Is to oppose your sword to that of your adversary when cutting or
thrusting, either in an attack or return, so as to prevent him from
touching you, at the same time in the same line, with a counter.
Thus if you deliver a cut on the left side of his head, bear your hand
to your own left until it is as high as, and about four inches to the
left of, your eye; the left side of your head will then be guarded.
In like manner, always cover with the forte of your sword the part of
your own person which corresponds with the part you are attacking.
While cutting at your adversary’s left side or thrusting with your palm
turned up in _quarte_, your hand should be opposite your left shoulder.
While cutting at his right side or thrusting with the palm turned down
in _tierce_, your hand should be opposite your right shoulder.
The elevation of the hand depends on where the attack is made, but it
ought rarely to be below the shoulder, except when cutting at the leg.
Against a man who counters on the head, the hand should be kept as high
as your own eye.
If you neglect your opposition you are liable to be both guarded and hit
at the same time by a man who counters with good opposition.
[Illustration: PLATE III.—FEINT AT THE HEAD.]
PLATE III.
FEINTING.
A feint is a threatened attack made to induce your adversary to guard
one part while you deliver the real attack on another. It is made by
suddenly straightening the arm, without any movement of the body or
feet, and directing the point at the place you wish him to guard.
Feints are also made to find out a man’s method of defence and general
style of play; when done for that purpose you should watch carefully
what he does, and instantly return to your guard, but when it is your
intention to follow up the feint with an attack the cut should follow
the feint with the greatest rapidity.
An attack preceded by a feint is done thus: Make the feint as directed
above, then longe, and by a quick and close action of the wrist, deliver
the real attack, taking care not to draw back the hand as you do so.
This is called “Deceiving a Guard.”