Hello everyone
My first post here.
Background
Sometime back I came across a thread somewhere on this forum where 12 rules for the beginner swordsman were discussed. I had never seen them before and was intrigued. I did, however, feel a bit uncertain about one or two of them.
Now
I've recently made an attempt at translating them myself, and I feel the result should be shared here (especially since it was here I first came in contact with the 12 rules).
It's not perfect, but here it is:
Zwölff leren / den angehnden Fechteren.
Twelve teachings for the beginner fencer.
• Zwölff Regeln laß dich nit verdriessen / Aus den mag dir große kunst entspriessen.
Twelve Rules, do not let yourself mock. From these great art may blossom for you.
1. Welcher fuß vorn steht / sei bogen / Der hinder gstrackt / ziert den leib oben.
The foremost foot shall be bent, the hind one straight, and the body upright.
2. Hoch gfochten / mit gstracktem leib / Gwaltig Bossen auß der lenge treib.
Fence high with straight body. At distance, fence vigorously and with force.
3. Streych und tritt mit einander Und setz dein füß wider einander.
Strike and step together, and set your feet one after the other.
4. Wer tritt nach haewen Der darff sich kunst nit frewen.
Who goes after cuts, he may not rejoice in his art.
5. Merck was die flech ist / Ficht nit linck / so du recht bist.
Observe what the flat is. Do not fence left if you are right.
6. Such schwech und sterck / In des das wort eben merck.
Seek weak and strong. Also observe the word, “In des”.
7. Prüff weych odder hert / Nachreysen sei dein gfert.
Test for soft or hard. Travelling after shall be your path.
8. Streych vor und nach / Einlauffen sei dir nit gach.
Strike before and after. Do not be hasty to rush in.
9. Ficht nahend beim leib / Die zeckrur nit vermeid.
If you fence close by the body, do not avoid the light strikes and thrusts.
10. Tritt nahend in Bundt / Anderst du würdest verwundt.
Step close in the bind, otherwise you will be wounded.
11. Vor der hadt / heyßt die lang Schneid / Selten ein versatzung auff der kurtzen leid.
In front of the hand is called the long edge. Seldom suffer a displacement on the short.
12. Erschrickstu gern / Keyn Fechten lern.
If you frighten easily, do not learn to fence.
Cheers
Andreas
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