1884- Brazilian capoeira and Savate

254 THE BOOK OF THE SWORD,
fighting — the classical and Oriental pastime preserved in Spain and in Spanish South America. The boxer, who imitates, at a humble distance, the Cestus-play of the Greeks and Romans, looks scandalised at la boxe Francaise with its garnishing of savate ; and at the Brazilian capoeira who butts with his woolly head. And so vice versd. Absence or presence of fair play should, methinks, condemn or justify all the various forms of sport which are not mere or pure barbarities. And, applying this test, we shall not harsh judge the gladiatorial games of Rome.
FUENTE: The book of the sword (1884), Author: Burton, Richard Francis, Sir, 1821-1890, Subject: Swords, Publisher: London, Chatto and Windus, Language: English