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Of the Sword and Round Target
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The round Target would require a long and most exquisite consideration
because it is of circular form, most capable, and most perfect of all
others. But for that my purpose in this my work, is to write that only
which I know does appertain to this Art, giving leave to every man to busy
himself in his own profession. And leaving a great part of this
consideration to the Mathematicians and Historiographers to reason of his
diverse qualities or passions, either who was inventor thereof, either,
whether it be a weapon of antiquity, or of this our age, And coming to
discourse of that, wherein it profits in this our time, (being a weapon so
greatly honored and esteemed of Princes, Lords, and Gentlemen, that besides
the use thereof in their affairs, as well by day as by night, they also
keep their hoses richly decked and beautified therewith) And considering
only that thing, in the round Target, among all weapons which may profit or
hurt in the handling thereof, I say, that the said round Target has been
diversely held, borne and used, by diverse men in diverse ages, aswell as
the other square Target, and other weapons of defense, as well as of
offense. And there want not also men in our time, who to the intent they be
not wearied, bear it leaning on their thigh as though that in this exercise
(in which only travail and pains are available) a man should only care for
rest and quietness. For by the means of these two, strength and activity,
(parts in the exercise of weapons, both important and necessary) are
obtained and gotten.

Other some, holding their whole Arm bowed together, have carried it
altogether flat against their body, not regarding either to ward their
belly, or utterly to lose the sight of the enemy, but will at any hand
stand (as they think) safe behind it, as behind a wall, not knowing what a
manner of weight it is, both to see the enemy, and work other effects,
which, (by so holding it) may not be brought to pass.