into two Parts, _viz._ The Hilt and the Blade.

The Hilt is again divided into three Parts, _viz._ the Pommel or Ball at
the far end, sometimes Round and sometimes Oval in Shape. This keeps the
Hilt fast, by being well riveted, and by its poise makes the Sword well
mounted, or light before the Hand. The next is that part on which you
grasp your Hand, commonly called the Handle: and then the Shell, which
is that part of the Hilt next the Blade, to preserve your Hand (if you
are any thing weary in managing it) from a Thrust or Blow.

The Blade is divided into two Parts only. The first next to the Hilt,
being termed the strong Part or Fort. The other, which is the extream,
is termed the Feeble, or they are otherways termed the Prime, and the
Second. The strong Fort or Prime of the Blade, is measured from the
Shell to the middle of the Blade, and being the strongest, is made use
of in Parying, or to put by Thrusts or Blows. The Feeble, weak or second
part, is accounted from the Middle to the Point, and is properly made
use of in Offending or giving Thrusts or Blows; and thus much may serve
for the Description of the Sword: Now I proceed to the Explanation of
the Terms, fit to be known by a Practitioner.


_A Guard._

This is a proper Posture you must place your self in, for the better
defending your self from the Thrusts or Blows of those you Fence with,
or defend your self from.


_To Parie._