Thus the courageous, expert fighter is the one who does not thrust in a situation (1) that calls for a feint, nor feint when a thrust is required; rather, he gives every circumstance its due. He understands when to cling to his opponent and when to disengage, how to out-maneuver (2) him and press him hard, how to read his playfulness and seriousness, his attack and recoil, his rise and descent, his charge and retreat—granting each of these states the answer that befits it. He is versed in closing in, in the points fit for thrusting and striking, in advancing and holding back, in using the deceptive thrust where it belongs and the genuine thrust where it belongs; in wheeling about during close engagement to the right and to the left; and in keeping his mind alert (3) when one adversary closes on another, so that he may break out of the encounter or press in upon him, letting neither concern distract him from the other.

Because combat with sword and spear (4) and disputation with proof and evidence are like two full brothers, inseparable companions, the rules of each (5) resemble—and are learned from—those of the other.

Accordingly, hitting the mark in shooting and archery is like hitting the mark in proof and discourse; thrusting and feinting correspond to establishing one’s argument and demolishing the adversary’s; entering and withdrawing parallel bringing an objection forward and guarding against it; and the reply of the adversary and the opponent (6) when