The cut is preferred only by those accustomed to weapons of the old school, French and English gentlemen who do not easily come to the new Italian rapier, but whose vain words and posturings are like the blowing of wind. Meet such, then, by awaiting the attack, for they will reveal themselves and leave the defender in the superior position. Should such a one attack by a cut, you may thrust beneath his blade. Should he attack by thrust, which is alien to his nature, you may parry with the blade or with your left hand, which you must furnish with a stout leather or mail glove… To meet an imbroccata in low ward, beat aside the thrust with the left hand at mid-blade, then as you oppose his blade with your own, seize his rapier guard with your left hand and in this way disarm him. This botte secrete was imparted by Maestro Francesco Altoni to very few, since if ill-practiced, it can lead to death… From secrets of the italian art of fencing Montvert, N., Sieur de Beauvoir et Châteauneuf-sur-Charentonne, Lyons, 1571 In the rue de Bailleul, the rattle of drums and the crunch of marching feet rose to the windows above.
