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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 17 May 2022
<The following text, in Latin, appears on fols. 115r-116r of the Heidelberg manuscript>
Illustrious and mighty prince etc. Philip: The distinguished art of combat was not created by lesser or insignificant men, and not without purpose; on the contrary, it was created by great men of sharp intellect, as a means to teach martial exercises. Therefore I am sure you properly esteem it with the greatest attention in all its forms and arms, as appropriate to a prince, and already possess both its theory and practice. Nonetheless, any art is constantly evolving, and the desire for practice grows over time, so that at length the old gives way to the new.
I, Johannes Leckiichner of Nuremberg, most obedient to your mightiness, have personally composed these elements of the falchion [culter] for both attack and defense; they are of no small value and deserve my attention. Since these matters are considered noble by worthy people, I have studied them over the course of many years and in many places. Yet lest I should incur any accusation of arrogance, I ask that what I have composed in this matter should be called not an art but an “artlet”; but regardless of whether it ought to be called an art, I am glad to bring it to light through my writing.
Essentially, as author I offer both this art and myself to your mightiness in this little vernacular book; for you are worthy above many others, considering the brilliance of both your intellect and your body, and also the dynamism of your family. Therefore, so that the material may be fitting for your mightiness, I have frequently tested by actual experience every single detail included below; and should it please your magnificence, I will undertake to demonstrate it, as I have already promised.
Therefore farewell mighty prince, and I Johannes (who am most ready to serve your mightiness in all things) earnestly hope not only that you will exercise your noble body in this matter, but that you may use it to overcome all who presume to fight against your mightiness, defeating and casting them before you like Hector's giant.
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