But, generally, we go out for an hour or two's exercise; that is well enough, and keeps us strong and in health.

Only when we are away on voyages is the work hard.
Sometimes we row from morning to night; but it is only when they are in chase of another craft that we have really to exert ourselves greatly.
Then it is terrible.

We may be doing our best, our very best, and yet to the impatient knights it seems that we might do more.

Then they shout to the overseer, and he lays his whip on our backs without mercy.

Then we row until sometimes we drop, senseless, off the benches.