Hit in Fourth against Third
Plate
Translation
This is a wound in Fourth against Third. Both are at wide measure (misura larga) in Third, and the striker moves only the point to gain the enemy blade on the inside (acquistare la nimica dalla parte interiore). Seeing the opening below the hand, the enemy lowers the point in order to wound there in Third. But the striker, instead of finishing the attempt to gain the blade, stops going to the sword (restando di andare alla spada), directs his point to the body, turns the hand into Fourth, and brings the hilt against the enemy weak (portando il finimento al debile nimico), so that he both parries and wounds in the same time (ha parato, & ferito in medesimo tempo).
Fabris’ point is that the gain of the blade is not an obligation once a better direct wound appears. One may begin as though to acquire the sword, but if the enemy answers by offering a more immediate opening, the proper action is to abandon the incomplete find and wound directly, provided one remains defended by superior relation of hilt and forte against the enemy weak.
This is a classic Fabris lesson: the attempted gain of the blade is not an obligation. The instant a better direct wound appears, abandon the find and take it.
Analysis
- You move only the point to gain the enemy blade on the inside (acquistare la nimica dalla parte interiore).
- The enemy sees the opening below your hand and lowers his point to wound there in terza.
- You stop going to the blade (restando di andare alla spada).
- You direct your point to the body, turn to quarta, and carry the hilt to the enemy weak.
- You parry and wound in the same tempo (parato e ferito nel medesimo tempo).