----------------------
Of the Case of Rapiers
----------------------

There are also used now adays, aswell in the schools, as in the lists, two
Swords or Rapiers, admitted, and approved both of Princes, and of the
professors of this art, for honorable and knightly weapons, albeit they be
not used in the wars. Wherefore I shall not vary from my purpose, if I
reason also of these, as far as is agreeable to true art. To him that would
handle these weapons, it is necessary that he can aswell manage the left
hand as the right, which thing shalbe (if not necessary) yet most
profitable in every other kind of weapon. But in these principally he is to
resolve himself, that he can do no good, without that kind of nimbleness
and dexterity. For seeing they are two weapons, and yet of one self same
kind, they ought equally and indifferently to be handled, the one
performing that which the other does, and every of them being apt aswell to
strike as defend. And therefore a man ought to accustom his body, arms and
hands aswell to strike as defend. And he which is not much practiced and
exercised therein, ought not to make profession of this Art: for he shall
find himself to be utterly deceived.