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

From:           Judy Lewis <
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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?