"Every generation takes the march of progress one stage further, or at
least modifies existing institutions in its own way. It is not so long
since the fanciful multiplication of feints, of which I was speaking
just now, was considered the correct game; the right thing to do was
to follow the blade until you found it. At the present day it is no
longer part of the necessary ritual to follow always every vagary.
Suppose you feint inordinately, I suddenly let drive with opposition of
the hand, or simply straighten my arm and hit you with a stop thrust,
which interferes rather effectively with your trickiness, and spoils
the magnificent flourishes of your arabesques. These hits are now
recognised and regularly taught. If need be, instead of lunging you
slip the left foot to the rear, throw the left shoulder well back, so
as to be out of the way, and drop the body, in order to avoid being hit
yourself.
"The system of our fathers, which in many respects was excellent but at
the same time was remarkable for several very odd and very peremptory
theories, has in many instances been successfully assailed. Perhaps in
some cases its assailants have themselves been too peremptory, and this
has led to that loss of temper and angry recrimination, by which the
debate has been embittered.
"But I must not tax your patience further to-night. We had better
adjourn the discussion until to-morrow; otherwise you will be tired
of hearing me talk, and I am sincerely anxious to command your whole
attention."
[Illustration]