It is very difficult to strike in this broad ward, if first with much compassing and gathering of the enemy, a man do not assay with the circumference of his Target near his hand, to beat off the enemy’s sword. And being so beaten, to increase a left pace, and farther by adding thereunto the increase of a pace of the right foot, to discharge a thrust. But it shall happily be better in the handling of these weapons, not to use this broad ward: for the hand is borne out of the straight line, in the which he may strike both safely and readily: And before it return to said line, there is much time spent.
And farther, a man is not then in case with his Target to beat off the enemy’s sword: But if happily he be, yet (though he be very ready, aswell with the hand as foot) his thrust shall never enter so far that it may hit home: For the enemy, with a very small motion of his Target forwards, may very easily drive the enemy’s sword out of the straight line. Therefore, he that would change or shift out of this ward, to the intent to strike, must of necessity be passing nimble and ready, and before he delivers his blow, must beat the enemy’s sword with his Target.