Draw back the arm and foot, and bending the left knee, resume the position of Guard, with knees well bent.
Opposition.
Is to oppose your sword to that of your adversary when cutting or thrusting, either in an attack or return, so as to prevent him from touching you, at the same time in the same line, with a counter.
Thus if you deliver a cut on the left side of his head, bear your hand to your own left until it is as high as, and about four inches to the left of, your eye; the left side of your head will then be guarded.
In like manner, always cover with the forte of your sword the part of your own person which corresponds with the part you are attacking.
While cutting at your adversary’s left side or thrusting with your palm turned up in quarte, your hand should be opposite your left shoulder. While cutting at his right side or thrusting with the palm turned down in tierce, your hand should be opposite your right shoulder.
The elevation of the hand depends on where the attack is made, but it ought rarely to be below the shoulder, except when cutting at the leg.
Against a man who counters on the head, the hand should be kept as high as your own eye.
If you neglect your opposition you are liable to be both guarded and hit at the same time by a man who counters with good opposition.
