What does this translated section from "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer actually mean?

"He paid no mind to fussy conscience;
if he fought and had the upper hand,
he sent his captives home to every land by water." (pg. 37, lines 400-402)

Does it mean that he sent/released his captives back to their homes, or to his home, and used them as slaves or servants? Or maybe something else?

Question

What does this translated section from "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer actually mean?

"He paid no mind to fussy conscience;
if he fought and had the upper hand,
he sent his captives home to every land by water." (pg. 37, lines 400-402)

Does it mean that he sent/released his captives back to their homes, or to his home, and used them as slaves or servants? Or maybe something else?

anonymous · Answer

what's not to understand?

anonymous · Answer

I edited the question to make it more specific.
Thanks for caring!

anonymous · Answer

To me it sounds like he was letting his slaves go free.

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anonymous · Answer

Thanks! I'm still not sure, but this is the closest I've gotten so far!