Instead of beating under the blade as you advance, pass your point over
the blade and beat down.
[Illustration: PLATE XVII.—STOP CUT AFTER DECEIVING THE BEAT OVER THE
BLADE.]
PLATE XVII.
STOP CUT AFTER DECEIVING THE BEAT OVER THE BLADE.
As he advances with a beat over your blade, draw your arm back, and,
avoiding his sword, deliver a cut at his head, or a thrust at his
breast, with a longe.[4] This may also be done on a man who attacks your
sword, or who makes short cuts at your head. On such occasions you must
be careful to draw your hand towards your right temple, so that should
he make a real attack your head would be guarded.
Footnote 4:
If it should unfortunately occur that you have to defend yourself with
an ordinary stick against a man similarly armed, he will probably seek
to disarm you by cutting at your hand. Deceive him by offering the
hand, and on his cut, draw it back, and cut straight at his head. His
blow will fall harmlessly, and the effect of yours will be
considerably confusing to him.
Stop thrusts may also be used with great effect on a man who retires as
you lead off at him, and then advances before making his return.
To do them under these circumstances, you must be very quick on your
legs, so as to be able to recover to your guard and deliver the thrust
as he advances.
If you are not quick enough to do this, make a false attack with a half
longe and draw him; you will then have more time.