You had a lesson of that when you served under Ricord, though finally the affair turned out well.

I do not say, don't attempt desperate undertakings, but don't attempt impossible ones.

Be careful of the lives of your knights.
Remember that ere long every sword may be of the utmost consequence in the defence of Rhodes, and that even the capture of pirates may be too dearly purchased; but that, at the same time, the honour of the flag of the Order must be upheld at all hazards.

Ah!" he broke off, seeing a slight smile on the young knight's face, "you think my orders contradictory?
It may be so; but you know what I mean, and I fear not that you will blunder in carrying them out.

Be prudent, and yet not over prudent.