I and three others who were left wounded on the deck of one of their ships we had boarded, but failed to capture, were carried to Egypt, and remained there captive for six months, when we were ransomed by the Order.
"During that time I learnt enough of their language, which is akin to Turkish, to be able to make myself understood and to understand what was said to me.

I have kept up that much for intercourse with the slaves and servants at Rhodes, and have found it very useful.

I consider, then, that you will do well to acquire their tongue; it will be useful not only to yourself, but to others, and when we get back I will, if you like, ask the bailiff to free you from all duty in order that you may devote yourself to it." The head of the langue at once granted Sir John's request.
"I would," he said, "that more of our young knights would give a portion of their time to study; but most of them look to returning home when their term of service here has expired.

Many think only of amusement, and all imagine that advancement is best achieved by valour.

Tresham has already distinguished himself very greatly; so much so, that I think it would be well if he did not go on another expedition for a time, but stayed here while others have the opportunity of doing the same.