Longsword, Chapter 8: Before, After, Simultaneous, and Indes

[1] About Before, After, Simultaneous, and Indes

Chapter 8

Since the correct principal techniques of all of fencing with the sword have been explained in good order previously—how many there are, what they are called, how they should be carried out and completed—you have been guided, so to speak, to the point of bringing small sequences into action.

[2] Because your counterpart may also likewise have had this instruction which you have grasped and can also oppose you in all things, it is necessary that you know prior to this what opportunities you can have in the approach. Practical experience demonstrates how much depends on opportunity, and this is especially true in fencing. This is because no sequence, regardless of how good, can be usefully fenced if it is not used at the opportune time.

[3] Therefore, pay attention in all three parts of any sequence—namely, in the Onset or attack, in the Middle or Handwork, and following thereafter in the Withdrawal—and to the Before, Simultaneous, After, and Indes, the use of which will be no minor aid to you in fencing.

[4] The Before is named because you attack your opponent first with your cuts, and furthermore drive them away. This is so that they cannot get to their intention or sequence, but instead must be in fear and use counteractions so that they can protect themselves from you.

[5] The Simultaneous is when both you and your counterpart are of one mind, completing your cuts simultaneously with one another (which is also incorporated under the word Indes).

[6] The After is when you would be rushed by your opponent (as indicated above) so that you can’t complete your intention. There is thus a constant alternation and exchange between the Before and the After because now your counterpart gains it, now you gain the same back. Whoever has the After (that is, whoever is then forced to always have to counteract), that fencer should be mindful of the word Indes and not forget the same, because they must overtake the Before through it if they want to withdraw without injury. Whosoever pays no attention to [Indes], even if they act vehemently, will never learn any good fencing.

[7] Indes

Many have understood the word Indes (and likewise its origin) to be in the Latin word Intus, and apprehend therein ‘fencing inwardly’ (which originates in twisting and work of this kind); however, you will subsequently hear that this is not true.

[8] I will leave the little word Intus and what it means to the Latin speakers. However, the little word Indes is a good German word and contains inside itself a serious remonstrance for quick and serious consideration that fencers should always and quickly consider with intense focus: for example, in that moment in which you initially strike at the left, you also—simultaneously—observe the opening to the right. Then thirdly, you also perceive—just as you rush to the opening that you saw—where or with which techniques your opponent can approach you so that you do not attack your counterpart’s opening too forcibly and become injured.

Thus, the little word Indes reminds you that you have a sharp perception which observes and perceives quite a lot, and also that you can sufficiently learn your opponent’s body language: what kind of technique they have in mind to use, which openings that same technique exposes, and where they will open up.

All of the art of fencing (as Liechtenauer says) is found in these things, and the little word Indes reminds you about all of them. If you do not perceive the same [word], guiding all cuts with consideration and care, you will simply rush in to your detriment, as can be seen in all fencers who thus make a frightful noise and (as they say), ‘want [to strike] above or outward but never at’.