This sequence is based primarily on A. Lonnergan's smallsword
manual, The Fencer's Guide, which was published in London in 1771. It is typical
of late 18th century smallsword play, which was practiced both for use in
earnest and as a sport.
Section X and Lesson VI, pp. 135-138.
p. 136:
Attack in Quarte; thrust Quarte-over-the-arm; if I parry with a
Tierce and dart a Segonde at you, you must parry with a Sixieme and plant a
Quarte. If I come to a Prime, close your left foot, and pursue me with a Feint
of a Segonde, and plant a Cavè, and spring back with a wrench, from a Prime into
a Tierce and Half-Circle.
Attack in Quarte. If I parry and advance at the same time,
advance the left foot and disarm me, as directed in Sect. XXXV, of the First
Part.
Section XXXV, pp. 92-93.
Of Disarming, by locking your Adversary's Sword.
Though these methods of Disarming, and Passing, Volting, and
that of the Night Thrust, seem to be almost abolished by the refiners of these
arts; I cannot conceive why a man, who is naturally strong and active, should
not avail himself of such advantages, especially when improved by our athletic
exercises, so engaging to an English subject, and forbidding to all others.
Therefore, I shall here add one part of them, in the practice of these
disarmings, &c.
We are both on Guard in Quarte; I thrust a Quarte-over-the-arm
at you; and thus stand upon my Longe, that you may gradually learn to disarm me;
before you can be quick in so doing, mind that you parry with a Tierce, and
oppose shell to shell; smartly bring up your left foot behind my right heel; and
in the same time pass your left hand quickly to your elbow, under your own
wrist, and over mine; then twine your arm quickly round mine, and let your hand
seize me on the outside of my wrist or arm: thus seized, my sword is held locked
over your wrist, and under the upper joint of your arm; you at the same time
find your own sword at liberty, by winding it backward round your hand; whence
it comes pointed in Cavè against my breast. If I make any resistance, you are
ready to trip up my heels, by striking away my right foot, and bringing me
entirely to your mercy, which you should extend upon such an advantage, though
filled with fury and implacable resentment before.
N.B. All this must be performed in one motion only; you may thus
Disarm upon Quarte, Quarte-over-the-arm, or Segonde, as well as on Tierce; as
this is the best, I have set it in the first place.
A. Lonnergan. The Fencer's Guide. London: 1771.
