The Four Virtues of the SwordsmanFiore dictates early on in his treaties that there are four key virtues that make up an effective swordsman. He illustrated his meaning of this when discussing his eight angles of attack for the longsword. Pictured below, we have what is believed to be a full portrait of Fiore himself in traditional Masters garb with a crown above his head. Those familiar with the treaties will understand the crown paints him as a master swordsman within the treaty. The longswords sit on the correct angles of attack excluding the vertical-down cut (but looking closely you can see the shading of the Crossguard where the sword would have been under his nose in a draft of the treaty! Perhaps Fiore felt his face shouldn’t be obscured and had it removed!).

The four virtues are represented by animals that best sum up the core of the virtue and are all holding an object that better highlights the meaning behind the virtue. The virtues are arranged around the swordsman to give you a clue as to how they relate back to the man. There are also short descriptions about each virtue.

Above the head, ‘Avvisamento’ – (Depicted as a Lynx with a Compass) Wisdom & Quick Wits, to be able to judge your opponent, yourself and the distance between. A swordsman is knowledgeable and aware of his prowess and how to best utilise it.Below the feet, ‘Forteza’ – (Depicted as an Elephant holding a Tower) Strength & Structure, to know your terrain underfoot, to never give and to never fall. Balance is key and a swordsman can trust in the power of his frame.To the backhand, ‘Ardimento’ – (Depicted as a Lion with a Heart) Courage & Boldness, the swordsman who fights from a distance will never win the fray. Only those who have heart will engage close and win.To the forehand, ‘Presteza’ – (Depicted as a Tiger with an Arrow) Swiftness & Precision, the swordsman is fast and the swordsman never misses his aim. He beats his opponent to the defence and counters with pace and exactness.

The Virtues are all required in order to create the perfect swordsman, without one, the rest will not cover the deficit. Fiore explains: “The unwise swordsman closes when he should retreat, his tip is wide and he is vulnerable. The slow swordsman never matches

cuts and never manages a parry. The weak and unstable swordsman will fall at the onrush. The unwilling or cowardly swordsman tarnishes his honour and will never land that final blow.”

The true swordsman strives to achieve all the virtues at the highest level they can, equally.