George Silver. Brief Instructions to my Paradoxes of Defence. London.
(15) Of the Single Dagger Fight against the like Weapon (Cap. 15)
First know that to this weapon there belongs no wards or grips but against
such a one as is foolhardy & will suffer himself to have a full stab
in the face or body or hazard the giving of another, then against him you
may use your left hand in throwing him aside or strike up his heels after
you have stabbed him.
In this dagger fight, you must use continual motion so shall he not be
able to put you to the close or grip, because your continual motion disappoints
him of his true place, & the more fierce he is in running in, the sooner
he gains you the place, whereby he is wounded, & you not anything the
rather endangered.
The manner of handling your continual motion is this, keep out of distance
& strike or thrust at his hand, arm, face or body, that shall press
upon you, & if he defends blow or thrust with his dagger make your
blow or thrust at his hand.
If he comes in with his left leg forewards or with the right, do you strike
at that part as soon as it shall be within reach, remembering that you
use continual motion in your progression & regression according to
your twofold governors.
Although the dagger fight is thought a very dangerous fight by reason of
the shortness & singleness thereof, yet the fight thereof being handled
as is aforesaid, is as safe & as defensive as the fight of any other
weapon, this ends my brief instructions.
FINIS
Released: November 13, 1998 / Last modified: December 12, 2008