CAPITVLO VEINTE Y SIETE

Manifiestanse universalmente las ventajas que tendrà el Dieſtro, aſsi para defenderſe, como para ofender, ſi vſare cientificamente de la idea nueſtro Fuerte.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

The universal advantages that the Fencer will have, both for defense and offense, if they scientifically use the concept of our Fortress.

Aunque con la vniverſidad con que hemos exemplificado la idea de nueſtro Fuerte, parece que pudieramos evitar de tratar mas en èl, remitiendonos, como hemos dicho, à la individual de las tretas; pero como nueſtro animo es de facilitar la inteligencia, y vſo de eſta ſciencia, y la de nueſtro Fuerte, y dar conocimiento de todas las ventajas que el Dieſtro puede tener en el vſo de èl, no hemos querido eſcuſar de explicar lo que dexamos apuntado, de que el Dieſtro no ſolo podrà formar ſu cilindro de vn pie geometrico de diametro, que es lo preciſo para ſu defenſa; pero que ſe le puede dar de dos pies mas ò menos, como meyor le eſtuviere, poſsibilidad comun à los dos combatientes, y de poderſe afirmar de perfil, y de medio perfil, y de quadrado, y que en el plano del Angulo obtuſo, en el plano del vertical primario, y deſde los demàs planos, y Angulos podrà el contrario, por vna y otra parte, no ſolo formar ſus tretas de eſtocadas, que es lo que ſe ha exemplificado en los caſos antecedentes; pero tambien todas las demàs tretas circulares, y ſemicirculares de ſu poſsibilidad, y conviene que el Dieſtro ſepa por generalidad como ſe ha de defender de ella con ſeguirdad; y aſsi ſuponemos para mas extenſion de eſta doctrina de que el Dieſtro eſtè afirmado de quadrado, en cuya poſtura darà la mayor diſpoſicion para poder ſer ofendido de ſu contrario, aora que eſtè afirmado de perfil, ò en otra qualquiera manera.

Although with the universality with which we have exemplified the idea of our Fortress, it seems we could avoid discussing it further, referring, as we have said, to the individual tactics; but as our aim is to facilitate the understanding and use of this science, and that of our Fortress, and to provide knowledge of all the advantages that the Fencer can have in its use, we have not wanted to avoid explaining what we have outlined, that the Fencer will not only be able to form their cylinder with a geometric foot in diameter, which is necessary for their defense; but it can be given two feet more or less, as best suited, a common possibility to both combatants, and to be able to affirm themselves in profile, and half profile, and squarely, and that from the obtuse angle plane, from the primary vertical plane, and from other planes and angles, the opponent, on one side or the other, can not only form their thrusting tactics, which is what has been exemplified in the previous cases; but also all the other circular and semicircular tactics of their possibility, and it is convenient for the Fencer to know in generality how to defend against them with safety; and so we suppose for a more extensive exposition of this doctrine that the Fencer be affirmed squarely, in which posture they will give the greatest disposition to be offended by their opponent, now that they are affirmed in profile, or in any other manner.

En eſta ſupoſicion damso que el Dieſtro eſtè afirmado de quadrado, y el contrario de perfil, que es poſtura que ſe elige contrala de quadrado para formar las tretas.

In this supposition, we give that the Fencer be affirmed squarely, and the opponent in profile, which is a posture chosen against the square to form tactics.

Para que el Dieſtro tenga defenſa en todo acontecimiento, y en la mayor difpoſicion que puede dar para ſer ofendido, damos que ſu cilindro tenga dos pies de diametro, para que con ſu Eſpada ponga la del contrario en los planso verticales de ſu defenſa, tangente à ſu cilindro tenga dos pies de diametro, que es duplo del que hemos dado en los caſos antecendentes, para que con ſu Eſpada ponga la del contrario en los planos verticales de ſu defenſa, tangene à ſu cilindro por la parte dieſtra, y ſinieſtra, y por no multiplicar las averiguaciones por medio de las reglas de que nos hemos valido.

For the Fencer to have a defense in any event, and in the greatest disposition possible to be attacked, we give that their cylinder be two feet in diameter, so that with their Sword they can place their opponent’s in the vertical planes of their defense, tangent to their cylinder of two feet in diameter, which is double the diameter we have given in the preceding cases. This way, with their Sword, they can place their opponent’s in the vertical planes of their defense, tangent to their cylinder, on both the right and left sides, and to avoid multiplying calculations by the rules we have used.

Dezimos, que ſupeſto que el diametro del cilindro es duplo, del que dezimos en los caſos que quedan demonſtrados; ſigueſe, que las cantidades de movimientos que huviere de hazer con ſu Eſpada para poner la del contrario por vna y otra parte en los dos planos verticales de ſu defenſa, ſeràn duplas; y aſsi pues en el primer caſo ſe conſideraron tres diviſiones en la Eſpada del Dieſtro en punto 1. 2. y. 3. y ſe ſupuſo que el contrario quiſieſſe dar ſu compàs de dos pies y quarto, para ofender al Dieſtro de eſtocada por cada vna de eſtas tres diviſiones, la cantidad de movimiento que en cada vna de ellas avia de hazer el Dieſtro con ſu Eſpada en la del contrario, para ponerla por vna y otra parte en la ſuperficie de ſu cilindro, y en los dos planos verticales de ſu defenſa; y ſe averiguò que en punto 1. avia de hazer movimiento de cerca de tres dedos; y en el numero 2. de tres dedos y medio; y en el numero 3. de quarto dedos y vn octavo: y aſsi ſi ſe hallare de quadrado, avràn de ſer los movimientos que hiziere en el punto 1. de ſeis dedos, poco menos, y en el numero 2. de ſiete dedos, y en el numero 3. de ocho y vn tercio.

We say, assuming that the diameter of the cylinder is double what we said in the cases that have been demonstrated; it follows that the amounts of movements that the Fencer will have to make with their Sword to put the opponent’s on one side and the other in the two vertical planes of their defense, will be double; and so in the first case, three divisions were considered in the Fencer’s Sword at point 1. 2. and 3. and it was supposed that the opponent wanted to give their compass of two feet and a quarter, to offend the Fencer with a thrust through each of these three divisions, the amount of movement that in each of them the Fencer had to make with their Sword in the opponent’s, to put it on one side and the other in the surface of their cylinder, and in the two vertical planes of their defense; and it was calculated that at point 1, a movement of about three fingers was to be made; and at number 2, three fingers and a half; and at number 3, four fingers and an eighth: and so if found squarely, the movements that are made at point 1 will be about six fingers less, and at number 2, seven fingers, and at number 3, eight and a third.

Con eſta luz, y la que ſe ha dado ya en los demàs caſos, ſe podrà, en qualquiera que ſe quiſiere ſuponer, examinar las ventajas que tendrà el Dieſtro, porque ſerìa de mucho embarazo ſi nos detuvieramos en hazerlo en cada propoſicion; ſupueſto que para ofender no ſe puede hazer, ſino es por linea recta, ò curva, como ſe verà en el diſcurſo de eſta obra.

With this light, and that which has already been given in the other cases, it will be possible, in whichever one is wanted to be supposed, to examine the advantages that the Fencer will have, because it would be very cumbersome if we stopped to do it in each proposition; assuming that to offend can only be done by a straight or curved line, as will be seen in the course of this work.

Porque nueſtro intento es, que el Dieſtro obre con la mayor perfeccion que ſea poſsible, y no ſer dudable, que quanto ſueren menores las diſponſiciones que diere con ſus movimientos, y los hiziere de menor cantidad, obrarà mas perfectamente, y que eſtando afirmado en Angulo obtuſo con la comun ſeccion de ſus Eſpadas en punto G. como ſe ſupuſo enlo mencionado, no ſolo podrà intentar herir al Dieſtro con eſtocada; pero podrà formar tajo vertical, ò diagonal, y revès de ambas eſpecies.

Because our intention is for the Fencer to act with as much perfection as possible, and it is not doubtful that the smaller the dispositions given with their movements, and the smaller the amount they make, the more perfectly they will act, and that being affirmed in an obtuse angle with the common section of their Swords at point G, as was supposed in the aforementioned, not only can they try to hit the Fencer with a thrust; but they can form a vertical or diagonal cut, and reverse of both species.

Dezimos que ſe podrà defender de todas eſtas eſpecies de heridas, con poner el centro de la guarnicion de ſu Eſpada apartado quatro dedos y vn tercio del plano vertical primario à ſu lado ſinieſtro, que con otros quatro que tiene el ſemidiametro de las guarnicion à la miſma parte, ſeràn ocho dechos y vn tercio, que es la cantidad neceſſaria para quedar defendido por aquel lado, y para que quede pueſta la Eſpada de ſu contrario en el plano vertical de ſu defenſa por el miſmo lado.

We say that they can defend themselves from all these species of wounds, by putting the center of the guard of their Sword four fingers and a third away from the primary vertical plane to their left side, which with another four that has the semidiameter of the guard on the same side, will be eight fingers and a third, which is the necessary amount to be defended by that side, and for the opponent’s Sword to be placed in the vertical plane of their defense on the same side.

Al miſmo tiempo que hiziere eſte movimeinto con la guarnicion, de neceſsidad harà otro con ſu Eſpada à ſu lado derecho, con atencion que avrà de tener el Dieſtro, de que los gavilanes de ſu guarnicion eſtèn en vn plano obliquo, y que virtualmente ocupen la linea diagonal del quadrado, que ſe conſidera en el roſtro del contrario deſde la extremidad de la ceja del ojo izquierdo à ſu lado derecho de la barba, y eſtando en eſta poſicion ſu guarnicion, y Eſpada, quedarà defendido de todas las eſpecies de heridas que el contrario le quiſiere executar en el roſtro, y cabeza de tajo vertical, y diagonal.

At the same time that this movement is made with the guard, they will necessarily make another with their Sword on their right side, with the attention that the Fencer must have, that the quillons of their guard are in an oblique plane, and that they virtually occupy the diagonal line of the square, which is considered in the opponent’s face from the extremity of the left eye’s eyebrow to their right side of the beard, and being in this position their guard, and Sword, they will be defended from all species of wounds that the opponent wants to execute on the face, and head of vertical, and diagonal cut.

Para defenderſe de las miſmas eſpecies de heridas, podrà poner el Dieſtro ſu Eſpada deſuerte, que correſponda à la otra linea diagonal del dicho quadrado deſde la extremidad de la ceja derecha del contrario haſta ſu lado izquierdo de la barba, apartando à ſu lado derecho el centro de los gavilanes de ſu guarnicion quatro dedos y vn tercio, en la forma que queda advertida para los tajos, porque con ambas poſiciones cortarà los planos que ſu contrario huviere de ocupar, para entrar en ſu baluarte, y ofenderle.

To defend themselves from the same species of wounds, the Fencer can put their Sword in such a way, that it corresponds to the other diagonal line of the said square from the extremity of the right eyebrow of the opponent to their left side of the beard, moving to their right side four fingers and a third the center of the quillons of their guard, in the way that has been advised for the cuts because with both positions they will cut the planes that their opponent will have to occupy, to enter their fortress, and offend them.

Se dà por regla general, que deſde qualquier plano, y Angulo, que quiſiere formar eſtas eſpecies de heridas circulares para executarlas en el roſtro, y cabeza, quedarà el Dieſtro de la miſma ſuerte defendido haziendo las miſmas defenſas.

It is given as a general rule, that from whichever plane, and Angle, that wants to form these species of circular wounds to execute them on the face, and head, the Fencer will be defended in the same way by making the same defenses.

Las ventajas que tendrà el Dieſtro à ſu contrario ſon tan evidentes, y conſiderables, que nos eſcuſan el embarazarnos en calcularlas, ſupueſto que con quatro dedos y vn tercio de otro, que haga de movimiento, deſde el plano vertical primario à ſu lado dieſtro, ò ſinieſtro, ſe defenderà de los circulos que formare ſu contrario para executar ſus tajos, y reveſes verticales, y diagonales de cauſa libre, ò ſugeta, vnas vezes con todo el brazo, y Eſpada, y otras con el centro del codo, ò de la muñeca; y como los movimientos de eſtos circulos ſon irregulares, por eſtàr en voluntad del contrario el hazerlos mayores, ò menores, no ſe puede ajuſtar, ſiempre tendrà el Dievtro muy conocidas ventajas, atento que el contrario, para ſu formacion, avrà de hazer las Pyramides enteras, ò la mayor parte de ellas, y el Dieſtro con hazer vna pequeña porcion de las ſuyas de quatro dedos y vn tercio, quedarà defendido.

The advantages that the Fencer will have over their opponent are so evident and considerable, that they excuse us from the embarrassment of calculating them, assuming that with four fingers and a third of another, that they make a movement, from the primary vertical plane to their right or left side, they will defend themselves from the circles that their opponent forms to execute their cuts, and reverses vertical, and diagonal of free or subject cause, sometimes with the whole arm, and Sword, and others with the center of the elbow, or wrist; and as the movements of these circles are irregular, because it is in the will of the opponent to make them larger or smaller, it cannot be adjusted, the Fencer will always have very known advantages, considering that the opponent, for their formation, will have to make the entire Pyramids, or most of them, and the Fencer by making a small portion of theirs of four fingers and a third, will be defended.

Objecion

Objection

Podràſenos dezir, que al tiempo que el Dieſtro defendiere los tajos, y reveſes verticales, y diagonales en la forma que ſe ha dicho, podrà el contrario dexar la execucion de ellos en la cabeza, y cara, por no hallar diſpoſicion, y baxarſe con ſu Eſpada à herir de eſtocada, y que en eſte caſo los preceptos que hemos dado no le podràn aprovechar.

It might be said that while the Fencer is defending against vertical and diagonal cuts and reverses in the manner described, the opponent could abandon executing these on the head and face, due to a lack of opportunity, and instead lower their sword to thrust. In this case, the guidelines we have provided may not be beneficial.

Respondese

Response

Que tratado de dar à entender vna ſciencia, conviene el que ſe diga la poſsibilidad, y extenſion que tiene, cono que los preceptos ſe verifiquen en las propoſiciones, como ſe vè en las antecedentes, porque de ſu inteligencia, ſe inquiere mas bien ell conocimiento de la vniverſalidad.

In presenting a science, it is appropriate to discuss its possibilities and extent, ensuring that the principles are validated in the propositions, as seen in the preceding examples. This approach better informs the understanding of its universality.

Aunque en los caſos referidos tendria poſsibilidad el Dieſtro de impedir lo que comprehende la objecion, baxando con preſteza ſu Eſpada al Angulo agudo, y paſſarla por vna y otra parte, impidiendo los planos que el contrario quiſiere ocupar con la ſuya para ofenderle.

Even in the aforementioned cases, the Fencer would have the possibility to prevent what the objection covers by swiftly lowering their Sword to an acute angle and moving it from one side to the other, thus blocking the planes that the opponent intends to occupy with their sword to attack.

Todavia para que nueſtro Dieſtro no obre ſobreſaltado, ni ocaſione diſpoſicion à ſu contrario que le perſuada à que le podrà ofender, queremos darle modo vniverſal, para que ſe pueda defender de los tajos, y reveſes verticales, y diagonales, y de los medios tajos, y medios reveſes, que el contrario intentare executar en ſu cabeça, y roſtro por ſu lado dieſtro, y ſinieſtro. Y tambien para que ſe pueda defender de los tajos, y reveſes, y medios tajos, y medios reveſes, que ſe ſuelen executar en el braço; y de los tajos, y reveſes orizontales, y medios tajos, y medios reveſes de las miſmas eſpecies, que ſon todas las heridas que ſe pueden formar en la poſsibilidad del hombre.

However, to ensure that our Fencer does not act hastily or create an opportunity for the opponent to believe they can successfully attack, we want to provide a universal method for the Fencer to defend against vertical and diagonal cuts and reverses, as well as half-cuts and half-reverses that the opponent may attempt to execute on their head and face, both from the right and left sides. This method also applies to defending against cuts and reverses, half-cuts and half-reverses typically aimed at the arm; and against horizontal cuts and reverses, and half-cuts and half-reverses of the same types, which encompass all the wounds that can possibly be inflicted by a person.

Eſta defenſa vniverſal la conſeguirà el Dievtro, aunque eſtèn afirmado en la poſtura de quadrado, cono en la propoſicion antecedente, que es la mayor diſpoſicion, que puieda dar à ſu contrario para que le ofenda, poniendo ſu braço de ſuerte, que la guarnicion de ſu Eſpada por la parte ſuperior, correſponda al nacimiento de la nariz, que es por donde paſſa el plano vertical, cuya comun ſeccion nos dà la linea diametral, que paſſa por la frente, nariz, y pecho, y que el extremo del gavilan ſuperior, verticalmente mire al nacimiento del cabello, y que la Eſpada, ſin alterar eſta poſtura de brazo, y guarnicion, la baxe al Angulo agudo, cauſandole ſemirecto con el plano orizontal ſuperior, que imaginamos quando el Dieſtro eſtà afirmado en Angulo recto, y ſobre Angulo recto; y aunque el brazo, y Eſpada del Dieſtro, en eſta poſtura de quadrado, eſtarà de cauſar el miſmo Angulo ſemirecto con ſu Eſpada, porque en todos los planos ſuperiores, y inferior, es igual al de ſu poſtura de quadrado, ſiendo, como ſeràn, paralelos à èl, en qualquiera ſe verificarà eſtàr afirmado en Angulo ſemirecto.

The Fencer will achieve this universal defense even if they are in a squared stance, as mentioned in the previous proposition, which offers the greatest opportunity for the opponent to attack. They should position their arm so that the guard of their sword at the top corresponds to the base of the nose, which is where the vertical plane intersects, creating a diametrical line passing through the forehead, nose, and chest. The tip of the upper quillon should vertically align with the start of the hairline, and the sword, without changing this arm and guard position, should be lowered to an acute angle, creating a semi-right angle with the upper horizontal plane, which we imagine when the Fencer is in a right angle stance, both vertically and horizontally. Even in this square stance, the arm and sword of the Fencer will create the same semi-right angle with their sword, because in all upper and lower planes, which are parallel to it, they will invariably be in a semi-right angle position.

Eſtando el Dievtro aſsi afirmado con el brazo, y guarnicion, que es la principal Pyramide que puede hazer para ſu defenſa, con ella e defenderà de todos los tajos, y reveſes verticales, y diagonales, y de los medios tajos, y medios reveſes, que el contrario le quiſiere executar en el rovtro, y cabeza por la parte dieſtra, y ſinieſtra.

With the Fencer thus affirmed with their arm and guard, which constitutes the principal Pyramid they can form for their defense, they will defend themselves against all vertical and diagonal cuts, reverses, half-cuts, and half-reverses that the opponent might execute on the face and head from both the right and left sides.

La Pyramide de ſu Eſpada, que entonces formarà con el centro de ſu muñeca, y en particular la Pyramide, que en ella imaginamos en los mayores grados de fuerza, le defenderà de los tajos, y reveſes, y medios tajos, y medios reveſes, que ſe le quiſieren formar en el brazo.

The Pyramid formed by their Sword, centered at their wrist, and particularly the Pyramid imagined within it at its greatest degrees of force, will defend them from the cuts, reverses, half-cuts, and half-reverses aimed at the arm.

Tambien le defenderà de los tajos, y reveſes orizontales, y de las eſtocadas, que le tiraren en qualquiera de los tres Angulos: con las Pyramides de la Eſpada, las que ſe le tiraren del Angulo recto abaxo: y con la guarnicion, las que dirigiere del Angulo recto arriba.

They will also be defended from horizontal cuts and reverses, as well as thrusts aimed at them from any of the three Angles: with the Pyramids of the Sword, those thrown from the right angle downwards; and with the guard, those directed from the right angle upwards.

Quando ſe quiſiere baxar el contrario para herirle con heridas circulares, ò ſemicirculares, ò con eſtocadas en las piernas, ò pies, por vna y otra parte, entonces podrà el Dieſtro, para ſu mayor ſeguiridad, baxar el brazo, y guarnicion lo que ſuere neceſſario, para que juntamente baxe la Eſpada mas al Angulo agudo, para que con grados de mayore fuerzas pueda poner la del contrario en qualquiera de los dos planos verticales de ſu defenſa, tangentes por vna y otra parte à ſu cilindro, que en eſta figura le damos dos pies de diametro, ſiendo ſuſiciente vn pie para quedar defendido, como ſe ha demonſtrado.

When the opponent attempts to lower their sword to strike with circular or semicircular wounds, or thrusts at the legs or feet, from either side, the Fencer can, for greater safety, lower their arm and guard as necessary. This will also lower the sword more towards the acute angle, enabling it with greater degrees of force to position the opponent’s sword within any of the two vertical planes of their defense, tangential on either side to their cylinder. In this figure, we give the cylinder a diameter of two feet, although one foot is sufficient for defense, as has been demonstrated.

El modo que el Dieſtro ha de tener para librarſe de todas eſtas heridas rectas, circulares, y ſemicirculares, ſerà ſin deſcomponer la poſtura de la Pyramide de ſu defenſa del brazo, y guarnicion, pues con ella impedirà la execucion de los tajos verticales, y diagonales, y los medios tajos, y medios reveſes, que ſe dirigieren al roſtro, y cabeza.

The method the Fencer should use to avoid all these straight, circular, and semicircular wounds will be without disrupting the posture of the Pyramid of their defense formed by the arm and guard. With this Pyramid, they will impede the execution of vertical and diagonal cuts, half-cuts, and half-reverses directed at the face and head.

Eſtando ſu Eſpada en la miſma poſtura del Angulo agudo, ſi eſtas eſpecies de heridas paraen en la Pyramide, que imaginamos en los mayores grados de la Eſpada, podrà poner con ella à la de ſu contrario, en qualquiera de los dos planos de ſu defenſa; y ſi fueren à para, como ſe ha dicho, en la guarnicion, podrà en orden à ſu mayor defenſa hazer vn pequeño movimiento, por vna y otra parte, dedo y medio ò dos, para quedar con mayor defenſa.

With their sword in the same position at the acute angle, if these types of wounds are aimed at the Pyramid, which we imagine at the highest degrees of the sword’s strength, the Fencer can position their opponent’s sword within either of the two defense planes with this Pyramid. And if the strikes are aimed, as mentioned, at the guard, the Fencer can, for greater defense, make a small movement, to either side, of a finger and a half or two, to achieve greater defense.

Individuando mas eſta inteligencia, podrà hazer eſte pequeño movimiento por ſu parte dieſtra, para defender los reveſes verticales, y diagonales, y medios reveſes, guardando por eſta parte los miſmos preceptos que ſe han dado por la parte ſinieſtra contra los tajos verticales, y diagonales, y medios tajos, y medios reveſes.

To further detail this understanding, the Fencer can make this small movement on their right side to defend against vertical and diagonal reverses and half-reverses, maintaining on this side the same precepts that have been given for the left side against vertical and diagonal cuts, half-cuts, and half-reverses.

Tambien quedarà defendido, haziendo la miſma diligencia, por vna y otra parte, en la Pyramide de los mayores grados de ſu fuerza, de los tajos, y reveſes, y medios tajos, y medios reveſes, que ſe ſuelen executar en el brazo, ſin alterar ſu Pyramide, ni de la guarnicion.

They will also remain defended, exercising the same diligence, on both sides, in the Pyramid at the highest degrees of their strength, from cuts, reverses, half-cuts, and half-reverses that are typically aimed at the arm, without altering their Pyramid or guard.

Tambien ſe defenderà de ls eſtocadas por ambas partes, que ſe le tiraren del Angulo recto abajo, porque ſi fueren à parar por encima de la guarnicion, ò de ſus lados, y hemos dicho ſerà ſuſiciente para defenderlas.

The Fencer will also defend against thrusts from both sides, those coming from below the right angle, because if they end up above the guard or its sides, it will be sufficient to defend against them.

Tambien, como queda advertido, ſi el contrario ſe baxare tanto con ſu Eſpada, que quiera herir por vna y otra parte con eſtocada, ò con heridas circulares, ò ſemicirculares en las piernas, ò pies, con el Dieſtro baxe algo ſu brazo, y guarnicion al Angulo agudo, para que participe mas de la poſtura de ſu Eſpada, para poder poner con mayor fuerza la del contrario por ambas partes en los planos verticales de ſu defenſa, la conſeguirà.

Moreover, as previously noted, if the opponent lowers their sword significantly, intending to strike with a thrust or circular or semicircular wounds on the legs or feet, the Fencer should lower their arm and guard towards the acute angle, to more closely align with the posture of their sword, enabling them to more forcefully position the opponent’s sword on both sides within the vertical planes of their defense.

Porque el contrario ſe podrà baxar mas, ò menos con ſu Eſpada al Angulo agudo, y eſto no ſe puede regular, queda à arbitrio del Dieſtro baxar ſu brazo, y Eſpada ſolo lo que fuera neceſſario, como le obligaren las poſiciones que eligiere ſu contrario.

Since the opponent can lower their sword to a greater or lesser extent towards the acute angle, and this cannot be precisely regulated, it is up to the Fencer to lower their arm and sword only as much as necessary, as required by the positions chosen by their opponent.

Porque toda eſta doctrina ſe reduce à las demonſtraciones que hemos hecho en los caſos, y figuras antecendentes, meramente, en orden à poner la Eſpada del contrario en los lados del baluarte de ſu defenſa, aſsi en el poligono exterior, como en el interior, en cuyos lados eſtaràn ſiempre los planos verticales de ſu defenſa del Dieſtro; guardando los miſmos preceptos, ſe hallarà defendido, como ſi los lados del baluarte, y planos verticales, que cauſan, fueran de azero, ò de otra materia denſa, ſupueſto que la poſsibilidad del Dieſtro, por medio de ſu brazo, guarnicion y Eſpada, que es materia denſa, lo puede cauſar con tanta facilidad, y pequeña cantidad de movimientos, como ſe ha demonſtrado; y por averlo hecho, no es neceſſario volverlo à hazer, ni tampoco examinar las ventajas que tiene el Dieſtro à ſu contrario, por ſer las miſmas: en eſtos caſos, como en los antecendentes, ſin diferencia: y para mas inteligencia, hemos querido exemplificarlos con eſta vniverſalidad en todas las eſpecies de heridas, para calificar en el todo la idea de nueſtro Fuerte.

Because all this doctrine boils down to the demonstrations we have made in the previous cases and figures, simply with regard to positioning the opponent’s sword on the sides of the Fencer’s defense bastion, both in the external polygon and the internal one, where the vertical planes of the Fencer’s defense will always be. By following the same principles, the Fencer will be defended as if the sides of the bastion and the vertical planes they create were made of steel or some other dense material. This is because the Fencer, through the use of their arm, guard, and sword (which are dense materials), can achieve this easily and with minimal movement, as has been demonstrated. Since this has been done, it is not necessary to repeat it, nor to examine again the advantages the Fencer has over their opponent, as they remain the same in these cases as in the previous ones, without any difference. For greater clarity, we have chosen to exemplify this universality across all types of wounds, to fully illustrate the concept of our Fortress.

Con que hemos manifeſtado quan vniveral es eſte Fuerte, ſuponiendo que el Dieſtro eſpera à ſu contrario, para que intente en èl todo las heridas de ſu poſsibilidad, y las ventajas grandes que ſe le haze; pero eſtas, y otras mayores ſe reconoceràn con mas individualidad, y evidencia en las tretas por medios de ſus compaſes, guardando en la formacion, y execucion de ellas los quatro preceptos vniverſales, que ſe diràn en ſu lugar, à que ſe reducen todas las operaciones de eſta ſciencia.

Thus, we have shown how universal this Fortress is, assuming that the Fencer waits for their opponent, ready to counter any and all possible attacks, and the great advantages this provides. However, these and even greater advantages will be more individually and clearly recognized in the tactics through the use of their compasses, maintaining the four universal principles in the formation and execution of these tactics, principles that underlie all operations of this science.

En eſtas operaciones ſe reconocerà que en los miſmos modos, que hemos dicho que el Dieſtro tendrà para defenderſe en ſu Fuerta, las mas vezes ſerà con diſpoſicion de poder ofender inmediatamente à ſu contrario, ſi intentare herirle, ſin conocer la defenſa que tuviere el Dieſtro, porque preciſamente vnas avràn de paffar en la guarnicion de ſu Eſpada, y otras en la Pyramide que imaginamos en ſus mayores grados de fuerza; que en eſta caſo, no ſolo tendrà el Dieſtro diſpoſicion para ofenderle, deſpues de aver pueſto la Eſpada del contrario en qualquiera de los dos planos verticales de ſu defenſa, pero tambien tendrà dominio en ella para incluirla dentro de ſu Pyramide, para herirle en la parte mas propinqua, ſegun fuere la diſpoſicion que le diere.

In these operations, it will be recognized that in the same ways we have mentioned that the Fencer will have for defending themselves in their Fortress, most often they will be in a position to immediately offend their opponent, if they attempt to strike without recognizing the Fencer’s defense. Indeed, some attacks will necessarily encounter the guard of their Sword, and others will meet the Pyramid we have imagined in its strongest degrees of force. In this case, the Fencer will not only be positioned to offend their opponent after having placed the opponent’s sword in one of the two vertical planes of their defense, but will also have control over it to include it within their Pyramid, to strike the opponent in the nearest part, according to the disposition given to them.

Si ſe baxare el contrario al Angulo agudo con la Eſpada, para ofenderle en las piernas, ò pies, podrà el Dieſtro, para mayor ſeguridad, deſpues que huviere guardado el precepto de ponerla conla ſuya en vno de los dos planos verticales de ſu defenſa, reducirſe al Angulo recto, aora ſea dando compàs, ò ſin èl, y le obligarà à que ſuba ſu Eſpada al miſmo plano, y entonces podrà formar las tretas que ſe fueren mas inmediatas.

If the opponent lowers their Sword to an acute angle to attack the Fencer’s legs or feet, the Fencer, for greater security, after having followed the principle of placing it along with their own in one of the two vertical planes of their defense, can return to the right angle, either by giving a compass or without it. This will force the opponent to raise their Sword to the same plane, and then the Fencer can form the tactics that are most immediate.

Para que ſe conozca que la idea de nueſtro Fuerte, como quiera que ſe conſidere, tiene fundamentos ſolidos que aſiſten à ſu realidad en ſus efectos, aunque en lo que dexamos demonſtrado, y en particular en el Capitulo que trata de la Potencia de libra, de que nos valimos para examinar lo fuerte, y flaco de la Eſpada, en orden à dar conocimientos de las ventajas, y deſaventajadas que ay en ſus grados, de menor y mayor fuerza; quedan verificadas las que el Dieſtro tiene en la brevedad de ſu obrar, nacida de la perfeccion de ſus poſturas del cuerpo, brazo, guarnicion, y Eſpada, que neceſsita preciſamente al contrario (ſi quiſiere ofender) à mas largos movimientos, de los que el Dieſtro ha de hazer para ſu defenſa.

To demonstrate that the concept of our Fortress, however it is considered, has solid foundations that support its reality in its effects, although in what we have demonstrated, and particularly in the chapter that deals with the force distribution, which we used to examine the strong and weak points of the Sword, in order to provide knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages in its degrees of lesser and greater force; it is verified that the Fencer has advantages in the brevity of their actions, arising from the perfection of their body postures, arm, guard, and Sword. This necessarily requires the opponent, if they wish to attack, to make longer movements than what the Fencer needs to do for their defense.

Dezimos, para mas ſatisfacion del Dieſtro, y credito de la idea de nueſtro Fuerte, que quando ſupongamos que ſe mueve en ſus acciones den los miſmos tiempos que ſu contrario las hiziere, y que los movimeintos de cantidades de ambos ſean iguales; todavia el Dieſtro, reſpecto de la perfeccion de ſus poſturas, ſiempre obligarà à ſu contrario, que ſi le quiſiere herir con tretas circulares, y ſemicirculares, ò con eſtocadas, ſiempre aya de paſſar lo flaco de ſu Eſpada por los mayores grados de fuerça de la ſuya, ò por encima de la guarnicion, ò ſus lados, como queda demonſtrado: con que no ſolo le tendrà ventaja para poner ſu Eſpada en vno de los planos verticales de ſu defenſa, pero para ofenderle inmediamente, valiendoſe de los mayores grados de ſu fuerça, ocupando el plano que correſpondiere à ſu poſtura, excluyendo ſu Eſpada, que no pueda ofender; y ſi conviniere, la podrà incluir en qualquiera de ſus Pyramides, ò porcion de ellas, en virtud de ſu mayor potencia, como lo pidieren las ocaſiones, para ofender, y quedar defendido.

We say, for the greater satisfaction of the Fencer, and the credibility of the idea of our Fortress, that when we assume that the Fencer moves in their actions at the same times as their opponent does, and that the movements in terms of amounts are equal; still, the Fencer, due to the perfection of their postures, will always compel their opponent, if they wish to attack with circular and semicircular tactics, or with thrusts, to always pass the weaker part of their Sword through the stronger degrees of force of the Fencer’s, or over the guard, or its sides, as has been demonstrated. This means that not only will the Fencer have the advantage of placing their Sword in one of the vertical planes of their defense, but also to immediately attack, making use of the greater degrees of their force, occupying the plane that corresponds to their posture, excluding the opponent’s Sword from being able to attack; and if appropriate, they can include it in one of their Pyramids, or a portion of them, by virtue of their greater power, as the occasions demand, to attack and remain defended.

Eſtas ventajas de tanta conſideracion, como lo es el poder diſponerſe el Dieſtro ſcientificamente en ſus poſiciones, que ſe haga dueño de la Eſpada de ſu contrario las vezes que intentare ofenderle, excluyendola, ò incluyendola, ſegun ſus fines, reſpecto de ſu mayor potencia, que ſon de las excelencias, y ventajas mayores, que puede producir eſta ſciencia, poco, ò nada ſugetas à la contingencia, por los breviſsimos movimientos con que peude el Dieſtro conſeguir ſu defenſa, y la ofenſa de ſu contrario.

These advantages of such consideration, as is the ability of the Fencer to scientifically position themselves, becoming master of their opponent’s sword every time the opponent attempts to attack, either by excluding or including it according to their goals, due to their greater power, are among the greatest excellences and advantages that this science can produce, being little or not at all subject to chance, due to the very brief movements with which the Fencer can achieve their defense and offense against their opponent.

Eſtas advertencias ſe entienden ſi el contrario formare ſus tretas ſin atender à la perfeccion de poſiciones del Dieſtro, y à quedar defendido; pero ſi el contrario fuere tambien cientifico, y vſare de la idea de nueſtro Fuerte con los requiſitos, que ſe requieren al tiempo que las formare, entonces ſe reducirà à contienda de los dos combatientes, y ſolo podrà quedar vencido el que de los dos ſe deſcuidare, porque eſta ſciencia es comun à todos, y ſus efectos, guardando ſus reglas, y preceptos.

These warnings are understood if the opponent forms their tactics without paying attention to the perfection of the Fencer’s positions and their defense; but if the opponent is also knowledgeable and uses the idea of our Fortress with the requirements that are needed at the time of forming them, then it will come down to a contest between the two combatants, and only the one who becomes careless among the two will be defeated, because this science is common to all, and its effects, when following its rules and precepts, are universal.