from imbibing these dangerous and debasing errors, which
will render him only one of a vile herd who are content to suffer,
provided that they live? And yet are not these very errors inculcated
at school, and impressed upon their mind inversely by the birch? Do not
they there receive their first lesson in slavery with the first lesson
in A B C; and are not their minds thereby prostrated, so as never to
rise again, but ever to bow to despotism, to cringe to rank, to think
and act by the precepts of others, and to tacitly disavow that sacred
equality which is our birthright? No, sir, without they can teach
without resorting to such a fundamental error as flogging, my boy shall
never go to school."

And Mr Easy threw himself back in his chair, imagining, like all
philosophers, that he had said something very clever.

Dr Middleton knew his man, and therefore patiently waited until he had
exhausted his oratory.

"I will grant," said the doctor at last, "that all you say may have
great truth in it; but, Mr Easy, do you not think that by not
permitting a boy to be educated, you allow him to remain more open to
that very error of which you speak? It is only education which will
conquer prejudice, and enable a man to break through the trammels of
custom. Now, allowing that the birch is used, yet it is at a period
when the young mind is so elastic as to soon become indifferent; and
after he has attained the usual rudiments of education, you will then
find him prepared to receive those lessons which you can yourself
instil."

"I will teach him everything myself," replied Mr Easy, folding his arms
consequentially and determinedly.

"I do not doubt your capability, Mr Easy; but unfortunately you will
always have a difficulty which you never can get over. Excuse me, I
know what you are capable of, and the boy would indeed be happy with
such a preceptor, but--if I must speak plain--you must be aware as well
as I am, that the maternal fondness of Mrs Easy will always be a bar to
your intention. He is already so spoiled by her, that he will not obey;
and without obedience you cannot inculcate."

"I grant, my dear sir, that there is a difficulty on that point; but
maternal weakness must then be overcome by paternal severity."

"May I ask how, Mr Easy, for it appears to be impossible?"

"Impossible! By heavens, I'll make him obey, or I'll--" Here Mr Easy
stopped before the word "flog" was fairly out of his mouth--"I'll kn