"At the present day people have gradually come to admit that there is
some good in these innovations, which have suddenly enlarged the scope
of fencing. 'Fencing,' they say, 'is more difficult than it used to be,
but less graceful.' Are these qualities then necessarily incompatible
with each other?
"In order to make a clear distinction between those who run after
strange gods, and the 'auld lichts' who have preserved intact the
primitive tradition of the true faith, a phrase has been invented to
describe the backsliders. They are said to be 'difficult fencers.'
"Now what are these words supposed to mean? Do they imply that a
graceful fencer is not difficult? No doubt, classical grace and a
masterly style are very fine things, which I, for one, can appreciate
and admire. But if I am asked to choose between the graceful and
the difficult fencer,--if it is not possible to be both at once,--I
much prefer the latter, for I suppose that 'difficult' can only mean
difficult to hit, difficult to defeat.
"But there is no need to suppose that difficulty is incompatible with
grace, at least with grace of a certain kind, the grace of manly and
robust energy, which sits well upon the fighting man, such grace as in
old times so well became the gallant chevaliers, who illumined by their
prowess the spacious days of ruff and rapier.
"We have here another of the important points of difference between the
two schools. Some people treat the newcomer like an inconvenient guest,
whom they cannot very well turn out of doors. But they may as well make
up their minds that the intruder can take care of himself, and will
find room for his ample proportions in the domestic circle. He has come
to stay, and whether they like him or not he means to make one of the
party.
"The axiom--'Hit and do not be hit back' ought, in spite of everything
that can be said against it, to be the motto of all who fight with the
sword. Science may teach how to hit well, but its first lesson should
be, how not to be hit at all by the arrant duffer, who uses his sword
by the light of nature. When swordsmanship fails to keep this end in
view, we may be very sure that it is off the track. 'Business first'
must be the invariable rule.