Of the Manner How to Handle the Two Hand Sword in Single Combat
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To those, who would cunningly handle the Two hand Sword in single combat,
it is principally necessary that (as in other weapons) they be practiced
and have the skill, to use the one hand aswell as the other, and they both
be active in body, and strong in the arms, which are required in the
managing of each weapon. And farther it is requisite that they carry the
principles of this Art, surely fixed in their minds and memories, by means
whereof they may become bold and resolute, in as much as they have to do,
either in striking or defending.

They ought furthermore to consider, how the two hand sword is used, and how
it ought to be used.

Touching the first, All men use to deliver thrusts, aswell as edge blows,
down right, and reversed, with both hands to the Sword which way albeit, it
be profitable in the bestowing of edge blows, as being the better able to
sustain the Sword, yet in the discharge of thrusts it is hurtful, for it
causes them to be much shorter, then they would be, if in the beginning,
they were forcibly delivered with both the hands, and then by taking away
one hand from the cross, they were springed as far forth, as the pommel
hand, foot, and all the body of that side, may be stretched out. For, being
discharged in this manner, if they hit home they make great passage, and if
they be voided, yet the Two hand sword may be quickly had again, by the
retiring of a pace,
and of the hand and arm, placing the other hand there where it was, and so
settling in the low ward. Therefore, when one finds himself to stand at the
high ward, (the which at the two hand Sword, is framed, either with the
right side towards the enemy, either with the left, in either of which
ways, the arm would be borne aloft, and far off from the body, causing the
point somewhat to bend both towards the ground and the body, to the end it
may defend both the length of the body, and cover it in a manner thwarting
or crossing, it being so far off from the sword.

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    :alt: thrust with two handed sword

Farther, in this ward, the hand that is towards the enemy, must take hold
fast of the handle near the cross, and underneath, the other hand above,
and near the pommel. I say standing thus at the high ward, he may either
deliver a thrust, either a down right blow of the edge.

The thrust is discharged (as soon as the enemy's sword is found) as far in
the beginning as he may with both arms: Then, taking away the cross hand,
he shall force it farther on with the pommel hand, as much as he may
stretch it forth, always in the discharge, increasing a slope pace. And the
thrust being thus delivered, he shall presently retire his said pace, and
return his hand again to the cross, settling himself either in the high or
low warde. But if he would deliver a down right blow with the edge which I
counsel him not to do, because he may easily be struck under it, he shall
first discharge a thrust with both his hands, and then increasing a pace,
shall turn the said downright blow, stretching out the arm as much as he
may. In the delivery of which blow, if he meet with the enemy's sword, he
shall take away his hand from the cross, and stretch out the pommel hand as
much as he may, with the increase of a pace. And farther, turning the said
hand which holds the sword upwards, to the end, to lengthen the thrust, he
shall drive, and force it on, and  presently retire himself in the manner
aforesaid.