Chieftains and nobles who dwelt upon the land sent their sons to acquire greatness, and wealth, and fame by joining these piratical gangs, just as high-minded military or naval officers, in modern times, would enter into the service of an honorable government abroad.
Besides the great leaders of the most powerful of these bands, there was an infinite number of petty chieftains, who commanded single ships or small detached squadrons.

These were generally the younger sons of sovereigns or chieftains who lived upon the land, the elder brothers remaining at home to inherit the throne or the paternal inheritance.
It was discreditable then, as it is now in Europe, for any branches of families of the higher class to engage in any pursuit of honorable industry.

They could plunder and kill without dishonor, but they could not toil.

To rob and murder was glory; to do good or to be useful in any way was disgrace.
These younger sons went to sea at a very early age too.

They were sent often at twelve, that they might become early habituated to the exposures and dangers of their dreadful combats, and of the wintery storms, and inured to the athletic exertions which the sea rigorously exacts of all who venture within her dominion.