If you always use it to defend the left side, you may easily be hit by a feint at the left and a cut at the right side or forearm.
PLATE VIII.—FEINT AT THE HEAD AND CUT UNDER RIGHT ARM, AND GUARD (HIGH SECONDE).
PLATE VIII.
Feint at the Head and Cut under the Right Arm, and Guard.
This attack, when well executed, is most difficult to judge and guard.
Feint at the head by suddenly straightening the arm and directing the point to a little above your adversary’s forehead, with the edge of the sword turned down, then, without drawing back the arm, but with the action of the wrist only, longe and deliver a cut on the right armpit, the edge slightly turned up so that the arm may be covered with the hilt. Always aim this cut high, so that should your adversary form his guard a little low you will hit the outside of his shoulder.
Opposition, hand as high as and opposite to your right shoulder.
The cut may sometimes be given on the arm.
Guard for the Cut under the Right Arm.
Should you have been induced to answer the feint and form the head guard, lower the hand again as quickly as possible to the engaging guard, with the edge of the sword turned a little to your right.