"If you want a still more striking analogy, take horsemanship. Most
men learn to ride, and can as a matter of fact manage a hack in the
park without making an exhibition of themselves, or even join the
road-riders when it is a question of following the hounds. But do you
suppose that the mere man on horseback takes the trouble to acquire the
whole art of horsemanship, the severe mastery which the professional
requires, the 'high airs' of the school rider? Does every one study the
fundamental principles, and analyse the nice distinctions, which go to
make the finished equestrian,--such a man as the late Mr Astley?
"How few there are who attain or pretend to attain this rare degree of
excellence. And yet they alone can tell you how much perseverance, how
much continual application, and downright drudgery they have had to go
through. For you may be quite sure that perfect mastery of any kind
whatever can only be the matured result of extraordinary diligence.
Yet you seldom meet a man who cannot ride tolerably, and you find that
men ride with more or less grace, or freedom, or vigour, according to
their natural disposition, and gradually perfect their style, or if
you prefer it, unconsciously complete their education by the growth of
habit and experience. It is just the same with fencing.
"If you would be an accomplished swordsman, you will certainly require
years of hard work, close application, and incessant practice. But do
you need this recondite skill? What would you do with it? You would
find it embarrassing. All that you need as men of leisure, is to be
able to use a sword as you do a horse, for your amusement, and when
you have occasion for it. And observe I say for your amusement, for
no sport is so attractive for its own sake, or so engrossing as the
practice of arms."
"You are of opinion then," remarked the Comte de C..., "that a man can
learn to use a sword without devoting to it more time and trouble than
he does to riding?"
"I am sure of it; but don't misunderstand me, I mean riding in the
sense of sticking on. In fact, without driving the analogy too hard, I
should say that for both exercises a year at the outside is all that
is required to obtain useful and solid results. And I should add that
after a few months' trial you will find that you cannot resist the
fascination that belongs unmistakably to both these sports. Surely that
is not too much to ask for putting you into good trim, and teaching you
how to protect yourself?"
"Then, why don't they say so?" some one remarked.
"Well, I do say so," I replied. "And what is more I will make my words
good, if one of these days you care to continue this discussion."