Besides, his rule for springing back is false; for by drawing the
Right-foot back so far as in guard; you lose Time, the first Motion
being too long, and the Feet being so close together, the Body has not
sufficient Strength, and consequently cannot go far. From this it is
plain that three Motions are not necessary for springing back, there
being but two in all. He likewise says that the leaping back, requires
such an effort, that you have not Power to parry; but Experience
sufficiently shows that you may easily parry and spring back. Indeed on
a moving Sand, or slippery Ground, it is very difficult to leap back;
and if we consider things rightly, we cannot find our purpose answered
at all times and places; and tho' the first Retreat that I recommended,
and which these Gentlemen esteemed, is very good, yet if you are
followed closely in retreating thus, as the two Steps do not place you
at so great a Distance, by much, as the springing back, you may be put
to a Nonplus by a redouble.

When you know the just Length of your Adversary's Thrust, you may break
or steal out of measure, by leaning back the Body, without stirring the
Foot.

If in the Field, you have the Disadvantage of the Ground, the Wind, or
the Sun, or that in a School, you are exposed to too much Light, or,
pushing with an awkard Man; in order to obviate these Inconveniencies,
you must go round him, which may be done within or without according as
you have Room.

The Turning must be done out of Measure, and with great Caution: When
'tis within your Sword, you must begin with your Left-foot, carrying it
to that Side, and then bring the Right-foot to it's proper Line and