Liber
de Arte Gladitoria Dimicandi
Text and Images from Fillipo Vadi's
"Book on the Art of Fighting with Swords" - c. 1482 - 1487
In
its continuing effort to bring to light the history and truth of Medieval
fighting arts and promote accurate research into European martial
culture, ARMA is proud to present this material from the rare 15th
century Italian fencing manual of Filipo Vadi. Vadi, along with Fiore
Dei Liberi, is one of two major Medieval Italian Masters of Arms.
While produced two generations after Dei Liberi's work, Vadi's work
shows unmistakeable connection to earlier methods, yet reveals changes
that reflect his own style as well as improved armor. Vadi listed
the same number of blows as Dei Liberi (six cuts and one thrust) and
gave a similar, if not identical, series of twelve guards with only
a few name additions. Although it is rapidly changing, little work
so far has been done on Vadi's material, but it is an important addition
to the curriculum of today's student of historical European martial
arts. The material presents substantial insight into fighting with
the long-sword, poleaxe, spear, and dagger. Many students also feel
study of Vadi offers insights into Fiore's method. Vadi refers to
the craft as an art or science and relates it to geometry. Written
in rhyme, it reads rather cryptic today to those less familiar with
the craft, but his advice is sound and several gems are buried within
it.
Two new English of Vadi's work will be available from Luca Porzio
(Chivalry Bookshelf) and Marco Rubboli (Paladin Press). A Modern Italian
edition by Marco Rubboli & Luca Ceasri is now available from Gli
Archi press, as is one from Nova Scrimia. Below we present a rough
draft translation of Vadi's introduction and 16 chapters by Luca Porzio,
along with sharp images of the complete illustrations courtesy of
Marco Rubboli's recent Italian translation edition by permission.
The original manuscript is in color as can be seen to the side here.
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Liber de Arte Gladiatoria
Dimicandi
("Book on the Art of Fighting With Swords")
Filipo Vadi c. 1482-1487
Draft translation by Luca Porzio from the Bascetti Edition.
Editing and commentary by John Clements.
Notes on the Work:
What we know of the late 15th century Italian Master of Arms and
teacher of swordplay, Philippo Vadi, is little more than a name. Vadi
was one of a number of fencing teachers of his days travelling from
court to court instructing in the noble sicence and Art of defence.
Vadi tells us he was born in Pisa, lived in the second half of the
fifteenth century, and had learned his fencing skills from the
practical experience and doctrine of many masters of arms of different
countries, well versed in their Art. The work begins with some
Latin verses dedicating it to Guido da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino,
followed by Vadis introduction. Although Vadi dedicated his
verses to Guidobaldo, it is unknown if he ever was ever supported
by the Duke or ws ever a member of the court of Urbino, where in the
days of Federico (another Duke of Urbino) fencing teachers
were regularly employed.
His verses describe a range of techniques and principles for various
knightly weapons. Besides Fiore Dei Liberi manual of 1410, Vadi represents
the only other Italian master of Medieval weapons and fencing that
we now have. Like his Spanish contemporary, Pietro Monte (who studied
and taught in Italy), Vadi also presents material generations later
than Fiore Dei Liberi, Sigmund Ringeck, or Hans Talhoffer. Despite
this, his work is strongly reminiscent of Dei Liberis and may
be influence directly by him. Its resemblance is strong yet Master
Vadi clearly wrote of his own understanding and method. The manual
covers the standard knightly weapons of the time: spada (sword in
this case long sword), daga (dagger), lanza (spear), and azza (polaxe).
His work also includes material on unarmed combat or wrestling and
defense against a dagger while unarmed. The text is also well illustrated
with dozens of deceptions of stances, techniques, and movements. Thus
while providing an additional study source and a comparison to other
Medieval styles, Vadi is a valuable primary reference for todays
student of Medieval swordsmanship.
Illustrated with panels of simple figures in side profiles, the work
is presented as a kind of study guide. Each illustration depicts a
posture or attack or counter-attack along with a short caption describing
the concept or action.
In translating and transcribing Medieval verses in to modern English
certain captions had to be separated or combined in order to render
them more easily understandable. To retain the rhythm of master Vadis
original wording this was done only when necessary and in a manner
that preserved the idea behind the verse.
By time he produced his text, Vadi would have been in his maturity
and perhaps beyond his physical prime but could call on many years
of experience acquired during the 1460s and 1470s.
The Book on the Art of Fighting With Swords is dedicated to
Guido, Duke of Urbino(where, in earlier days fencing teachers were
regularly employed). The dates 1482-1487 are the range in which scholars
place the writing, while 1482 is the year in which Guido, Duke of
Urbino, succeeded to his father, and 1487 is the year of the first
inventory in which Vadis book was recorded. In his introduction,
Vadi describes his lifetime pursuit of fencing, and how he put his
learning in his book, and how the Art of fencing is valorous craft
which should not be revealed to uncouth men, and he relates
fencing with a noble spirit. He then says that all which he wrote
in the book has been personally tested by himself, and that other
dubious things were not included. After this he speaks of the superiority
of intelligence over strength, which he declares makes possible for
a man to defeat more than one foe, or for the weak to defeat the strong.
Finally, he says that anyone well versed in fencing is free to modify
his work. It is interesting to note he states he studied from the
experience and practical doctrines of masters of multiple countries.
Vadi also clearly mentions that his method is designed for battlefield,
fights, and other warlike events, indicating no real distinction
for fighting in war or personal combat. This is the same view held
by his contemporary Pietro Monte.
It is worth pointing out that Vadi is one of few to describe that
a pommel should be round in order to fit in the fist and
that the handle should be square-shaped. He also suggests the size
of a hilt should be square-shaped and the length of the handle plus
the pommel, plus that unusually it should even be pointed to
wound and cut. For a sword against heavy armor (in arme)
Vadi is saying it should only be sharp about 3.5 inches (four
fingers from the tip). This is highly significant for declaring
that some swords specifically intended for use against plate armor
and the requisite half-sword techniques (mezza spada or
Halb-Schwert in German) that would be used were
indeed only partially sharpened. This implies that such techniques
were in fact employed with blades that were not fully sharp their
entire length.
The text was originally written in verse form and so is sometimes
obscure in portions sounds overly complex as a result. Some chapters
are only very short sections. Vadi also occasionally uses metaphor
whose meaning may no longer be clear. The translation here however
is presented without interpretation. Because Vadi wrote in verse the
text often lacks details where it needs them while at other times
contains statements meant only for rhyme. Translating this into Modern
English therefore poses some problems. It is suggested to not to try
to read too much into passages where it appears obscure or even obtuse.
In the future more precise wording will become available. A few end
notes are provided for some of the more difficult passages.
Vadi refers to several types of the spada (sword)
including large swords, small swords, and spada da doi mane
(two handed swords), all of which appear as forms of long-sword
or great-sword.
Introduction by Philippo Vadi of Pisa
In the first and thriving years of my life I was spurred by natural
attitude, produced by my sincere heart without cowardice, towards
warlike acts and things so that, while growing as time wanted in strength
and knowledge, I strove to learn more about the Art and cleverness
of the said warlike acts and things: as is the use of sword, spear,
dagger and polaxe.
Of these things, thanks to the help of God, I acquired good knowledge,
from the practical experience and doctrine of many masters of arms
of different countries, well versed in their Art. And not to lessen,
but instead to augment this doctrine so that it will not perish for
my negligence, for it is a source of no small help in battle, war,
fights and other warlike events (but instead it gives to men versed
in this knowledge a very useful aid ), I decided to write a book on
things that later will be better described: including pictures and
various examples, usable by anybody knowing this subject for attack,
defence, and many clever considerations.
This way he, with a generous heart, who sees my work should love
it as a jewel and treasure and keep it in his heart, so that never,
by means, should this Art and doctrine fall into the hands of unrefined
and low born men. Because Heaven did not generate these men, unrefined
and without wit or skill, and without any agility, but they were rather
generated as unreasonable animals, only able to bear burdens and to
do vile and unrefined works. For this reason I rightly tell you that
they are in every way alien to this science, while the opposite is
true, in my opinion, for anybody of perspicacious talent and lovely
limbs, as are courtesans, scholars, barons, princes, dukes and kings,
who should be called to learn this science, following the principle
of Instituta, which says: the imperial majesty has not only
to be honored with arms, but also with sacred laws.
And do not think that in this book can be anything false or enveloped
in error, because cutting and taking away dubious things, I only have
written those things I saw and experienced personally, beginning to
express our intention with the aid and grace of the almighty God whose
name be blessed forever.
And because some irrational animals do naturally their actions, without
any human science, by nature they lack science as man lacks weapons,
so that nature gives man hands, intelligence and thought to make up
for the lack of natural weapons, so that he doesnt need other
things; and so man has no weapon or Artifice, to better learn to use
all weapons and Artifices. So man needs, among all animals, intelligence
and reason, in which flourish Art and science, and in these and other
things he surpasses all animals.
But every learned and clever man surpasses other men bigger and stronger,
as was correctly said: intelligence surpasses strength, and what is
more and nearly incredible, the sage dominates the stars. From the
said talent and other subtle thoughts is born an Art of winning and
conquering anyone wanting to fight and contrast; and it not only happens
that one man conquers the other, but it is also possible that one
man conquers many others, and it is thus shown not only the way to
assault the enemy and to repair and defend from him, but also it is
taught how to disarm him.
And with these documents often it happens that a man weak and of
small stature submits, brings to the ground and conquers one large,
strong and valiant, and the same way the humble conquers the haughty
and the unarmed conquers the armed; and many times he who is on foot
conquers a horseman. Since it would be very unbecoming that such a
noble doctrine should perish and fail by carelessness, I Philippo
of Vadi from Pisa, having practiced this Art from the years of my
youth, having searched and traveled many different countries and lands,
castles and cities to learn from many masters perfect in the Art,
and having, by the Grace of God, acquired a good part of learning,
decided to compose this booklet, in which it will be exposed and shown
at least the fighting with four weapons, that are spear, sword, dagger
and polaxe.
And in this book will be described rules, ways and acts of this Art,
showing examples with various pictures, so that everybody not experienced
in the Art may be able to understand and know the way of attacking,
and by which tricks and cunnings he might defend himself from the
enemys tricks and strikes; and putting in this book only that
doctrine, good and true, which I learned trough hard work, big worries
and nights without sleep, from the better masters, and also putting
in it things I devised and tried in action. Remembering to anybody
not to undertake with temerity the study of this Art and science,
if he is not magnanimous and full of valor; for any man slow-witted,
fearful and vile shall be driven out and not admitted to such a high
noble and courteous enterprise. For to this doctrine should be invited
only soldiers, man at arms, scholars, barons, lords, dukes, princes
and kings of lands, some of which are up to rule the republic, and
some others to defend orphans and widows: and both are divine and
pious deeds.
And should this booklet of mine fall into the hands of someone learned
in the Art, and should it seem to him that there is any superfluous
or lacking thing, he might cut, lessen or augment what he deems necessary,
as from now I put myself under his correction and censure.
Begin the First Chapter.
If someone would like to know and understand
If fencing is an Art or else a science
I say that you should note my opinion
Consider well my sentence
It is a true science not an Art
As I will show you briefly
Geometry divides and separates
With infinite numbers and measures
And fills with science his papers
The sword to her care is subject
It is good to measure blows and steps
To find your trust in science
Fencing is born from geometry
To her it is subject
And both of them are endless
And if you learn my doctrines
You will be able to answer with reason
And take away the rose from the thorns
To make your opinion clearer
And to sharpen your intellect
So you may able to answer to anyone:
As music adorns and combines
The Art of sound and lyrics
And with science makes it perfect
So geometry and music combine
Their scientific virtues in the sword
To adorn the bright star of mars
Now if you like what I say
And the reasons I write
Keep them in your mind and do not lose them
So tell the truth as I say
That in fencing there is no end
As every reverse finds his right
Contrary by contrary without an end
Chapter 2
Measures of the Spada da doi Mane (Two Handed Sword).
The sword should be of the correct measure
With the pommel just under the arm (pit),
As here is written
To avoid any hindrance:
The pommel should be round to fit the closed hand
Do this and you will not be in troubles
And know for sure
That the handle should be a span long
Who has not this measures will be confused
To prevent your mind from being deceived
The hilt should be as long as handle and
pommel ensemble, and you will not be endangered
The hilt is squared and strong as needed
With iron broad and pointed
His duty being to wound and cut
Be sure to note the following:
If using the sword in arme (in plate armor)
It must be sharp four fingers from the tip
The grip as said above
The pointed hilt, and note this writing
Chapter 3
Doctrine of the Sword
Brandish manfully the sword, for it is a cross and a royal weapon,
and with it match a gallant heart.
If you are clever, you must consider how to climb these stairs.
The Art of the sword consists only in crossing,
putting both strikes and thrusts in their right place,
to make war against he who wants to fight you.
From one side there are defending right strikes (colpi diritti)
going to one side (the right) , reverses (riversi) make offence
from the other side (the left).
The true edge should strike with the right blow,
and be aware of what I say,
riverso and falso (false edge) go together.
And you should do as the saying tells you: set
yourself in posta (guard) brandishing the sword, and
advancing or going back, always retain a side stance.
To make not your play in vain enter from the side
your face looks toward, and this should not seem weird to you
Set your sword pointing towards your enemys face, and quickly
strike.
You must be very shrewd, the eye towards the weapons
which can strike you, seizing measure and timing,
and with a proper posture.
Match your spirit while defending, and arms and feet
with good measure, if you want to gain any honor.
Be well aware and understand what I write, if your
compagno (comrade or partner) strikes
with his sword, with
yours try to cross blades.
Be sure you never go out of the way, go with
coverta (covering) and with the point towards the
face, your strikes to the head shall go.
Cross play and you will not be conquered.
If your foe crosses wide, push, for you do not want
to be divided from him.
When his (sword) comes to mezzo spada (half sword)
close towards him, as reason demands, leave
gioco largo (long play) and assail him.
Often it happens that a man feels to not have enough
fortitude, in this case facts are needed, and not words.
Go swiftly out of the way, make coverta with the
good manreverso, and follow quickly with mandritto.
If you have not lost your wit, leave gioco largo and
stay within gioco stretto (close play), you will make
fortitude change its side.
And note this saying: when you cross blades, cross
them resolutely, to lessen the swords shortcoming.
Know that cleverness wins against strength,
do your coverta and quickly strike, at close and wide you
will take down strength.
And if you want to make him feel your point, go out
of the way with a sidestep, make him feel your point
in his chest.
With point high and pommel low, the arms extended,
with good coverta pass on your left side with a good step,
and if the point finds its way open, even from the
outer side, do not fear: you will give him your offering.
Then close and grab his handle, and if this you
cannot do, then beat his sword and do your duty.
Be always matched with your enemy while moving,
attacking or defending, and what I say never forget:
as soon as you see his sword begin to move, or if he
moves, or even if he attacks, go back or let him find you near.
He who wants to have honor in arms should have
knowledge, fortitude and courage; if these he lacks,
hed better renounce.
And you need a valiant heart, and if a larger man
seems strong to you, be clever and you will gain the
advantage.
Be sure, as death is, that your play comes not from
courtesy, against he who wants to shame you.
And note this sentence: you know your heart, not
your enemys, never use such fantasy.
Be very clever, if you want to last long in this Art,
you will have good fruits from that.
Note also that: he who wants to fight too much, in
one thousand at least once will soil his luck,
so losing honor from one error only; he thinks high
things which are low, and often clashes;
often he causes grumblings, often he quarrels:
in these things it is seen who in the Art is learned.
If tongue could cut for any reason, and as the sword
could do, the dead would be infinite.
Be sure that your mind will not fall, that with reason
it undertakes your defence, and that with justice goes justly.
He who wants to attack others without reason will
surely damn his body and soul, and shame his teacher.
Also you must always remember to pay respect to
your teacher, for money does not pay what he gives you.
He who wants to be able and learned in
swordsmanship should learn to do and teach, and not
make mistakes.
Loving loyalty you will be able to speak to King and
Princes, so that they will be able to use the Art.
For their duty is to govern, to maintain justice, and
to care for widows, orphans and other problems.
So from this Art comes all sorts of good, with arms
cities are subdued and all the crowds restrained;
and in itself has such dignity, that often it brings joy
to the heart, and always drives out cowardice. You
should acquire treasure and honor and, above any
other care, always maintain yourself in your lords grace.
If you will be renowned in the Art, you will never be
poor, in any place. This virtue is so glorious that,
if even once poverty would show you his cards, then
wealth will embrace you thanks to your Art.
Sometimes you will be as an extinguished light: do
not doubt, you will soon be back.
To gain the Art, not the old but the new, no effort
was too great and very happy I am of having found it.
I keep it secret, but as I let it go, I swear, it gives me
riches and so it happens to those having this virtue.
*Note: Coverta or covering, means literally blanket
and refers to controlling the enemys sword with your own or
sometimes with your hand. It consists of maintaining blade contact
while entering.
Chapter 4
This Art is so gentle and noble,
she teaches man how to go,
and makes the eye quick, valiant and gentleman-like.
This Art teaches you how to turn,
and how to defend and remain steady,
and how to parry cuts and thrusts.
How many persons died,
because they did not like the Art,
and so they closed their doors of life.
No treasure is greater than life,
and to defend it everyone does its best,
he strives to keep it as well as possible.
Leave things and every worthy item,
defend your person with this Art,
and you will have honour and glorious insignia.
Oh, how a good and praise-deserving thing it is
to learn this Art that asks so little
and one thousand times gifts you with life.
Oh, in how many ways it can be useful
(troubles are found without looking for them,
happy is he who can put out anothers fire)
My Art, new and made with reason,
I speak not of the old one, which I leave
to our ancestors, along with their opinion.
If you dont want to be of honor deprived,
measure your time and that of the partner:
this is the Arts foundation, and its step.
Open your ears to the great document
and be sure to understand the beautiful reasons,
and so do not cause your teachers complaint.
(NOTE: another possible interpretation is: so you wont be
deluded from your teacher)
Make sure that swords are sisters,
when you have to fence against someone,
and then choose the one you want.
Do not give anyone the swords advantage,
or you would risk being shamed;
this should be followed by everyone.
Good eye, knowledge, dexterity are needed,
and if you have both heart and strenght,
you will be a problem for anyone.
Understand well my sentence:
the larger man uses a long sword,
the small man uses a shorter one.
A man of great strenght breaks the guards,
but natural cleverness restrains that,
and gives courage to the small man.
He who knows many strokes brings poison with him,
he who knows little encounters many troubles,
and in the end is conquered.
And if you understand well what I am saying,
and grasp the reason of this Art,
then she will keep you out of troubles.
Be well aware of what the speech puts here :
Do not show the secrets of the Art,
or you will be hurt for this reason.
Also note well this other part:
the longer sword is deadly,
you cannot face it without being in danger;
Be sure that it is equal to the measure,
as I said in the first chapter
of our book, looking back.
I esteem only the two handed sword,
and only it I use when Im in need,
as I write in rhyme in my book.
And if you are not looking for shame,
do not tackle with several foes:
you will not make a good sound.
(NOTE: the original translation is difficult, and reads something
like you will play a sound other than a bagpipes)
If you are obliged to have something to do
with more than one, keep in your mind
to take a sword that you can well use.
You will take a light weapon and not a heavy one,
to easily control all of it,
to avoid being hindered by heavy weight.
Then you have to take a different way,
you should leave thrusts
and use other strokes to come back here,
as you will hear in my sentence.
Chapter 5
Of Thrusts and Cuts
Let the sword be a point with two edges,
but note and understand this writing,
to prevent your memory from failing:
one be the false, the other the true one,
and reasons commands and wants you
to keep this well in your mind:
deritto with true edge goes,*
riverso with the false edge stays,
except for fendente, which wants the true edge.**
Understand well my writing:
the sword stikes in seven ways,
that means six cuts and a thrust.
So that you find this way,
two up, two down and two in the middle.
The thrust in the middle with deceit and sorrow,
often clears our sky.***
*deritto is equivalent to dritto,
a right to left cut, Vadi uses both as well as diritto.
**Note: Vadi does not distinguish between different angles of cut;
all descending cuts are fendenti.
***Note: with this expression Vadi means that the thrust can often
get you out of trouble.
Chapter 6
The Seven Strokes of the sword
We are fendenti and we do question,
of often cleaving and cutting with sorrow
head and teeth in a straight way,
and every low guard
with our talent often we break ,
easily passing the one and the other.
(Note: meaning all of them)
Our strokes leave bloody marks,
and if we mix with rota
of all the Art well our support.
Fendente, we bring the fear of wounds,
we come back in guard from passage to passage,
note that we are not slow to wound.
I am the rota and I have in me such strength,
if I mix with other strokes:
that Ill often notch the arrow.
(Note: meaning to be dangerous).
I can not use loyalty and courtesy,
rotating I pass trough straight fendente
without hesitation I ruin arms and hands.
People gives me the name rota,
I look for the swords falsità,*
I sharpen the mind of he who uses me.
We are volanti and we always go crosswise,
from knee upwards we wound,
we are often banished by fendente and punte.
Across us without failing goes
the upwards striking rota,
and with fendente warms our cheeks.
*Note: the Italian word is falsità, and is
interpreted as referring to the false edge, according to the diagram,
but this word may also mean falsehood, and perhaps this is to be preferred,
considering the previous phrase. Also, while Chapter 6 is titled the
Seven Cuts , Vadi only lists three (fendente, volanti,
and rota), but as each of these can be employed either left or right,
along with punte (the thrust) they make for seven attacks.
Chapter 7
Of the Punta (thrust)
I am she who question all the strokes,
and I'm called the punta:
I am venomous as the scorpion;
and I feel strong, daring and ready,
I often cause the changing of stances
when somebody uses me in combat
and when I arrive my touch means harm.
Chapter 8
Of Cuts and Thrusts
It is said to use the rota with fendente and volante
against the ponte (thrusts) and so it is shown that these are
not so dangerous. And when they come at our presence, all blows make
them lose their way, losing also the chance to strike. The swords
stroke does not change direction, and so the punta has little
value against he who turns, but the blows open their way as they go.
If you have not a weak memory, remember that if the punta does
not hit, it loses its burst, and then all other blows are good to
defend. Against one foe the thrust finds good use, and against many
no more does its duty.*
*Note: it is unclear if he is referring to the number of enemies
or of blows, also the last part seems to be there only for rhyme.
If punta turns into rota do not fear: if it takes not at once
a good fendente, it remains without fruit, in my opinion. Keep
here your mind for awhile: if punta enters and does not exit
quickly, your enemy will sorely strike back. If with a cutting blow
your swords point loses its way, your sword is dead, unless
croce di sotto helps you.* A straight fendente I will
strike with my sword, and I will pull you out of your stance, so that
you go in a poor direction. Do not lose an hour to learn the long
times with the serene hand, it puts you over the others and honors
you.
Break every low stance. Low stances resist only weak loads, and so
the heavier break them easily. A heavy weapon does not pass quickly
in the opening, a light one comes and goes as an arrow with the bow.
*Note: a stance of Chapter 9.
Chapter 9
Of the Cross
I am the cross with the name of Jesus, in front and back I go,
to find many more defenses.
If I meet another weapon I do not lose my way, so strong am I;
and this often happens, as I search for it.
And when a long weapon finds me, he who with reason uses my defense,
will have the honor of every enterprise.
Chapter 10
Of the Mezza Spada
Being willing to follow this good writing,
it is necessary to declare part by part
all the strokes of the Art.
To properly understand and use,
reason wants that firstly I reveal to you the rotare* ,
principle of the sword.
Go with outstretched arms,
bringing the edge in the middle of your partner.
And if you want to seem great in the Art,
you then can go from guard to guard,
with serene and slow hand,
with steps niether long nor short.
If you do any stramazzone,*
do this with little turn before the face.
Do not do a move too wide
as a long time is lost.
Help yourself with the reverso,
moving out of the way with the left foot,
pulling the right also,
with the eye always to the good parare.***
When you will want to close in mezza-spada,
as your enemy pulls back his sword,
then do not hesitate the time you take you will pay for dearly.
Be in guardia de cenghiaro (boars stance)
when you thrust at the face,
do not remain too far, soon turning to the roverso fendente
and the deritto being sure to remember.
To be sure you can understand my goal
with clear reason, I hope to show you the way:
I do not want all this to be pure riverso
nor fendente, but between the one and the other
lies the common one striking the head from every side.
And I advise you, when you are close in,
set your legs paired,
you will surely be lord,
able to close and strike valiantly.
And when you strike with the reverso fendente,
bend your left knee and, noting this writing,
extend the right foot
without then changing sides.
Then, if under attack
now at the left foot or the head,
because they are closer
than the right, which remains sideways,
then you are sure from each side
and if you want to strike with a diritto fendente,
you should take
the right knee and well extend the left one.
The head will be attacked also
with the right foot that is nearer to it:
this is a better footwork
than the stepping of our elders.
Nobody should contrast or speak,
as you are stronger and more confident,
and hard while defending,
and quicker to make war,
nor they can bring you to the ground.
* Note: The word rota (turning) comes from the
verb rotare, which means to turn.
** Note: A problem here is that while stramazzone
is a technical term, i.e. it has no other meaning besides the stroke
described, words like rota, volta,
molinello have their own meaning beside the technical
application (such as turn rotate whirl),
so we cannot always identify a specific word with a specific technique.
*** Note: Vadi advises to parry with the fendente (downward cut),
definitely not a static block.
Chapter 11
Reason of Sword Play
Once you have closed to mezza spada,
with diritto or roverso,
understand the sense
of what I tell you about this point:
if you are there, keep ready your eye
make a swift feint with coverta
and hold your sword upright,
the arms playing over your head.
I cannot say this with few words,
because the effects are of mezza spada.
For your pleasure,
when you prefer, parare with fendente,
carefully push your sword a little away
from you, pressing down that of your compagno.
You will also get a good deal
by parrying well all the strokes.
When you parare the riverso, move forward
you right foot and parry as said,
when parrying the diritto
then you will move forward the left foot.
And you need to have the mind
ready when you strike the riverso fendente,
and a careful eye, to prevent
the mandritto coming from below.
And if your compagno should strike, you should
parry suddenly and make a move at his head
with the fil falso (false edge) and, with cunning,
as he rises, strike with the good reverso upwards,
quickly doubling with the deritto.
And note this also:
do not contradict the Arts reason
if you strike with diritto; then beware
from being hit from his manreverso.
Make sure that your sword is
parrying with fendente, so that he hits you not,
and if you want
to close from below and grasp his handle
then do your duty
hammering with pommel his mustache,
being careful not to get into troubles.
Chapter 12
Reason (principles) of Sword Feints
Again I advise you to have care to what I say,
that when you have closed at mezza spada
you can act well from each side,
following the Art with good viste (feints).
The viste mean confusion,
which confuses the other in defense,
so he cannot understand
from which side you will act.
I can not show you this very well
with my words, as I could do with a sword;
so use your mind
to study the Art in my words,
and you will acquire courage through reason.
As I advise and teach you,
To follow what I write in these many verses,
to find the deep and the shore of this Art.
Chapter 13
Reason (principles) of Mezza Spada (play)
Having closed to half-sword,
you can well hammer more and more times,
hitting from one side only
(your feints should go on the other side),
and as he loses, parrying, his way,
you should hammer on the other side;
then you should evaluate
which blow to use for winning.
And if you want to strike blows,
let go the fendente roverso,
turning through
and false edge with the point at the face.
Do not get divided from him,
with riverso or dritto again,
work with the one you like,
provided that knees bend on each side,
as I have shown you above.
I add this also:
always enter with the point,
rising upwards to the face,
and use your blows when the time is right.
Chapter 14
Reason (principles) of sword Half Time
I can not, in writing, show you,
the principle of half time, and the way,
because in the knot* remains
the shortness of the time and of its use.
The half time is only a turn
of the knot, a quick and immediate strike.
It can seldom fail
when it is done with good measure;
and if you note my writing,
he who lacks practice divides not well:
often the blow
breaks with good edge the others brain.
Of all the Art this is the jewel,
because at once it strikes and parries.
Oh, it is so precious a thing,
to practice it with good reason,
as it lets you bear the Arts banner.
*Note: The translation is literal. Bascetta suspected it related
to the hand position, citing Manciolino; or else, he thinks it can
be the crossing point of the swords.
Chapter 15
Principles of the sword against the Rota
There are many who base themselves
in rotating strongly from each side;
but be sure to be warned
as he rotates his sword,
rotate your own, and you will win the tests.
Match yourself with him in striking,
and be sure to go
with your sword after his.
To make this clearer to your mind,
you can go in boar's tooth,
and if he rotates,
you also rise from low to high.
Hear and understand my principles, you
who are new to the art or expert too,
I want you to be sure
that this is the true Art and Science.
Consider that, for a scales line
the compagno will be in porta di ferro (Iron
Door),
this I put in your heart,
be in posta sagitaria (Archers guard).
Be sure that your point does not sway,
that of the compagno covering the sword,
go slightly out of the way
straightening up sword and hand with the point.
When your sword has come at the cross,
then do the thirteenth closing technique,
as you see it well
painted in our book with seven papers.
You can also use in this art
strokes and close techniques that you find simpler;
leave the more complex,
take those favoring your side
and often you will have honour in the Art.
Chapter 16
Sword Teachings
Your sword should be like
a shield which covers you all.
Now take this fruit,
which I give you for your mastery.
Be sure that your sword never be,
striking or guarding, far from you.
Oh, how a good thing it is
to have your sword doing a short run.
Your point should be directed in the face
of the compagno, in guards or while striking;
you will take away his courage,
seeing always the point in front of him.
And you will do your play always in front,
with your sword and with small turning,
with serene and agile hand,
often breaking the compagnos time,
you will weave a web well different from a spiders.
Vadis Guards:
Mezana porta di ferro - I am the strong middle iron
door, to give death with cuts and thrusts.
Posta di donna - I am the womans stance and I
am not useless, because the swords length often deceives."
Porta di ferro - I am the low iron door, that always
hinders cuts and thrusts
Posta di falcon - Falcon
Posta di vera finestra - "I am the stance of true window...
of the Art left tight.
Posta corona - I am the crown and I am master, in bindings
I am skilled.
Vadi's Blows:
These are the blows of the two handed sword.
There is not the half time: it remains in the knot.
I am the rota and I often go turning
I am looking for the swords false.
We are volanti ever going crosswise
from the knees up we go wounding.
We are fendenti and we do question
of cutting teeths with straight reason.
I am ponta dangerous and quick
of all the blows I am the highest master.
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