"In order to attack, you lunge, by carrying the right leg smartly
forward and straightening the left, so as to give the body its full
extension.
"Whatever the attack may be, whether simple or composite, the movements
of the hand must be completed and the arm absolutely straight, before
the lunge is made, though the different movements must follow each
other without the least interval.
"It is equally important to remember that the recovery must be as smart
as the attack. The great danger of the attack is that it should be too
intemperate, for a too intemperate attack leaves you exposed to danger,
without strength or speed to escape."
"But," some one asked, "is it really necessary when you are on guard,
to arrange the left arm above the head in a graceful curve, and then
swing it down to the leg as you lunge?"
"The graceful curve is not an absolute necessity. Place the arm
behind your back if you prefer to do so, for if you bring it to the
front you drag forward the left shoulder, and thereby expose a larger
target to your opponent's point. The arm, you see, acts the part of a
rope-walker's balancing pole. It steadies the movements and balances
the weight of the body. Since you have a spare arm you must place it
somewhere, and if you consider you will see that it is least in the
way where I have placed it. It serves a useful purpose in the general
arrangement,--that is the only object of the position. I need not
refine the point further.
"In fencing, the movements of the body and limbs are of great
importance. All the mechanical part of sword-play depends on the
principles which I have just explained. I have now taken the mechanism
to pieces and shown you how it is put together.