Legends of the Broadsword: Two against One
I have had the opportunity to fence a number of broadsword bouts against two opponents. Such a bout is always interesting, and never easy. Even a pair of beginners can be nearly overwhelming, and the only way to beat both of them is to take one out early, or to use all of one's agility and no small amount of bluff, playing against time for an opportunity. The result is very rarely like the movies. However, the swordsmen of the past were sometimes capable of taking on such odds.
On the 22nd of April, 1694, a group of Highland Dragoons were on the march through England in the service of the government. They were described by a local diarist as being, "of large stature, well appointed and disciplined."
They fell in with a party of their Dutch allies, and a quarrel broke out. One of the Highlanders accused the Dutch of cowardice, and was promptly attacked by two of them, sword in hand. The Highland warrior beheaded the first one, cut the second one from his crown to his chin, and left them both where they fell.
(The Diary of John Evelyn)