396 Mr. F. FollocJc on Forms and History of the Sword. [June 1, 



the players being of fairly equal skill, and each acquainted with the 

 use of both weapons. 



My final word, albeit it savour of egotism, shall be one of practical 

 testimony and counsel to a generation of students. I must add my 

 voice to those of a long chain of authorities, medical and other, to 

 bear witness that the exercise of arms, whether in the school of the 

 small-sword, or in the practice, more congenial, perhaps, to the 

 Euglish nature, of the sturdier sabre, is the most admirable of regular 

 correctives for the ill habits of a sedentary life. It is as true now 

 as when George Silver wrote it under Queen Elizabeth, that " the 

 exercising of weapons putteth away aches, griefs, and diseases, it 

 increaseth strength and sharpeneth the wits, it giveth a perfect 

 judgment, it expelleth melancholy, choleric and evil conceits, it 

 keepeth a man in breath, perfect health, and long life." 



[F. P.] 



