Steel Marginalia
[27]

Second against Third with the point out of presence

De lo Schermo, overo Scienza d'Arme
Salvator Fabris · Book I · Thrust in Second (seconda).

Plate

Both fencers inside in Third guard; enemy delivers riverso to outside opening while striker transitions to Second and thrusts
Both fencers inside in Third guard; enemy delivers riverso to outside opening while striker transitions to Second and thrusts De lo Schermo, overo Scienza d'Arme · Copenhagen, 1606 · Plate 27

Translation

This other, which is seen, is a Second against a sword in Third whose point is out of presence. It came about because, both being in Third on the inside, the striker went to find the enemy sword. In that same time the other turned a defensive riverso through the opening he saw outside the sword, toward the enemy head and shoulder. The striker, seeing the enemy blade circling, turned from Third into Second, covered that part, and in the same time drove forward to wound, arriving before the enemy blade had finished its turn.

Even if that blade had fallen first, it would have found the defense. All this arises from the slowness of the cut, which cannot wound unless it first leaves presenza; and before it returns, the time is so long that one who wounds with the point can arrive much sooner.

Analysis

Initial guards Both in Third on the inside (di dentro).
Wound Thrust in Second (seconda).
  1. You go to find the enemy blade (ritrovare la spada nimica).
  2. He turns a defensive riverso through the outside opening at head/shoulder (voltato diffendente riverso).
  3. Seeing his blade circling (vedendo girare la nimica), you turn from terza to seconda.
  4. You cover the threatened line.
  5. In the same time you push on and wound before his circle finishes.

Translation note

Johnson's "point is out of line" should be read through the Italian: "the point is out of presence" (punta fuori di presenza), which is more technical.
The Steel Marginalia · HEMA Study Group Notes in the margins. Truth in the bind.