We were slaves, and are now free.

We were Christian dogs; now we are Christian knights.

We were subject to scoffs and blows; now, thank God, we have swords to strike with, and though as yet our arms may not have regained their full strength, we could at least bear a share in a fray.

Our comrades have been telling us somewhat of how this wonderful thing has come about, and have been explaining what at first filled us with surprise, that a galley should be manned solely by young knights, of whom their commander is one of the youngest.

We can testify, at least, that had the grand master been himself in command, and his crew composed of veteran knights, he could have done no better." "We were fortunate in taking them so much by surprise that the first of their ships fell into our hands before her consorts could come to her assistance; and her guns did us good service in our struggle with the others." "The matter was well arranged, as well as gallantly fought," one of the other knights said.