But soon the blades shall counter, clash, and twist,
In assault.
The ritual of the rapier or the foil;
Vastly pretty ceremonial parade.
Merest preface to the hot and breathless toil
Of the fencers fiercely battling blade to blade.
In position! Featly, formally on guard,
Engage the blades in quarte. But by-and-by
Every subtle thrust and parry, feint and ward,
Each will try.