Part 5

As for the word _Carocol_, it signifies no more when you Wheel by it, than that it is made by the depth of the Flank of the Squadron, by which Order not the Files, but the Ranks make the Motion.

There is an other Word which some may not well understand at the first setting out, which is called _Controversion_; and this in Wheeling is performed by the Front of the Squadron, so that whilst the Rank makes the Motion, the File remains.

_Instructions for Wheeling, with the proper words of Command._

When the Word is given, _viz._ _To the Right by Conversion_, understand that you must close your Right-leg to the Horse, your Knee touching that of your Right-hand-mans, and in like manner observe in the Word of Command to the Left; as when it is said, _Close to the Left_, then must the Leg be Closed.

By half Ranks and Conversion, divide the Squadron into two _Troops_.

If you would reduce the Squadron, the Word of Command is.

_By Controversion_: The Squadron into one Troop, else the Left-wing advance by Conversion.

When you Wheel by Carocol, observe the Word of Command as follows,

_The Right-wing to the Left by Carocol, Face about to the Rear_: Or it may be done by half Ranks in this manner,

By Quarter Ranks, and by Carocol, divide the Squadron into three Troops.

Then if you would reduce them, order Quarter Ranks and Troops into Squadrons.

If the Volt, Face or facing about be required, observe thus,

_Face about to the Right: Face to the Right by Controversion; Face about by Carocol to the Right: Face about to the Left by half Files: Face about to the Right and Left._

And thus much may serve for Wheeling.

_The manner of Filing off._

In this case observe, To File by Ranks on the Right-wing, from the Squadron,

_File off by Ranks, on the Left-Wing, from the Squadron on the Right_,

_File off by three Files from the Squadron, the Left-Wing_: And this is found the most Expedient way, though some have used to File off by Ranks.

_In_ Hay, _what Order is to be considered in drawing up._

Do this, by half Ranks to the Right: _To the Right and Left drawing in_ Hay: _To the Front_. And if it requires to be reduced again, then proceed by Carocol, _viz._

_To the Right and Left as you were._

_By half Ranks, and by Carocol to the Right and Left._

Then draw up in _Hay_ to the Rear.

In Reduction the Command is;

_To the Front as you were._

_By half Ranks to the Right and Left, and draw up in_ Hay.

Reduction by Carocol.

_To the Right draw up in_ Hay.

Reduction by Carocol.

_To the Left as you were._

_Of doublings._

Doublings are very useful, especially in strengthening any Party, that needs Succour in the Battle; and is to be noted under these general Heads.

1. Doubling of length, Front and Rear. 2. Doubling of Depth, both Flanks.

But in the particular, they are numbered six, that is to say, first of Ranks, when every Rank doubles into the odd, and if it so fall out, that the odd Ranks are to double, then must the Body Face to the Rear, without any Word of Command expected.

3. Half Files. 4. Bringers up. Here they are held to double when the Rear is doubled into the Front. 5. In doubling the Rear observe it done, when the half Files double the Rear. 6. Here take notice that doubling of half Ranks must be by one Rank doubling the other.

_The Noble Science of Defence, in all its Useful Particulars, for Defending and Offending, with the Rapier or final Sword; after the exactest Method now in Use._

This Science, if well understood, as to the fining and using it, is not only a noble Exercise, but of great importance to the saving our lives on emergent Occasions, if it extend not to Vain-glory and Presumption, by too much relying on our Skill, to carry us into quarrels, which we may reasonably, and without loss of Honour or Reputation avoid. Wherefore I have thought it convenient to lay down such Rules as may enable the learner to proceed in the Practice.

The first thing to be considered in this Case, is, the Sword it self, understanding only in this the small Sword or Rapier, which is divided into two Parts, _viz._ The Hilt and the Blade.

The Hilt is again divided into three Parts, _viz._ the Pommel or Ball at the far end, sometimes Round and sometimes Oval in Shape. This keeps the Hilt fast, by being well riveted, and by its poise makes the Sword well mounted, or light before the Hand. The next is that part on which you grasp your Hand, commonly called the Handle: and then the Shell, which is that part of the Hilt next the Blade, to preserve your Hand (if you are any thing weary in managing it) from a Thrust or Blow.

The Blade is divided into two Parts only. The first next to the Hilt, being termed the strong Part or Fort. The other, which is the extream, is termed the Feeble, or they are otherways termed the Prime, and the Second. The strong Fort or Prime of the Blade, is measured from the Shell to the middle of the Blade, and being the strongest, is made use of in Parying, or to put by Thrusts or Blows. The Feeble, weak or second part, is accounted from the Middle to the Point, and is properly made use of in Offending or giving Thrusts or Blows; and thus much may serve for the Description of the Sword: Now I proceed to the Explanation of the Terms, fit to be known by a Practitioner.

_A Guard._

This is a proper Posture you must place your self in, for the better defending your self from the Thrusts or Blows of those you Fence with, or defend your self from.

_To Parie._

Observe that this is to put by a Blow or Thrust, that it may not touch you, but be cast off without hurt or danger.

_Quart._

Here you must hold the Nails of your Sword-hand upwards, with a steady Arm; and then it is said to be held in quart.

_Terce._

This is the contrary to the former, for the Nails of your Hand must be held downwards; and then the Sword is held in _Terce_.

_Within the Sword._

This is that part of your Body, (which having your Right-side towards your Adversary) is between your Sword and Left-breast.

_Within the Sword._

This is the part of the Body, that (when you hold your Sword towards your Left-side) is above it the breadth of your Body.

_The Approach or Advance._

This is done, when being out of your Adversaries reach, or at a pretty distance from him; you make your Approach or Advance towards him.

_To Retire or Retreat._

This is when you are within your Adversaries reach, that you get put of it by stepping or Jumping backwards; which you must observe to do on a strait Line.

_Measure._

This is only a distance between you and your Adversary, which must be cautiously and exactly observed when he is Thrusting at you; so that you may be without his measure or reach, and that taking the Advantage of this, it may be so, that when you Thrust your Thrusts may be home.

_To break Measure._

Observe here, just as your Adversary is Thrusting at you, at his full Elonge, he may come short of you, because you are, or escape out of his Measure, or reach, and so break his Measure, of which I shall say somewhat more hereafter.

_To Elonge._

This is to Streach forward your Right Arm and Leg, and keep a close Left-foot; and this you do when you give in a Thrust, and when you do it, you are said to make an Elonge.

_Respost._

This is when you give in a Thrust before you recover your Body, receiving a Thrust after your Adversary hath Paried your Sword. Then is it said to be a Thrust on the Respost or back of the Parade, which is the surest and safest you can give.

_Feinting or Falsifying._

This is a dodging or deceiving your Adversary, making him believe you give back in earnest, and make an offer to Thrust in one place when you really design to do it in another.

_Beating._

This is no other than striking the Feeble of your Adversaries Sword with the Edg and Fort of yours, either with your Right-hand only, or the help of your Left, joyned to the Blade, about a foot from the Hilt; and so you will cause the Beat to have the greater Spring or Force.

_Battery._

The difference from Beating in this, is only Striking with the Edg of the Feeble, upon the Edg of the Feeble of your Adversaries Sword, though Beating secures his Sword a great deal better than Battery.

_Binding._

This method is taken to secure your Adversaries Sword, with eight or ten Inches of yours upon five or six Inches of his.

_Caveating or Disengaging._

Here you must, if you can, flip your Adversaries Sword, when you perceive him about to bind or secure yours.

_To take Time._

In taking Time, you must observe never to Thrust, but when you see a fair Opportunity, or otherwise it is the Thrusting at your Adversary when he is making the Feint, or the flipping of him, when you perceive him about to Bind or Bear your Sword.

_Counter Temps._

This is when you Thrust without a good Opportunity, or when you Thrust, at the same time your Adversary do's the like.

_Quarting on the Strait Line._

This is done by carrying your Head and Shoulders very much back from your Adversaries Sword, and are giving in a Thrust within it, and that each of you at that time receive a Thrust.

_Quarting of the strait Line, called de Quarting._

Here you must Observe to throw in your Left-foot, and Body backwards off the strait Line, towards your Adversary, keeping your Right-foot firm.

_Volting._

This is a leaping by your Adversaries Left-side quite out of his reach or measure, which on many emergent occasions is very proper.

These Terms a Practitioner must be knowing in before he proceeds to the other Lessons, or Adventures on sharp, especially in earnest; from whence I proceed to the next thing materially to be considered, which is the

_Holding of the Sword._

In doing this according to Art, and to the most advantage, Hold your Thumb on the broad side of the Handle, and your Fingers quite round it; hold it in this manner firm and fair; so that your Adversary, with the least sudden beat or twist, may not force it out of your hand, which the hazard in holding it loosely may occasion to your damage.

_Of keeping a Guard._

The Guards are in general but two; The one in _Quart_ and the other in _Terce_; but again the _Quart_ Guard is subdivided into two, _viz._ The _Quart_ with the strait Point, and the _Quart_ with the Point sloaping near to the Ground.

The _Terce_ is so likewise divided, that is, the _Terce_ with the Point higher than the Hilt, and the _Terce_ with the Point lower than the Hilt. There is yet another Guard, that requires you to hold your Sword with both your Hands; and of these in their order.

_Of the Quart Guard, with the strait Point._

You have two ways with this Guard to defend your self, either by Parying or using Contraries to what your Adversary plays, as I shall more fully shew you when I come to discourse of the five Parades; however here observe in the strait Guard, which is most in use, to keep a thin Body, which is done by shewing your Right-side to your Adversary, managing your feet in a strait Line from him; so that for your Right he cannot see your Left-leg, yet set them not too wide, for that will make your Elong the shorter; nor too close, for that will hinder the firmness of standing; and let the Point of your Right foot be turned somewhat outwards from the strait Line, but the broad side of your Left must look towards your Adversary. You are also to sink with your Thighs your Left-knee, a little more bent than your Right, which may be done by your leaning somewhat back on your Left-thigh; when you present your Sword, you must hold it with your Nails upwards, as has been directed in _Quart_. The Hilt of your Sword must be as High as your Right-pap, keeping your Arm a little bent, for the better and easier pursuing your Adversary; or for the quicker giving in a Thrust: The Point must be towards your Adversaries Right-side, two or three Inches lower than the Hilt, your Left-hand held up as high as your Left-ear, about half a Foot from it, the Palm directly against your Adversaries Face, your Fingers pointing as it were towards him.

_The Quart-guard, with the sloping Point._

In this Guard you must stand much straiter than in the former, the Point of your Sword sloping within half a Foot of the Ground, your Hilt as low as your Wast, your Arm bended, and the Nails of your Sword-hand between _Terce_ and _Quart_; Here you are also to make use of your Left-hand, and therefore the more readily to do it, you must advance your Left Shoulder almost as far forward as your Right, keeping your Belly in as much as may be, so that it stand well, and your Breast out, your Left-hand as high as the side of your Head, though about half a Foot from it. This is a very open Guard, yet to those that know not how to pursue it, it is much Surprizing. And you may pursue this;

First, by raising up or gathering your Adversaries Sword.

Secondly, by striking at his Sword, and making half Thrusts at the Body, by which he will be doubtful when you intend to give in your Thrust, and finding an Opportunity give it home; and ever when you persue this Guard, let your Left-hand be in a readiness to Parie your Opponents Thrust, if he Thrust just as you are Thrusting, which is the main defence on this Guard.

Thirdly you may give a stroak at his Left-hand; after you give a beat at his sword, and see if by so doing, you can force him to betake himself to another Guard.

Fourthly, You may Volt, and in your so doing, give him the Thrust, which being clearly done, will mainly surprize him.

_The-Terce-guard, with the Point higher than the Hilt._

In this you must hold the Nails of your Sword-hand downwards, as in Terce, and your Hand lower than in the Quart-Guard, with a strait Point, presenting the Point of your Sword towards your Adversaries Left-shoulder; if he be a tall Man; but if Short, then to his Left-eye, keeping your Arm somewhat bent, for the better persuing: Lean therefore a little forward with your Body, and make use of your Left-hand for a Parade, holding it somewhat lower than in the former Guard. The rest of your Body being kept, as in the Quart-Guard, with the strait Point.

This Guard may be pursued either with Striking, Binding, Volting, or Passing, for a Feint on this Guard will signifie little or nothing if your Adversary understand it; for as in no Guard, he is to answer Feints, least of all in this, the Right defence being to secure your self without your Sword, which is done by presenting your Sword to the Left-shoulder of your Adversary, or as said, his Eye, so that your Body be quite covered without your Sword.

_The Terce-Guard, with the Point lower than the Hilt._

Here you must in this bow your Head, holding up your Arm high, so that if you come to give a Thrust, your Head may be, as it were, under it, your Nails being in Quart till you make your Thrust, and then change them into Terce; your Feet must be kept at their due distance, and not as at a full Elong; your Sword must be presented towards your Adversaries Left-side, and you must make use of your Left-hand for the Parade, and it is to be pursued and defended, as the forgoing Terce-Guard, only in defending it, you must not make so much use of your Left-hand, but more of your Sword.

_The Guard of Both Hands._

This is a Guard, that I find not any proper Name for, though it is sometimes used as very necessary, how ever, as to the holding your Sword in this Guard, keep your Body exactly in the Posture of the Quart-Guard with the strait Point; but joyn your Left-hand to your Sword, about eight or ten Inches from the Hilt, the Blade being held between your formost Finger and Thumb, secure your self within your Sword, as soon as you present it, _viz._ Present the Point towards your Adversaries Right-thigh, with your Point sloping towards the Ground a little; for to pursue this Guard, you must endeavour to take away your Adversaries Left-hand by striking at it, and immediately after the stroak, proffer a Thrust at his Body, that he may be doubtful when you really intend to give in your Thrust; and indeed the pursuit is much like that of the Quart-Guard, with the sloping Point, and thus much for the Five sorts of Guards.

_Of the several Parades._

The Parades are generally Two, but are sub-divided as the Guard, and those two are the Parade in Quart, and the Parade in Terce, which are as is said, divided again into the Parade in Quart, with the Point a little higher than the Hilt. The Parade in Quart, with the Point sloping towards your Adversaries Right-thigh, and as though without it.

2. The Parade in Terce, with the Point a little higher than the Hilt, and the Parade in Terce, with the Point sloping towards your Adversaries Thigh on the Left-side.

There is yet an other Parade of some use, and used by many Fencing Masters, which may be properly termed Counter-Caveating Parade; by reason what ever Lesson your Adversary makes use of, or upon what side so ever he Thrusts, if you make use of this Parade, as you ought, you will undoubtedly meet with his Sword, and the easier cross his purpose, than by any of the former; and of these I shall give proper Directions,

1. The Quart Parade, or the Parade within the Sword, is so called, because in putting by the Thrust, you do it on the inside your Sword, or on that side the Nails of your Hand are next.

2. The next is called the Terce Parade, or the Parade without the Sword; for here, contrary to the former, you put by the Thrust upon that side which is without the Sword, and as the other is termed the Quart, for as much as it is within your Sword, or on that side your Nails look to; so this is called Terce because it is without your Sword, or on that side the back of your Hand is to. Observe a little more, _viz._ when you are to hold your Hand or Nails in Terce, that you hold your Nails quite downward; And now to Parie these Five several ways.

You must do the first Parade in Quart, with the Point somewhat higher than the Hilt, _viz._ When you are standing to your Guard, if your Adversary offers to give a home Thrust on that side his Sword lieth, which I presume to be within your Sword, without disengaging and is the Simplest and plainest Thrust that can be given with the small Sword; yet frequently it surprizes a Man, I say, when so it is, that when you perceive your Adversary offer to give a home Thrust, which observe by keeping your Eye steady on the Hilt of his Sword; you must then immediately turn your Wrist with so small a Motion of the Arm, that it can scarcely be perceived, to your left-side; and by that means you may put by his Sword, with the Fort of yours upon the Left-side, keeping the Point of your Sword after the Parade towards his Right-shoulder; you may in putting by your Adversaries Sword use a little beat or Spring towards the Ground, by which you will more certainly disappoint him immediately bringing your Sword to its right posture again, and by, this way of Parying you may have the luck to Spring or Beat your Adversaries Sword out of his Hand.

The second Parade in Quart is with the Point sloping towards your Adversaries Right-thigh, and as tho' without it, in this manner;

When you perceive your Adversary is thrusting with your Sword, turn the Nails of your Sword-hand in Quart, with a full stretched Arm, and your Hand as high as your Face, and when you do this, slope your Point to the lowness of your Adversaries Thigh; and by that means, with the Fort of your Sword, on the Feeble of his, put by his Thrust, always observing to Parie with the Fort of your Sword, and not the Feeble, lest your Adversary having the stronger Arm, force upon you the Thrust in spite of all you can do.

The first Parade in Terce, or without the sword, the Point a little higher than the Hilt, must be thus managed, _viz._ Perceiving your Adversary giving in the Thrust without your Sword; take notice immediately to turn your Wrist with some small motion of the Arm, as in the first Parie in Quart, till your Nails, be in Terce, and so Parie his Thrust, Remembring in this to keep the Point of your Sword, after you have Paried him towards your Adversaries Left-shoulder, as in the first Parade in Quart, you are to keep it towards his Right.

This Parade is most effectually done with a Spring, to put by the Sword or gain an advantage of disarming your Adversary.

The second Parade in Terce, is called that within the Sword bearing a sloping Point towards your Adversaries Thigh, and as though within it. This observe to do when you perceive your Adversary giving in his Thrust without, or below your Sword, as it were at your Arm-pit, immediately letting the Point of your Sword sink as low as his Thigh, turning your Nails quite round to your Right-side, until they are from you, keeping your Hand as high as your Head, and so put by the Thrust on your Right-side; and when you are Parading, let your Head be close as if it were under your Arm; and this preserves your Face from your Adversaries scattering or Counter-Temps Thrusts.

Thus having shewn you the Defensive part, I shall now proceed to the Offensive, or how you may offend your Adversary when necessity requires it; but before I directly enter upon it, let me speak some thing of the Counter-caveating Parade; though some there are who refuse to use it, yet it is the safest of all.

_The Counter caveating Parade_, &c.

When you observe your Adversaries Thrust coming home within your Sword, then immediately slope your Point, and bring it up again with a quick Motion on the other side of your Adversaries, and Parie his Thrust without your Sword, that he intended, to give within your Sword, holding your Nails neither in Terce nor in Quart, but so hold them as when you presented your Sword; and observe further to do this, Parade with a Spring, and if you perceive he is about to give in his Thrust without your Sword, instantly slope your Point, and bring it up again with a quick Motion upon the inside of his Sword, and so Parie his Thrust, that was to be given without your Sword, within your Sword, and if you do this very quick you will rarely be hit with a home Thrust; and in this Parade there is great advantage, because by it all Feints, which in other Parades cannot be so well noted or shunned, are by this baffled and Confounded.

Lessons Offensive. 1. _Of Approaching or Advancing._

Observe here; (when you are standing to your Guard, and your Adversary without your measure, so that without Approaching you cannot reach him) that you lift your Right-foot about a Foot Forward, and presently let your Left-foot follow close by the Ground, your Left-knee a little bowed, taking notice at the end of every step, that your Feet be at the same equal distance as when you first presented your Sword, or if in any thing you vary, let it be in bringing them something nearer; and so your Elong will come as much nearer to your Adversary as you brought your Left-foot nearer to your Right: Always then remember to redouble this Step, or any other that is to be used on this Occasion till you think your Adversary is within your measure. This step must be always made on plain Ground, lest you Trip and fall, which is very dangerous; but if it be on rugged uneven Ground, there is another suitable to it, called the Double Step, after this manner;

In the first place throw your Left-foot before your Right, (which may be done, by raising your Body a little on your Right-foot) about a Foot, then bring your Right-foot forward again, as far before your Left, as when you presented your Sword; these two Motions must be done immediately after the other, or else doing of this Step will appear ungraceful; and here you must keep a thin Body as possible, because the throwing your Left foot before your Right, lays your Body open, and so redouble this step, as the former, according to the distance you are from your Adversary, till you approach within his measure.

Lesson 2. _Of Retiring._