SHAKSPER 1998: Ado Fencing Question

From: Hardy M. Cook (editor@ws.bowiestate.edu)
Date: 06/24/98


The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 9.0579  Wednesday, 24 June 1998.

From:           Judy Lewis <judy.m.lewis@clear.net.nz>
Date:           Friday, 19 Jun 1998 17:02:47 +1200
Subject:        Much Ado About Nothing

In the first scene of Much Ado, Beatrice refers to Benedick as Signior
Mountanto, which the notes in every edition I have consulted tell me is
an upwards thrust in fencing.  Knowing nothing about fencing - and being
unable to find out from any source I have consulted - I am wondering if
this is as uncomplimentary as Beatrice's other references.  Is a
mountanto a sneaky manoeuvre, or a perfectly legitimate thrust?  Can
anyone enlighten me?



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