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Carew, Richard, 1555-1620

"The Survey of Cornwall And an epistle concerning the excellencies of the English tongue"

For performing this play, the beholders cast themselues
in a ring, which they call, Making a place: into the middle space
whereof, the two champion wrastlers step forth, stripped into their
dublets and hosen, and vntrussed, that they may so the better
commaund the vse of their lymmes, and first shaking hands in token of
friendship, they fall presently to the effects of anger: for each,
striueth how to take hold of other, with his best aduantage, and to
beare his aduerse party downe: wherein, whosoeuer ouerthroweth his
mate in such sort, as that either his backe, or the one shoulder,
and contrary heele do touch the ground, is accounted to giue the fall.
If he be endangered, and make a narrow escape, it is called a foyle.
This hath also his lawes, of taking hold onely aboue girdle, wearing
a girdle to take hold by, playing three pulles, for tryall of the
mastery, the fall-giuer to be exempted from playing again with
the taker, and bound to answere his successour, &c.
Many sleights and tricks appertaine hereunto, in which, a skilfull
weake man wil soone get the ouerhand of one that is strong and
ignorant.


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