to
protect the limbs."

Again, as an injury to the left hand may disable the horseman, we would
recommend the newly-invented piece of armour called the gauntlet, which
protects the shoulder, arm, and elbow, with the hand engaged in holding
the reins, being so constructed as to extend and contract; in addition
to which it covers the gap left by the corselet under the armpit. The
case is different with the right hand, which the horseman must needs
raise to discharge a javelin or strike a blow. Here, accordingly, any
part of the corselet which would hinder action out to be removed; in
place of which the corselet ought to have some extra flaps (6) at the
joints, which as the outstretched arm is raised unfold, and as the arm
descends close tight again. The arm itself, (7) it seems to us, will
better be protected by a piece like a greave stretched over it than
bound up with the corselet. Again, the part exposed when the right hand
is raised should be covered close to the corselet either with calfskin
or with metal; or else there will be a want of protection just at the
most vital point.

(6) {prosthetai}, "moveable," "false." For {gigglumois} L. & S. cf.
Hipp. 411. 12; Aristot. "de An." iii. 10. 9 = "ball-and-socket
joints."

(7) i.e. "forearm."

Moreover, as any damage done to the horse will involve his rider in
extreme peril, the horse also should be clad in armour--frontlet,
breastplate, and thigh-pieces; (8) which latter may at the same time
serve as cuisses for the mounted man. Beyond all else, the horse's
belly, being the most vital and defenceless part, should be protected.
It is possible to protect it with the saddle-cloth. The saddle itself
should be of such sort and so stitched as to give the rider a firm seat,
and yet not gall the horse's back.

(8) Cf. "Cyrop." VI. iv. 1; VII. i. 2.

As regards the limbs in general, both horse and rider may be looked upon
as fully armed. The only parts remaining are the shins and feet, which
of course protrude beyond the cuisses, but these also may be armed
by the addition of gaiters made of leather like that used for making
sandals. And thus you will have at once defensive armour for the shins
and stockings for the feet.

The above, with the blessing of heaven, will serve for armour of
defence. To come to weapons of offence, we recommend the sabre rather
than the straight sword, (9) since from the vantage-ground of the
horse's position the curved blade wi