has been invented; it is very simple in principle, and admirably answers the purpose. For instance if you were to threaten your adversary by a disengagement to the outside, and if, instead of tierce, he parried contra de quarte, the double is then made by your making a second disengagement to the same side as the first, for it will be found that his contra de quarte has replaced the blade in the positions they occupied previous to your disengagement. You will then have an opening, and may finish the attack by the longe.
As all the contra-parades are on the same plan and principle, so are all the doubles. Of course, it is understood that you will make all the movements of the double en suite, and without allowing your adversary's blade to overtake yours.
ALL FEINTS.
The foregoing movements having been well practiced in the lesson, the next step is that of all feints and all parades, and may be practiced either with a master or fellow-pupil. The practice consists of one pupil standing on the defensive entirely, while another assumes the offensive, and attacks him with all the feints of which he is master, the other, of course, defending with all his parades. It is excellent practice, as it accustoms the pupil to think for himself gradually, he having thus but one set of movements to think about. He is therefore enabled to make them boldly, without having to encounter unknown movements from his adversary.
It also enables him to see the extent of his resources, both for attack and defense. When he can both attack and defend with some presence of mind, he may then begin
THE ASSAULT;
that is, he may encounter an adversary, to attack or defend as occasion presents. He is then left to his own resources entirely. The following
GENERAL ADVICE,
given by a very eminent fencer and excellent teacher, cannot fail to be of use:
"Do not put yourself on the position of the guard within the reach of your adversary's thrusts, especially at the time of drawing your sword.