"I remember an assault, in M. Pons's rooms, between one of my friends
and a man who was generally considered and really was a strong fencer,
although he insisted on clinging to that mischievous routine, which
with some men is a superstition.
"They came on guard, and my friend, after crossing swords to show that
he was ready to defend himself, quitted the engagement, attacked, and
hit his opponent several times.
'But, Sir,' his opponent objected, 'you do not join blades.'
'Why should I?'
'Unless you join blades, how am I to fence?'
'That is your look-out.'
'But you must join blades.'
'Why _must_ I? My only object, I assure you, is to endeavour, as well
as I am able, to disconcert my opponent, and as I find that this plan
disconcerts you considerably, I see all the more reason why I should
continue to employ it.'
'That may be,' rejoined the other sticking to his point, 'but if you do
not join blades, it is not fencing.'
'Well,' said my friend, 'let us try for a moment to discuss the matter.
Tell me, are my hits improperly delivered?'
'Oh, no.'
'Did I stab, or come in with a round-arm?'
'Certainly not'
'Is there anything wrong with my parries? Are they too wide, or what?
Is my hand too heavy, or do you complain of mutual hits?'
'No, that is not the point.'
'Then, what more do you want?'
'I want you to join blades.'
'To oblige you?'
'No, I do not say that. But unless you join blades it is not fencing.'
"And say what one might, nothing would make him budge from his
everlasting axiom.
"It is always so, whenever an attempt is made to interfere with the
traditions of any art whatever. The man who tries to strike out a new
line cannot fail to disturb the tranquil repose of ancient custom. The
conservatives resist, they object to interference, they feel that their
placid triumphs, their cherished habits are threatened. The regular
routine, which has been drilled into them, till they know it like an
old tune of which every turn and every note is familiar, will be
unsettled. They have good reason to be annoyed, but that does not prove
them to be right.