Words spoken can also negate an assault. In Tuberville v Savage (1669) 1 Mod Rep 3, the defendant placed his hand on his sword and said, 'If it were not assize-time, I would not take such language from you'. The action of putting his hand on the sword was threatening but was found to be negated by his words, which clearly implied that no physical action would be taken because the judges were in the vicinity.