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.