S to be closed, proceed from the Disorder of the Body, occasioned by
that of the Feet, so that for want of moving well, you are not only in
danger of being taken on your Time, but likewise you cannot execute your
Thrusts neatly, justly, nor swiftly; the Body being disordered and weak.
There are ten Demarches in Fencing; four in advancing, five in retiring,
and one to turn your Adversary, or hinder him from turning you. The
first Demarche in advancing, is made by lifting and carrying your
Left-foot the length of your Shoe before the right, keeping it turned as
in guard, with the Knee bent, lifting up the Heel of the Right-foot,
leaning the body forward, which, on this occasion, gives it more
strength and a better air; then carrying the Right-foot about two foot
before the left, in order to be in Guard, which is done by a smart Beat
of the Right-foot. The same _Demarche_ in retiring, is made by lifting
and carrying the Right foot the Length of the Shoe behind the Left, with
the Knee a little bent, then carrying the Left-foot on the Line, and to
the Distance of Guard. The second _Demarche_ is called closing the
Measure; which is done by lifting and advancing the Right-foot a bout a
Foot
