This can only be done when a man forms his head guard with the point too high. Feint a cut at the head by straightening the arm and directing the point to a little above the centre of the forehead, edge of the sword turned downwards. Then, with the action of the wrist, and without touching your adversary’s blade, pass the sword to your right until you have cleared his point, and with a longe deliver a cut on his left cheek just below the ear, the edge of the sword slightly turned up so that the arm may be covered with the hilt.
Opposition the same as in the diagonal cut at the head (page [31]).
This cut may be given without being preceded by a feint, when the adversary forms his head guard with the point drawn back and high.
PLATE VI.—FEINT AT THE HEAD AND CUT AT THE LEFT BREAST, AND GUARD (PRIME).
Guard for the Feint at the Head and Cut at the Left Cheek.
The guard for the head, described in page [32], will stop this attack, but should you find your opponent is passing his sword under your point, lower your hand quickly and bear it to your left until the pommel is opposite your left nipple. Point as high as the top of your head and a little to the left of your hand, edge to the left, wrist sunk, and inside of forearm resting on the body, to prevent the cut being given under the wrist.
This is the quarte guard with the hand drawn a little back. It may also be used against returns at the left breast.
PLATE VI.
Feint at the Head and Cut at the Left Breast, and Guard.
This is done under the same circumstances and in the same manner as “The Feint at the Head and Cut at the Left Cheek,” except that the cut is aimed at the left nipple. Opposition the same as when cutting at the head.