Come hither. You shall chartel him. I'll show you a trick or two you shall kill him with, at pleasure: the first stoccata, if you will, by this air.

MAT. Indeed, you have absolute knowledge i' the mystery, I have heard, sir.

BOB. Of whom? Of whom ha' you heard it, I beseech you?

MAT. Troth, I have heard it spoken of divers, that you have very rare, and un-in-one-breath-utter-able skill, sir.

BOB. By heaven, no, not I; no skill i' the earth: some small rudiments i' the science, as to know my time, distance, or so. I have professed it more for noblemen and gentlemen's use than mine own practice, I assure you. Hostess, accommodate us with another bed-staff here, quickly: lend us another bed-staff. Exit Tib The woman does not understand the words of action. Look you, sir. Exalt not your point above this state, at any hand, and let your poinard maintain your defence, thus:

 

Enter Tib

 

(give it the gentleman, and leave us) Exit Tib so, sir. Come on: oh, twine your body more about, that you may fall to a more sweet comely gentleman- like guard. So, indifferent. Hollow your body more, sir, thus. Now, stand fast o' your left leg, note your distance, keep your due proportion of time –– oh, you disorder your point most irregularly!

MAT. How is the bearing of it now, sir?

BOB. Oh, out of measure ill! A well-experienced hand would pass upon you at pleasure.

MAT. How mean you, sir, pass upon me?

BOB. Why, thus, sir (make a thrust at me), come in, upon the answer, control your point, and make a full career, at the body. The best-practised gallants of the time, name it the passada: a most desperate thrust, believe it!

MAT. Well, come, sir.

BOB. Why, you do not manage your weapon with any facility, or grace to invite me: I have no spirit to play with you. Your dearth of judgement renders you tedious.

MAT. But one venue, sir.

BOB. Venue! Fie. Most gross denomination, as ever I heard. Oh, the stoccata, while you live, sir. Note that. Come, put on your cloak, and we'll go to some private place, where you are acquainted, some tavern, or so –– and have a bit – I'll send for one of these fencers, and he shall breath you, by my direction; and then I will teach you your trick.