The Offense of the High Ward at Rapier and Dagger
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As in handling the single Rapier, so likewise in this, it shall not be
amiss to begin with the High ward, which in managing these two weapons may
be framed after two sorts. The one with the right foot before, which I call
the first : and the other with the same foot behind, which I will term the
second. This second requires a greater time, because the point of the sword
is farther off from the enemy. The first (being more near) with the only
increase of the foot forwards, strikes more readily, yet not with more
forcible than the second, which, when it strikes with an increase of a
straight pace, joins to the force of the arm and hand, the strength of the
whole body.

Beginning then with the first, as with that which each man does most easily
find: I say, he ought if he will keep himself within the bounds of true
Art, to thrust only with the increase of the foot forwards, settling
himself in the low warde.

In the second way, which is framed with the right foot behind, the sword
aloft, and the dagger before, and borne as aforesaid, he ought in like sort
discharge a thrust as forcible as he may, with the increase of a straight
pace, staying himself in the low ward. Neither ought any man in the
handling of these weapons to assure himself to deliver edgeblows, because
he knows that there is an other weapon which defends : For he that defends
has the self same advantage, to wit, to be able to with one weapon (and
happily the weaker) to defend himself and strike with the stronger. The
which stroke is painfully warded by him, who has already bestowed all his
force and power, in delivering the said edgeblow, by means whereof, because
there remains in him small power to withstand any great encounter, let him
provide to thrust only.

Of all, or of greater part of the edgeblows, aswell of striking as
defending, I will reason at large in the Treatise of Deceit.