Liber III, Pars III — Quod deridendi sunt in bello omnes percutientes caesim, et quod eligibilius est percutere punctim. Cap. XIII.

Liber III, Pars III — Quod deridendi sunt in bello omnes percutientes caesim, et quod eligibilius est percutere punctim. Cap. XIII.

Now that we've shown how the battle lines should be arranged and constructed, the next step is to explain how the fighters should strike, whether it's better to strike with a slash or a thrust. We can show in five ways that those who strike with a slash should be ridiculed, and that it's better to strike with a thrust. The first is derived from the prohibition of weapons. The second comes from the resistance of bones. The third is based on the nature of wounds. The fourth is from the fatigue of the limbs. The fifth comes from the detection of those who strike. The first way is thus clear. For as much as a sword or blade can take more from weapons, it becomes harder to reach the flesh because of the resistance of the arms. Therefore, those experienced in warfare say that fighters should have broad armor so that the rings of the armor can be tightened; because the more compact those rings are, the more arrows must be broken to inflict wounds. Thus, since those striking with a broad cut must strike more from the weapons than those striking with a point. Therefore, in order for a wound to reach the flesh more quickly, it is more advantageous to strike with a point than with a broad cut. However, a slight incision of the armor is sufficient to wound the flesh when striking with a point, which would not suffice if struck with a broad cut. The second way to investigate this same matter is taken from the resistance of bones. For even if someone were to appear almost unarmed, in striking with a broad cut before reaching the heart or vital limbs, it would require a great wound to be inflicted and many bones to be struck; but when striking with a point, two ounces are sufficient for it to become a mortal wound, and to be a lethal injury. Indeed, we must consider that whatever is harmful to the enemy, inasmuch as it is of this kind, is beneficial to us; therefore, in an army where the death of the adversaries is sought, it is necessary to strike with a point, because thus striking, a mortal wound is inflicted more quickly. The third way is taken from the foresight of wounds. For the more the enemy anticipates wounds, the more he can protect himself and the quicker he can avoid them, because foreseen projectiles cause less harm. In striking with a broad cut, because it requires a large movement of the arms before the blow is delivered, the opponent can see the attack coming from a distance, and thus he can better guard against it and cover himself from blows. Therefore, Vegetius says that striking with a point injures the opponent before he can see it coming. Hence, the Romans were most accustomed to this kind of striking. For the Roman soldiers used to mock all those who struck with a broad cut, because they themselves always preferred to strike with a point. The fourth way is taken from the fatigue of the limbs. Among other things, this is what must be especially considered in warfare: that combatants can injure their enemies without excessive fatigue. If those fighting tire themselves too much, unable to endure the effort, they easily lose their focus and turn to flight. Therefore, when striking with a broad swing, a great effort is required to raise the arm, but when striking with a thrust, only a moderate effort suffices; it is better to strike with a thrust than with a broad swing. For a broad strike, no matter how it comes, will kill instantly. But a thrust delivered with moderate force can inflict a lethal wound. The fifth way is taken from the detection of the attacker, for a good warrior, if he can, should strike the enemy in such a way that he himself is not harmed. Therefore, every method of striking is to be preferred, according to which the attacker is less exposed and less vulnerable; for in this way of striking, less injury can happen to him. When striking with a thrust, even if the opponent can be harmed while covered, it is better to strike with a thrust than with a broad swing. For when striking with a broad swing, one must raise the right arm: when raised, the right side is exposed and uncovered, and the opponent is given an opportunity to strike, so that he may not be harmed. For a wound and harm are inflicted more lightly on a body that is exposed than on one that is covered.