The Two-Horned Guard
Guards 12/12 - Verse 24
Locked center-line guard equivalent to Posta Longa
Translation
This is the Two-Horned Guard, which is held so securely closed that the point always remains directed toward the centre of the path. This guard can perform all the same actions as the Long Guard (Posta Longa). The same is true of the Window Guard (Posta di Fenestra) and the front Guard (Posta Frontale).
Fiore's Words
I am called by all the Two-Horned Guard. I stand so strongly locked, my point won't move aside, always holding centre, wherever foes may ride. What Long Guard can accomplish, I can do the same, and Window Guard and Forehead share in this claim of mine. Don't ask how false I am, how clever in my art, For I have tricks enough to tear your guard apart.
Combat Context
A defensive stance that controls the centerline while appearing to offer openings. The guard's strong structure prevents the point from being displaced easily, forcing opponents to commit to riskier entries. Functions as a false invitation, using apparent vulnerability to draw attacks that can then be countered. Shares the versatility of the Long Guard family, capable of both offensive thrusts and defensive covers.
Training Notes
- ✦ The guard's defining characteristic is that the point cannot be easily displaced from the centerline. Practice maintaining point presence even under pressure
- ✦ Since it shares capabilities with Posta Longa, Posta di Fenestra, and Posta Frontale, study those guards to understand the full tactical range
- ✦ The 'two horns' likely refers to the double-threat nature: the forward point and the rear hand/pommel create two potential striking points
- ✦ Practice keeping the structure 'closed' (serada) so opponents cannot easily enter or deflect your point
- ✦ The deceptive quality mentioned in the verse suggests that this guard invites attacks while remaining ready to counter them. Practice invitations and false openings
This is card FL24 from the Fiore dei Liberi Sword In Two Hands deck.
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· Posta di Bichorno instabile · [24v-b] ¶ Questa e posta di bicorno che sta cossi serada, che sempre sta cum la punta per mezo dela strada. E quello che po fare posta longa, po fare questa. E simile mente dico de posta di Fenestra. e di posta frontale.
This is the Two Horned Guard, which is held so strongly locked in position that its point cannot be moved off the center line. And this guard can do all of the things that the Long Guard can do. And the same is true of the Window Guard and the Forehead Guard.
[13r-d] Questa e posta de bicorno che sta cosi serada che sempre sta cum la punta per mezo la strada E aquello che po fare posta longa po far questa E similmente dico de posta di fenestra, e posta frontale.
This is the Stance of the Two-Horned Anvil, which is so strongly enclosed that she always remains with her point toward the middle of the way. And she can do that which the Extended Stance can do, and this can similarly be said of the Stance of the Window and the Headband Stance.
[19a-d] Posta de bicornio io me faço chiamar Si io ho falsitade asaii non men domandar
I make myself called the Stance of the Anvil If I have enough deceit, I will not challenge it.
[13v-d] ¶ Nominor a cunctis certe situs ipse[56] bicornis. Nec pete quam falsus / quam sim nunc callidus in te
I am surely called by all the actual Two-Horned[55] Position. Don’t even ask how deceptive, how clever I would be according to you.