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George Silver’s Paradoxes of Defence. The original reads: I speake not against Maisters of Defence indeed, they are to be honoured, nor against the Science, it is noble, and in mine opiniõ to be preferred next to Diuinitie; for as Diuinitie preserveth the soule from hell and the diuell, so doth this noble Science defend the bodie from wounds & slaughter. And moreouer, the exercising of weapons putteth away aches, griefes, and diseases, it increaseth strength, and sharpneth the wits. It giueth a perfect iudgement, it expelleth melancholy, cholericke and euill conceits, it keepeth a man in breath, perfect health, and long life. It is unto him that hath the perfection thereof, a most friendly and comfortable companion when he is alone, having but only his weapon about him. It putteth him out of feare, & in the warres and places of most danger, it maketh him bold, hardie and valiant. This encapsulates for me most of the benefits of training.
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Guy Windsor (The Swordsman's Companion: A modern training manual for Medieval Longsword, 20th Anniversary Edition)