Vadi: Longsword: Play from Chapter 15 (Fol 13v)
Play from Chapter 15
System: Interpreting Filippo Vadi
Section: Longsword
Source Text and Image
- Note: there is no image associated with this play.
There are many who make their base
In turning strongly from every side
So be advised,
As his sword is turning, move,
And you turn and you will win the test,
Then harmonise yourself with his strikes,
And make your going thus
With your sword behind his.
To better explain your design,
[f14r]
You can also go into boar’s tooth guard,
And if he with the turning,
And you ripping up from below.
Listen and understand my reasoning,
You who are new to the art, and experts too,
I want you to be sure,
That this is the art and the true science.
Grasp this, that is a steelyard’s trace:
The companion is in the iron door guard,
Lock this into your heart,
Make it so you are in the archer’s guard,
Watch out that your point does not waver,
And covers the companion’s sword;
Go a little out of the way
straightening the sword and the hand with the point.
When your sword is joined at the crossing,
Then do the thirteenth constrained play,
As is you can plainly see
Pictured in our book on page seven.
You can also use in this art strikes and constrained plays that are handier to you,
Leave the more clumsy,
Keep those that favour your hand,
So you will often have honour in the art.
Video
Notes
Key Resources
- Facsimile: The Spada Press facsimile of De Arte Gladiatoria Dimicandi
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Source: Biblioteca Nazionale di Roma, Fondo Vittorio Emanuele, Codice 1324 Translation: Dr. Guy Windsor
