The main gauche is an early sixteenth century weapon, and was used in conjunction with the rapier. This is the dagger that was supplied to the “schoppen” or “scabini” for the execution of the decrees of the Holy Vehme, or Vehmegericht, the secret tribunal of the middle ages prevailing in Swabia, Franconia, etc. The blade of this dagger was sometimes perforated with indentations for catching opponents’ swords. Another variety was provided with a spring, which when pressed set free two extra blades, one on each side of the main blade. The Highland dirk is in great variety of form, and usually without any guard. It was not uncommon for dagger and sheaths to be fitted with a small knife like some of the Indian swords. During Elizabeth’s reign it was common for a combatant to parry with a dagger in the left hand, when fencing with the rapier. Some representations of daggers are given in Fig. 42. PART XVIII. THE LONGBOW. The longbow is a weapon of great antiquity; an example may be seen on a bas-relief in the Louvre, dated about 700 B.C. It was used by the Egyptians, Chaldæans, and Greeks; and was probably introduced into Britain by the Romans. The bow of Pandarus is related to have been made of ibex-horn, and strung with sinews. The following lines from the _Iliad_ are very graphic, and descriptive of this bow and its manipulation:-- “Straight he uncased his polished bow, his spoil Won from a mountain ibex, which himself, In ambush lurking, through the breast had shot True to his aim, as from behind a crag He came in sight, prone on the rock he fell; With horns of sixteen palms his head was crowned; These deftly wrought, a skilful workman’s hand Had polished smooth, and tipped the ends with gold. He bent, and resting on the ground his bow, Strung it anew. His quiver then withdrawing from its case, With care a shaft he chose ne’er shot before, Well-feathered messenger of pangs and death. The stinging arrow fitted to the string, At once the sinew and the notch he drew: The sinew to his breast, and to the bow The iron head: then, when the mighty bow Was to a circle strained, sharp rang the horn And loud the sinew twanged, as toward the crowd With deadly speed the eager arrow sprang.” --_Iliad_, iv. 119.