"EN GARDE, MESSIEURS!"

A short hundred years ago, and in some localities even less, the rapier was not carried purely as an ornament with which to set off the latest thing in filigree lace from Venice or Aleppo. It was a weapon, and for Monsieur le Comte to be seen in public without his hilt resting beneath his left hand was an occasion for the wildest conjecture. As is the case with almost everything else, however, the halo, of romance which formerly hung about the point of the sword has congealed into a small tape-wrapped button, and the wrought gold basket work of the hilt has become a guard of ordinary steel. There are, however, one or two consolatory features. From being the defense of the aristocratic few, sword-play, by means of fencing, has developed into a form of pleasurable exercise for the many. It is no longer necessary to wonder, when one sees an opponent's blade flash forward, whether the steel will lodge between the second and third ribs or between the fourth and fifth, as is the Sicilian custom; but merely in what manner the artistic parry one had in mind was so neatly deceived.

That lithe grace and distinguished bearing which were once thought to be natural possessions of the successful duellist can be cultivated by the assiduous quite as well with foils as with pointed blades. And if the novice feels after considerable practice that his form is at last perfect, there are doubtless members of the University fencing team, now for the second successive year Intercollegiate champions, who would be willing to demonstrate that cleverness and hard won experience are as essential now as in the days of Monsieur Beaucaire.