Wide Play - Verse 32
The second scholar demonstrates the technique
Translation
This is the second scholarly technique in wide play. The previous scholar demonstrated a technique taught by our master, and now I perform the same play. My opponent has attempted to strike me, but I execute the technique without difficulty. As the earlier scholar showed, this is a reliable and effective action that gives my opponent no opportunity to counter or defend successfully.
Fiore's Words
The Scholar before me spoke of our Master's teaching, showed you this play worth repeating. Now I perform it with certainty and ease, and my opponent falls just as he sees. Without a doubt, this technique comes naturally to me; our Master's instruction makes doing the right thing easy.
Combat Context
This is presented as a reliable counter or engagement technique in wide play (longsword at measure) that the master considers fundamental enough to warrant multiple scholars demonstrating it. The emphasis on ease of execution and the opponent's inability to defend suggest it addresses a common attack or situation in wide play, where proper technique is more important than physical strength or speed.
Training Notes
- ✦ This verse emphasises pedagogical method: multiple students demonstrate the same technique to reinforce learning
- ✦ Focus on executing with confidence ('without doubt') - hesitation undermines technique effectiveness
- ✦ The repeated demonstration suggests this is a fundamental wide play technique worth drilling extensively
- ✦ Practice until the technique feels effortless ('little trouble') as emphasised in the text
- ✦ Train with awareness that proper execution leaves the opponent unable to counter effectively
Related Techniques
This is card FL32 from the Fiore dei Liberi Sword In Two Hands deck.
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[25v-d] ¶ Lo scholaro che m'e denanzi dise del suo magistro e mio ch'ello gli ha insegnado questo zogho, e per vizuda io lo fazo. A farlo senza dubio, ello m'e pocho impazo.
As the previous student told you, our Master taught us this technique.[12] Here I show you how it’s done, and as you can see my opponent can do nothing to stop me.
[14r-b] Lo scolar che m'e denanzi dise del suo magistro, e mio che llo gle ha insignado questo zogo, e per vezuda io lo fazo. A farlo senza dubio ello m'e pocho impazo.
The Scholar who came before me says of his Master and mine that he has taught this play, and I do it to crumple [my opponent]. Without a doubt, to do it is little trouble to me.
[20a-b] Lo dito del magistro denançi de quello non ne questione Che lo zogho che luii a'dito io lo faço cum rasone
There is no question of the saying of the earlier Master, And I make with intent the play that he has said.