The Defenses of the Deceits of the Weapons of the Staff
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I have not as yet laid down the defense of the Bill, and the rest, because
they are all one with this of the Pike. And I mind to handle them briefly
all together, considering that in these a man may not either render false
for false, or take holdfast of the weapon. And although it might be done, I
commend it not, because it is a very difficult matter to extort a weapon
that is held fast with both hands. That therefore which one may do to
defend himself, is to have recourse unto true Art, remembering so to ward
the enemy if it were a true blow, and to strike before the enemy spend
another time, in delivering his resolute thrust, And to take heed in
delivery of his blows, that he be nimble and carry his body and arms so
aptly and orderly applied, that
the weapon wherewith he strikes may cover it wholly. And here I make an end
of deceit, in practicing of the which, there is this consideration to be
had, so, always to false, that if the enemy provide not to ward, it may
reach and hit home, because being delivered in such order, it loses but
little time.