rig either big or small, as one will deem. |
[038r] Diser züg haisset ain krebs und ist geschmidet von ysen und gaut hinder sich für sich aß an fürt eß uf vier schnellen redern Es schnidet vornan und hindan Es sind zwifalt sicheln von langen ysen zuo yetwedrer siten an den achsen der schiben sin Es haut vier ougen wenn man die anzündet so schüsset eß stain da vor geschrottene stahelstuck alß ain hagel da mit man die veyent niderleit den züg mag man machen groß oder clain alß mann deme will. | |
[56] This war-cart shreds the ankles of an armed host and mangles unarmored folk by its movements. It has beams in back and in front slender sharp iron routers, like unto sickles; and one directs it upon two wheels. |
[038v] Diser strittkarr der schrott gewäpnet lüt schenkel ungewaupnet volk vellet eß mit rüren Es haut hindenan braite und vornan schmale ysen scharpff gefilet alß ain sichel und man fürt eß uff zwain redern ~ | |
[57] This shelter goes with guns; and is built of woodwork; and should have two small wheels in front and two big wheels in back, so the better it goes over mountains; it should have two short irons one ell long, fore and aft; this is snazzy on mountains and up steps / terracing; and also to haul off / dig out, whereunder the irons thus lengthen all the way with lengthy ropes running behind. |
[039r] Diser schirm gehört zuo büchsen und ist gezimert von holtzwerck und sol vornan zway claine reder haben und hinden zwäy grossy und dz eß dester hohlicher über berg gang eß sol haben zway kurze ysen ainer eln lang da hindan und vornan diß ist maz an bergen und ze stigen und ouch under ab ze ziechen dz ysen so lang aluegen mit langen sailen hinder sich ziechen ~ | |
[58] This is a long "sand-adder". One shall put it to a battlement with the strong hooks / claws at the front. Masonry it may break and then the folk storm. And the adder, which be at the masonry, may tract and retract. Something be pouring over, when the ropes draw criss-crossingly over the discs. |
[039v] Diß ist ain grine lange nater vornan mit starcken haugken die sol man legen zuo aine wand an muren Es muget bruchen die lüte Sturmen und atter die in den muren muget in inhin zichen waz sy begüssent wenn si die sail kressterlich ziehent ~ | |
[59] This bridge serves in two ways: It conducts itself over land upon four wheels and swims in the water as well. I, Kyeser / Talhoffer, have seen this before. This bridge is a good wagon and is sound and lucky upon the water. |
[040r] Dise bruggk dienet in zwen weg Si füret sich über land uff vier redern und schwimet in dem wasser tuo alß ich vor geseit hab dise brugg ist ain guott wagen und vest und gelücklich uff dem wasser | |
[60] This is another "scaling-hooker" that conducts itself upon four wheels, such that the upper hooks grapple the battlement and one climbs towers and walls assuredly therewith. |
[040v] Diß ist ain ander stighaugk der fürt sich uff vier redern biß dz der oberhaugk die mur begrift und stiget man sicher da mit türn und muren ~ | |
[61] Thus conveys water from a lofty cistern and up again to a tank. In the middle of the piping should be a chamber that lets and holds the water. Thus a large-scale yet simple syphoning system. |
[041r] Alß fürt wasser von ainer sitten obnan ab und zuo der andern sitten wider uff Inmitten inne sol sin ain stube die dz wasser usenthaltett ~ | |
[62] Wild horses should one laden with dry wood, wherein be brimstone and downy fluff and resin; the saddle shall be coated with egg-whites; kindle that, drive forth the horses among the foe; thus bite and strike and burn the foe. |
[041v] Wilde pfärd sol man laden mit dürrem holtz dar in schwebel und bech und hartz si der sattel so geschmiere sin mit ayne claur zünd dz an trib die pfärt under die vyent so bissent und schlachent und brennent die vyent | |
[63] A real "fire-bolt" should be as such and well-be: Therein the shaft it is hollow and one fills it with gunpowder; and the bodkin that surrounds it is also filled with gunpowder. Kindle it behind and shoot it timely, as the fire burns that and at last the shaft a little; and where the shaft pierces, there someone suffers badly. Another fire-bolt — take gunpowder, brimstone and oakum; soak those with oil; bind it around as a spool; then kindle it and shoot therewith. |
[042r] Ein recht fürpfil sol so ainen sin wel sin und dur in hol dz sol man füllen mit pulver und ain secklin dar über ziehent dz ouch mit pulver gefüllet sy zindz hindan an und schüß in bald so brent dz für und letzt den schaft wenig und wo der schaft beheftet da schadet er gröslich / ain ander für pfil nim pulver schwebel und werch tycus mit öl binde obnan alß ain spiel zünd aß an und schüß da mit | |
With a big auger bore a hole in a tree; and with a little auger bore a small hole upon the other side; and fill that big hole with gunpowder and seal it well-tight with a clod; kindle it at the small hole and flee directly therefrom. The tree bursts asunder and makes a great uproar. |
Mit aine grossen näper bor ain loch in aine bom und mit ainem clainen näpper ain klain loch uf die ander siten und fülle dz groß loch mit pulver und verschlies eß vast wol mit ainem clotz zünd eß zuo dem claine loch an und flüch bald da von dz bom springt von ain ander und machet ain groß tumultus | |
[64] This rig is made of dumb (?) guns and shoots the one after the other. Thus a manifold-mortar that elevates and repeats / revolves. |
[042v] Diser züg ist gemacht zuo drei buchsen und schüsset ye aine nauch der andern ~ | |
[65] Another mainfold-mortar: Take the best of all gunpowder and pack it into these grenades / bombs (fire-pots / fire-kegs); kindle them and launch them; from them comes great harm, when the fire blasts them apart and burns fiercely. |
[043r] nim deß aller besten pulverß und leg eß an diß kugeln zünd sy an und wirff sie da von kumet grosser schad wann dz für zerbricht sy und brenet gar hart ~ | |
[66] This rig relates to underwater: The head, including the lips, is covered with leather and well-riveted; and the inset goggles are made of glass and well-sealed / secured, with resin and with pitch; above and before the mouth should be a "diving-swan", thereunder two, so thereout and thereby you draw in breath and let it out again. Thus you may go and see under the water. Wetsuit & air-bag for a "frogman". |
[043v] Diser züg höret under dz wasser: dz huopt und den lip sond verdecket sin mit leder und wol verneit, und die ougen von glesern dar in gemachet, und mit hartz und mit bech wol versichert. obnan vor dem mund sol sin ain badschwam dar under zwen, dar uß du den autem vahest und wider uß laussest. also machtu gan und sehen under dem wasser. | |
[67] Materially similar is this rig — except that the head is covered with a hard helm, though the goggles thereunder are made as before. Be it that the water runs strongly, then you should burden yourself with weights, or bind a tether to a tree or to a stump, so that you may submerge and emerge again too. Wetsuit, mask, snorkel and helmet for underwater deep-diving. |
[044r] Zeglicher wiß ist diser züg, uß genomen dz dz hopt verdecket ist mit ainem schweren halm und ouch die ougen dar under vermachet alß vor. Ist dz daß wasser starck rinnet, so soltu dich beschweren mit gewicht oder ain sail binden an aine bom oder an ainen stok, daß du dar an heruß mugest komen. | |
[68] Loliol is also named libol, ninilol or darnel; take its seeds brewed in wine and then mixed into other wine; and whomever you get to drink that, he "dies" / sleeps and awakens in eight-days-nights. Take out the eye-grit of crayfish and a fig and mix that with whatever you will — that makes deep sleep. Take valerian, steep it overnight in wine — whomever you get to drink that, he sleeps until someone wakes him. Take the seeds of "wall-titan" / houseleek (?) and to whomever you give this in a drink, it "grabs him by the hair". Remedy for the aforedescribed trick — strong vinegar poured into the nostrils. Whether one will ride overland or do guard-duty and so sleep burdens, then to counteract that he takes grains of strepico and chews it in the mouth and so he shakes off the sleep. |
[044v] Loliol ist genant libol samen in win gesotten und der win in andern gemischet wem du den ze trincken gist der entschlaffet und entwachet in achtagen nit. nim us den ?ougen grautt der kreps die ?dige, mische eß wa it du wilt ds machet gröslich schlaffen. nim baldrion leg den übernacht in win, wem du den zetrinken gist der entschlauffet bis man in wecket. nim den somen von ?muntaten, wem du dz in trank gibest der begriffet den andern bi den har. remedia für die vogeschribne stuck ist starcker essich in die naslöcher gegossen. welher über land ritten wil oder zuo ainem wachter genomen wird und in der schlauff beschwärt, der neme körner von ?stresies und lüwe eß in den mund so hört der schloff uff ~ | |
[69] A skin-diver breathes while underwater by means of a snorkel and syphon-flask rig. |
[045r] [No text] | |
[70] Take "copper-slag" / chalcocite and make thereof a nimbly hollowed ball. Thereafter, take one part quicklime and one-half part galbanum and mix the galbanum with the lime. Thereafter, take snail-gall (?), of similar weight and put that into the galbanum and lime. Thereafter, take chanterelle, as you will snip off the "heads" and the "wings" into the mix and stuff that along with similar weight of quicksilver into an earthenware flask and bury it in muck for forty days and inter that undisturbed in the muck until the fortieth day. Thus it becomes as gold. Then take the ball and coat it with that first part of the mixture and let it dry; and when it becomes dry then coat it with the second part of the mixture and kindle it — for it becomes a torch which extinguishes not. However if you would extinguish it — then take a bit of an "owling", soak that in vinegar for three days, and sink the ball into that liquid. |
[045v] nim kupffer schlag und mach dar uß ain kugel in wendig hol. darnach nim ungelöschten kalch ain tail, galbani ain halb tail müsch dz galbanin mit dem kalch dar nauch nim schnegken gallen in glichem gewicht und leg dz galbanin dar in dar nach nim Cantarideß alß du wild schnid in die höpter und die flügel ab und stoß die mit glichem gewicht kecksilberß tuo eß in ain kolben vergrab eß in ainem mist vierzig tag und ender dz in dem mist ye an dem .v. tag so wirt eß alß gold den nim die kugel und bestrich si mit dem ersten stuck und laß es trucknen und wenn eß trucke wirt so bestrich si mit dem anderen ding zünd si an so erlöschet si nit wilt du si ab- löschen so nim ain stuck von ainem küsling waich dach in essich drü tag und versenck und versenck die kugel mit Im | |
[71] I am called Philomenus — and I am made of bronze / brass or of copper. I "give no heat" — thus I am empty. When I become filled with turpentine or with brandy-wine. And if one puts my lips to the fire, then I become hot. Thus I spit fire, pouring it forth and therewith one may kindle each and every candle. |
[046r] Ich haiß philomenus und bin gemachet von er oder von kupffer Ich gib kain hitz so ich ler bin wenn ich aber gefüllet wird mit Terebinte oder mit gebrantem win und man min lip zuo dem für tuot dz ich haiß wird so wirf ich für in gneist und da mit man ainer ieglich kerzen an zünden mag ~ | |
[72] These are "snow-hoops" / snow-shoes that one should make in this form; and thatch straw on top of these; and if the feet become "knitted together", thus stiffened from cold, then you may make these materially similar yet also with long straw bundled together under the feet. |
[046v] Dis sint schne raiff die sol man in dise form machen und stro dar uff decken und ob den füssen zersamen stricken zeglicher wiß machstu dz machen mit langem stro under den füssen zesamen gebunden ~ | |
[73] You may warm a princely palace with these savory-scented ingredients: Take many crucibles that hold fire. Make a fire under those with thick wood and charcoal; and into those crucibles put amber, musk, saffron, camphor, myrrh, old olive-wood, mastic, holy incense and two kinds of sandal-wood; put choicest holy incense therein or another savory-scented thing instead. Thus steep those mincings overnight in wine, and so by morning all be split apart; and then put the mincings generously in each crucible and pour the wine thereupon and when then these ingredients become hot, so it becomes sweet-smelling. Palatial heated potpourri-censer altar. |
[047r] Ainß fürsten palast machtu werme mit disen wol schmöckenden stucken: nim vil tigel die für enhaltidt, mache von dickem holtz und kolen ain für dar under, tuo dar in ambram, muschus, saffran, gampher, mirren, alteß olibanum, mastick, wirouch und zwayerlay sandel. Tuo user- lesen wirouch dar zuo oder andre wolschmeckende ding. Item leg negely uber nacht in win ?vermorneß so zerklüb sy alle, tuo die nägeli dick in ainen tigel und güß deß wines ein wenig dar an. wenne denn dise stuck haiß werdent so wirt eß wol riechen. | |
[74] This tool-kit helps lords gain entry: One hafted-saw, one "whip-fist", one knapper, one skeleton-key / lock-pick, one punch, one smiths-iron, one shears and one jimmy. These are needful things. |
[047v] Diser gesamneten gezüg ist guot in raisen für die herren: ain ?heftsag geisfüss, ain näber, ain dietrich, ain pfriem, ain schnit ysen, ain scharschach; die stuck sind notdürftig. | |
[75] Tools for undetermined purpose. |
[048r] [No text] | |
[76] Bundle of hollow casings wrapped with fusing apparently — perhaps for incendiaries or explosives? |
[048v] [No text] |
References
- ↑ Two triangular patches are at bottom of page.
- ↑ Reference to the Battle of Nicopolis (1396), where Kyeser was personally present.
- ↑ Lolch (Lolium), more precisely the so-called "Taumel-Lolch" (L. temulentum), is meant because the plant was often contaminated with a relative of the ergot, which could cause severe symptoms of intoxication.