From the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek
Translation by Rachel Barkley
A Blow by Which the Head is Attacked against a Deflecting Position[1]
It is necessary that you take this manner against your enemy in the fight. You will put forward the right foot, you should grip the lower end of the flail with both hands and from this position you should strike the left flank of your adversary’s head.
If however he pursues you, planting forward the left foot, from this position, you should grip the flail in the middle with the right hand, the left hand posterior to the same part and standing properly in Scales[2], you will have stood correctly, you will bring backwards the left foot and you will repel the blow of your adversary, you turning him to your left flank with the body of your flail[3], and immediately if you will have gone forward to the inside with the left foot, strike the right flank of his head.
If he attempts the same thing against you, then you will turn away the blow of your enemy against the right side, meanwhile you, pursuing him again with the left, if you will have struck the left flank of your adversary’s head, remember to retreat from the enemy.
Notes:
[1] Scales
[2] Mair uses In Libramine, literally in the manner of a scale.
[3] The staff
Interpretation by Owen Townes
Setup:
Agente:
Long grip, right foot forward, no guard specified
Patiente:
Medium grip, left foot forward, Scales guard
Play:
Agente:
Onside oberhau
Patiente:
Pass back with left foot,
Deflect strike to left side with haft into Scales
Step in with left foot,
Deliver an offside oberhau
Agente:
Deflect to right side in Scales,
Pass left foot forward,
Onside oberhau
Observations:
This is the most straightforward play, and a good one to introduce the form with. But it’s also just a bit boring.
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