first Training, as to the Words of Command, to order their Arms in their
various Postures with Dexterity. And first of Foot Exercise, I shall
speak of the _Pike_, because it is the most Ancient, to Train which,
many, who are now great Commanders, have taken it as an Honour.


_The Exercise of the_ Pike_, by word of Command,_ &c.

1. =Pikes take: Advance your Pikes.=

To do this, as the first thing required, move in a direct Line with your
_Pike_ upward, with your Left-hand near your Side, your Right-hand
almost as high as you can reach, keeping your Left by a Depression, as
low as you can, your Fingers being strait out; and so raise the _Pike_
till the Butt-end come to your Hand, then place it between your Breast
and Shoulder, keeping the Butt-end close, that it may be the more steady
and upright.

2. =To the Front.=

To do this, put your Left-hand on your _Pike_, even with the Top of your
Shoulder, keeping your Fingers strait, and bring your _Pike_ right
before you with a swift Motion; drawing your Right-heel into your
Left-instep, and so keep the _Pike_ strait.

3. =Charge.=

Here you must fall back with your Right-leg, placing the Heel of your
Left foot against the middle of your Right, and bring down your _Pike_
with a quick Motion, support it with your Left-Elbow, and charge Breast