In the first place, it would have been too dangerous to attempt to free all.

In the second, the galleys would not carry them; we shall be closely packed as it is, for there are over a thousand here.

I hear that there was a talk of freeing all, and that we, instead of embarking at first, should make for the other prisons, burst open the doors, and rescue the others; but by the time we could do so the knights would be all in arms, and our enterprise would fail altogether, for as but a small proportion of us can obtain weapons, we could not hope to overcome them.

Were it not for the strong wall that separates their quarter from the town, we might make straight for their houses and slay them before the alarm could be given.

As it is, that would be impossible, and therefore the plan will be carried out as I have told you.